&376s 1841 ,--, v -m?m ft 'iiliiiiit;:^^^ iUufflMI 1 illiulu.-.hiiisl'iiHi^! W r r, IS. .': ..fl ll|!!!l|!!!!fnrm^"""J 9167 Surgeon General's Office (! ■ MEDICATED VAPOR BATH ESTABLISHMENT, AND ASYLUM FOR THE SICK, NO. 12 FRASJKLIM" STREET, BOSTON. DR. M. M, MILES, (SUCCESSOR TO THE LATE LAMENTED DR. A. GERRISH, Would respectfully inform his friends and the public generally, that he has removed from Graphic Court to the above named place, where he will be able to pay more attention to their comfort and convenience. He has taken a commodious house in one of the most pleasant, quiet, and cen- tral streets in the city, which he has fitted up with every regard to the accommodation of the invalid. Patients are always under his immediate care, and can be boarded at a reasonable rate while they may wish to remain at his house. All who patronize this establishment can depend upon thorough medical treatment; and every means will be used to render their situation pleasant, and to effect a cure in the shortest possible time. He has likewise secured the services of Mr. HENRY B. MAY as an assistant. Ladies who may wish to enjoy the luxuries of this celebrated Vapor Bath. or wiio may require medical aid, will be waited upon by accommodating Female Attendants and the best of .Nurses. Their department is entirely disconnected from that of the Gentlemen. The variety of diseases and their prevalence in our climate, together with the advantage taken of this circumstance by avaricious and unskilful men, in the fabrication of every sort of medicine, and the application of injurious agents for the restoration of the patient, renders it highly necessary that the public should thoroughly examine the means which they take to get relief: such an examination is freely challenged for the course here pursued. A large portion of our most prevalent diseases may be embraced under two classes. First, those arising from colds, such as Consumption, Fever, Rheumatism, the above cases: Obstinate visceral obstruction • acute and chronic affections of the liver- scorbutic diseases of the skin ; scabies and old inveterattj cutaneous disease; scald head, salt-rheums, ringi THE VAPOR BATH. 101 worms, &c. &c.; jaundice, lumbago, sciatica ; acute and chronic rheumatisms; asthmatic diseases, spit- ting of blood ; palpitations of the heart, attended with weak small intermitting pulse ; obstinate diarr- hoea ; erysipelatous inflammations, opthalmia; ob- stinate glandular and scrofulous diseases; obstruc- tion of urine and menses ; strangury, spasmodic strictures, &c. &c.; syphilitic sore throat, eruptions of the skin; nodes, ulcers, &c.; tic douloureux, and nervous irritability. Dr. Lawrance in his letter to me, mentions among his cases, obstinate obstructions of the uterus, obsti- nate and long standing rheumatism, deafness, hydro- thorax, hydrops, pericardia, anasarca, erysipelas, chlorosis, sciatica, wounded nerve, &c. Dr. Ingalls of Boston, mentions that the beneficial effects of the bath far exceed his most sanguine expectations. He has treated with great success cases of diseased prostrate glands, indurated and scirrhous tumours, a variety of scrofulous cases of an obstinate and formidable nature, hemaptysis, rheumatism com- plicated with syphilis, cutaneous diseases of the most obstinate nature, &c. &c. Dr. Holbrook has been equally successful in its application to diseases pecu- liar to hot climates; such as bilious cholics, bilious fevers, jaundice, dysentery, cholera morbus, inter- mittents, &c. &c. Indeed, he has enumerated fifty different species of diseases which were brought un- der the list of the vapor bath at the dispensary the 102 OBSERVATIONS ON first year; and out of six hundred and eighty-one patients, four hundred and sixty-eight were cured, one hundred and eighty-six relieved. The diseases on which the medicated vapor bath has been administered during the last year are as follows:— Influenza and Cold . 211 Rheumatism . . . 156 Cutaneous diseases . 55 Pulmonic ditto . . 43 Dropsies . . . . 19 Diseased Liver . . 15 Asthma .... 13 Debility .... 13 Scrofula .... 13 Fever and Ague . . 12 Sore Throat ... 11 Bilious Fever . . 9 Suppressio Mensium 8 Stricture of the Ure- thra .....2 Gout.....7 Old Ulcers ... 7 Swelled Face . . 7 Toothache ... 7 Leucorrhcea ... 6 Inflammation, Tumors and Biles ... 6 or Indiges- Dyspepsy, tion .... Organic Affections the Heart . . Syphilis . . . Haemorrhoids Giddiness, or Verti£ Bilious Cholic Inflam. of the Eyes Scurvy .... Chronic Diarrhoea Burns and Scalds Pimpled Face Pain in the Stomach Dysentery . . Cholera Morbus Fits . . Hysterics Stiff Neck Sore Lips Sciatica Diseased Spine of THE VAPOR BATH. 103 Palsy .... Country Fever . St. Vitus' Dance St. Anthony's Fire Spitting of Blood 6 Earache 5 Gravel . 5 Nettle RasI 5 Pleurisy 4 Jaundice Total of Fifty Diseases........681 Recapitulation. Cured 468—Relieved 186—No relief 27—Total 681. With these and numerous other incontestible facts before us, who can dare to say, that the medicated va- por bath is not one of the greatest blessings that ever was invented for the relief and cure of suffering hu- manity ? I am myself so fully satisfied of its very ex- traordinary and powerful effects as an aid to general practice,that I would not be without it for all that I have hitherto known of my profession. It may for a time, like all other valuable inventions, meet with op- position from the illiberal and uninformed; but truisms and facts will certainly, though slowly, make their way; and the time will come when the profession can do no more without the aid of the vapor bath, than it can without the aid of the lancet. Had I been acquainted with the vapor bath while many years surgeon to the British army in the West Indies, how many thousand victims could I have saved from the unrelenting jaws of death; and how would my mingled feelings of sorrow and regret have been 104 OBSERVATIONS ON changed to satisfaction and pleasure. I cannot con- clude without enumerating a few extraordinary cases which have come under my care since I last ad- dressed you: Case 1. About six weeks ago I was called to a patient who had been given up by his attending physician; this patient, a young man about twenty years of age, had been ill about ten days with a severe paralytic affec- tion on one side; on visiting him, he had lost all sense of motion, sight, speech, &c, and. was then laboring under spasmodic twitchings of the muscles on one side, resembling the symptoms of the last stage of hydrocephalus. Tongue dry and brown ; skin hot and dry ; pulse quick and small; evacuations involuntary; and deglutition difficult: in fact, he appeared to be iter ad mortem. In this state I ad- vised the bath; he was placed in it, and supported by a servant, and the vapor rose to one hundred and six; when perspiration began to flow, his spasms ceased, spirits returned, and he drank off a tumbler of warm wine and water without much difficulty. He remained twenty-five minutes in the bath, and then was able to walk to his bed with the help of one person. The pulse rose and was less frequent; the spasms did not return; the perspiration contin- ued to flow; he took more tepid drink, and fell into a sound and quiet sleep, which lasted several hours: he awoke and asked for more drink; continued to THE VAPOR BATH. 105 perspire profusely for twelve hours; had the bath every day, together with other medical treatment; and in two weeks was able to walk about; he is now quite recovered, and attending to his occupa- tion. What an immense field of investigation does this open to us ! Spasms and convulsive twitch- ings,—muscular contractions and constrictions,—re- strained perspiration and obstructed secretions,—are all removed, when brought under this simple, though all-powerful agent, the medicated vapor bath. I have a great deal more to say, but must conclude : we are all well, and hope this will find you the same. William Ireland, M. D. To Mr. Charles Whitlaw. Letter of Mr. Herttell, to the Honorable Ambrose Spencer, late Mayor of the City, of Albany. Sir,—Your letter to me, requesting information on the subject of the medicated vapor bath in this city, was received and laid before the members of that institution, and by them referred to the medical gen- tlemen connected with the establishment, with a request that they would furnish, as far as their ex- perience enabled them to do, the requisite informa- tion. In compliance with which resolution, I have received from them the following communication. The physicians on whom, pursuant to a resolution 10 106 OBSERVATIONS ON of the New York medicated vegetable vapor bath institution, you have called for information respecting the said bath, are happy in the opportunity thus afforded them of communicating the amount of their observation on that very interesting subject. Aware of the errors which daily creep into medicine through the influence of high sounding names, popu- lar credulity, or theoretical deduction, we have ap- proached this new mode of administering medicine with much caution and careful inquiry, suffering ex- perience alone to direct our footsteps; and after six months' assiduous attention, we are enabled une- quivocally to state, that we are convinced that the medicated vegetable vapor bath, under judicious medical regulation, is a mild, safe, and efficient agent, in the cure of a large portion of the diseases to which the human family are liable. In diseases of irritation generally, we have found its application to be followed by a most happy, and in some instances, speedy effect. In glandular, visceral, and cutaneous obstructions—in leprous and herpatic eruptions of the skin—affections of the liver—chronic rheuma- tism—mercurial diseases—and in weak and stiff joints, where the parts have not been anchylosed by previous disease—we have found the bath, conjointly with other medication, regimen, &c. to afford decided relief; and in a more especial manner have we been led to notice its efficacy in old inveterate local dis- eases, which have long resisted the efforts of men of THE VAPOR BATH. 107 high professional reputation. Those complaints yielding in most cases, and in some amounting to a complete cure, when the general treatment was aided by a well timed and judicious application of the bath. Our limited experience does not enable us to per- ceive all the varied forms of disease in which the bath may be ultimately found to be serviceable; but we hope to ripen in the knowledge as we progress in the use of it, and will in due succession present to the public such facts and observations as experience may elicit We will not dwell at present on the precise or en- tire modus operandi of the bath now under consider- ation ; or defend the superiority of the operation of medicines administered through the medium of the lungs over that of the stomach : these are points for future inquiry : we are only prepared to state, that this bath, under proper medical regulation, has re- duced and cured diseases which the best regulated treatment had previously failed to do without it. We disclaim all mysticism in the use of this bath. It is in our hands prescribed on the same principles as any other medicine. When a physician is called to a patient, he judges of the cause and nature of the disease, and prescribes the quantity and kind of agent he thinks most likely to relieve it; precisely on the same principle is the bath in question pre- scribed, with due regard to the state of constitution and habit of body at the time. We have some rea- 108 OBSERVATIONS ON son to believe, that, besides the agreeable stimulus of heat, one effect of the bath is to relieve irritation and diffuse equable excitement over the whole sys- tem. Now, if it be conceded, that a great proportion of diseases depend upon undue excitement, and un- natural irritation, goading the system into wrong action, the agency of the bath in the cure of them is at once apparent, and a guide is afforded us of the quantity and frequency of its application. Medication of the bath is not considered necessary in every case ; the soft relaxing power of heated va- pour externally and internally simultaneously ap- plied, being sufficient. When medicated, the same regard is had to the properties of the medicating material, as in the exhibition of medicines by the stomach, and the rules of prescription under certain modifications are the same. In the infant state of this mode of administering medicine, we believe but few beyond the circle of its friends and associates are acquainted with its na- ture and character. In most of our cities to the south it is in successful operation, under the imme- diate direction of respectable medical men. In Bos- ton and Philadelphia it has been very lately received with glowing expectations by men in the first walks of the profession, and has been approved and suc- cessfully prescribed in difficult cases by some of the most distinguished physicians in this city. In the true spirit of amity we cordially offer to all who feel THE VAPOR BATH. 109 interested in alleviating human misery, and particu- larly those medical gentlemen who have not yet made themselves sufficiently acquainted with the subject to dispel their first prejudices, a full expo- sition of the principles on which we profess to exhibit this new mode of medication, and all our experience and opinions in reference thereto; satisfied as we are, that the subject only requires to be candidly ex- amined to be understood, and understood to be ap- proved. Thus much I am expressly authorized, on the authority of the medical gentlemen connected with the institution, to say to you; and though it may be unnecessary and perhaps presumptuous, 1 shall take the liberty and incur the hazard of subjoining a few remarks of my own. I mean to notice two or three cases, not so much with a view to add to their testimony of the efficacy of the bath as a medical remedy, as to protect it against the imputation of quackery, with which " some persons from ignorance of its efficacy or from prejudice, have denounced it." The term quackery, I understand to mean, " mal- practice in physic"—or the exhibition of an injur- ious or useless pretended remedy, for diseases of the human or animal body ; and he who prescribes, or exhibits such injurious or useless pretended remedy, is a quack. Neither of the two first of these definitions apply to the bath in question; 10* 110 OBSERVATIONS ON because it is a fact, proved by the testimony of regular professional men, and they have "es- pecially noticed the efficacy of the bath in old and inveterate local diseases, and under proper medical regulations, reduced and cured diseases which the best regulated treatment had failed to accomplish." Elephantiasis. Mrs. G. was affected with elephantiasis, which, during eight years, had resisted the prescriptions of many professional men in the West Indies, Scotland, and America. The case was radically cured by twelve baths, without any other material medical prescription. Disease of the Liver. Mr. C. of this city, was affected with the liver complaint nine or ten years: during which time he had the advice and aid of twelve medical gentlemen of great respectability in New England, and in this city. His case was once examined at one of the medical colleges in Massachusetts, by a professor, in the presence of all the students, but he had never received more than a partial, trifling and ephemeral benefit. A large abscess, which had formed in his side in the region of the liver, was opened, and be- fore it closed discharged nearly a gallon of matter. After it closed another appeared in the same place, and progressed so near to suppuration, as to deter- THE VAPOR BATH. Ill mine the attending physician to open it in the course of three or four days. In the interim the patient concluded to try the effect of the bath. A single bath produced an evident and almost immediate diminution of the tumour; and in less than forty- eight hours the last vestige of it disappeared, and has not returned after the lapse of six months. Mr. C. is a well informed-and respectable man; and he stated to me, a day or two since, that from the time he was nineteen years of age, he never had experienced more than a trifling and transient alleviation of the symp- toms of liver complaint, until he took the medicated vegetable vapor bath ; and that now after a succes- sion of baths, he suffers but very little inconvenience from the small remains of his disorder, which is still diminishing. Diseased Hi]) Joint. A physician of a deservedly high grade in the first class of his profession, had a patient affected with a diseased hip joint, for whom he prescribed "the usual remedies, but without success. At a time when this patient was so debilitated as to be unable to walk but very little, even with the aid of crutches, it was determined, after much inquiry and investigation, to try the effect of the medicated vapor bath. Six baths enabled the patient to walk about the house with crutches. Six more were succeeded by the ability to walk in the street with crutches. A suc- cession of baths, probably thirty or forty, has ena- 112 OBSERVATIONS ON bled the patient to dispense with the use of crutches and to walk the street without them; and on the evening of the 29th of the last month, this person, danced four or five cotillions without any apparent difficulty, or any subsequent injurious effects. Diseased Knee. A person of great