>0"' ™S-^V^4'>'-/Vr''r';-vv;;'-'-;'''---'''-';.':';: .'■••:. £j'iAMi^.>•.?,■•■*■ ■ ,\ '';•;->- , !" Sp-'•^'#!1':^->'-^: &v&-;p•'::•:;: •' ■■■• ^»,#?;p^7P:x y 'M B® •dK^vb 1 •>" '•** '/S^*©**- r? rc-srr^r—-^CiJO'PfOpy:----x V Surgeon General's Office f-i WBWWSk I *ecftcn,. &- No 2JCIM. ^—~^, * „ "i v, ?<° ■ V\ Q ". EXPOSITION MOTORPATHY: NEW SYSTEM OF CURING DISEASE, STATUMINATING, VITALIZING MOTION. V By H. HALSTED, M. D, ■■';-'L $*l'i &Cy ■••■'• , 7^» "-"'TiC p ROCHESTER, N. Y. PRESS OF CURTIS & BUTTS, DAILY UNION OFFICE, MUSEUM BUILDING. 1853. / Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by H. HALSTED, M. D., In the Clerk's Office of the District. Court of the United States, for the Northern District of New York. PREFACE. The intention in publishing this brief "Exposition of Motorpathy," is to attract attention to a new system of curing disease, which has been educed in twenty years' practice, and has proved so eminently successful in removing the most obstinate and unmanageable cases, that I could but desire, that the principle and manner of treatment should be more widely known, for the benefit of the sick and suffer- ing. In this work, this system is more particularly applied to the cure of Uterine diseases, though it is equally efficacious in that of all Chronic diseases, where the structure is not destroyed. The applica- tion of this principle of treatment to acute diseases, has not been so widely tested, but in as far as applied no indications have been pre- sented of less successful results. The Pathology of disease and Thera- peutic effects of remedial agents are the same, as are generally known in the Science of Medicine; it being only the primary cause of disease and the peculiar application of Therpeutical agents in reference to this principle, which we claimed as a discovery. The evident marks of haste, which will be noticed on perusal, are unavoidable, owing to the pressure of business; but a word to physicians, making known to them such a system and its great success in curing the most unyield- ing diseases, will be sufficient to induce them to examine and prove its merit. "Wishing for the forbearance, for which I hardly dare hope, I can only trust in my desire to contribute a little even, to the allevia- tion of human suffering. H. Halsted. Rochester, N. Y., Halsted Hall, January, 1853. CONTENTS. PAGE. Preface.................................................. 3 Motorpathy.—Remarks.—Motion.—Its Existence in Minerals, Veg- etables and Animals.—Man, a Complex Being.—Substantia Pri- ma.— Vita-Motive Power.—The Brain.—The Two Recuperative Principles.—Disease Caused by Loss of Motion.—Ita Manifesta- tion in a Paralyzed Limb.—No one Remedy or Course of Treat- ment, can Cure all Diseases.—Motorpathy................... 1 CHAPTER I. Woman.—Her Physical Condition in a State of Nature.—Its Con- trast, under Civilization.—The Necessity of Reform in her Habits......................................... CHAPTER II. Pathology of Uterine Diseases...................... CHAPTER III. Functional Diseases.—Amenorrhea.—Cases.—Treatment CHAPTER IY Dysmenorrhea.—Cases............................. CHAPTER V. Menorrhagia.—Cases.............................. CHAPTER VL Leucorrhea.—Cases............................... 32 44 52 61 64 VI CONTENTS. CHAPTER VIL PAGE. Irritable Uterus.—Cases....................................14 CHAPTER VIII. Sterility.—Abortion.—Cases.................................80 CHAPTER IX. Uterine Displacements.—Prolapsus Uteri.—Retroversion.—Ante- version.—Cases.......................................... 88 CHAPTER X. Simple and Malignant Ulcerations of the Uterus.—Granulations of the Os-Uteri.—Cases.....................................108 CHAPTER XL Uterine and Ovarian Tumors.—Cases.........................119 CHAPTER XIL Chronic Diseases.—Dyspepsia.—Hepatitis.—Chronic Diarrhea.— Scrofula—Incipient Consumption.—Bronchitis.—Kidney and Urinary Diseases.—Dropsy.—Insanity.—Nervous Irritability.— Neuralgia.—Paralysis.—Epilepsy.—Spinal Disease.—Cases.— Treatment...............................................126 MOTORPATHY. Remarks.—Motion.—Its Existence in Minerals, Vegetables and Ani- mals.—Man, a Complex Being.—Substantia Prima.— Vita-Motive Power.—The Brain.—The Two Recuperative Principles.—Loss of Motion, Cause of Disease.—Its Manifestation in a Paralyzed Limb. No one Remedy or Course of Treatment can Cure all Diseases.— Motorpathy. The conclusion which is forced upon the mind by contem- plating the improvements of the present day, is, that science is progressing to that state of perfection, when fundamental truths will be established upon such a basis, that succeeding genera- tions will not denounce them as hypothetical chimeras, but will own their correctness, and deduce from them still greater truths. To no one science does this conclusion apply so forcibly as to that of Medicine. Experience, observation and generali- zation of facts, obtained from comparative anatomy and phys- iology, post-mortem examinations and medical practice, combine to render it, as an art and science, profound, correct and of lasting benefit to mankind. The free-thinking, restless multitude, are requiring knowledge on every subject. Eager to grasp whatever the mind can fathom in science, the attention has been turned upon the human system—that body through which the soul is manifested. A knowledge of the laws and principles that govern the animal 8 EXPOSITION OF economy, are earnestly demanded, and should be given to all; for upon it depends, serenity of mind, longevity and the de- crease of disease. The repeated inquiries in regard to our mode of curing dis- ease, and the theory upon which it is based, together with the previously adopted opinion, that no one member of humanity is isolated from the rest, but that each should live for the whole, and that whatever knowledge is gained should be diffused for the benefit of all—have occasioned us to make this a medium, through which our views and opinions may be made known to the general reader, as well as to the inquiring student of Medi- cal Science. Recognizing the spirit of investigation inherent in every philosophic mind, and the close analysis given to new theories, to discover their truth or falsity, as well as the unspar- ing severity with which the lovers of time-honored opinions denounce any thing new as false and hypothetical—it is not without diffidence that publicity is given to opinions, long since established by observations made upon the living subject, of health and disease. The physician has to deal with living, acting, diseased hu- manity ; and if he would be successful, he must not only gather his knowledge from the past experience and profound research of those who have left the rich fruits of their labors as a legacy to all coming time; but he must be possessed of " the great and fundamental truth, that in Medicine, probably even more than in any other science, the basis of all our knowledge is the accu- rate observation of actual phenomena; and that the correct generalization of these phenomena should be the sole foundation MOTORPATHY. 9 for all our reasoning." These phenomena are gathered as much from the living, as the dead subject of disease. A science, to be true, must be based upon legitimate, incontrovertible facts ; and these facts are to be obtained before any deductions can be made, or theory established. In presenting a new theory as to the cause of disease, and the best method of curing it, we are sensible of the opprobrium which may be heaped upon us by opposing minds, who are satisfied with the amount of knowledge already acquired, and regard any farther advancement as unnecessary. But believing there are those, solicitous of acquiring knowledge from every source, having " minds disposed to the reception of truth, de- termined to follow it, wherever it may lead;" and believing also, that every medical practitioner should " bear in mind, that his profession is a deposit placed in his hands for the benefit of mankind;" and that it devolves upon him, though realizing his inability to the task, to give as much public infor- mation as possible, regarding the laws of health, the liabilities to disease, and the best means of preventing or eradicating it when once established; the publication of this work is ven- tured upon, incomplete as it may be. In establishing the system of Motorpathy, no new science of Medicine is to be revealed. " Medicine, as a science, cannot be changed, but can be improved ; " and a true system of Pa- thology and Therapeutics be established, which "will admit of continued progression." It is not compatible with the pri- mary object of this treatise, to present an account of all the causes which have led to the adoption of the theory of Motor- 10 EXPOSITION OP pathy, nor to give a detailed and minute account of organic structure, and the changes which take place in it. Suffice it to say, that a careful consideration of all the appearances that disease puts forth, and a collection of observations and facts from the living subject of health and disease, during many laborious years devoted to the alleviation of human suffering, have led to the discovery of the principles on which this system is based. These principles are the same, which many whose names have descended to posterity as contributors to the sta- bility of the science of Medicine, have aimed at, but failed to discover. Though desirous of avoiding, as much as possible, entering into theories and speculations which have so generally prevailed during the past and present age, yet it may be neces- sary occasionally to do so, in order that the subject before us may be more clearly elucidated. Premising that the reader has already asked the question, which has so often been proposed, " What is Motorpathy, and what does it signify in the treatment of disease ?" an explana- tion of it will be attempted. Motor signifies motion ; pathy, to heal or cure. It means, therefore, to cure by motion—to heal by a statuminating vitalization that restores the equilib- rium of the circulation, thus producing a natural healthy motion or action among all the particles of which the body is composed, whether solid or fluid. In order that the theory of motion may be more clearly understood when applied to the human form, it will be neces- sary to consider some general facts regarding this principle in the natural world. That there is no manifestation of life without MOTORPATHY. 