respectability in the western part of this state, had nearly a year been unable to walk without the aid of crutches, owing to a complaint in the knee. Several of the most respectable medical gentlemen in that part of the country, who were con- sulted on the case, entertained such various opinions as to the nature of the disease, as left it doubtful whether it was a white swelling or not. Their pre- scriptions afforded no relief, the patient was taken to Philadelphia, and placed under the care of one of the first professional gentlemen of that city. Obtaining no relief, and being declared incurable, the patient left Philadelphia to return home hopeless of recovery. In this city, it was deemed advisable to consult Dr. ----, the physician alluded to in the case last stated; who having witnessed the efficacy of the bath in that case, recommended it as most likely to afford relief in the present. "The result proved the efficacy of the remedy; for this patient, after a few weeks use of the bath, was enabled to walk without crutches, and to return home without the need or aid of them. Does not that application of a remedy which eftects THE VAPOR BATH. 113 relief or makes a cure, approach nearer to scientific practice, than that which is unavailing of benefit to the patient ? It is not intended to insinuate, that the unsuccessful exhibition of medicine by regular professional men, is empiricism, merely because of its failure to produce the desired effect. It is ab- surd to denounce a remedy which relieves or cures diseases, and which have long resisted the efforts of men of high professional reputation, and which, though not yet so generally understood as to be re- cieved into favor by the medical colleges, has been recognized, approved, and successfully prescribed in England and in this country, by medical gentlemen of the first class in professional reputation. It is not to be understood that the aforementioned cases are all in which the bath has proved effectual as a medical remedy. A volume of such, and of those of more or less importance might be adduced. I am not disposed to close this communication with- out remarking, that it is always a good ground of suspicion, and most frequently a certain indication of empiricism, when a remedy is recommended as an infallible cure for all disorders of the human system. however opposite their causes and different their characters. No such wonderful powers are imputed t o the medicated vapor bath in question. Its friends neither allege nor believe that it cures all disorders. Another characteristic of empiricism is, that it seeks to evade inquiry, and shun investigation. Not 114 OBSERVATIONS ON so with the friends of the medicated vapor bath, or the physicians connected with it. They have no ob- jection that it should, as a medical remedy, be sub- jected to the most prying and rigid scrutiny. On the contrary, they desire it—nay, " in the true spirit of amity," they have invited it, with a full conviction that on a fair and candid investigation, the efficacy of this bath will be found, in most instances, to cure even prejudice itself. Some persons, probably for want of correct infor- mation, or with a design to bring this bath into dis- repute, have confounded it with others which have been abandoned for want of utility, and are justly con- demned for the mischief they do. Those who are not disposed to propagate an error, perpetuate a mis- take, or give currency to a falsehood, and who may feel an interest in knowing the truth on this subject, —can ascertain, by a well-directed and candid inves- tigation, that this bath, in the construction of its ma- chinery, its modus operandi, and in its efficacy as a medical remedy, is essentially different to all those with which it has been attempted to associate and confound it. With much respect, I am, Sir, yours, &c. Thos. Herttell. The Hon. Ambrose Spencer, Mayor of the City of Albany. THE VAPOR BATH. 115 The following detail of the cases, in the relief of which the medicated vapor bath has been found efficacious when all other remedies had failed, is taken from a paper published by the American So- ciety, of which Dr. Ireland is the consulting phy- sician in New York. The great utility and happy eftects attending the judicious use of these baths, in all diseases depend- ant on, or connected with, an obstructed state of the exhalants, or otherwise deranged action of the ver- rucas, sebaceus, subcutaneous follicles, or other struc- tural functions of the skin, are daily and hourly be- coming more manifest, as is evinced by many of the most liberal and highstanding practitioners in the city using them in their own families, and ordering them in their private practice. From a list of the most remarkable cases, which is kept at the establishment for the inspection of those interested, it will be found, that the complaints which most speedily and certainly give way to the use of these baths, with the aid of other proper medical treatment, are the following-.—Rheumatic, syphi- litic and gouty affections, attended with ulcers, blotches and eruptions of the skin, particularly when originating from the improper use or abuse of mer- cury. Scald head, daw-worm, salt-rheum, erysipe- las, pimpled-face, dry-scurvy, leprosy, ring-worm. tetters, and all other obstinate and hitherto unman- 116 OBSERVATIONS ON ageable diseases of the skin. Repelled or receded small-pox, measles, scarlet-fever, and all other exan- thematous affections of the skin, are deprived of their alarming symptoms, when brought under the use of these baths; indeed, by their use the future violence or mildness of the symptoms may be regulated at will. These are facts of the greatest importance, and merit a more strict and minute investigation, by the enlight- ened, liberal, and inquiring part of our profession. Putrid and ulcerated sore throats, croup, asthma, thrush, hooping cough, quinsy, enlarged tonsils, earache, deafness, tic douloureaux, &e. &c, are im- mediately relieved, and, with proper medical treat- ment, certainly and quickly cured. Nervous irrita- bility, debility, and other asthenic and phlegmatic affections, attended with cold hands and feet, ner- vous headache, indigestion, constipated bowels, tawny, sallow, bloated, husky, and dry skin, are found to experience immediate relief and quick re- covery. Diseases of the liver, jaundice, bilious and painter's cholic, cramp, spasm, convulsive fits, para- lysis, epilepsy, visceral obstructions, dropsy, glan- dular obstructions, and scrofulous diseases are re- lieved and cured by the aid of these baths, in a much shorter period, and with more certainty, than any other mode of treatment ever employed. Dis- eased hip joint, white swellings, rickety and other diseases of the bones and joints, where anchylosis has not absolutely taken place, are certainly benefited, and in most cases ultimately cured by the use of THE VAPOR BATH. 117 these baths, with proper diet, &c, &c. In obstinate and long standing intermittents, attended with or- ganic and glandular derangement, the effects of the bath are most happy and certain ; many having been cured by one single bath only, when taken at the very commencement of the cold stage. In typhoid and other ardent fevers, where perspiration and soft- ness of the skin cannot be brought on, and where, consequently, the morbific poison and acrimonious secretions of the diseased body are choked up and retained by an obstructed state of the exhalants and glandular follicles of the skin, these baths never fail to produce the wished for effects, and thereby put an immediate stop to the ravages of the disease. These salutary and curative effects thus produced on the peculiar siptic state of the body, must be attrib- uted to the escape of hydrogen and azotic gas, which is known to exist in diseased or putrescent animal matter. What an unbounded and untraveled field do these very important facts present to the enlightened med- ical philosophers for investigation. In sudden colds, checked perspiration, influenza, swelling of the tonsils and glands of the throat, &c, these baths never fail to give instantaneous relief, and produce a certain cure. If the occasional use of these baths be considered as a source of comfort and pleasure, they surpass any thing of the kind ever invented; for they not only impart agreeable sensations to the mind, but keep 11 118 OBSERVATIONS ON the skin diaphanous and clear, and the body perfect- ly healthy. As a general detergent and cleanser of the surface of the body ; removing the dead particles of the cuticula; causing the blood to circulate with freedom and ease in the most minute exhalant ves- sels of the skin; lighting up as it were a fresh and healthy glow, even in the most sallow and tawny countenance, it is incalculably superior to any aque- ous bath in the world. They relieve, exhaustion, languor and fatigue, raise the spirits, and tranquilize nervous irritability, assist digestion, and increase ap- petite. These effects are partly produced by the agreeable feelings, and pleasurable warmth of the vapor; and partly by the inhalation and absorption of the oily, oxygen, and other exhilarating gases existing in the effluvia, extracted or set at liberty from the aromatic, antiseptic, and fragrant vegeta- bles employed in the process. Hence is to be attrib- uted also, many of the curative properties of these baths. Copy of Dr. Holbrook's Letter to Mr. Whitlaw, Charleston, April 23d, 1825. Dear sir.—Having attentively examined the ef- fects of the medicated vapor bath upon your pa- tients, I feel it an act of justice to state, that what- ever may have been my previous opinions, or if you will, my prejudices upon the subject of baths as a THE VAPOR EATH. 119 means of curing disease, I am constrained to allow, that the great and unexpected relief which has been experienced in a short time by the suffering and af- flicted under your guidance, has gained my entire confidence : I have in two days time literally seen il the lame his crutch forego." The complete cures of long protracted cases of ehronic disease, which now have every appearance of continuing, will ren- der your invention highly acceptable to the medical profession, by removing from their hands a class of patients of which they in general would be gladly freed. I have also been surprised at the sudden cures of several severely acute diseases, which you have effected during your residence in this city. Your new application of a long catalogue of remedies heretofore neglected has commenced a new era in the practice of medicine, and will hand your name down to future generations in the long list of worthies who have benefited the cause of humanity. I am, with respect and esteem, Your sincere friend, Moses Holbrook, M. D. To C. Whitlaw, Esq, J. H. Duncan, M. D., concurs in the above opinions. 120 OBSERVATIONS ON Extract of Dr. Holbrook's Letter to Charles Whitlaw. Charleston, December 29, 1S25. Dear sir.—Your letter of the 29th of September, from Philadelphia, was received on the 15th of Oc- tober, too late to comply with your request by the 20th, in New York. From time to time I will, agreeably to your request, send you such bath cases as opportunity may offer. From the hour you shewed me your bath at Mrs. Cockrane's, about the latter end of March last, and described its powers and efficacy to me, I have continued to nurse it as a favorite child; it was the means of restoring a be- loved wife to a comparative state of health, and has been the sole means of her enjoying it in a degree that she never could have experienced without its aid; and I verily believe, it has prolonged her life from last May to the present time, with a reasonable prospect of its continuance for, I hope, many years yet to come. She was, as you can recolleet, when I first carried her to your establishment in King street, at death's door from phthisis pulmonalis of long standing; cough, expectoration, night sweats, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, great emaciation, wakefulness, &c, were amongst the prominent symptoms of her case ; and for eleven months previ- ous she had not been able to walk about, or even sit up from her bed, more than an hour or two at a time. Now her appetite is good, no cough nor expectora- THE VAPOR BATH. 121 tion, good sleep at night, sits up all day, goes up and down stairs at pleasure, and often walks round to the baths, No. 3 Chamber street, and back again after a bath without fatigue;—for this gTeat relief she feels solely indebted to your bath. You appear to have united in your baths, the principles of all that is valuable in bathing^ whether ancient or modern,— whether used by civilized or uncivilized nations, re- siding in the cold or hot climates of the earth. The modus operandi of the process, and its effects in the particular diseases for which it is used, are no less rational than they are truly scientific; and as the vegetable kingdom affords to our materia medica an extensive choice in the different classes of their medical virtues, that have been tested by ages of experience—if to convert the essential properties of those simples into vapor, and thus to cause the in- halation of those vapors to effect the relief or cure of individuals laboring under disease, be an inno- vation upon the science of medicine, so also must every recent chemical product, and every new for- mula, offered as a remedy, be deemed likewise an innovation. Of those who have taken the medicated vapor bath in connection with other suitable remedies 246 were cured of the following diseases : 66 of rheuma- tism, 14 consumption, 21 bad colds, 24 cutaneous af- fections, 25 fever and ague, 5 bilious fever, 8 liver affected, 4 hsemorrhoids, 1 leprosy, 3 scurvy, 13 scro- fula, 4 bad ulcers, 7 asthma, 10 dropsy, 2 dysentery 11* 122 OBSERVATIONS ON 1 pleurisy, 5 palsy, 7 sore throat, 3 leucorrhea, 2 suppression of the menses, 2 haemoptysis, 2 erysip- elas, other diseases 84. Total in five months 246. Heat and moisture united have been long known to the intelligent physicians among the most valua- ble means of cure in certain cases; and wherever they have been most accurately known, they have been most highly appreciated-—and in no way can they be so effectually administered as by vapor baths. Pure morals have been invariably connected with cleanliness ; we would, therefore, claim for this bath the merit of having, in this respect, a friendly influ- ence upon society. Its immediate effects are a pleasant sensation of comfort, and an agreeable warmth upon the whole body; the skin seems ex- tended, and becomes softened; the dry and useless scarfskin soon becomes detached from its whole sur- face, and then follows a strong inclination to sleep. After a bath the person feels recruited and refreshed, his spirits are more buoyant, he experiences an agil- ity and flexibleness of muscle to which he was be- fore a stranger, and, in general, all the functions of the system are in healthy exercise, with more ease, and certainly with greater strength and energy. You will see when you compare our little popula- tion with your own city, that we have done very well indeed. We shall be always happy to hear from you of your health and welfare, and also all things relating to the baths : all publications relating THE VAPOR BATH. 123 to it, which may make their appearance, would be of service in putting down interest and prejudice. Mrs. H. begs a kind remembrance to yourself and lady, in which I most cordially join. With respect and esteem, I subscribe myself your sincere friend, Moses Holbrook, M. D. To C. Whitlaw, Esq. In the city of Washington a committee was formed, who purchased Mr. Whitlaw's Vapor Bath, for the use of the public; of their first report the fol- lowing is an extract : Vapor baths in this country have usually been the mere exposure of the body (except the head) to sulphurous exhalations, with a view to relieve rheu- matic affections; or else the application of vapor by a spirit-lamp, to a patient in his bed, so as to produce profuse perspiration. But this latter mode has been found exceedingly inconvenient, and, in some instances, highly dangerous, from the excessive damp imparted to the bedclothes by the operation. Besides, it is evident that no other object can be effected in this way, than merely exciting perspira- tion, and that without due regulation." Mr. Whitlaw's vapor bath has not only decided advantages in these respects, but it attains other ends. It has a remarkable effect of clearing the skin 124 OBSERVATIONS on from troublesome eruptions, and giving it a softness and freshness that is a striking indication of improved health. We believe that in alt cases it has been useful, but the most numerous class of cases in which it has afforded almost immediate relief, and in sev- eral, complete cure, are those of recent colds, rheu- matism, inflamed eyes, eruptions on the skin, scrof- ulous swellings, and general debility. A considerable number of patients, whose eyes were so diseased that they had been completely laid aside from their usual avocations for many weeks, and suffered intense pain so as to deprive them of sleep, and who had been subjected to the usual course of bleeding, blistering and depletion by cathartics in vain, have been effectually cured by the bath: in some cases, by three times using it; in others, six or eight times. Some of these persons are citizens of great respectability, to whom a personal reference can be made. 1 Letter to His Royal Highness the Duke of York, Patron, tlie Vice-Presidents, and the Committee, of the Asylum for the cure of Scrofula and Glandidar Diseases. May it please your Royal Highness,—my Lords, and Gentlemen :—Permit me, on my return from the United States of America, to address you on the re- sult of my exertions to complete the system, which I THE VAPOR BATH. 125 have so long and earnestly recommended to the at- tention of the British nation, for the preservation of health, and for the removal of those maladies which arise from indulgence in improper food, and other causes of virulent diseases or debility. During sixteen years of diligent pursuit, I travel- ed through the United States, Canada, and the West Indian Islands as a practical botanist; my at- tention being principally engaged in the application of botany to the purposes of human life, as they re- late to food or medicine. I have for a number of years devoted the energies of my mind, with a view to discover the best mode of preventing and curing disease. How far I may have succeeded does not become me vauntingly to declare ; but the testimony of a great number of the most respectable inhabitants of England and Ameri- ca, as to the efficacy of my new system, may be con- sidered as attaching some merit to it. The general opinion which has been expressed is, that no medi- cal discipline can be compared with it. What, it will be asked, is there not in the present arcana of medical science, sufficient to ascertain the nature of, and to cure all disorders ? No, must be the reply; for according to open acknowledgements made by the first practitioners of the present day, they must look on the immense mass of disease that surrounds them, and lament their want of means to relieve, much less to cure. Here we have an evident proof that the knowledge of the faculty is limited 126 OBSERVATIONS ON and the system inefficient. Rather than such igno- rance should be allowed to exist, it would redound to the credit of the legislature, or those more imme- diately intrusted with power, not to allow any per- son to obtain a diploma who cannot cure all disorders in their incipient state, unless occasioned by animal- cule and the stings of venomous animals which im- mediately prove fatal. In the various species of inflammation the Indians always resort to the vapor bath, constructed upon a principle peculiar to themselves : it is after the fol- lowing manner :—A few heated stones, in the first instance, are heaped together, round which, some- thing similar to a soldiers tent is erected. The per- son or persons to receive the bath are seated round the stones, upon which are thrown herbs, and water sprinkled with the hand. I tried one of them, and must say, that the heat and vapor rising from the stones, were suffocating in the extreme. The disci- pline was severe; but the beneficial effects I derived from excessive perspiration, when afflicted with an habitual tendency and flow of blood to the head, proved the propriety of inhaling gases by the lungs, in order to relieve and effectually cure disorders in general. I had often observed the various changes produced on my health and spirits, by the various odours I was obliged to inhale on my journies, and could not do otherwise than contrast the practice of giving the various medicines by, and the great danger of administering poisons on an acrid or acid THE VAPOR BATH. 127 state of the stomach ; more particular when the bow- els and skin were inactive. As such a system, com- bined with the general use of mercury, must neces- sarily produce the most injurious consequences, in 1810 I first tried the vapor bath or simple steam of water, and was much gratified to find that my at- tempt, to give relief by promoting perspiration, was crowned with success. Cases of fever yielded to my system: but finding that too frequent a repetition of the simple steam of water brought on relaxation of the muscles, and frequently inflammation, I had recourse to medication by the use of herbs, in the prepared state I have before mentioned. In the winter of 1819, the first I passed in London, I was seriously affected with a disorder of the wind- pipe, chest, and lungs, accompanied with a severe cough. I tried the most active remedies without ef- fect : I had recourse to leeches, blistering and bleed- ing. I frequently coughed for two hours at a time, and was unable to speak to any one. I frequently brought up blood. Relief appeared as far from me as ever, and I sat myself down in a hopeless state, quite baffled and unconscious of the cause of the complaint, until it struck me that the food I ate and the water I drank, was keeping up a constant viscer- al inflammation. I examined the Thames water, * and found that terrific cesspool, abominable beyond description. I substituted distilled water, and ate the best bread, without deriving benefit; but after I had, for some time, abstained from butter and the fat of 128 OBSERVATIONS ON meat, I found the long desired relief. My attention now was turned to the pastures round London, which, upon examination, I found replete with poi- sonous plants. The buttercup, in particular, reared its head above the rest, giving strong and undoubt- ed proof that the disorders which generally pre- vail in this metropolis, have their origin in the por- tion of the poisonous quality that flower contains. Having by such investigations ascertained the causes, I next directed the whole strength of my mind to re- move the complaint. The vapor bath presenting a safe and beneficial remedy, I had one well medi- cated, and had the pleasure, at the end of six weeks, to find my stomach tranquilizer, and the ulcers in my throat and lungs healed. Presuming that the principal virtue of the Indian vapor bath consisted in the herbs, when thrown upon the heated stones, being converted into gas, I con- structed a bath upon an improved principle, by which the properties of herbs could be held in sus- pension by compressed steam ; and it is owing to the vapor being inhaled by the lungs, that the wonderful healing powers of the bath are achieved. My great ambition now was to raise the powers of plants by means of steam passing through them. I partially succeeded in raising their most volatile powers, and consequently got the bath into full operation. The success that attended my mode of treatment, was not only manifest in a great variety of disorders, but a Committee of Gentlemen, who watched my proceed- THE VAPOR BATH. 129 ings, gave in their Report a full and satisfactory tes- timony of the superiority of my system over any thing they had hitherto witnessed. In 1824, I went to America, in order to procure a supply of plants for medicine as well as for medi- cating the bath, and to secure sufficient from their proper locality to meet my wants when I returned to England. I took a vapor bath with me, but found I could not use it with the fresh herbs from their na- tive soil, owing to their being in that state too pow- erful, and their gross particles too strong for the pa- tient to bear and inhale when passed through the bath and digester made in London. I had a new one constructed ; the holes of which were made smaller to compress and divide the steam, and make it more fit for respiration. My anticipations were fully realized ; as I found, that by compressing the steam, the gummy and resinous properties of the plant were more effectually held in suspension, and passed through the small perforations into the tent where the patient was seated. As the number of patients at this time increased, the various virtues of the plants were fully developed, and consequently their fitness or unfitness for medication ascertained. I soon found that many, which were fit for medicine, had no merit to recommend them for medicating the bath; particularly such as gave out carbonic acid gas. The suitableness of the plants for medication, 12 130 OBSERVATIONS ON after being selected with great care, was proved by trials made on myself and other strong persons. At this improved stage of the system, I was recom- mended to take out a patent, by one of the supreme judges in America, to prevent ignorant and vicious persons from bringing the vapor bath into disrepute. I acquiesced, procured one, and soon pointed out its advantages to the public. Such advantages can only be derived by attending to the three following essen- tial rules : First, that before taking the vapor bath, the bowels be properly evacuated, if they require it; for whatever is in the stomach, whether morbid or healthy, by the action of the vapor, will be drawn into the system. Secondly, the patient should not use any poisonous drugs while taking the bath. And thirdly, no improper medication should be employed. The last recommendation should be as much attend- ed to, as administering medicine by the stomach; for when the poisonous powers of plants are taken into the circulation of the blood, they are as likely to produce as much harm when inhaled by the lungs as when taken by the stomach. Notwithstanding, the consequences of taking medicine by the stomach are by far more aggravated in a general point of view ; for if taken when there is much acridity or acidity, death has been known to ensue ; whereas, the medicine would have produced no harm, had the stomach been in a healthy state. This circumstance points out the superior advantage of inhaling the virtue of herbs by the lungs, and carrying it into the THE VAPOR BATH. 131 circulation without coming in contact with the food. In order to show the effect of the gaseous properties of plants on the constitution, I have only to cite a fact that is of common occurrence in North America. Should poisonous plants, for instance sumach, be thrown upon one of the wood fires, a family, by in- haling the fumes, would be poisoned. I have known instances, where persons have been attacked so sud- denly by the poison, that they have not been able to walk or assist each other. To ascertain the properties of the gases, I had a bladder jacket made air-tight. This I put on a pa- tient, and tied the parts round the neck, arms, and body, quite tight. When the patient began to per- spire, the jacket was raised on all sides like a blown bladder. I fixed a stopcock to the jacket to draw off the gas; and upon the gases being analyzed, they were found to vary as much as the disorders of the patient. They principally consisted of carbonic and phosphoric acid, sulphurated hydrogen, ammoniacal, olefient, and azote. Some patients gave out a gas, for which we could neither find a name or a test to detect it. Having placed all the test papers under the patient's armpits, I could, upon examination, discover whether acids, alkalies, salts, calibeates, acrids, or putrid ferments, accasioned the disorder. So truly did the tests correspond with the virulence of the disease, that, without failing once in ten times, I could point out the worst cases by looking 132 OBSERVATIONS ON at the test papers. Another method of arriving at the same result, was, by analyzing the perspiration. In all scrofulous cases, acids prevailed ; in cancer, acrimony and alkalies ; in scorbutic, salts ; and in spasmodic diseases, tetanus and lockjaw, calibeates and tonics. A remarkable instance of the perspiration being impregnated with the disease or what had been re- ceived into the stomach, is, that when any person has drank brandy and water half an hour previous to receiving the bath, the towel with which he is wiped will smell of the spirit. Vinegar, garlic, on- ions, and various other strong smelling vegetables have a similar tendency, in addition to their volatile parts, passing unassimilated through the system ; thus shewing the doctrine of vitality and assimila- tion, so long taught in the schools as unfounded; and proving the utility of the bath for accelerating the effects of alterative medicines, drawing them into the system, changing the state of the body in constitutional diseases, and increasing the action of the absorbent system. In addition to the long catalogue of diseases enu- merated by the medical practitioners, permit me to name a few more which came immediately under my own peculiar treatment, and wherein no instance of death occurred,—on the contrary, I left them either perfectly cured or convalescent. The disorders I allude to are the following:—atony of the muscles. THE VAPOR BATH. 133 atonic gout, elephantiasis, cholera morbus, cholera spasmodica, quinsy, croup, hooping-cough, measles, and gout. In Philadelphia, the baths were established under the superintendence of four highly respectable medi- cal gentlemen ; and my most grateful acknowledg- ments are due to Mr. Watson the mayor, Mr. Haines, and other gentlemen, to whose kindness and liberality I am greatly indebted. I paid a short visit to the city of Boston, where my system was most favorably received; Dr. In- galls received me with the kindness of former friend- ship, and introduced me to Doctors Reynolds and Jeffries. From the length of this letter some apology may be due, for trespassing so long on your attention. There are many incidents, however, which I have purposely omitted, and the account of the various cities which I visited is abridged as much as possible for the present. Yet I trust the result will be as satisfactory to my friends in England, as to those in the western world. Every experiment I have been able to make has confirmed my opinion that scrofula may be eradicated from the kingdom altogether, and that dyspepsy, with its long train of disorders, will be alleviated and cured by pursuing my system of medicine, regimen, and the vapor bath; and that the greatest benefit may be derived from due atten- 12* 134 OBSERVATIONS ON THE VAPOR BATH. tion to the aphorisms of Linnaeus, as applicable to the purposes of life and health. To your Royal Highness, I beg to present my most heartfelt gratitude, and with the greatest respect to subscribe myself, Your most humble servant, Charles Whitlaw. No. 14 Finsbury Place, London, January 1st, 1826. CHAPTER VII, Remarks on the use of the Medicated Vapor Bath. No person need fear that it will prove injurious. I can safely state that to my certain knowledge the weakest persons who have used the baths have been strengthened by them, and I have not known a sin- gle instance in which the repeated use of them have not increased the vigor snd activity of the patients. The Medicated Vapor received into the lungs and the Vegetable remedies taken into the stomach, relaxes the excretories by producing a solution of all the ex- ternal and internal obstructions. The vitiated humors and putrefactions caused by morbid action are effec- tually removed from the system ; a tone of health and animation and serenity of mind ensues, of which a person can hardly conceive the amount, who has not witnessed the operation and its happy conse- quences. It has been doubted by some professional men whether any effect could be produced on the vis- cera, by the combination of the medical virtues of herbs coming in contact with the blood on its passage through the lungs in the act of respiration. It is, 136 remarks on however, known that important effects have been produced by vapor from mercury, sulphur, and oth- er minerals, and why not beneficial results be pro- duced by similar use of herbs. Plants possess high- ly important medical virtues, and hence they are used in various infusions and decoctions in all coun- tries, for the purpose in which experience has point- ed out their efficacy. In the bath the herbs are com- bined according to the object they are intended to ef- fect. Its efficacy in cases of irregular arterial action, has been strongly marked; the pulse when too rap- id, have been reduced, when too slow they have been increased : thus an equalization of the circu- lation is produced and the tendency of blood to the head prevented. This is the certain result of using the bath a few times. It has a remarkable effect on the skin, removing from it troublesome eruptions, giving it a clearness, softness, and freshness, that is a striking indication of health. As a cosmetic and beautifier of the complexion they surpass any thing ever invented. After coming out of the bath it is necessary to wipe the body perfectly dry with as much friction as possible, and when dressed, to take a cup of black tea, and some refreshment. In half an hour you may go and walk in the open air. Nothing more is necessary than to avoid a sudden chill from a cold draft of wind, or a damp atmos- phere. These baths accelerate the effects of alterative medicines, drawing them into the system, changing THE VAPOR BATH. 137 the state of the body in constitutional diseases, and increasing the action of the absorbent vessels. The specific effects are— 1. To equalize the circulation of the blood, and hence to remove coldness of the hands and feet, and lessen the determination or flow of blood to the head. 2. To promote sweat, and re-establish insensible per- spiration, and thereby relieve symptoms of inter- nal inflammations. 3. To diminish nervous irritability, and cure tic- douloureaux. 4. To promote cutaneous eruptions, and remove dis- eases of the skin. 5. To remove the effects of mercury from the sys- tem. 6. To promote absorption of dropsical effusions. 7. To relieve difficulty of breathing, and cure asth- ma, and other diseases of the chest and lungs. 