11 growth or increase, and that by the absence of life, decay and decomposition take place, are facts so universally conceded, that it would be futile to attempt to prove them. It is equally conceded, that this growth or increase in the natural world, as well as the purity of the elements, air and water, depend upon a constant change or motion of their particles, or the substances of which they are composed. Geology shows that the particles of which minerals are composed, are con- stantly changing place, each seeking its own particular affinity and depositing itself there. The rocks which have stood for ages, and can count their date from the dawn of creation, are not without motion ; for wherever there is attraction, there must be motion. The very idea of formation, pre-supposes motion. In the vegetable world, this principle is still more apparent. If there were no change, there would be no growth. A small seed is planted in the ground ; it germinates and springs up ; it becomes a tree, bearing branches, leaves and fruit. How has all this growth and stately appearance been accomplished, but by the inevitable Law of motion, dependant upon an innate principle of life, which is manifested in all the forms of creation ? There was a continued deposition of minute material for assim- ilation, and an absorption of the useless particles of matter. All the particles of its composition are in a state of ceaseless change. The fluids are coursing along the minute avenues through the trunk and branches, giving out vegetative life by assimilation to every part, until all which is available for its growth or preser- vation, is used up, at the same time the refuse matter which has served its purposes of nourishment, is cast off; perhaps 12 EXPOSITION OF escaping in the form of a gas, ready to unite with something else, and give out its invigorating or destroying influence, as the case may be. Girdle that tree, and what is the consequence ? The free circulation of its fluids is stopped ; derangement in its vegetative health and growth ensues; it droops, withers and dies. The same process is going on in every department of the vegetable kingdom—in the mosses, as in the towering tree, in the grasses and in the grains, in the low flowering plant that scarcely lifts its head above its mother-earth, and in the one that requires a century's growth before it can reach its blooming perfection. This same principle is manifested in the element of water. There is a continual motion occurring, not only in the whole as a body, but also in the atoms of which it is formed. It takes place in the murmuring rivulet, as well as in the foaming cata- ract—in the placid stream as well as in thesurging ocean. If this free motion is obstructed or prevented, in the same propor- tion the water becomes stagnant, decomposition takes place, and the pestilential effluvia and noxious miasm is sent forth, as a consequence of this loss of motion. As we approach the animal kingdom, the same law of cease- less motion, as the source of healthy organization and develop- ment, is still more apparent. It is necessary for the perfect formation of the radiating group of animals, which forms the connecting link between the vegetable and animal kingdom, some of which present so near a resemblance to that Of " composit blossoms, as to have been commonly termed animal flowers." Motion is the starting point for the aggregation of MOTORPATHY. 13 cells in the embryo animal, and continues to be the governing law of healthy development, through all the progressive stages of the animal creation, up to man. But when we come to speak of man, we are not to consider him as merely a chemical, mechanical, or physiological being; but as a higher order of creation. In him the phenomena of life " belong to a class of facts, and constitute a subject of investigation, altogether distinct from those which are presented by any forms or changes " of animate or inanimate matter. Although it be true " that all vital actions are attended by, and in part dependant on, a series of continued chemical changes," yet the " chemical changes of animated nature are as distinct from those which we produce at pleasure in dead matter, as the stimulations by nerves and the contractions of muscles are distinct from any of the principles and powers of mechanics.* All those functions which necessarily require a mental act, can " derive no elucidation from any thing that is ever seen in the inanimate world." If we would have a rational foundation for medical science—one to which we can trust for the exposition and treatment of disease in the human system—we must look not only beyond the pale of inanimate matter and vegetable life, but beyond mere animal existence, and consider man as a complex being; as possessed of motive powers, proceeding from a principle within, by which, and only through which, many of the phenomena occurring in the human system can be accounted for. All the principles that govern his existence, are to be rec- ognized, before any definite knowledge of the functions of the * See Cyclopedia of Medicine. 14 EXPOSITION OF living body can be obtained. It is true, that a principle of life is manifested throughout creation. In some of the higher classes of animals, the organization and functions are, in many particulars, closely allied to man. But it is not in the province of this work, to trace the varieties of " organization and vital phenomenon, throughout the different orders of animals," or to explain their proximity to man, and the differences existing be- tween them. We have only to do with the functions of the living body, as seen in him, and the operation of the causes which produce a healthy or diseased state of bis frame. In doing this, an effort will be made to avoid all speculation, and to be as brief as possible. In considering, then, the complex state of the living man, it must be remembered, that the body acts only while it is the home of the indwelling spirit; and that there is a pefect corres- pondence existing between the inner and outer man—that the spirit fashioneth for itself a tabernacle adapted to its connection with the external world—and that spirit is the " substantia prima,'''' or first substance of the body, and as the " formative substance, it draws the thread from the first living point, and continues it afterwards to the last point of life;" and conse- quently derives its being from a still Higher Source. But, as the investigation of that subject belongs to the metaphysician and philosopher, it is left for them, desiring only, that cognizance of that first principle should always be taken, when considering the physiological phenomena of the natural man ; and except that acknowledgment is made, much of the phe- nomena of disease cannot be accounted for. MOTORPATHY. 15 The second proposition that presents itself, is that of a prin- ciple which was discovered in the seventeenth century, and on which various speculations and hypotheses have arisen, respect- ing its influence on the fundamental changes taking place in the human system. Yet the nature of that principle, or its action in sustaining life, we think has not been understood or explained by any physiologist. It has received a variety of names, as nervous fluid, electro-animal magnetic power, ether, animal spirit, and vital principle—but which we shall designate as the vita-motive power of the body, and recognize as the principle which is the connecting link between the prima-sub- stance and the grosser parts of the body. This vita-motive power is a production of the cortical substance of the brain, and, as Malpighi remarks, is carried " from the cortical glands into the medulla oblongata, through little channels proceeding from every separate gland; " and through the medium of the medulla oblongata and medulla spinalis, is emitted into all the medullary fibres or origins of the nerves, runs through the most diminutive and attenuated vessels, stamina, and fibrules, and traverses and supplies with moisture every living point and corner of the body. " The circulation of this fluid establishes a communication between the fibres and the vessels," and between the vessels and the blood ; and by the relation existing between the vessels and the circulating fluid, constitutes the attractions and repulsions of the body, and by entering into the composition of the blood, " constitutes the essence of the life and activity" of that fluid. It is owing to the presence of this principle, that the affinity exists between the assimilated 16 EXPOSITION OF matter in the blood, and the vessels by which that matter is taken up and deposited, or between the excreting material already existing in that fluid, and the vessels by which it is evolved or separated. Thus, in the embryo formation of the human species, the brain is the first thing recognized, and the proportion which it bears to the body, although continually decreasing as the foetus progresses in size, is at four months, several times larger than in the full grown man. The brain at this time, (in a foetus of four months,) ceases in a great measure to grow or expand, and a process of thickening, or consolidation of its substance, com- mences, which continues up to the time of birth. Notwith- standing this cessation of growth, the size of the brain in the new-born infant, as compared with the body, is very much larger than in the child of a few years old; and the proportion of the brain in a child of a few years old, is still much larger than in the adult person; showing conclusively, the prior necessity of the brain, in its great preponderance during that period of life, when the vital powers are stimulated to their greatest activity for the supply of the wants of the increasing body, by the assimilation of the elements necessary to its consolidation and perfect development. So that first there must be a prima-sub- stance capable of drawing from the vital system of the mother, the material for constituting a brain, for the production of the vita-motive power necessary for diffusion into every vesicle and minute point of the body, and through them into the circulat- ing fluids. Secondly, the brain must be nourished and sup- ported by the same means that every other portion of the body MOTORPATHY. 