8. To strengthen the stomach, and impart a tone to the digestive organs, and cure dyspepsy and its consequent disorders. 9. To promote the healing of scrofulous and chronic ulcers. 10 To remove gouty and rheumatic pains and swel- lings from the joints, and cure lumbago, sciat- ica, &c. 11 The quinsy—the bath never fails to relieve it. 12. The croup—it may be regarded as a specific. 138 REMARKS ON 13. The hooping-cough—gives great relief. 14. The measles—a certain specific. 15. To cure discharges of blood from the lungs, and other internal organs of the body. 16 To cure acute and chronic inflammation, the bath judiciously medicated, is a certain specific. 17. To cure gout, in all its forms, in a shorter period of time than any agent hitherto employed. 18. The bath has never failed to cure cholera mor- bus. 19. The use of the vapor bath, combined with the simple compound medical decoctions, are valua- ble remedies for the cure of fevers of every kind. 20. They relieve exhaustion, languor, and fatigue, raise the spirits, tranquilize nervous irritation, assist digestion, and increase the appetite. Of the healthfulness of vapor bathing there can be no longer a doubt, and it is astonishing that it is not more generally known and practiced. A clean and healthy state of the skin contributes essentially to promote health and cheerfulness. Agreeable feeling is always the consequence of using the vapor bath. Another result is a peculiar softness of the skin; the muscles and limbs acquire elasticity with strength of nerve. A glutinous matter which has filled the pores is forced out, and removed with all the impuri- ties of the skin, which no other bath is capable of doing. This accumulation of unhealthy matter be- THE VAPOR BATH. 139 ing removed, free perspiration follows. Colds, nervousness, and irritability are subdued, and the sick and weakly feel like new beings. It is sur- prising to observe how negligent we are of the great- est benefits of which we might avail ourselves. Thousands of dollars are annually squandered in payment for nostrums which cannot do the least good ; and countless hours of misery dragged out in sickness, and the best part of our lives thrown away by rejecting or neglecting the simple practice of va- por bathing. The practice is not attended with much expense, and if it was five, or ten dollars, it could not be expended in any other way with hall the benefit that would be derived from a constant use of the medicated vapor bath. If our citizens generally would practice this mode of medical treat- ment, and pay strict attention to their regimen, this city would be remarkable for health, and the inhab- itants for longevity. My rule is to put the patient into the bath at a tem- perature of 85°, and gradually raise it to that degree which the case may require. In consumptive cases we raise the temperature to 98° or 102°; in most diseases, 104° to 106°—rheumatism 110° ; fevers to 110 or 120°, depending upon circumstances. A bath at 120° is far from being oppressive. If any disagreeable sensations are experienced, it is at 98°, when the perspiration is upon the point of pouring forth. Capt. Parry states, in his expedition to the North 140 REMARKS ON pole, that those of his men who used the vapor bath, before taking their watch on deck, could stand the cold and remain at their post twice as long as those who did not avail themselves of its stimulating and hardening influence. Here is a striking evidence, that we are less liable to take or suffer from cold af- ter taking a bath than before. It actually prepares the system to withstand a greater degree of cold than we otherwise could, because it equalizes the circu- lations and determines them to the surface and ex- tremities, thereby remove coldness of the hands and feet, and diffuses a warmth over the whole body. Its renovating effects on the whole system, are suddenly manifested by returning health. Therefore they should be the resort of the old and young; the sick and the invalid. The Indians of our country habi- tually resort to the vapor bath, to cure themselves of their diseases, particularly in cases of inflamma- tion. They construct their baths in their own pecu- liar way, by first sinking a hole in the ground into which they throw heated stones, and then seat the person who is the subject of the bath over the hole, having first a blanket spread over the shoulders, then followed by herbs and water thrown into the hole, till the person perspires most profusely. Another mode of theirs, is to heap together a few heated stones, over which a tent is erected; the per- son to receive the bath, is seated near the stones, upon which is thrown herbs and water, that imme- diately envelopes the whole body in a dense vapor. THE VAPOR BATH. 141 The beneficial effects of this mode of treatment, they find are exceedingly powerful in relieving and curing disease. I have administered the vapor bath to several Russians, who informed me that they had been inured to the bath from their youth, and seldom took the vapor, in their own country, at a temperature below 130 degrees, and frequently as high as 150°, and after taking a bath plunge into a pool of cold water, roll in the snow, or throw themselves into the stream through a hole in the ice. This sudden change they say produces no ill effect, but on the contrary a salu- tary and happy influence, by hardening the system, and preparing it to bear the rigor and severity of their climate. Not only in Russia, but in all the cold regions of Europe, as well the cottager, as the noble- man, has his vapor bath, to which they resort in sickness and in health, for pleasure and for cleanli- ness. Their method of producing vapor is similar to the Indians. They pour or dash water upon heat- ed stones, cannon balls, a stove or furnace. The Whitlaw vapor baths are very extensively used in England, Scotland, and Ireland, but not to that extent that the vapor or hot air baths are used on the continent. Mr. Whitlaw mentions, that, in order to ascertain what degree of heated vapor he could bear without receiving any injury, took one of his baths in the city of New York, in the month of December, the thermometer at 5° above zero. At a temperature of 130, he dressed, went immediately into the street, and walked two miles 13 142 REMARKS ON up Broadway, facing the North wind, without ex- periencing the least inconvenience. A Russian Bath. The Rev. R. B. Paul, in his Journal, says:—" The room into which I was ushered was a small neat dressing room, warmed at a temperature of eighty degrees of Fahrenheit, which could be increased at pleasure by opening the door of the bathing room, or the window of the dressing room. This room was furnished with a sofa, chairs, &c. I undressed im- mediately, and walked into the bath room, the floor of which, although only at a temperature of 100 degrees, seemed to me insufferably hot. In one corner of this room stood a large stove, which reach- ed almost to the ceiling. On the side of this stove were four wooden shelves or stages, one above an- other, each furnished with a rest for the head. The temperature increases as you ascend. Whether I was not fully aware of this, or whether in my agita- tion I had forgotten it, I do not know; but so it was, that before I had been in the room a minute, I found myself on the highest shelf, from which I made, I believe hardly more than one step to the floor, for the heat seemed at that time unendurable, even for a moment; the truth is, that until the perspiration is completely established, a sensation of fever is felt, with burning of the skin and throbbing of the arteries; but when the pores are once opened, every THE VAPOR BATH. 143 uneasy sensation ceases, and you mount from stage to stage, wishing every two or three minutes for an increase of heat, until at last you actually find yourself, as I did, lying on the highest stage of all, at a temperature of 124 degrees, without feel- ing the slightest inconvenience. On the shelves which surround the stove, there is an array of bright brass basins; and on one side are two brass cocks which supply cold and warm water, and a pipe with a large rose which acts as a shower. I went into the bath many times after, and feeling much more at my ease, I proceeded regularly in the operation. First I mounted one of the lower shelves, and after remaining there a few minutes, I descended to the floor and washed the whole of my body in cold water. I then lathered myself from head to foot with soap, rubbing every part of the body with the soft or inner bark of the linden tree. After a second sprinkling of cold water, I mounted to the highest stage, and immediately the perspiration streamed from every pore in such profusion that I could hardly believe that I had wiped myself dry before I mounted the stage; so case hardened had I become, that I sat some minutes on the top stage, at a temperature of 132 degrees, without feeling more inconvenience than I had experienced when I first entered the bath room. But I found afterwards that I had by no means felt the highest degree of heat which a Russian bath is capable of affording; for when I was in one at Mos- cow, our Italian valet de place, suddenly entered the room, and seizing a large vessel of water, dashed the 144 REMARKS ON contents into the furnace, which is filled with hot cannon balls. Unfortunately I had not then my thermometer with me, but from the sensation I ex- perienced, I should think heat for two or three se- conds, could not have been much less than 170 degrees." Sir Arthur Clarke says, "In the vapor bath, the stimulant power of heat is modified, and tempered by the moisture diffused through the air; and as the elastic vapor, like air, is a less powerful conductor of heat than a watery fluid, the effect of vapor in raising the temperature of the body, is much less than that of the hot bath. Its heating effect is also further diminished, by the copious perspiration which ensues : so that on all acounts the vapor bath is safer, as it is in most cases, more effectual than the hot water bath, and may be employed with success, when the hot bath would be attended with danger. The utility of this application is obvious in all cases of internal inflam- mation ; it draws a great quantity of blood to the surface, and relieves the internal parts by the secre- tion of the skin, which is the mode nature takes to resolve inflammations.—Besides an increased per- spiration, other effects are produced on the system ; equal and due action is restored to the surface, and a highly agreeable sensation is produced, which ren- ders the influence of cool air safe -and desirable. There is no danger whatever from cold—the truth is, we are less liable to cold after vapor bathing, than at any other time, for the increased circulation on THE VAPOR BATH. 145 the surface of the body keeps up a great degree of heat, which the non-conducting state of the skin long preserves in the medium even of a cold atmosphere." " Dr. D. T. Coxe of this city," says Dr. Bell, "has published a short paper on the efficacy of the vapor bath, which he superintended at the time, in various diseases. In most of them the vapor was inhaled as well as applied to the surface of the body. The diseases enumerated, greatly relieved, or entirely cured, were chronic disease of the liver, rheumatism, ulceration of the fauces, pimples and other blemishes on the skin, enlarged spleen, with tendency to dropsy, dyspepsy, inflammation of the kidneys, hemicrania, influenza, and erysipelas. The erysipelas, says Dr. G, was one of the diseases which yielded readily and kindly to the influence of the vapor bath. It was remarked that the peculiar odour of some of the articles, through which the steam was made to pass before its being applied to the body of the patient, was perceived in the urine. The temperature of the bath is not regularly men- tioned by Dr. Coxe. In one case, a person suffering under cutaneous eruption, accompanied with a torpor of the liver, it was at first about 104 degrees, in which the sweating was profuse. Each time the tempera- ture was augmented, until it reached to between 115 and 120 degrees. This case serves to illustrate a fact mentioned by all writers on this subject, viz. the impunity with which a person who has been exposed 13* 146 REMARKS ON to the elevated temperature of a vapor bath can subse- quently bear cold. The person in question ' was in the habit of taking several tumblers full of cold water while in the bath; and neither in this case nor in any other in which this usage was followed, did any bad consequences result' In the apparatus used by Dr. D. T. Coxe, after the plan obtained from Mr. Whitlaw, and the invention of which was claimed by the latter, ' the vapor, generated in a boiler, escaped through a bent tube, furnished with a stopcock, into a small basin or receiver in the lower part of a box. The top Of this receiver, into which herbs or other articles were placed, as well as the upper covering of the box was perforated, and allowed the free ascent of the medi- cated vapor into the upper or curtained part of the contrivance where the bather sat, and either inhaled the vapor, or had it merely applied to the surface of the skin, according to the situation of his head, whether within or exterior to the enclosure.' " Dr. Andrew Combe, on vapor bathing, says :— '• On the Continent, the vapor and hot air-baths are had recourse to, both as a means of health and in the cure of disease, to an infinitely greater extent than they are in this country. Their use is attended by the very best eftects, particularly in chronic ailments. and there can be no question that their action is chiefly on the skin, and through its medium on the nervous system. As a means of determining to the surface, promoting cutaneous exhalation, andequali- THE VAPOR BATH. 147 zing the circulation, they are second to no remedy now in use; and consequently, in a variety of affec- tions which the encouragement of these processes is calculated to relieve, they may be employed with every prospect of advantage. The prevalent fear of catching cold, which deters many from using the vapor bath, even more than from warm bathing, is founded on a false analogy between its effects and those of profuse perspiration from exercise or illness. The latter weakens the body, and, by diminishing the power of reaction, renders it susceptible of injury from sudden changes of temperature. But the effect of the vapor bath, properly administered, is very dif- ferent. When not too warm or too long continued, it increases instead of exhausting the strength, and, by exciting the vital action of the skin, gives rise to a power of reaction which enables it to resist cold better than before. This I have heard many patients remark; and the fact is well exemplified in Russia and the north of Europe, where, in the depth of win- ter, it is not uncommon for the natives to rush out of a vapor bath and roll themselves in the snow, and be refreshed by doing so; whereas, were they to at- tempt such a practice after severe perspiration from exercise, they would inevitably suffer. It is the pre- vious stimulus given to the skin by the vapor bath which is the real safeguard against the coldness of the snow. The vapor bath is thus calculated to be* extensive- ly useful, both as a preservative and as a remedial 148 REMARKS ON agent. Many a cold and many a rheumatic attack, arising from checked perspiration or long exposure to the weather, might be nipped in the bud by its timely use. In chronic affections, not only of the skin itself, but of the internal organs with which the skin sympathizes most closely, as the stomach and intestines, the judicious application of the vapor bath is productive of great relief. Even in chronic pul- monary complaints, it is, according to the continen- tal physicians, not only safe, but very serviceable; ■ particularly in those affections of the mucous mem- brane which resemble consumption in so many of their symptoms. Like all powerful remedies, how- ever, the vapor bath must be administered with care- ful regard to the condition and circumstances of the individual." Eastern Bathing. Buckingham, the Oriental Traveler, says :— " Among the Mohammedans, baths are as numerous as their mosques. I doubt if in their cities a single street can be found without one or more of them. There is a general conviction in the East, that per- sonal cleanliness is favorable to morality; while on the other hand, vice and filth go naturally together. Baths are to be had at all prices. For a single para (in value about one-fourth of a cent) you are fur- nished with a private apartment, hot water, a towel and soap, and have liberty to stay half an hour. It is common with the Mohammedans to practice THE VAPOR EATH. 149 ablution before prayer; and they all bathe once a day at least. But while a bath may be had for a quarter of a cent, they ascend in price, according to the scale of accommodation, until, for some, you must pay five dollars. Separate baths are provided for the sexes; and the sanctity of this separation is such, that a man who should violate it would be in imminent hazard of being murdered on the spot. Entering into one of these costly baths, for exam- ple, before dinner, you find a chamber, the windows of which are darkened with colored glass and odorif- erous plants. The air is cooled by showers from a fountain. Agreeable attendants are provided to amuse you with conversation. Some of these are improvisatori, who will off hand invent for you an interesting tale, in prose or verse ; or, if you prefer music, they will sing you an Arabic song, and ac- company it with the guitar. You are then conduct- ed into a warm chamber, and thence into another yet warmer. Here, perhaps, you will find singing birds and some books; but of the latter the native bathers rarely make any use. Your chamber grows warmer and warmer, till at length you are glad to pull off your clothes. You are then laid out by your attendants on a marble slab. They are armed with gloves made of the Cashmere goat, which is rough, but not suffi- ciently so to give you pain. They then commence the process of champooing you. They draw out 150 REMARKS ON every joint, and let it go, till it cracks like a pistol. They twist about your arms ; they bend your elbows, and thence, passing down the back, they proceed in a similar manner, till you hear a report from each one of the vertebrae. This loosening of the joints is said to give supple- ness to the frame; under which persuasion it was practised, as we know, by athleta, the runners and the wrestlers of the Greeks. They next proceed to a process of violent friction over your whole body, and after it is completed, the skin feels like satin, and partially retains this de- lightful smoothness for a day or two. I am well per- suaded, that half the diseases which prevail among us may be traced to obstructions of the skin; and that the use of the bath, accompanied by severe fric- tion, conduces in an eminent degree to health and long life. After you have undergone this series of cracking and rubbing, they finish off by plunging you into a bath of rose-water, up to your neck. You are then furnished with coffee, the chabouque or long pipe, and with sherbet, a liquor compounded of the juice of the pomegranate, orange, and citron, but contami- nated by no admixture of alcohol." THE VAPOR BATH. 151 RECOMMENDATIONS. Whitlaw Medicated Baths. Nearly opposite this office, Dr. Gerrish has estab- lished what are called the Whitlaw Vapor Baths, which have been so well spoken of by several physi- cians of the city, that we have visited the proprietor for the purpose of examining into the machinery, the mode of conducting the operations, and to inquire into the real merits of this system of medication, as conducted in this place. Were our practitioners to prescribe these baths much more frequently than they do, they would be much gratified with the results. This is an opinion based upon a careful investigation of the principle of preparing them. It is not pretended that every disease in the catalogue of human woes is dissipated by steam impregnated with essential oils; nor need any person apprehend a deception at the hands of Dr. Gerrish. Under the judicious guidance of a responsible physician, we feel warranted in saying that great good, in a resto- ration of impaired health, may often be effected by the Medicated Vapor Bath.—Boston Medical and Surgical Journal. Medicated Baths. Dr. Gerrish has accomplished a desideratum in the structure of his very excellent medicated steam 152 REMARKS ON baths. The boiler is beneath the floor of the re- ceiving room, out of sight, and the steam is conducted through pipes into the neat apartment where the patient is to receive its influence. Since all classes of practitioners in the city concur in the opinion that this is an important mode of treating very many diseases, they can alike direct those who consult them to Dr. G.'s elegant accommodations in Graphic court, nearly opposite the head of Franklin street. It is a convenience to have access to such a place; any form of bath which the physician may think it advisable to prescribe, is readily given by Dr. Gerrish, with as much precision as an apothecary would weigh out the several parts of a prescription. The bath rooms are tastefully fitted up, and a degree of neatness pervades the whole establishment, credita- ble to the proprietor's good management.—Ibid. Dr. Gerris/is Vapor Bath. To speak in commendation of Dr. Gerrish's system of using the Whitlaw's Medicated Vapor Baths, would be altogether unnecessary, were it not for the erroneous opinion of many, that his system is the same as that" practised by Thomsonians. We be- lieve there is no resemblance in the two systems ; and to set the subject in a just light, we will give a sketch of the modus operandi pursued by Dr. Gerrish. The medication is enclosed in a condensing box, and steam being forced upon it from an adjacent boil- er, the medical qualities of the herbs are held in sus- THE VAPOR BATH. 153 pension by compressed steam, and their essential oils and sanative properties carried up in the form of va- pors, cooled to a temperature fit to be inhaled into the lungs, producing a grateful and beneficial effect on the whole system, both internally and externally. The baths are varied to adapt them to various con- stitutions and diseases ; and they may be advantage- ously taken by all, from the most athletic and robust, down to the most delicate and feeble, without the least apprehension of taking cold—the use of them proving a tonic, and consequently invigorates and fortifies the system. W^hen cases require it, simple internal remedies are given. Dr. Gerrish has de- voted much study to elicit important truths on the subject of Vapor Baths; and it affords us pleasure to learn that he is rewarded by a generous patron- age, which would be greatly extended if the ben- efits of his baths were more generally known and appreciated.—Independent Messenger. The following remarks are from the pen of the late Hon. William Sullivan : Dr. Andrew Gerrish1 s Medicated Vapor Bath. There are two principal causes of illness: Ignorance of the laws of our existence, and disregard of these laws, if known. When science was revived, in the middle ages, it was taught in languages which were known only to a few; and law, theology, and medi- cine, became mysteries to all who had not made 14 154 REMARKS ON THE VAPOR BATH. them, exclusively, a study. Mystery still attends them ; names, signs, and terms, are beyond the com- prehension of a large portion even of those who are well educated. W hen, therefore, a man of science publishes books in which learned terms are explain- ed, and brings his subject down to the level of com- mon sense, he is a benefactor. The above suggestions are made as introductory to some notice of the medicated vapor baths, as ap- plied by Dr. Andrew Gerrish. This gentleman has a number of these baths for persons of both sexes, in a very neat, well kept place; and he seems to be well acquainted with the mode in which the vapor should be applied in the various cases which occur. He is courteous and obliging in expressing his opin- ions, to those whose cases require particular atten- tion. There seems to be no question that the judi- cious use of a vapor bath may be a cure, in many cases, and may arrest, and prevent, in others. For the healthy, it is one of the surest, safest, and easiest modes of getting a very clean skin, especially in wintry weather. Dr. J. V, C. Smith, physician of the Quarantine Hospital, has spoken, in a medical publication, commendatorily of Dr. Gerrish's estab- lishment.—Boston Atlas. CHAPTER VIII. PATHOLOGY. The doctrine of Disease has been a subject of con- troversy in all ages of the world, and this agitated question is not yet settled. We intend to lay down such rules, if followed, as will lead us to ward off or judiciously treat disease. Nature calls upon you to obey her laws; hers is the voice of reason, hearken to her and she will conduct you in the simple paths of truth, and in the road to health. The Excretions the only outlets of Disease. The Author of our existence, has wisely establish- ed certain laws in the animal economy, to guard and protect it against the inroads of disease, and when formed, to remove it. By these laws we understand an inherent power of the system to throw off any, and every thing which is foreign, or injurious. Let ns now inquire in what manner this is performed. A little attention to the system, shows us that there are 156 NATURE, CAUSE, AND certain outlets, or excretions to the system, designed especially to carry off every thing retained which is incompatible with health. When these excretions perform their offices, a person may be said to be well; but when they cease to act, or act imperfectly, mor- bific matter is retained, and derangement follows. The Skin. The whole body is covered, and lined with this membrane, through which there are innumerable pores or openings destined to carry off every thing which is not salutary, or compatible with a healthy state of th-3 system. The fluid which thus passes off, is distinguished into sensible and insensible per- spiratior. By looking at any part of the body in the surarar.i season, with a microscope, vapor or steam may be seen to rise like a fountain, which, coming in contact with the atmosphere, becomes condensed, and falls down in the form of drops which we term sweat or perspiration. When this is kept up, and continued, the blood is pure, being separated in this manner from every impurity. But when this per- spiration becomes checked by cold, the humors en- gendered in the system, are retained, carried into the circulation, settle upon some organ, that is most predisposed to disease, and become a source of irritation. It may be translated to the lungs, brain, kidneys, and other organs, causing inflammation, and pain j or it may remain in the blood, and cause fever. TREATMENT OF DISEASE. 157 The Bowels or Intestines. The bowels or intestines are also designed by nature to carry off much that is noxious or injurious to the system, and which does not serve the purposes of health, or nutrition. Hence the diseases that arise from their long constipation. It cannot otherwise be, but that such a great quantity of extraneous and feculent matter lodged in the body, must disorder it. The effluvia arising from the operation of physic, is an evidence of the deleterious nature of retained alvine discharges. The Kidneys. From the blood is secreted the urine through the medium of the kidneys, and which is another excre- tion designed to rid the system of something extra- neous, foreign or morbific. When this excretion is checked, or if it does not duly perform its office, cer- tain noxious matters are retained, and are mixed with the circulating fluid, and prove another source of morbid derangement, such as dropsy, inflamma- tion of the kidneys, and how many other complaints, it is difficult to decide. That diseases are carried off by a copious discharge of urine, every physician knows. The effects which arise from the suppres- sion of urine, points out the purpose for which it is designed. 14* 158 NATURE, CAUSE, AND The Stomach. The stomach is another organ by which nature expels morbific agents. When violence has been done by overloading it, or when any thing poisonous or dangerous has been received, or when any con- taminated fluid is poured into it, or when it becomes unhealthy or diseased from any cause whatever, the peristaltic or regular motion of it, is inverted, vomit- ing commences, and its contents are discharged, its tone restored, and health follows. Thus we see that this organ is designed to eliminate deleterious agents, and constitutes therefore an important excretion. The Lungs. The lungs are another organ which serve the pur- pose of secreting from the blood offensive agents. They not only throw off carbonic acid gas, but like- wise mucus, and when they become diseased more especially, they cast off pus, which, if retained, would cause suffocation. Hence we see in pulmo- nary diseases, an effort of nature, to effect a cure. through the medium of this organ. Inasmuch then, as health depends upon each and all of these performing their respective offices, it fol- lows that when any one becomes torpid, or ceases to perform its duties, that morbid excitement is the consequence ; and this shows in a most striking light the proximate cause of most diseases, at least, bein^ TREATMENT OF DISEASE. 159 nothing more or less than the retention in the system of morbific perspirable matter, producing irritation, morbid action, and a deviation from health. These humors are no doubt taken into the system through the medium of the air, food, or drink. Although the symptoms of complaints in general, are very different, yet this is not owing to the exciting cause; this being similar; but to the peculiar struc- ture or the tissue of the organ which is the seat of the disease. Indications of Cure. If then the cause of disease consists in the retention of morbific agents, and a recession of blood from the surface; if it be caused by morbid excitement, as we have already shown; if a deviation from a healthy standard is owing to the inactive state of the excre- tions, does not the plainest dictates of reason, common sense, and experience, show the necessity of restoring those secretions ? Is there, or can there be, any other indications of cure, if they are the only channels which nature makes use of to restore the system to health? and we confess we know no other. There is an effort of nature to restore these suppressed evacuations. The whole art of physic, then, consists in aiding her salutary efforts. Then what else is there to accomplish, but to give such medicines as remove the obstruction and restore the secretions? This is shown by the crisis or termination of diseases 160 NATURE, CAUSE, AND in general. They subside when perspiration takes place upon the skin, by diarrhoea, by vomiting or urine, or expectoration by the lungs. The Physician can only be the Servant, or Handmaid of Nature, in the Cure of Disease. In reality we can cure nothing. We can only re- move the offending cause, while nature performs the cure, and therefore lay it down as a fundamental maxim in medicine, that all the physician can do is to act as a servant, or handmaid to nature. This doctrine is further exemplified by the writings of Dr. Hillary, who states in his secret of curing diseases, by adopting a better system, " that by accurately observing all the motions, endeavors, and indications of nature, to carry off and cure diseases; and by observing by what critical evacuations she does at last cast off the morbid matter which caused them, and so restores health; we may, by the same method of reasoning, know both the methods and the means we should use to assist nature in producing those salutary effects; if we avoid all hypothetical reasoning, and by thus observing, following and assisting nature, agreeably to her indications, our practice will always be more satisfactory and suc- cessful. "For the human body is so wisely and wonder- fully formed, that whenever any noxious matter is got into it that would be injurious or destructive, we may observe, that it always so irritates, stimulates TREATMENT OF DISEASE. 161 and offends nature, that she always exerts her pow- er, or the vis vita, to throw it off. And she acts with great regularity, order, and uniformity, in her endeavors to expel the offending matter out of the body; and by carrying off the disease, restore health and preserve life. " And thus, by observing, investigating, and truly knowing the diseases and their causes, and justly reasoning therefrom, we shall know when to assist nature according to her indications; and in this is contained the chief part of medical knowledge, and the true scientific principles of the medical art. And when we shall thus have learned of nature, by ob- serving her laws and indications, we may reasonably hope to render the theory and practice of physic bene- ficial to mankind?" CHAPTER IX. On the Agency of Heat and Cold in the Production and Removal of Disease. The influence that cold possesses in the production of disease, must be evident to every person of the least discernment. Medical writers have imputed the causes of disease in general to the vicissitudes of the atmosphere : but the immediate effect of cold up- on the system seems to have been but little under- stood, or very imperfect views of it entertained. Nor has the agency of heat in the cure of disease been well understood, or duly appreciated. It is some- what remarkable that both heat and cold are the cause of most diseases, while they at the same time are (the former more particularly) so eminently sub- servient to their removal. It would appear that a certain temperature of the body is necessary to main- tain a healthy state of the system. Persons, how- ever,-will bear a great degree of heat or cold, if ap- plied to the system gradually; but on the contrary if suddenly applied, the most serious effects follow. Great heat, however, can be much better borne, than a great degree of cold, and it is on this account that cold plays such an important part in the production TREATMENT OF DISEASE. 