17 is; which is by assimilated foreign matter, introduced through the medium of the stomach, lungs and skin ; and by means of this stimulating vita-motive power on the one hand, and the nourishing, reproductive power on the other, a continued action is established. This continued action between these two fundamental prin- ciples of the body, constitutes the law of perfect motion, in all the particles of which it is composed. There is no such thing as rest in any of the materials entering into its composition. It is one perpetual round of change. By the vitalization of every part and portion of the body, through the direct subtle agency of the vita-motive power, the system is prepared for the recep- tion of foreign substance, and stimulated to chemical and vital action upon what it receives. Assimilation and sanguification take place, and then, through the agency of the vital affinities, it is deposited in the needed place, whether that be in the frame-work of the body, in the bones, or in the hard and en- during muscle—in the lungs, or other viscera—or in the more d Jicate fluids; and when the nourishing and invigorating prin- ciples of whatever is taken into the body, are separated, the remainder is thrown off as useless matter. When these recupe- rative forces are equal—acting in harmony—perfect motion and perfect health is the consequence. Hence the influence of well developed brains, especially when the cortical substance is large in proportion to the medullary, in resisting the encroachments of disease. Hence, also, the word Motorpathy, combining in itself the idea that perfect motion and perfect health are co- equally existing circumstances in the body, and that by a loss 18 EXPOSITION OF of the former, a loss of the latter follows as a consequence. The philosophic remedy is the restoration of that perfect motion. A cause is found in the vita-motive power for all the invol- untary as well as the voluntary actions. The action of the internal viscera, the stomach, the heart and lungs, and circulat- ing fluids, depend upon the presence of this principle. In recognizing the vita-motive power as the connection between the inner and outer man, the relation existing between mind and matter, and the influence the one has over the other, is clearly understood. The brain being the organ through which the mind manifests itself, and also the producer of the vita-mo- tive power, the mind becomes an impetus to that power in diffusing it through the body. When the cerebrum is large, and the brain of a fine quality and texture, the cortical portion of it maintaining the ascendancy, and the other parts of the body being harmoniously developed, the amount of motive power produced, and the impetus given to it, will be very great; the brain will be intensely active, the manifestations of the mind, both mental and physical, will be strong, the resistance to disease powerful, and health and longevity greatly increased. If the reader clearly understands the principle and action of life which is going on in the human system, and the cause of the changes that are taking place in it, in a healthy condition, he will now be enabled to apply these principles to the devel- opment of disease and also understand the claims here made of the discovery of that cause. For though the principle here designated the vita-motive power, has been acknowledged as the vital essence ; yet its particular action on the body in the MOTORPATHY. 19 development of health or disease, has never been understood or explained. The necessity of a reciprocal action between the two recuperative forces of the body—the vita-motive or propel- ling power supplied by the brain and the functions of the absorbent system, which furnishes material for the reparation of waste and expenditure—has not been understood. It is upon the harmonious, reciprocal action existing between these, that health depends. Destroy that balance of motion, or in- terrupt that harmony of action and disease is the consequence. If this proceeds to the destruction of the affinity between the two forces, death ensues. This loss of harmonious action may be produced in a variety of ways, and may originate from internal or external causes. It may be, that what is taken into the stomach is of such a nature that chylifaction can be but imperfectly performed and therefore the assimulation is hindered; or it may be that the quantity taken is so great as to overtax the vita-motive power; or to withdraw it from other portions of the system, leaving them languid and but partially vivified, that its main force may be expended upon the stomach in assisting it to free itself of the load imposed. In either case, the attractions and repulsions are impeded, and the forces thrown out of balance. Hence we find that food of an improper quality or quantity is a prolific cause of disease, and why indigestion produces such an excessive and complete derangement of the whole system. Suppose an individual has arrived at the age of puberty, with every part of the system well developed and nicely bal- anced. He has been educated physiologically and psycholo- 20 EXPOSITION OF gically, with direct reference to the laws of health and the preservation of life; no one thing is in excess; perfect, complete, harmonious action, exists in every atom which composes his frame. At that age he commences an excessive indulgence of his appetite. Food and drink are thrown into the stomach, which in quality are innutritious, because difficult of digestion, and requiring much vita-motive power to accomplish it; and the quantity is inordinate, making a large mass to be disposed of in some way, which, notwithstanding the large amount of vital force which the stomach calls to its aid, at the expense of other vital operations going on in the system, is but imperfectly chylified. In consequence, unassimilated matter finds its way into the circulation. Here it remains as a foreign substance, unfit for the uses of nourishment, clogging the vessels by its presence, until it is deposited in some part of the body, where its unadaptation to the wants of the part, causes it to create irritation and engender disease, until the vita-motive power stimulates the lymphatics to take it up and expel it from the system. The recuperative forces being strong and vigorous, they Avill for a time resist the injurious effects of this undue amount of labor imposed upon them, but not always. The retention of unassimilated matter, which is no better than poison to the body, will have its influence'. This may be slight at first, but the continued deposition of unhealthy material for the renewal of worn-out matter, will gradually accumulate, until every part of the system suffers from the presence of such material and the attendant derangement. The blood, from its loaded state, cannot circulate freely. The brain not being MOTORPATHY. 21 nourished by healthy material for its renewal, its capacity for producing the vita-motive power is diminished, and thus there is a continued decrease of action in both forces. This consti- tutes a loaded state of the system favorable to the development of contagious diseases, fevers and inflammations. If the excess is more gradually entered into, it may result in a general deli- cacy, want of strength, and languor of body. If there be a predisposition to disease in any particular organ, the impurities will be deposited there, and the disease will manifest itself ac- cording to the particular causes which operate upon the indi- vidual, for there are no two persons situated or constituted alike. All have their own peculiar idiosyncrasies, often derived from birth, if not from the circumstances by which they have been surrounded, and their habits of adaptation to them. The cause which in one would produce dyspepsia, may develope in another scrofula, in another uterine disease, in another pul- monary disease, and so on through the whole catalogue of organic diseases. When the balance between the two forces has been so imper- fectly imparted to the child in embryo, as never to act in har- mony, it constitutes an hereditary diathesic state of the consti- tution, which predisposes to certain diseases. The weakest organ of the body is usually first affected, and remains the primary seat of disease, around which often cluster innumerable secondary affections. Another fruitful cause of disease, is the breathing of impure air. As the blood is unfitted for the uses of circulation until decarbonization takes place in the lungs, where it is brought into contact with the respired air; and as 22 EXPOSITION OF decarbonization takes place but imperfectly, unless the air be pure, it shows the necessity of this element in its purity, as an aid in the support of motion. Whenever the blood becomes impure, from whatever cause, it is in so far unfitted for the nourishment of the body, and the replacing of waste matter and, in consequence, the harmony of action between that and the vita-motive is disturbed. The necessity of the vita-motive power to stimulate the cir- culating vessels—to propel the so-called vital system to healthy action, is plainly manifested in a paralyzed limb. All the san- guineous and absorbent vessels remain uninjured, and filled with their appropriate fluids. The brain influence alone, is in part cut off. What is the consequence ? Does the limb suffer any thing more than the loss of the command of will over it? The power to turn and move it at pleasure ? Does the nourishing process go on as formerly ? No. Why not ? Do not the sanguineous and absorbent vessels remain without obstruction, intact and connected to the sources of their supply ? Why then does the limb become pale, showing a want of blood ? Why do the muscles become soft and flabby ? In short, why does it perish ? Yes ; why is it, except that the ever-present, all-pervading vita-motive power, with its own peculiar proprium of motion, is a necessary constituent to healthy, vital action. As the loss of motion is the foundation, the starting point in the origin of disease, the primary object of the physician should be, to restore that motion. This is to be accomplished by a variety of means. It does not follow, that because there is one primary cause for the development of disease, that there can MOTORPATHY. 23 be one grand panacea^one general remedy, one particular course of treatment, which will remove all kinds or classes of difficul- ties, or heal every malady to which the human frame is liable. Going back to nature once more, as the guide by which, and the source from which, all our observations are to be drawn, it is found that when left alone to her own restorative measures, she does not always adopt the same course in throwing off dis- ease. At one time the bowels are made the great evacuent by which the accumulated and poisonous matter is disposed of; at another the kidneys ; and still another the skin ; and at times, all these operate together. Again, the " resolution of inflam- mation, the exudation and organization of lymph on inflamed surfaces, the process of suppuration and sloughing, the function of absorption, and the increase of absorption from pressure," are circumstances which tend to the preservation of life, and are processes dependant " on very different principles or laws of the animal economy." As one particular course is not always followed by nature, neither will one remedy alone, or one par- ticular plan of treatment under all circumstances, be found adequate to effectually aid and assist her efforts to overcome disease. Those who would become pre-eminently useful by their skill- ful treatment of disease, and as the guardians of health, should take all these things into consideration, and hold the mind open to the adoption of aids from every source. A perfect system of Motorpathic treatment, should refuse no assistance which may be offered in the vast field of nature or art. It should only cull such medicines or such therapeutic agents as are subservient to 2 24 EXPOSITION OF the great end in view—the establishment of an equally balanced, sustained, and vigorous motion between the two great recupera- tive forces in every portion of the body. It is to that part of Motorpathic treatment, personally given, and which is a peculiar process of statumination and vitaliza- tion, to which is owed so much success in the cure of chronic diseases. Its influence is brought to bear immediately on the organ affected. Acting first upon the capillary vessels, it invites them to motion, and makes them ready recipients of the vita- motive power. It has also a powerful effect in arousing the dormant organic function to energy of action, and by these means increases the amount of attraction and repulsion between the two vital forces of the body, and gives out an invigorating, sustaining influence, which has never been obtained from any other source. Motorpathy is pre-eminently the remedy in many forms of disease. The modus operandi of this process cannot be given with sufficient clearness to enable a physician to enter into a judicious practice of it, short of a course of personal instruction, there- fore its explanation will not be attempted. PAET I. CHAPTER I. WOMAN. Her Physical Condition in a State of Nature.