163 of morbid excitement. Some parts of the system is much more susceptible of cold than others. The mi- nute blood vessels of the surface, coming in contact with the atmosphere, are more susceptible of its im- pression than the internal organs. Cold, long and suddenly applied, brings on a torpid or inactive state of the capillary vessels, by which the pores are closed, morbific matter retained, and a deviation from health follows. The blood becomes obstructed in these ves- sels of the skin, consequently it is withdrawn from the general circulation, and the balance of it is lost, impaired, or rendered unequal. The consequence of all this, is, that the blood recedes, or is driven back from the surface to some of the internal organs of the system; the heart and arteries become distended with an unusual quantity; increased action or more powerful contractions follow to return the blood back to the surface, and to overcome the constriction of the capillary vessels, which greatly increases the cir- culation. When we reflect upon the vast quantity of blood contained in the small vessels of the skin, we must be sensible of the effect it must produce upon the sys- tem, when so much is stagnated or obstructed, or is driven back and forced upon the vital organs. The great blood vessels become preternaturally full, the various functions'impaired, and inflammation and congestion follow. Whatever organ or part of the system is the most predisposed to. disease, will feel the effect of this change. It may be translated to 164 NATURE, CAUSE, AND the brain, and create inflammation of the lungs, causing pneumonia ; or it may affect the liver, stom- ach, or bowels. The irritation, occasioned thereby, proceeds from two causes. First, an effusion of blood to the part. Second, morbific matter retained in the circulation. The intimate connection between the skin, the stomach, the heart and arteries, intestines, and other organs, readily accounts for the effect of cold sudden- ly or long applied to the surface. Sometimes even very slight impressions, thus applied, cause the great quantities of blood in the minute vessels of the skin to recede, and to be thrown internally upon some portion of the viscera. Reaction then takes place. The heart propels the blood with redoubled energy back again to the extremities or the surface, by which the organ affected is relieved of its oppression. It appears, therefore evident, that there is a flux and reflux of blood constantly passing from the heart to the centre of the surface of the body. Thus there is a regular balance or equilibrium maintained in the circulation, which constitutes, as it were, a standard of health. When this balance of circulation is lost in the sys- tem ; when the blood becomes unequal, or is driven from one part of the body to another, from the in- fluence of cold or any other cause, morbid excite- ment or a deviation from healthy action is the con- sequence. When there has been inflammation or pain of the head or upper portion of the body, there TREATMENT OF DISEASE. 165 has been a coldness of the extremities. I therefore always first, in the treatment of such complaints, direct my attention to the part thus primarily affect- ed. My great object is to recall or restore the circu- lation, as soon as possible, by bathing the feet, and by giving such medicines as promote a determina- tion to the surface; and this practice is always at- tended with the happiest effect. As soon as the cu- taneous circulation takes place, the disease is re- lieved. It is very clear that the blood recedes from the surface, in fevers, and in a great variety of other complaints. After the body has been exposed to cold, suddenly or long applied, we see that the circulation ceases or is lessened in the capillary ves- sels, by the chills, sense of coldness, with a husky or dry state of the skin. The great heat and commotion that rages throughout the system, arises, no doubt, from an engorgement in the heart and arteries, with the irritation from the mor- bific matter retained in the circulation. It requires, therefore, but a small share of common sense or dis- cernment to learn the indications of cure; which are, not to abstract any portion of blood from the system, which decreases the power of overcoming the dis- ease in proportion to the quantity taken by inducing debility, but to recall the blood to the surface by the application of heat, steam, or sudorific medicines, or in other words, to equalize the circulation. When disease proceeds from too much heat of the body, or when fever arises to expel from the system 15 166 NATURE, CAUSE, AND morbific matter, and to equalize the circulation, it often becomes necessary to moderate it by lessening arterial excitement. In such cases, tepid or cold water will have a salutary effect, by abstracting a portion of heat from the body by the evaporation that follows, together with the stimulus given to the ex- halent vessels of the surface. Febrile Diseases. Fevers, as we have shown elsewhere, proceed from a check of perspiration, cold commonly proving the exciting cause. It must be evident, therefore, that the first duty of the practitioner is to remove the in- jury which it has caused to the system. The skin has become torpid, its pores closed, by which the vascular system particularly is disordered as a con- sequence. Heat must, therefore, be applied both in- ternally and externally, to remove this morbid state of the skin, by restoring perspiration. Dr. Armstrong, speaking of typhus, observes, " the warm bath is a safe and efficacious remedy, and, with the means above mentioned, has considerable effect in equalizing the circulation." Again, in speaking of prostration, he remarks ; "This depres- sion of the animal heat, however, occasionally come on in the collapse of typhus, without any apparent cause; an instance of which I have witnessed in a medical gentleman, who I believe would have died if external and internal warmth had not been promptly TREATMENT OF DISEASE. 167 and perseveringly employed. When the pulse still remains oppressed, and the tide of the circulation does not return to the surface, some wine with warm water should be occasionally exhibited, and the pa- tient speedily immersed in a bath, strongly impregna- ted with salt, and at least about the temperature of 100 deg. He should remain in the bath till his skin be- comes warm, and on being removed, it should be well rubbed all over with hot flannels ; and he ought then to be laid in an aired bed with bottles of warm water at his feet. This plan together with tepid wine and water occasionally, will often promote a flow of blood towards the skin, and considerably re- lieve the viscera from congestion." Inflammation of the Lungs. The lungs are very liable to receive morbid im- pressions from the influence of cold suddenly applied to the body. After a person has been very much heated, and immediately after exposed to a current of air ; or if he has been long exposed to the sedative and debilitating influence of cold, the pores become closed, morbific matter is retained in the system, and the blood in an accumulated quantity is thrown upon the mucous membrane, or the parenchyma of the lungs. Irritation and inflammation takes place, which, if not arrested, is followed by suppuration. Now under these circumstances, perspiration must M immediately resorted to, to counteract the deleterious 168 NATURE, CAUSE, AND effect of this morbific agent, viz. cold. The blood also in this case, as in the other, recedes from the surface and is thrown upon the lungs, causing en- gorgement and irritation; therefore it must be imme- diately recalled by these means. It is here that we have it in our power to arrest that terrific monster, phthisis pulmonalis, or consumption, which daily slays its thousands, by instituting this course of treatment which will terminate the disease by reso- lution, or without suppuration. Bleeding, so far from accomplishing this desirable end, will inevita- bly bring on dangerous or fatal prostration, and in all probability carry the patient to an untimely grave. Dysentery. The dysentery is a disease in which the application of warmth to the surface, and diaphoretic medicines, are very serviceable. It has been thought by some, particularly the ancient physicians, to be a fever translated to the intestines, and from the eflect of perspiration in the complaint, we are led to believe, that it arises from a retention of humors or acrid and morbific matter which is translated to these parts. As soon as the patient begins to perspire freely, he experiences relief. External heat in the form of fomentations, are invariably attended with an admi- rable effect in bowel complaints of every description. They divert the fluids from the intestines to the skin, TREATMENT OF DISEASE. 169 and by their stimulating and relaxing properties, prove very serviceable. The surface and extremities in these diseases are pale and cold, from which we see that the balance of the circulation in the system is lost. Pleurisy. In pleurisy I have had cases, when the patient appeared to be just alive from the cause of the balance of the circulation in the system being lost. The irritation upon the pleura was so great, that a sensation was created as if needles were piercing it, and the breath nearly gone. In this case, when the disease threatened immediate destruction of life, and when scarcely a physician could be found who would not have copiously drawn the vital fluid, and that repeatedly for days, I have pursued the course above recommended, recalled the vitiated blood to the sur- face by producing free perspiration, and I have had the pleasure of witnessing sudden abatement of the pain, succeeded by a recovery of the patients in a few days. Apoplexy. In Apoplexy, this course is attended with much better effects than general blood letting. I cannot think in this disease there is too great a quantity of blood which calls for an abstraction of it, but the disorder arises from unequal circulation. The blood 15* 170 NATURE, CAUSE, AND recedes from the surface and extremities, and is ac- cumulated or effused upon the brain. The remedy then is, to equalize the circulation. I have never failed to arrest the disease by such treatment, particularly in the commencement. Fits. In fits, the practice is equally efficacious. I never knew it fail of affording relief. 1 was called some- time ago to a woman who had been subject to convul- sions for years, and she had sometimes several in the course of the day. The treatment was to divert the fluid from the brain to the surface and extremities. Nothing at all was done for her except on every accession of the fit, to immerse her feet in warm water to which ley had been added, sufficient to render it somewhat sharp or biting to the tongue. This treatment alone in a short period effected a cure. I think I gave her little or no medicine. Fainting. In asphyxia and fainting of every kind, the im- mersion of the feet in warm water, will restore the patient. Hysterics. In hysterics, the same benefit will be experienced. The extremities are cold, the surface pale, attended TREATMENT OF DISEASE. 171 usually with chills, all which is accounted for on the same principle. The treatment should be the same as before recommended. The feet and surface must be bathed with warm water and weak ley, and other means recommended to cause perspiration. If fits come on, the feet should be immersed in warm ley water. Intermittent Fever. In the intermittent fever, or fever and ague in the cold stage, stimulating medicines given internally, and heat applied externally, will be found highly beneficial. The application of sudorific or sweating medicines, just before a paroxysm or fit comes on, will often cure or diminish the violence and contin- uance of it. The duration of the hot stage is always in proportion to the cold: hence those medicines which lessen or moderate the cold, necessarily lessen the hot stage. When the vapor bath cannot be had conveniently, the patient should be well covered in bed, hot bricks or bottles of water may be applied to the sides and feet, warm drinks freely taken until perspiration succeeds. In some cases of intermittent, so powerful is the influence of cold upon the system, that little or no reaction takes place. Nothing but heat in this case will save the life of the patient. Headache. In headache, the same course will be found useful 172 NATURE, CAUSE, AND by diverting the fluids from the head and extremi- ties; the pain arising from different causes will cease. The headache arising from difficult and sup- pressed menstruation, by bathing the feet in warm water and using a hip or warm bath, will often be removed without any other medicine. Dropsy of the Head. The dropsy of the head is also very much relieved by this process, by bathing the feet and surface, and making cold or tepid applications to the head. It pow- erfully assists in allaying the inflammatory action. Inflammation. In phlegmonous and erysepelatous inflammation, perspiration, aided by warm and relaxing poultices, are attended with excellent effects. White Swellings, and other Painful Diseases. In white swellings and other painful diseases, the application of heat in the form of steaming, is attend- ed with the happiest effects, and indeed is often a complete and sovereign remedy. Cases have been relieved and cured by it, which has baffled the skill of our'most noted physicians. This principle proper- ly applied, will mitigate the acute symptoms of white swellings, and similar complaints in fifteen or twenty TREATMENT OF DISEASE. 173 minutes, and by its repeated application, will wholly remove the horrid sufferings of the patient. Inflammation of the Eyes. It is difficult to make a practitioner, unacquainted with the fact, believe what salutary effects follow the means here recommended in cases of opthalmia, or inflammation of the eyes. I have cured inflamma- tion of the eyes, bordering upon blindness, of more than two years standing. I have merely ordered a purgative, a vapor bath once a week, the feet to be bathed every night, or every other night, for a great length of time, and this treatment has re- called the blood from the head to the feet and surface, which, of course, lessens the pain and inflammation of the head. When the head was in pain, and the eyes much inflamed, bathing the feet gave immediate relief. This will not appear strange to the physiologist, or the physician, who understands the pathology of diseases in general. He will at once see the cause, and the indications of cure. Means of Promoting Warmth and Perspiration. I have already hinted at some of the means to pro- mote warmth and perspiration; but it may be prop- er to dwell somewhat more upon them in this place. In general, perspiration may be promoted by taking 171 NATURE, CAUSE, AND warm diluent drinks, and nothing is better than a strong infusion of catnip, freely drank ; also bathing the feet in warm water, or weak ley. The surface in most cases may also be bathed with the same, as warm as possible, while the patient is in bed. The clothes may be raised with one hand, and a piece of flannel dipped in warm ley applied with the other hand to the surface. When one side of the body has been thoroughly bathed from the neck to the feet, then the sick person must be turned on the other side and bathed in the same manner. The liquid should be kept hot or warm by the bedside, and additional clothing sometimes becomes necessary to aid the process. Bottles of hot water may likewise be placed to the sides and feet. These means will answer in many cases, but it often becomes necessary to apply more powerful means to accomplish this object. The pores of the skin are frequently so closed, or constrict- ed, that a greater degree of heat is necessary to open them. For this purpose there is nothing more simple and effectual than the Vapor Bath, mentioned under the head of " remarks on the use of the medicated vapor bath." Certain other medicines to answer these indications will be mentioned, while treating of dif- ferent diseases. The Remediable Influence of Cold. I will now speak of cold applications. This is a class of very great importance, one which has been too long in disrepute, and too little used in our at- TREATMENT OF DISEASE. 175 tempts to alleviate human sufferings. Cold applica- tions are required in high feverish heat, in all bruises, sprains and inflammations, in violent headaches, sore eyes, wasp stings, &c. Now let us look at the reason for applying cold. It is in all cases to prevent too much inflammation. It is one law of our nature as before shown, that an unusual quantity of blood immediately rushes to any part inflamed. As proof, think how quick the eyelids will swell when struck, or the arm swell when stung by a wasp. Now this swelling is in part owing to the flesh being crowded too full with blood. Again : it is another law of our nature that less blood goes to any part that is cold, and more to any part that is warm. As proof, in winter we come into the house with hands, face, ears, &c. white with cold ; but at the same time we find those sitting by the fire red with heat. By this course of reasoning, then, we see why cold is applied ; and may also learn all the cases in which it is required, viz. in all cases where we wish to prevent inflammation and swelling, or where swel- ling has taken place and we wish to remove it. And we may learn by remaining out in a cold evening long enough to freeze the ear, that we have driven every particle of blood from it, and it is as white as a lily. In all common cases, much less cold than that will an- swer our purposes. The effect will always be the same, differing only in degree. Cold will always keep the 176 NATURE, CAUSE, AND blood from rushing to the part; that is, will prevent inflammation and swelling, and that is what we are called upon to do. Having proved then that cold applications are necessary and useful, the next ques- tion will be, how will this application be made ? What article shall be used 1 I will say that there are many articles, and many ways of accomplishing this object; but the cheapest, the most convenient, the neatest and altogether the best mode of applying cold, is by means of cold water. —Cold is applied then in cases of inflammation of various kinds. Of the brain, the application of cold water is attended with benefit. In certain cases of typhus fever, ablution and the effusion of it has often been attended with benefit. Also in other febrile diseases, where the heat is above the natural tem- perature of the body, except in eruptive diseases in which it should not be used. In hemorrhages cold water is sometimes used with advantage. In weak and inflamed eyes it imparts tone and a healthy ac- tion to them. In contusions and sprains the applica- tion of cold water is sometimes useful, and occasion- ally it has been found of benefit in the form of the cold and shower bath, but heat or warmth in most diseases is far preferable. TREATMENT OF DISEASE. 177 Additional Remarks. Although I have laid great emphasis upon the ne- cessity and importance of promoting warmth and perspiration in diseases, I wish it not to be under- stood that it is insisted upon or recommended to the exclusion of other appropriate means, or that other remedies be in any wise neglected. I have dwelt more largely upon this subject, because physicians generally have not paid that attention to it which it deserves, and because they, like Dr. Sangrado, have substituted bleeding for perspiration, believing no doubt that no other means are sufficient to reduce it. Again, I have not in this treatise insisted so strenuously upon attention to the other excretions, because there is not so great a disparity in our views, as there is on the subject of the capillary system. We all agree upon the propriety of fulfilling most of the indications for the cure of disease, but the wide, the radical, the irreconcilable difference, consists in the various means made use of, to fulfil those indications of cure. 16 CHAPTER X. Character of Fevers in general. This class of diseases is characterized by an in- crease of heat, an accelerated pulse, a foul tongue, and an impaired state of the functions of the body. I agree in opinion with Dr. Donalsonon fevers, who says, that, during his travels in the East Indies, in the years 1810, '1.1, '14, '15, and '16, I had many opportunities of observing the plan pursued in the case of fevers, by the East Indians. Thus it may be perceived, how 1 came to possess a new doctrine and theory of fevers, and to institute a new method of treatment on the foundation of a sure and certain principle of practice. I have seen the East Indian practitioners cure the most vehement cases of inter- mittent fevers in the space of a single day, with such mathematical precision and certainty, as I nev- er beheld in any region of the earth ; by purging, vomiting, and sweating, &c. I perceived that they also cured without knowing the nature of disease, or the principles of their practice ; and was led to be- lieve all diseases curable, if we could only discover the remedies against them, and would apply these CHARACTER OF FEVERS.- 179 remedies in due time and to sufficient extent, to ef- fect these possible ends. Their method of treat- ment consisted in their administration of a medicine that effectually purged and vomited their patients, who were obliged at the same?- time to use the steam bath, and to drink abundantly of warm teas until copious or profuse sweat was produced, and the fe- ver was mechanically reduced, leaving nothing to be done by, feeble nature, as the ancient and modern practitioners of Europe were accustomed to do many ages prior to the days of Bottallus and Sydenham. Description of Fevers. Fever is an increased action of the heart and ar- teries, to expel from the system irritation or morbific matter. It is salutary in its nature, being the means used to throw off something that offend or oppresses her. It is often fatal, but this is rather to be attri- buted to the fault of the constitution, than the disease itself, or rather to the want of proper remedies. When a person is suddenly attacked by shiverings or rigours, followed by a hot skin, a quick pulse, and a feeling of languor and lassitude, he is said to have an attack of fever. With such symptoms are usual- ly present also a loss of appetite, thirst, restlessness, and diminished secretion. These consitute the lead- ing symptoms of fever, the characteristic features by which its presence may always be detected. Every function of the body indeed is more or less disturbed. 180 CHARACTER OF FEVERS CAUSES OF FEVER. Remote Causes. I. Cold. 2. Heat. 3. Marsh or vegetable effluvia. 4. Human effluvia. 5. Animal effluvia, to which may be added great exertion and fatigue, the passions, injuries, &c. But cold, or a check of perspiration, no doubt, produces three-fourths of febrile diseases. Intermediate Causes. 1, Morbid state of the stomach from worms. bile, &c. 2. Obstruction in the capillary vessels. Proximate Causes. Extraneous morbific or deleterious agents, gener- ated in or out of the body, mixed with the blood, and acting as incitants or stimulants upon the internal surface of the heart and arteries, propelling the blood with increased force or velocity, in order to expel these morbific agents by the skin or other outlets or excre- tions of the system. IN GENERAL. 181 Symptoms. The first characteristic of fever, are chills, some- times a sensation as if cold water was running down the back. The patient complains of great coldness, and flushings, and great heat succeeds; the pulse becomes more frequent, full and harder, showing an increased action of the heart and arteries. There is a sense of languor, lassitude, and fatigue, which is increased by exertion. Pain in different parts of the body, in the head and neck, along the course of the spine, in the extremities, in the muscles and joints; soreness of the flesh, want of sleep and difficulty of breathing is experienced. All the secretions and ex- cretion of the body are deranged. The tongue is coated with a foul substance, loss of appetite, nausea, the mouth dry and clammy, the skin dry and parched. General Indications of Cure. Restore the suppressed evacuations, or the secre- tions and excretions. This will remove the offending, or irritating cause, and when this is removed the effect, or in other words the fever, must necessarily cease! In fulfilling this one indication, consists the whole secret of curing febrile diseases. Particular Indications of Cure. 1. Moderate the violence of arterial excitement. 16* 182 CHARACTER OF FEVERS 2. Obviate local inflammation and congestion. 3. Support the powers of the system. 4. Relieve urgent symptoms. The necessity of fulfilling all these indications must be borne in mind by the practitioner. In every mo- dification of fever, it becomes his duty to render him- self an assistant of nature. What she endeavors in the commencement of the disease to accomplish, is, to evacuate the deleterious agents by the proper passages. The whole business of art, therefore, is to assist her in these two efforts of secretion and excretion of the morbific matter. There are few preparations which have a greater tendency to diminish heat; to attenuate viscid hu- mors ; remove obstructions; promote perspiration ; increase the quantity of urine, than drinking freely of water, or any other weak diluting liquor, of which it is the basis. The necessity of such drinks or liquors, is plainly indicated by the dry tongue, parch- ed skin, and the burning heat, as well as by the extreme thirst of the patient. Secretions and Excretions. When they are restored to their healthy action, how quick does convalescence take place. The gastric, the alvine, the urinary and perspiratory dis- charges and functions become natural; the heat of the system equalised; the pulse falls to its natural standard, and with this decline of the febrile commo- IN GENERAL. . 183 tion, there is a correspondent, healthy action in every organ; the appetite is improved, and strength and health is re-established. The Stomach. When we reflect upon the extensive influence of the stomach over the system, and particularly the skin, we shall be able more readily to appreciate the utility of emetics in febrile diseases. The adminis- tration of an emetic, proves very effectual. It not only cleanses the stomach of any bilious, feculent, irritating, or any morbific matter; but it proves emi- nently beneficial by the general relaxation which follows it, approaching sometimes almost to fainting, and which extends to the skin, and produces per- spiration. They may, as a general rule, be given where there is much nausea, and where there is no peculiarity of constitution to forbid. They are very serviceable in bilious, intermitting, and remitting fevers. The Boioels. The intimate relation which exists between the whole of the alimentary tube or canal, the skin, and other parts of the animal economy, points out the necessity of promoting in them a healthy action. Purgatives, therefore, have a decided good effect in fever. The preternatural excitement of the blood vessels is sensibly diminished by the exhibition of pur- r84 CHARACTER OF FEVERS gatives. This effect takes place by removing the feculent matter which they contain, and by stimula- ting the exhalent vessels of the mucous membrane of the intestines, causing them to pour out copious effusions from the blood, or circulating mass. Nursing. In vain will the best medicines be given without a proper nurse or person to administer it, and to attend faithfully to every duty of her office or business. It is very seldom that we find a good nurse, as profita- ble and as important as the profession is. Some are ignorant, some careless and inattentive. I know not but that I may say, that more depends upon a good nurse than upon the physician. It is the duty of the nurse to punctually administer the medicine prescribed, according to the directions given, and not to cheat the physician by throwing it into the fire, and then give their own nostrums or some others, and when interrogated respecting it, dissem- ble and lie by affirming that it has been given.— This practice is very reprehensible, no matter what kind of practitioner attends the patient. Let the physician be discharged, or follow his prescrip- tions. It is the duty of the nurse to pay strict attention, also, to the wants of the sick, to the medicines, drink, diet, &c. that they be given in right quantities, and in a right time ; that the clothes of the patient and IN GENERAL. 185 his bed, be often changed, and kept clean. Also, that every thing offensive, be immediately removed. Let the room be kept well ventilated, clean, and quiet. It is not her duty to dictate and pretend to know more than the person who prescribes, nor to suffer a dozen gossips, or women, to associate together, and recommend new doctors, patent medicines, nostrums, &c. or to make use of any language, calculated to excite distrust, unnecessary alarm or fear of the pa- tient or friends. Great mischief is often done by such a course of conduct, and all classes of physicians suiicr much by it. Nurses who are guilty of such deportment, ought to be at once discharged. CHAPTER XI. Cancer. This is a painful scirrhus tumor, terminating in a fatal ulcer. Every portion of the body is liable to the disease, but the glands are the parts most subject to it, and women are more liable to it than men. There is but one known species, divided into occult and open, or indolent and ulcerous, which means nothing more than the different stages of the disease, as it advances from a scirrhus to a malignant state. It generally is small in the beginning, and increases gradually; but though the skin changes to a red or livid appearance, and the state of tumor from an indolent to a painful one, it is sometimes very difficult to say when the scirrhous really becomes a cancer, the progress being quick or slow, according to con- curring causes. When the tumor is attended with a peculiar kind of burning, shooting pains, and the skin hath acquired the dusky purple, or livid hue, it may then be deemed the malignant scirrhus, or con- firmed cancer. When thus far advanced in women's breasts, the tumor sometimes increases speedily to a CANCER. 187 great size, having a knotty unequal surface, more glands becoming obstructed, the nipple sinks in, tur- gid veins are conspicuous, ramifying around, and resembling a crab's claw. The same symptoms accompany an internal cancer. A cancerous tumor never lessen and sink down in suppuration, like an inflammatory one. When it is ready to break open, it generally becomes prominent in some minute point. Ulcers of the cancerous nature discharges a thin foetid, acrid sanies, which corrodes the parts. They have thick, dark-colored retorted edges, and fungus excrescences rises out of the ulcer. Mr. Charles Whitlaw, the distinguished medical botanist says:— "The term cancerous is Greek, the disease being thus called from the crab-like ramifications of the dark, distended veins of the cancerous tumors. The question is of some consequence, whether it be a constitutional, or a local, an hereditary, or an occa- sional disease. Much has been said, and well said, on all sides. I will not argue whether cancer is local, hereditary, or constitutional, but come to the point at once. I do assert, that it is produced by the ranun- culus or buttercup, that is eaten by the cattle and sheep. The oil of that poisonous plant, forming for the most part the butter and the fat of meat. I am well convinced of this, owing to an experiment made by a young man in 1817. A blister that was drawn on his leg, by applying a portion of the plant, termi- nated in a cancer. Since that time, I have never lost 188 CANCER. sight of the effects, of that most destructive plant upon the human frame. In the year 1808, when traveling through the west- ern part of the state of New York, particularly on the flats along the banks of the Genesee river, I met with a number of cases of reputed cancer. The In- dians were very successful in curing the disorder. After many fruitless efforts to learn the nature of the remedies they used, a fortunate circumstance at length put me in possession of the secret. A German shoemaker, who had already discovered many of their simples, went to the doctor's wigwam with a lady, who had the disorder in her nose and mouth, the bones of which were in a state of decomposition. As they approached, a woman ran out with a child screaming in her arms, from the effects of a burn. While the doctor and the rest were busily employed in commisserating the distressed child, and dipping it in a neighboring pool to sooth the pain, the shoe- maker observed the pan containing the herbs pre- paring for the cancer, and took the opportunity to conceal a handful of them in his pocket, which he im- mediately brought to me. The sample consisted of three different herbs; the quantity of each gave me a tolerable good idea of the proportions, and I in- stantly formed a decoction, which I compared with the Indian's remedies. Shortly afterwards I left the Genesee for New Caledonia, a Scotch settlement. Here an opportunity was offered me to make a full CANCER. 