—Its Contrast under Civilization.—The Necessity of Reform in her Habits. In tracing the history of woman in the early Asiatic and European nations, we find her passing most of her time in the open air—in the care of flocks—in the gathering of fruits—and in assisting in the lighter portions of husbandry. Her dwelling was a tent or a house which admitted the air freely, being with- out doors or windows, and the storm and cold beating in at all the corners and crevices. Horses and carriages were things almost unknown. She performed her journeys and her fre- quent religious pilgrimages, through countries or through provinces, whether of a few miles or of many, by the unassisted aid of her native locomotive powers. What was the effect of all this exposure and hardship \ Did she droop and die before half the years allotted to her spe- cies, were numbered ? On the contrary, it was a period of her particular longevity. Did she suffer from colds, inflammations and painful menstruations at the period of entering womanhood —that time, from some exposure, in which so many at the 26 EXPOSITION OF present day date their ill health ? Colds, suppressions and painful menstruations, were things at that time scarcely known. The girl passed through the physical changes which constitute her a woman, without pain. When she became a wife and entered the delicate state of maternity—that crowning perfec- tion of her sex—she passed through this ordeal, without any of those nervous agitations, those pains and sympathetic affec- tions, which renders the life of so many married women at the present day, a ceaseless succession of languor and suffering. She pursued her journeys or out-door employments up to the very time of giving birth ; and that event, instead of being the occasion of sickness and prostration for weeks or months after, scarcely interrupted her ordinary avocations. Perhaps some will say this was in the primeval state of man, when he was fresh from the hands of his Creator; and that the climate was better adapted to living in the open air than now. To some extent this is true. But the Indian women—those children of nature in our own woods—and those still farther north, have the same exemption from uterine disease, and bear hardship and exposure with the same impunity, as was en- joyed by those ancient children of nature; showing that at this day, like habits of life produce like vigor and hardihood of the physical frame, and adapts woman's nature and the de- velopment of her physiological perfections to her native climate, whether it be cold or warm. What a striking contrast to the condition of woman in civil- ized countries, particularly in America. Here, all her occupa- tions are in-doors and constitute too often, a ceaseless round of MOTORPATHY. 21 domestic drudgery, unenlivened by change, and almost unal- leviated by rest. Her household cares are ceaseless. Even the short respite of sleep is frequently rendered fitful by the cares necessary to a sick child, or the ever-recurring wants of an in- fant. Add to this the deleterious effects accruing to so many of her sex, from confinement to sedentary employments, usually in close, unventilated apartments ; and the confinement and occupation so unremitted, as scarcely to allow the unhappy female to inhale the fresh, pure atmosphere for weeks together. All her occupations, all her pleasures and labors, are of such a nature as to tax, particularly, her nervous energy ; and what means has she for replenishing this constant drain upon her vita-motive powers ? The assistance of pure air—an in- dispensable ingredient for its plentiful formation—is denied ; and the cheerful, spontaneous activity of her muscular system necessary to a healthy digestion and assimilation is also denied. Whence shall her brain draw its nourishment, and the means for supplying the large demands constantly made upon it ? No wonder she is nervous and irritable. No wonder that she suf- fers from exhaustion—that she looks worn—that she becomes pale and sickly—that she fades before her time, and fills an early grave. On the other hand the wealthy are enervated by luxury till the simple act of breathing becomes too often an effort. As for using their God-given motive powers—their muscles and tendons vigorously or usefully—it is unladylike, and not to be thought of. To walk five or ten miles of a morning, to see a friend, further some benevolent object or attend church, would 28 EXPOSITION OF be to show herself vulgarly robust. In short, delicacy of body and weakness of muscle, has become a fashion among Ameri- can women. The girl, before she leaves the nursery, is taught to restrain all active manifestations. No vigorous outbursts of physical activity are allowed. The cravings of her nature for the exer- cise of her organs, are not to be gratified. She must not shout or laugh, or run, or be noisy. She must shun boisterousness above every thing, and not romp and play out of doors; it would be an unpardonable vulgarity. All the involuntary promptings of her physical powers for use, are to be curbed, checked, quieted. Sadly, in the end, does' nature avenge herself for this im- posed constraint. It is one of her unalterable laws, that what- ever power or capacity she confers, whether of mind or body, if denied use, languishes and becomes torpid, or puts on a morbid and diseased action. This is also the case when any power, capacity or function of the human body is over-taxed— made to perform too much labor. For instance, the man who habitually makes his stomach digest twice the quantity of food requisite for the nourishment of his body, will sooner or later, be troubled with indigestion. And it is a well known fact, that those who allow themselves in unlimited sexual indulgence come at length to lose their prolific powers, to have morbid cravings, or no potency. Protracted hard labor beyond the in- dividual's powers of endurance, occasions rheumatisms, stiffness of the muscles, or flacidity and want of power. On the other hand, every faculty or function requires use for the full devel- MOTORPATHY. 29 opment of its powers. This is evident from the effect upon a limb, which has been kept weeks or months in one position. The muscles either become contracted and stiff, or soft and re- laxed ; in either case incapable of manifesting its full powers of motion, which have to be gradually induced in it by use. And what attention does this imperative demand for use have in the education of females at the present day ? Alas! very little. Woman, as a general thing, is taught to curb or suppress all the strengthening faculties of her mind and body In mental exercises, what bold graspings of the intellect are thought to be in woman's province ? Mathematics, philosophy and the sterner sciences, are supposed unsuited to her. There is left but music, painting, poetry and the literature of the sen- timents; all good as a portion of her education, but all tending to refine rather than strengthen. Were it not for the moral power sometimes springing out of the cultivation of her sentiments, and like a spiritual halo enveloping and preserving her in its pure brightness, the world would sicken of weakness and inanity. Were it not for these occasional glimpses of the angel in woman—where her weakness is made her strength— the wings of our poetic estimation of her, would trail in the dust. This may appear a digression in a work of this character, but he who could revolutionize the system of woman's educa- tion, and establish it on philosophic principles, where all the faculties of her physical nature should be strengthened and harmoniously developed by culture, as well as all the faculties of the mind and heart; would confer such a blessing upon hu- manity, as no physician could hope to emulate. And until 30 EXPOSITION OF there is a reformation in her habits, and she comes to recognize the fact that her physical powers must have use—until she emerges from her delicacy and puts forth her strength, and wills and accomplishes uses ; she must suffer. It is the law of na- ture, and nature is a jealous ruler and will be obeyed. Her sufferings may be alleviated by the skill of her physician, but unless she moulds her habits in some degree, into obedience with the requirements of nature, it will be only alleviation and mitigation. There will be no thorough renovation, no enduring elasticity and strength of constitution. This is one reason why it is advantageous to an invalid to leave home, which makes it easier to break away from the bonds of old habits, and be placed in an Institution, or under the care of a physician, where the diet, exercise and all the habits are under his personal supervision. Many extreme cases, where the physical powers lie in ruins, and both mind and body are suf- fering from the weight of disease, are raised to a state of health and strength, in an institution, whom it would be impossible to cure, if attended by the same physician at home. New as- sociations, the greater ease of forming new and better habits, all have their influence. And in some cases it is necessary to make use of every beneficial influence in the patient's behalf. In private practice, it is often the case that a physician cannot, in his patient's house, command the facilities for carrying out such a treatment as his better judgment might suggest. Conse- quently the patient is prescribed for, and advised according to the means at hand. In an institution, every means that art aided by experience, can bring to bear upon a patient for his MOTORPATHY. 