189 trial of my new discovery, in the case of a woman afflicted with a disorder said to be cancer. The fore part of her upper jaw, her uvula and palate were destroyed by the disease, which was making rapid progress towards her complete destruction. The operation of the medicine was at first powerfully se- dative, and allayed the excruciating torments under which she suffered so effectually, that whenever the pains returned, she had recourse to the medicine. The rapid progress she made towards recovery was astonishing, and she was finally cured. This case so established the character of the remedy, that its re- putation soon brought around me many similar cases from the neighboring country. I challenge any man to produce a case of cancer, where the buttercup does not grow. In a number of cases, which have come under my treatment, in a scirrhous state, the tumours in the breast were from the size of a walnut to that of a coffee-cup, and some were the size of, and form of a common tea-saucer. I have not only succeeded in dispersing these, but many others in the maxillary glands. The individuals' are now in perfect health; but if they were to eat the fat of buttercup meat and butter, the disorder would be excited again. A cir- cumstance has happened within a few days, which furnishes sufficient evidence that one of the patients is sensible of the effect of butter on the system. A young woman, who, some time ago, had a cancer in her breast, but who is now in good health, will try 17 190 CANCER. the experiment upon herself, before a respectable body of disinterested men, to prove what I have stated. She will readily submit to the trial, if re- quired, as she is confident that I can restore her again: and that in doing so, she might confer a great benefit on her fellow creatures. It is desirable that the trial be made. I will conclude my remarks on the properties of the ranunculus or buttercup, by stating some experi- ments made in 1817, by a number of young medical gentlemen who attended my botanical lectures, in order to ascertain the specific action of a number of plants, belonging to the acrid and corrosive poisons. Various trials were not only made on dogs and cats, both internally and externally, but three of the stu- dents made several upon themselves. The first in- dividual was a young man who had flaxen hair, blue eyes, had lived principally on vegetables, and was of an acid temperament of body. He applied a plaster made from the buttercup to the fleshy part of one of his arms. In a short time the part was slightly inflamed, but the skin was not broken: these symptoms did not last long. The second person'was very healthy, and had lived upon a proper mixture of vegetable food. He applied the buttercup plaster about the same time in the evening as the other individual. In the morning, fine blisters were raised, and when discharged, washed, and dressed, they healed as well as those drawn by cantharides. The third per- son lived chiefly on butcher's meat, and was particu- CAN'dER. 191 larly fond of fat and butter. He had dark hair, grey eyes, and a bilious appearance. He applied to his leg, upon going to bed, a plaster from the same mass as the other two, and found in a short time that it had produced the most violent inflammation. He bore the pain for upwards of two hours, when it became so insupportable that he-took it off, and found the following morning that a blister had been raised. had broken and discharged. The humour had cor- roded the skin as far as the plaster, and ichor had extended, and a large ulcer followed. This we could not heal. It eorroded the flesh to the bone, and emitted an inchorous foetid discharge resembling can- cer. A number of medical men were of opinion that amputntion must be resorted to, in order to save his life : there were others of opinion that absorption had taken place, and therefore amputation would be dangerous. The cause of the inflammation was as- cribed by the former to the sympathetic action of the poison, and not to absorption. In this dilemma I persuaded the gentleman not to submit to any opera- tion, but recommended him to take the advice of an Indian doctor. To this he assented; and the doctor, upon seeing the ease, declared he could cure him, if he would eonfine himself to a prescribed diet. This was to eonsist principally of vegetables ; and neither salt, spices, nor any heating substances, were to be eaten. I could not, at that time, discover the nature of the. herbs he employed, but with them he soon brought the ulcer to a healthy state, for it granulated 192 CANCER. and healed rapidly : thus showing the importance of a vegetable diet in cancerous cases. About a month afterwards an eruption broke out on the second case, resembling chicken pox : the vesicles filled and dis- charged a matter somewhat resembling small pox ; afterwards forming a crust or scab. During the con- tinuance of the fever, the inflammation had a dark red appearance, and the pustules were of a bluish color, the largest of which had a tendency to ulcer- ate ; but, by adopting a vegetable diet, and an alter- ative medicine, they soon disappeared. I saw a young man who had been treated for a white swelling in the elbow joint, and had taken a considerable quantity of calomel. A plaster of the buttercup was applied to the swelling, which, in a short time, brought on the most active inflammation. I was called to see the patient, after ulceration to a considerable extent had taken place. I found the bones of the arm, from the shoulder joint to the wrist, in a carious state, the face and eyes much affected, and the patient diseased beyond hope of cure. In the case of a young lady, afflicted with an in- durated gland or swelling in the side of the neck, a small slice of the root of ranunculus was applied to the tumour at night : it drew a blister, which broke before morning ; the water corroded the skin as far as it extended ; her face and nose became much inflamed and swollen, and the roof of her mouth ulcerated. I prescribed a vegetable diet, al- CANCER-. 193 termive medicine, and the vapor bath, which soon subdued its effects. I could multiply innumerable instances of its effects in my experience. Opium ts another article, which has a decided ill effect upon cancerous constitutions. Among the numerous cases of scirrhous and cancer that: have come under my treatment, I have not met with a case of fungus hsematodes of bleeding cancer, or severe "bleeding in common cancer, where opium had not been administered. Opium never fails to disease the blood vessels and increase mortification of the parts, in all cases of open cancer^ and to Use the language of the ancients, it eases pain, not by mitigating it, but by the obstruction of the animal spirits for the time. As far as my observations have extended, I have noticed, that as soon as the sedative powers of the opium is over, an increase of pain is Sure to follow, attended with inflammation and mor- tification ; and I do firrnly believe that the use of opium ought to be prohibited. It may be given to alleviate pain, by such practitioners as have not a better remedy. All who have written Upon opium, at least those works which I have seen, say that the article was unknown to Hippocrates. My opinion is that he too well knew the effects of that destruc- tive drug to administer it: yet there never has been since his day so successful a practitioner as he was, and without using opium. So dangerous and various are its effects, that the subject cannot be too strong* 17* 194 CANCbK. ly argued, nor quotation multiplied, to decry the existing evil. It now becomes a duty in me, to inform those who are so unfortunate as to have cancerous tumors in the breast and other parts of the body, that if they apply to me in time, they may generally expect a cure; but if the disorder be allowed to inflame and suppurate, or the integuments to be destroyed, there is little hope of recovery. It is not surprising that the faculty will not believe, that cancer of the breast and womb can be cured after it suppurates; for this reason, that it is so closely connected with the heart and lungs and other vital parts. At one of my vapor bath establishments in America, I gave the medical gentlemen a list of plants that were never made use of by any medical adviser. Of the number, one was found a specific for the cure of cancer in the face. The plant, and a description of the case, were sent to me; and upon trial, I have found the plant beneficial in a number of open can- cerous cases, in an incipient stage. Whether the dis- order will return, I am not able to say, but have reason to hope it will not: should it not, the discovery will prove the best ever made in the history of medicine. The first case on record, is a gentleman of seventy years of age. The cancer began in his lip, and had corroded half his cheek; it discharged an ichorous sanious matter of an intolerable smell. Every re- medy had been tried by a number of medical men without the least success, until the plant in question INFLAMMATION OF THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE. 195 was given. As soon as sufficient evidence of its spe- cific virtues can be produced, it will be made public for the benefit of mankind. Inflammation of the Mucous Membrane of the Trachea, Lungs, §'C. It is generally admitted that persons, when once afflicted with a disorder of mucous membrane of the trachea, windpipe, epiglottis, and lungs, cannot ob- tain relief from the usual means resorted to. The disorder is frequently confounded with the croup, a very different disease. Sixty years ago few cases of that nature were to be met with, but that within the last ten years, they have increased in malignity and degree to an alarming extent. Formerly the com- plaint was confined to the aged and infirm, but lat- terly it has made great inroads upon our youth. I believe the disease to originate from impure water, fat meat, bad butter, bad milk, and bad cheese, the produce of cattle fed on poisonous weeds, proving both pernicious and destructive to life. The un- wholesome properties found in the food mentioned, induce visceral inflammation and indigestion, with all their awful train of attendants; and when mer- cury, in its various forms, are used as cures, it only aggravates the disorder, particularly when taken on 196 COSTlVENESS. an acid stomach, as it then becomes a corrosive poison, ulcerating the intestines, diseasing the blood vessels, bones and brain. Costiveness. To obviate this complaint, recourse is generally had to purgative medicines, which frequently ag- gravate the disease. The French have long pursued a much more beneficial mode of treatment. Instead of drastic purgatives, they apply a simple remedy to the dis- ordered organ, in the form of a clyster, which, if properly administered, softens and dissolves the con- tents of the bowels, removes obstructions, by the mechanical distention it produces, and by its gentle stimulus, restores a healthy tone and action, without producing pain or putting the person to any incon- venience. Mr. Frederick Liese, surgical instrument maker, New York, has constructed an improved do- mestic syringe of great value. The apparatus is- so simple that it can be applied by an invalid with the Greatest ease, without the assistance of a second per- son and is capable of transmitting any quantity of fluid desired. The Enama may be made of pure soft water or Castile soap and water. I cannot too strong- ly recommend the use of this self-injecting machine. No family should be without one. I have had repeated SCROFULA. 197 proofs of its decided advantage over every other instrument within my knowledge, invented for the same purpose. Struma. (Scrofula.) Struma Vulgaris. (King's Evil.) This is a disease arranged in the Cullenian sys- tem, in the class, Cachexias order impetigines. Dr. Cullen distinguishes four species. 1. Scrofula Vul- garis, when it is not connected with any other exter- nal and permanent disorder. 2. Scrofula Mesenteri- ca, when internal with loss of appetite, testinal de- rangement and pale countenance. 3. Scrofula Fu- gax. This species is situated only about the neck. 4. Scrofula Americana, when it is joined with the yaws. Celsus includes it under one head, possessing but one character, Scrofa Struma, a swine ; because this an- imal is naturally subject to it, and is thought to be the general cause of it in mankind, from their eating swine flesh. Dr. Stall makes a distinction betweer Scrofula and Struma, by regarding one as local anc the other as constitutional or a heriditary disease. Dr. Mason Good, in his system of Tosology, has ar- ranged it in the class, H^matia, order Dysthetica, Genus Struma, Species, Struma Vulgaris. The Scro- fula, when seated in the neck behind the ears and under the chin, is generally known as the King's Evil called so from the custom of patients formerly submitting to the royal touch. Called also the Sev- 198 SCROFULA. enth Son disease, because it has been superstitiously believed that the touch of a seventh son would cure it most effectually. It has likewise been calledSwine- evil, Swine swelling and Swine's Tumours, from the fact of that animal being subject to this mobid dis- ease. Dr. Charles Whitlaw, has taken a view of Scrofula different from any other writer upon the sub- ject with which I am acquainted. His opinion is consistent with the laws of nature, and therefore perfectly correct. He says : " I am truly astonished that the cause of the disor- der in swine, was not known before the time of Dr- Mason Good, and that he should remain ignorant of it to his death. In order to assist in investigating this subject, it will be well to examine into the method of feeding swine in London. It is customary to feed the greater part of them on putrid substances obtain- ed from the dust-holes, and the refuse part of the car- cases of old and diseased horses. I have frequently visited the places where the an- imals are fed, and have invariably found the stench of their food so .strong, as not to be endured. Five thousand are annually fed in that way, and sold in the London market. The practice is not confined to the metropolis, for numbers of persons who obtain a living by feeding pigs, will not allow the food to be eaten until it becomes putrid, several tubs being kept for the purpose in which meal and greens are thrown. What, I would ask, can it arise from, but the acid SCROFULA. L9vi and putrid food they make use of? And what must be the consequence to those that eat their flesh, but the same disorders? Can we, moreover, be astonish- ed, that persons afflicted with such diseases are rare- ly or never cured, when the faculty not only allow. but even recommend them to eat pork } The advocates for eating pork may adduce suffi- cient evidence of its engrossing tendency, as is mani- fest in the peasantry of Hampshire, proverbially cal- led Hampshire bolters : but as I have had such fre- quent opportunities of observing the filthy, or I would say, beastly disorders it generates, 1 cannot for a moment entertain the same opinions with such ad- vocates. Many Jews who have applied to me for advice. were surprised when I accused them of eating pork. The accusation arose from it being evident that the leprous affection, in its various forms, could not have originated without the use of pork. The charge was not denied, and conviction appeared to have its full force, for confession shortly followed, and my sur- mises were confirmed. The effects of pork upon the Jews are more active and fatal than upon other people: they are marked by the pork passing rapidly into the putrid fermenta- tion in the stomach, and producing a bilious attack, after the leprous spots begin to appear. I have never met with a case of leprosy, that could not be traced to the use of pork; and the prevalence of scrofula, and other disorders, is no less surprising 200 SCROFULA. when such disgusting and loathsome food is so gen- erally eaten. One halfof the deaths in London may be attributed to the use of such food, vinegar, sour fruit, the various poisons and acrid substances that are given to alleviate and cure, and the common prac- tice of overloading the stomach with food. The consequences of acid and acrid substances on the constitution of men and animals are as follows: The acid, combined with lime, becomes hard in the glands, and other parts of the body, forming what is called the glandular disease of a scrofulous nature: acids destroy the red colour of the blood, and contract the calibre of the blood-vessels, by which the circu- lation of the blood is much accelerated, and produces what Linnaeus calls critical fever: acids will also form tubercles in the lungs, hence pulmonary con- sumption; tumours in the brain; and not unfrequently deprives mankind of reason. Acid and acrid sub- stances, particularly butter and the fat of meat, pro- duce the most dreadful of all disorders—the leuchor- roea or whites in women. I have frequently made inquiries of medical men, as to their opinion of the extent of the disease. The general idea entertained by them is, that it exists now more than it ever did, or that half the women in London are afflicted with the disorder. The children born of such women will be more or less subject to scrofula." MEDICAL TREATMENT. 201 Medical Treatment. The course of treatment which I pursue in the cure of Scrofula, Cancer, Necrosis, Caries, Ulcers on the legs, and other parts of the body, is as follows : I first give purgatives and internal alteratives, and the medicated vapor baths properly prepared with herbs, to increase the action of the absorbent system, always taking as much care as possible that my pa- tients live on the diet recommended in this work un- der the head of " Cookery for the sick," and " Plan of diet for invalids." Externally I apply the vapor bath, medicate! fomentations, cleansing washes, poul- tices, ointments, salves, anti-acids, and strengthening medicines. Under this treatment I have generally found the disorder yield and the patient wholly re- cover under my care. In all cases a cure cannot reasonably be expected in a short time, for it often happens that the patient has not the means to defray the expense of a protracted cure,, but in all cases when they can afford the expense of a cure, a per- fect one may be expected. When the bones are rot- ten, or otherwise diseased, and the general health bad, it will take much longer to effect a cure. Dis- eased bones invariably arise from mercury, cor- rosive sublimate, or mercurial preparations, and from corrosive plants used as medicines. When mercury is taken on an acid stomach for any length of time, it is easily detected in the numerous diseases which 18 202 DISEASES. REMEDIES. it produces. When it becomes fixed in the consti- tution it is very difficult to remove. List of Diseases and their Remedies. For Bilious Complaints, Anti Bilious Physic or Pills. Consumptions, Coughs &c. Pulmonary Syrup and He- Female Weakness and gen- patic Pills. eral Debility, Restorative Bitters. The Piles, Pile Electuary. Liver Complaints, Hepatic Pills and Com- Dyspepsy and acid stom- pound Bitters. ach, Anti Dyspeptic Pills. Worms, Worm Powders. Bowel Complaints, such as Diarrhoea, Dysen- tery, Cholera Morbus, and Summer Complaints of Children, Neutralizing Mixture. Affections of the Kidneys, Bladder, &c. Diuretic Drops & Mixture. Salt Rheum, Tetter, &c. Herpetic Wash and Oint- ' ment. Rheumatism, Rheumatic Pills and Liq- uid. Weak and sore Eyes, Eye Water. Weakness in the Back, pain in the side, breast, Strengthening and Rheu- &c. matic Plaster. Ulcers, Burns,