31 benefit, can be put into requisition, and of course, improvement can be made more rapid and recovery more certain. When woman shall attain a better knowledge of the laws of health, and the pain of their infringement—when she shall learn to look upon sickness in its true light, as a penalty for the transgression of some physical law, intead of blindly laying her load of suffering and misery at tbe door of Providence, and waiting with folded hands until some miracle shall be performed in her behalf, she will have done much toward lessening the evils of her condition. She will then have learned the first lesson inscribed as an unvarying principle of nature on all living things, that power is given according to use. If she would have elasticity of muscle—ease and gracefulness of motion— she must use her muscles not merely in staid movements and promenades, but give them free and vigorous use in all the flexions of which they are capable. Would she have a blooming, healthful complexion? Rise early and take much out-door exercise, that her blood may not be sent through her veins in sluggish, dark currents, but by ex- posure to pure air, be properly decarbonized and sent leaping through the system, tinging the cheeks with its own brilliant hues. So with all the powers with which she has been blest. Let her "not hide them under a bushel or bury them in the earth," but give them free use. Then her harmonious develop- ments shall not dazzle merely but delight, causing happiness wherever she appears, and carrying within herself a well-spring of cheerfulness and peace. CHAPTER II. PATHOLOGY OF UTERINE DISEASES. These diseases have been thought among the most formidable, and considered less susceptible of permanent cure than most, if not any other class of diseases. Few diseases are so general in their selection of victims, as these. Wherever civilization has placed her footsteps, and an artificial state of society has begun its weakening process, there uterine diseases have fol- lowed like destroying angels, ready to avenge the transgression of nature's laws. In America these diseases have become so common that scarcely a woman can be met who has not, at some period of her life, suffered from derangement of the ute- rine functions. Perhaps there is no organ in the system more important in its offices, than that of the uterus; and certainly the disease of no other produces a train of more distressing sympathetic af- fections. These sympathetic affections are frequently so urgent as to be mistaken by the physician for the primary disease ; and the unhappy patient is treated for first one disease, and then an- other, until, at length, she sinks under her accumulated suffering. " It is well known in the practice of medicine, that diseases do not always produce external symptoms proportionate to their degree of severity or danger. This observation is peculiarly applicable to affections of the uterus. We frequently find this MOTORPATHY. 33 organ in a state of disease, which admits no hope of cure, while the general health does not seem to suffer in the least. The complexion is yet fresh and blooming, while the patient pre- sents nothing but a few insignificant symptoms of disorder in the generative organs. On the other hand, we observe women who are affected in a very slight manner, become thin, suffer excessive pain, and gradually waste away. " Hence, the necessity of a most careful examination the mo- ment we suspect the existence of any disease in this part of the body. In general, we mark the following precursory symptoms : The woman loses a small quantity of blood from time to time, without any pain, or has a leucorrhea, which continues during the interval of menstruation. The breasts become slightly tumid, and she thinks this often a sign of good health. She feels some pain in the loins after walking or riding in a rough carriage. When she stands for any length of time, a sense of fatigue in the pelvis and of dragging in the loins compels her to sit down. Coition is often followed by a slight loss of blood, and excites slight pain, which may disappear quickly, or remain for one, two, or even three days. Sometimes the disease is arrested at this point, and ceases sponta- neously; but more frequently the fluor albus becomes more abundant; the woman experiences pain, not usually in the uterus, but about the loins, the round and broad ligaments, or even a pain running down the back of the thighs and legs to the heels, whence it is often mistaken for a sciatica ; the pain may also extend towards the umbilicus to the flanks, or very 34 EXPOSITION OF often to the rectum, especially when the neck of the uterus, thrown backward by a slight anteversion of the organ, presses on the intestine. The floodings now succeed each other at shorter intervals ; the breasts dwindle away, and a sympathetic gastro-enteritis declares itself; the patient is affected during the day by a slight fever, recurring at intervals more or less fre- quent, or by nervous attacks; the skin is dry; digestion be- comes deranged; the woman loses flesh and complexion, and the whole skin assumes a sickly, dull color. " The disease seldom arrives at this point without a physician being consulted, and it is now easily discovered ; but at other times, as has been remarked, the disorder, though hidden, increases, while the general health seems perfect, and only re- veals itself on a sudden, with alarming symptoms ; digestion is interrupted, and the patient is afflicted with excessive pain; hemorrhage now sets in and recurs frequently; the skin be- comes dry and earthy-colored; finally, a colliquative diarrhea makes its appearance, and terminates the scene. " The period, unfortunately, is not very distant from the present time, when diseases of the uterus were involved in great ob- scurity. On the one hand, they were considered as essentially fatal, when they had made a little progress ; on the other they were completely mistaken or neglected, as inconveniences too simple to arrest the attention of the surgeon. In the former case the practitioner, struck with the inefficacy of his art, found himself compelled to employ nothing but palliative measures, and saw his patient fall a victim to the most violent suffering. MOTORPATHY. 35 But within a few years numerous researches, made in phatho- logical and surgical anatomy, have thrown considerable light on this important part of pathology. " By a more rigorous examination of the symptoms revealing the alterations of the uterine tissues, we are now enabled to establish new distinctions to prove, by phathological anatomy, and the effect of treatment, that many uterine diseases are much less dangerous than have been imagined, and that they frequently are neither of a carcinomatous nor a scirrhous nature. Notwithstanding this great success, disease of the uterus some- times resists all treatment. Every surgeon knows that many women, yielding to a false shame, refuse to submit to an exami- nation, and permit the affection to go until an operation is indis- pensable ; and I am compelled to observe, that although the new ideas on diseases of the uterus have already been laid be- fore the public, yet that the old ideas are so rooted, that many physicians remain too frequently tranquil spectators of the pro- gress made by the disease.*" The causes which have conspired to make woman the frail, delicate, suffering being she is, are numerous. They are prin- cipally entailed upon her by the usages of society—by her false education, which has curbed and weakened instead of har- moniously developing her physical powers, and causing a well- balanced activity in the functions of every organ—by the false popular ideas of treatment, and, (pardon me if I say it,) by the false therapeutic agents of physicians themselves. The hitherto-supposed inherently, unyielding character of ute- * Lisfranc. 36 EXPOSITION OF rine diseases, has probably led to the almost universal adoption of harsh remedies, which have aggravated the disease in more instances than they have cured it. The nature of the disease attacking the organ, appears to have made but little difference with the severity of the remedies used; whether it was of a kind which produced alterations in the structure, as scirrhous, cancer, tumors, pollypi, fungous growths, or ulcers; or whether it was of a kind referable to functional derangement or weak- ness ; as prolapsus, anteversion, and retroversion of that or- gan, leucorrhea, neuralgia of the organ, catamenial suppres- sion, &c. A popular author* on the diseases of females, says : " Col- lating the opinions of others resting on cases, with the facts ob- served by myself, I am convinced that mercury and iodine aid- ed by iron and the horizontal position, are the best general remedies. But in cancer of the cervix-uttri even these are not to be relied on alone ; external or local treatment must be em- ployed. The iodide of iron I have exhibited in combination with the ioduret of arsenic and conium. " These drugs, however, (referring to belladonna, hyosyamus, stramonium, and acontium,) and especially iodine, mercury, and iron, should form a part of the treatment." And as if it were not enough that the strength of the pa- tient should be preyed upon by the disease and the prostrating effect of these medicines, bleeding, leeches, scarifications, and blisters are resorted to as a local remedy. On this point the same author says: " Blood-letting in some instances by vene- * Aehwell. MOTORPATHY. 37 section, but most frequently by cupping and leeches applied to the perineum, vulva, or cervix-uteri, or by scarifications of this latter part, has long ranked among the most efficient means for diminishing the rise, and arresting the advance of cancerous growths." In cases of prolapsus, retroversion, and antrover- sion of the uterus and other displacements of that organ, the treatment is but little milder. Referring again to the same au- thor, he says, in speaking of these, that " cases occur where fomentations, leeches, and scarifications are required in addition to general bleeding and antophlogistic treatment." What language can be found forcible enough to express the disapprobation such a course of treatment in these cases de- serves ? The system which is suffering from the wasting, debilitating influence of cancerous formations or scirrhous de- posit, requires all the blood it has for its support, and by taking away any of that life-sustaining current, the chance of recovery is diminished, in proportion to the quantity withdrawn. And surely these most irritating, excruciating diseases are sufficiently ex- hausting to the nervous system, without any auxiliary irritants. The system, in these diseases, pre-eminently requires soothing, and the invigorating vitalization which the process of personal Motorpathic treatment gives. This should be aided by external as well as internal medication, and soothing local applications, modified by degrees to invigorating ones. In uterine displacements, as well might we think of setting a broken bone by general or local blood-letting, as expect to replace a prolapsed uterus by it; or we might as soon expect to reduce a displaced joint by the exhibition of mercury, and 38 EXPOSITION OF the application of leeches, as to permanently restore the flexions of that organ by such a course. Rest, in- a horizontal position, more or less strictly enjoined, is universally prescribed in uterine displacements, and very generally in other weaknesses and diseases of that organ. It is a well known physiological fact, that a muscle or tendon, if denied use, looses its elasticity, and becomes relaxed and weak- ened, or contracted and rigid, which, in either case, unfits it to perform its natural functions. The operations of nature should never be taken out of her hands ; we may aid, but should not endeavor to supersede her. Therefore the practice of keeping the patient in a recumbent position or with the hips elevated, cannot be too strongly deprecated. Let all of woman's powers be invigorated, rather than weakened. She is prone enough, without her physician's counsel, to sink under disease into a state of immobility. It is readily admitted, that pessaries have sometimes been useful, in the absence of better knowledge, in supporting the uterus in an upright position. But they are an unnatural sup- port, and one to which nature will not long consent. Tbev have far oftener proved injurious than beneficial. They have been of too large size, of an objectionable shape, injudiciously used, and almost universally worn too long without removal. Dieftanbacksays that "he has frequently known the pessary to occasion putrid discharges from the vagina ; in some cases dila- tation to a most inconvenient extent; in others, contraction of the same organ; in other females, dangerous cancerous or fun- gous productions from the vaginal mucous membrane." " Some- MOTORPATHY. 39 times," he says, " I was able to extract the foreign body with my fingers, but in many other cases, it was necessary to break it up with strong forceps, before the fragments of a stinking, encrusted substance, whose composition could not easily be de- termined, were removed. Several patients labored under excess- ive irritation of the bladder, and when the foreign body was large, many suffered for years under obstinate constipation." My own experience fully corroborates that of Dieffanback. I have often found hardening of the vaginal membrane, and its sensibility either destroyed, or very much heightened. Sometimes there are excoriations of the membrane, and not unfrequently, when the pessary was made of india rubber, the thick, encrusted substance that had formed upon it, had eaten holes into the instrument, making it very difficult to remove with safety. It is my opinion they should never be worn. The vaginal membrane is a tissue of so delicate and sensitive a nature, that it cannot, without injury, bear the continued pres- sure of any foreign body. Another artificial support it would be well to notice, on ac- count of its popular adoption, viz : braces, or abdominal supports worn outside the person. These produce more extensive de- rangement of the abdominal viscera, than those worn inside ; and not of the abdominal viscera and muscles only, for by their extensive pressure they check the free expansion of the diaphragm, and in consequence are an obstruction to the full and healthful inhalation or expansion of the lungs. Add to these the deleterious effect of their pressure upon the spine, through 3 40 EXPOSITION OF the weakening of which the whole system more or less suffers, and particularly the uterine organs. By these artificial supports, digestion is impeded, the free motion of the bowels is prevented, causing constipation and piles ; and lastly, by constantly pressing down the bowels, the uterus, whose supporting muscles had been weakened by pres- sure upon the spine, is pushed out of place, and thus the very disease brought on which the supporter was intended to prevent or cure. On removing them from persons who had worn them a long time, the circulation in the capillary vessels underneath them, has frequently been found so obstructed, that the skin was quite black; and occasionally there was a large ridge swol- len and hard across the abdomen, just above the supporter. An interested advocate for supporters, remarks, that " every delicate lady, and in fact every female, should have a perfect and a pleasant and well-adjusted supporter at her command. That some ladies should wear them one month in a year, and others are required to wear them nearly all the time." By advice like this, too often by the physician as well as the ven- der, it has become a fashionable thing for ladies, if they are sick, to wear a supporter, and if not to wear one for fear they will be. By the use of them, weakness and inaction of the bowels, spinal diseases and uterine difficulties are very much increased. Suppose the strong, muscular arm should be bandaged one month from the shoulder to the wrist. Would it not be debil- itated and weakened at the expiration of that time ? Or sup- MOTORPATHY. 41 pose it had become weakened from some cause, and a physician should order it to be kept in a nicely-fitting steel case for a year, that it may gain strength. Would not every rational person denounce the direction as unwise and unnatural ? It is not more so than the idea of strengthening weakened abdominal muscles by the constant wearing of a " nicely-fitting and well- adjusted supporter." Reason teaches that to strengthen a muscle, it must have use. And how is it to obtain use—motion —while continually lying in a horizontal position, or tied down by the pressure of a supporter ? Headaches, weakness of the lungs, dyspepsia, pain in the limbs, all the various forms of hysteria, nervous sensibility, neuralgia, tic-doloureux, constipation, piles and urinary difficul- ties may be, and oftener than otherwise are, the result of disease of the uterus and its appendages. So intimately is this organ connected with the brain, that it is quite impossible for the one to be affected without the other's suffering. As the disease progresses, and by its sympathetic control over the ac- tion of the other organs, first one and then another become diseased, pain in the head and giddiness supervene, with loss of memory and confusion of ideas. The sufferer becomes un- able to read or apply the mind attentively to any subject for more than a few consecutive minutes. Her wit, vivacity and brilliancy of intellect, gradually fade. All the powers of the mind become weakened, and sometimes almost imbecile. Fretfulness, peevishness and unkindness take the place of amiability and affection. The mother who was once all devotion and love, managing her household with cheer- 42 EXPOSITION OF fulness and composure, becomes complaining, peevish and irri- table. The wife changes from the ardent, loving, self-sacrificing companion, to the exacting, upbraiding and selfish invalid. Cares are unbearable, and life becomes a painful burthen. In such cases, the physical system alone should not engross the physician's care, leaving the mind to regulate itself. For though there are cases of strong-minded persons in which this will be accomplished ; yet, in a vast majority of protracted complaints, where the balance between the mental and physical powers is lost, much is gained by treatment given in direct reference to both. In some, the mental activity becomes intense, and should be reduced; and in others it is so obtuse as to cause the whole body to languish and droop, because the natural impetus which gave it life and action, is withheld or meted out so sparingly, as to barely hold the mind and body in trembling conjunction. The mind should be restored to its normal action and by proper food and stimuli made to maintain its just ascendancy, before the health can be fully established. If a proper balance between the mental and physical systems, was originally want- ing, it will be beyond any physician's power to create what never existed. But an approximation to a balance of motion may be obtained by skill and proper management on the part of the medical adviser and persevering effort by the patient. Young women by their erroneous physical as well as mental training, are often the victims of uterine disease. Their sunken eyes, pallid cheeks, attenuated forms, and sallow skins, proclaim it. Beauty flies at its insidious approach, and happy cheerful- ness is dispelled by its poisonous breath. The hectic flush MOTORPATHY. 43 glassy eye, distressing cough, and palpitating heart—all symp- toms alarming in their nature—may often be traced to ute- rine derangement as their cause. Erroneously educated from childhood, woman is constantly disobeying nature's laws, until sickness and suffering have become the watch-words of her life. True it is, that all must pass away ; that the present sphere of existence is not the abiding one; and that by the habits civilization has established, disease has been made the passport to that land beyond, whose portals are pierced only by the eye of faith and from whence no tidings are received save those which fall from the tongue of prophecy. But this is no reason why sickness and suffering should be the accompaniment of life through all its stages ; or why when constitutional habits pre- dispose to chronic disease, the invalid should languish for months and years prostrated upon a bed, or confined in-doors. When Motorpathic principles are understood and put in practice, no such necessity will exist. The helpless victims of the so termed incurable diseases, will not be told to gird the loins with patience and suffer on, because for them there is no help. But rather wise physicians will buckle on their armor, and furnish them with weapons, with which they shall battle with their disease, and win the victory. Motorpathy discards the use of artifical supports and all harsh medicines in the cure of uterine difficulties, but is in itself, a system of statuminating and vitalizing motion, founded on new pathological principles, by which permanent cures have been effected with an ease and certainty, heretofore unattained by any system of therapeutics. CHAPTER III. Functional Diseases—Amenorrhea—Cases—Treatment. Those diseases of the uterine system, which depend on an increased or diminished natural secretion, or upon a vitiated one, unaccompanied by change of place or structure in the organs, will be called functional diseases. Of these amenor- rhea—a suppression or non-appearance of the menses—will be the first spoken of. It is common to see girls, at some period between the ages of fourteen and seventeen, put on an appearance of over-growth. Their bones and sinews—the mere frame-work of the body— seems to have extended in advance as it were, to have got the start of the muscular and vital system. As health and strength depend upon a balance of activity or motion in all the parts, which gives a corresponding harmonious development of the whole system, this want of balance between the frame-work of the body and the development of muscle which gives the body strength, elasticity of action and gracefulness of motion; is of itself a sufficient indication, that nature has not yet perfected the exterior physical developments which should precede the menses. It is not desirable that the menses should occur, before the physical system approximates to its full development. By stimulating diet, sedentary habits and injudicious mental train- MOTORPATHY. 45 ing, it is quite common for girls at this age to show evidences of a plethoric state of the system. In these cases if the menses do not make their appearance, danger is to be apprehended, from the fulness of the blood-vessels which may produce hyste- ria, convulsions or epilepsy, or predispose to inflammations and congestions, particularly, of the brain or lungs. The girl, though apparently fresh and healthy, is not strong. She has flushings of the face, weakness of limbs, languor and tremors. In both these forms, under which there is a non-appearance of the menses, motion—increased action—is so obviously in- dicated that the more judicious physicians have generally niade active exercise one of their prescriptions, as riding on horse- back, household employment, walking, &c. If to active exer- cise in the open air, commenced according to the strength of the patient, regularly taken and gradually increased, be added a moderate and judicious use of baths, particularly of the show- er and sponge bath, with a regulation of the diet according to the habits of the patient, no other treatment or medication will be necessary in ninety-five cases out of a hundred. Baths not taken on Motorpathic principles, or merely for the object of cleanliness, are comparatively of little use; and when many are taken in a day, are generally directly injurious. The object constantly kept in view in the taking of baths, should be their tonic effect, which results from the impetus which they give to motion in the system. For this reason a cold bath should never be taken without first producing action in the sys- tem sufficient to determine the circulation to the surface. Af- ter a bath, brisk exercise should again be taken to produce re- 46 EXPOSITION OF action and a glow of warmth upon the surface. When this principle of action and re-action is not recognized and acted upon in the use of cold baths, there is danger of chilling the circulation, or of occasioning congestion of some internal or- gan, by driving the fluids so forcibly from the surface, and neg- lecting to propel them back again by vigorous reaction. The beneficial effect of baths judiciously taken with this Motorpathic object in view, can hardly be too highly estimated. In both the forms of tardy menses under consideration, the diet should be of easy digestion and so chosen as to obviate any irregularity of bowels which may exist. It is particularly ne- cessary that no hard fasces should be allowed to accumulate in the rectum, for by their presence the uterine nerves are very much irritated, causing liability to hysteria or some nervous accident, and the circulation in the vessels is retarded, occasioning a hindrance of the appearance sought. The diet in the plethoric cases should be spare, confined mostly to milk and vegetables. In the others more full and nourishing, but without an admix- ture of rich compounds, as cake, sweetmeats and pastry, or fat and oily substances. When the girl is seen to be improving, her countenance to be more animated, with less repugnance to exercise, and her strength increasing, no uneasiness need be felt. An unremit- ting perseverance in her renovated habits, will eventually assist nature to the accomplishment of her purpose, in perfecting the girl's womanhood. Where these means fail, or where there is great urgency of symptoms, a full Motorpathic treatment should be resorted to. MOTORPATHY. 47 aided by warm or vapor baths, alternated with showers. These are particularly useful at those times, when nature makes peri- odical efforts j to bring on menstruation. Magnetism or electri- city is another aid, which can be beneficially applied in those cases, as an incentive to motion. In all cases of suppressed menses without the supervention of pregnancy, old age or an incurable disease, as phthisis and some others, a cure can be effected by procuring a balance of motion, between the two forces of the body, and keeping it ac- tive in all its parts. When this is done, nature requires no emenagogues to force her to action, which frequently leave such deleterious effects upon the constitution ; but quietly per- forms her office without pain or sympathetic disturbance. Mrs.-------, aged 23, applied for admission, Oct. 2d, 1850. She had a total suppression of the menses for ten months previous, during which time her health had rapidly declined. Her ute- rus was found to be considerably enlarged, being in a congested state. Her improvement under treatment was immediate. The congestion of the uterus was gradually reduced, and in six weeks she menstruated freely with trifling pain. Cases of simple amenorrhea have seldom applied to this Institution for relief. They have generally been in complication 48 EXPOSITION OF with other diseases. The simple forms of uterine disease are not so often met singly, as in combination with other difficulties. At all events I have selected cases as they usually occur under my observation and I think such as the physician frequently meets in practice. Miss-------, aged 30, entered the Institution, Oct. 31,1850, for relief from a complication of difficulties, following in the train of suppressed catamenia. Ten years previous, she had had a suppression of the menses for several months. When they at length made their appearance, (probably through the improper use of emenagogues,) they were too frequent and her Sowings immoderate. These attacks of profuse menstruation for months together, had alternated with suppressions of longer or shorter duration, up to the time of her entering the In- stitution. Her nervous system was much deranged. She could «not tolerate the presence of company—had severe peri- odical headaches—turns of great anxiety of mind—had an habitually impaired memory—could sit up but little—was dys- peptic, and had frequent diarrheas. She was also troubled with strangury and a very offensive leucorrhea, with much heat and pain along the spine. Four months after, she return- ed to her home, not robust and hardy but in comfortable health, her diseases cured. Though not at all times free from pain and uneasiness in different parts of the system, she could endure a good amount of exercise, and walk miles at a time without in- jury- MOTORPATHY. 49 Mrs.-------, aged 30, applied to the Motorpathic Institu- tion, Rochester, New York, on May 29, 1850. She had been suffering seven years from a combination of diseases. At the time of her application, her constitution had become a perfect ruin. She was suffering from spinal irritation occasioning pa- roxysms of pain, also severe headaches accompanied with heat and a sense of heaviness. She had leucorrhea and a retrover- sion of the uterus, and her system had become so prostrated by the ravages of these diseases, that for eleven months previous she had not menstruated. Supporters and pessaries had been worn without benefit, and the only effect of the powerful emena- gogues which her physician had prescribed, was to sink her still lower. Her stomach suffered much sympathetically, only retaining the lightest food. When under treatment the uterus soon assumed and maintained its natural position—(see Ute- rine Displacements, Chap, ix.,) and she improved rapidly. In five weeks her menses appeared, occasioning little pain or dis- turbance, and occurring regularly afterward. At the expiration of ten weeks, she returned to her home, cured. During the last weeks of her stay, she took daily walks of miles at a time in addition to the other exercises required. Mrs.-------, aged 23, entered this Institution, Oct. 3d, 1850. She had been in ill-health one year ; during which time there had been a total suppression of the menses. This was a very singular case. There was a tense contraction of the abdominal 50 EXPOSITION OF and intercostal muscles, so that the ribs, chest, and abdomen on pressure, presented the appearance of an unyielding, solid substance. She was much emaciated and her countenance pre- sented a peculiarly cadaverous appearance. She had spinal weakness, pain in the left hip, and very weak nerves. This case was unlike any other which had previously come under observation. When she had been under treatment three weeks, the ribs had become to quite a degree flexible, and the abdomi- nal muscles yielding and elastic. Five and a half weeks after her entrance, the catamenia made its appearance, and at the end of eight weeks, she left with apparently a perfect restora- tion. In speaking of treatment, it would be impossible to enume- rate and explain all the different modes and means used, to vivify and make active every part of the body ; and not only to establish a balance of motion in the system as a whole, but to produce a vigorous action in every organ and gland, in every part and point of the body. Suffice it to say that every therapeutic agent is chosen with direct reference to its capabil- ity of increasing, producing, or continuing the action of the motion; whether it be water, electricity, exercise, medicine, or any other means. The test of choice is its availability to this one end—the establishment of motion. Among these thera- peutic agents, that part of Motorpathic treatment given person- ally, which is a process of statuminating vitalization, stands at the head.—(See page 24.) Diet, the use of water, magnetism, MOTORPATHY. 51 dry-cupping, various modes of exercise, and medication by internal or external application, are resorted to, when the occa- sion demands, as aids to a more' speedy realization of the object proposed. Various baths are used, modified in temperature, to suit the exigencies of the case. Those most estimated are the shower, the sponge, the sitz and vapor baths ; douche baths variously applied ; the acid and sheet baths ; with warm, cold and alka- line packs. Warm baths with few exceptions are immediately followed with shower-baths of a more or less reduced tem- perature. The two in connection have proved very beneficial in cases of obstinately torpid action, slow circulation, and where it was difficult by other means to produce a perspiration, or bring the circulation briskly to the surface. Dry-cupping is also much esteemed, especially in the removal of stricture and to aid in the resolution of deep-seated or organic pain. CHAPTER IV. Dysmenorrhea.—Cases. The influences of an artificial life have become so inwoven in the constitution of females, that the periodical appearance of the catamenia is seldom unattended with pain. There are rare cases of menstruation so healthy, as to be unattended through- out, by physical disturbance. But in the vast majority of cases, there is more or less pain about the loins and through the pelvis, with a sensation of fullness and weight. Heaviness and pain in the head often precede and attend menstruation; also pain in the lower limbs, with weakness and a sense of dragging in their movements. These symptoms are so com- mon, that unless they become very much aggravated, medical advice is seldom sought. In that state of aggravated accession of pain, at the menstrual period termed dysmenorrhea, the unhappy sufferer is eager to obtain relief; and failing of finding it, is apt to run from one remedy to another, in a too often fruitless search. The pain frequently comes on in paroxysms resembling the earlier labor pains. Sometimes they are attended with convulsions, at others with some febrile excitement. Usually the face is pale and sunken during the continuance of the severe pain. Sometimes the pain precedes the menses ; at others they come on together, and usually the pain abates when the menses flow freely. MOTORPATHY. 53 There are cases in which the pain continues throughout the period, and others in which it commences toward the close. Persons of full habits are thought to be more subject to this disease than others. Certain it is, that persons of ardent tem- perament and sensitive natures, who are predisposed to nervous attacks and to hysteria, are most usually its victims. The dis- ease has been allowed to depend on a highly irritable state of the uterus. This irritability is caused by a partial stoppage of the nervous circulation through the organ. The vita-motive power being obstructed in its passage, the minute mouths of the arteries and the secreting vessels, are not sufficiently vital- ized to act freely, and a partial congestion takes place. It is a law of nature, that in whatever part of the body extra labor is required, there the vital forces are summoned in increas- ed quantities to perform it. And when they are thrown out of balance, and do not readily attain their object, pain is the con- sequence; and that pain is in proportion to the amount of nervous action or nervous sympathies involved. A full Motorpathic treatment, including baths and magnetism, has not been known to fail in procuring healthy menstruation. In some habits slight pain is felt at the recurrence of the periods after a course of Motorpathic treatment, but less than that gen- erally attending females who consider themselves healthy. Still, in the majority of cases of dysmenorrhea, who have taken this treatment and who continue daily active exercise, and approximate to an assimilation of their habits to the laws of health, menstruation comes on without premonition. 54 EXPOSITION OF Miss-----, aged 18, entered the Institution, June 11th, 1851, for treatment for dysmenorrhea. Menstruation had been pain- ful since its first occurrence, which was in her fourteenth year. During the eighteen months previous to her entrance, her gen- eral health had suffered considerably. She had pain in the back most of the time, which was found to proceed from the irritation attending the commencement of a spinal curvature. She had some symptoms of dyspepsia, raising portions of her food immediately after meals. She was troubled with pain in the head—had a slight cough, with some pain in the upper part of the chest—also had ulceration of the bronchia, for which nitrate of silver had been used, giving but temporary relief. Her improvement was immediate. She left at the expiration of eleven weeks with better health than she had ever before possessed. Letters have been received from her since, giving flattering intimations of the strength and elasticity which her constitution is acquiring. She has had no return of painful menstruation. Mrs.-----, aged 38, commenced Motorpathic treatment, June 17th, 1851. Her health had been declining seven years; the last five of which she had been unable to walk, and was con- fined to her room. During the first three years of her declining health, she suffered excruciating pain at the time of her men- strual periods. Since that, or for the last four years, the pain at her periods had not been so severe. A small tumor was felt MOTORPATHY. 55 in the abdomen, just above the pubes, which she had observed there for some three years. She complained of a " distressed feeling," rather than a pain in the region of the tumor. On examination, I satisfied myself that it was simple enlargement of the uterus, an opinion which I did not see occasion to change. Her menstruation had occurred regularly, or nearly so, during the whole time. Her nervous system was very much prostra- ted—her stomach inactive—and her bowels irregular. She 6taid in the Institution ten weeks, in which time the uterus was reduced to its natural size. She left with comfortable health. She was not strong, but able to take walks of one or two miles at a time, and a proportionate quantity of other exercise. Miss-----, aged 25, entered the Institution, November, 1850. Her health had been declining eight years. Her first disease was dysmenorrhea of a very painful character. It continued to be the primary cause of her after suffering. She would be taken at her periods with chills, some pain in the back and pain in the head so violent as to occasion delirium. The inten- sity and duration of these attacks continued increasing until she was prostrated upon her bed, to which she had been confined the last five years. During much of this time her nerves had become so weak and easily irritated as to render her unable to bear the presence of any one but her nurse. There was con- stant pain in the lower cervical and dorsal vertebrae, and in the right side and upper part of the chest. She had acidity of the 56 EXPOSITION OF stomach, indigestion, cold hands and feet, palpitation of the heart, and was very much emaciated. On examination, her uterus was found to be fallen so low as to rest upon the perineum, and in a very congested state, being more than twice the usual size. Chronic inflammation of the organ had supervened from its continued functional derangement, the displacement having been caused by the severity and expulsive tendency of the peri- odic pains. Her improvement under treatment was not at first rapid, but after a few weeks, the enlargement of the uterus was reduced, and its ascension to a natural position maintained, when her improvement became more satisfactory, and in three and a half months she left in good health. Her dysmenorrhea was so far cured, that menstruation occasioned but slight disturbance of the system. She took her exercises and walks, during her periods, without detriment. She walked habitually before leaving .the Institution, from five to ten miles daily. When she returned to her home, she commenced house-cleaning, and en- tered at once upon the laborious duties of the household. CHAPTER V, Menorrhagia.—Cases. The term menorrhagia, is used to denote morbidly profuse menstruation, whether that discharge be accompanied by the loss of pure blood or not. Very many females suffer from this disease, in a more or less severe form. When, at each period, the amount of this fluid secreted, is beyond that compatible with health; or when a quantity of pure blood, known by the presence of coagula, es- capes with it, the disease is very insidious, and the constitu- tion frequently becomes undermined before absolute danger is thought to exist. In this state of the system, other constitu- tional diseases are apt to develope themselves: as consumption, dropsy, and the severer forms of uterine disease, particularly displacements and offensive leucorrheas. In the more severe forms of menorrhagia, whether active or passive, the danger is often imminent from the sudden loss of blood. When the immediate danger is passed, the strength is so prostrated, that the system has but time to imperfectly rally before the occurrence of the next period. Frequently there is no respite, one period extending into another, so that there is no freedom from flowing, the only variations being times of its greater or less severity. In this state of the disease, the patient 58 EXPOSITION OF is often unable to take the least exercise, or even be raised from the bed, without occasioning an increase of the discharge. The complexion becomes bloodless, sallow or chalky; the countenance pinched or bloated; the feet and ankles swollen; and frequently the whole body becomes anasarcous. Palpitations of the heart, tremors, headaches, and a sense of exhaustion at- tend this stage. Syncope is often an alarming attendant, and the stomach refuses almost all efforts at digestion, so that there is little means of repairing the great waste of the system. It will be seen by the cases given, that Motorpathy, by in- citing a free motion of the life-giving, life-sustaining, brain- principle, in the uterine organs, and stimulating the healthful attractions and repulsions, between this vita-motive power and the arterial circulation; gives new energy to the functions of the uterus, and causes the open mouths of the arteries on its in- ternal surface to contract. The continued escape of blood is thus prevented, and by frequent repetition, a habit of action and reaction or energetic vital motion is induced, which strengthens the organs and prevents a relapse. The application of cold water, douches and friction are .es- sential aids in establishing a just equilibrium of motion. The diet is a matter of much consequence, which should be unstimu- lating and light, but nourishing and mostly composed of fari- naceous substances. The air of the sick-room should be kept pure by constant ventillation. MOTORPATHY, 59 Mrs.-----, aged 36, entered the Institution, July, 1851. She had been subject to profuse flowing for several years. For five months previous to her entrance, she had been but a small por- tion of the time free from flowing; and was then suffering severely from it. She had been so reduced by it, as to be unable to feed herself. She complained much of her head—was very weak and nervous-—had irritation of the bronchia—was chilly and cold most of the time—was much emaciated—very pale, with a pinched expression of the countenance—and her menses had never been very regular. Previous to the time of her being subject to attacks of menorrhagia, she had sometimes passed several months between her periods of menstruation. She had been at different times under the care of some ten physicians; had worn a supporter four years, and had attended two hydropathic institutions; one, four ; the other, six months. On examination, the uterus was found to be much relaxed, lay- ing lower in the vagina than natural, with the os-uteri open, so as easily to admit the finger. Contraction of the uterus and its muscles was effected, and after a few weeks' treatment, her menorrhagia entirely disappeared. Her uterine functions were restored to a healthy condition, and she was able to endure more bodily exercise and fatigue than she had for many years previous. Mrs. -----, aged 32, entered the Motorpathic Institution, August 7th, 1851. She was very feeble—unable to sit up or bear her weight upon her feet. She had been subject to violent 60 EXPOSITION OF attacks of menorrhagia, and at that time was flowing contin- ually from one period to another; having no respite or time of complete cessation between. Her friends supposed her to be in the last stages of consumption. She had never been very healthy—was of a nervous temperament—and highly impres- sible. She had suffered many years from chronic inflammation of the kidneys—had prolapsus uteri, with constant pain in the back, increased on slight exertion—had spinal irritation—gen- eral weakness of the lungs—short, dry cough—and a catarrhal affection of the head, throat, and bronchia. For years she had been subject to a discharge of bloody matter, from the throat and mouth during sleep: also had eruptions upon the skin, and was highly scrofulous. The physiological condition most in her favor, was cheerful, mental activity ; and her best symptom, a firm determination to get well. This hopeful determination is very desirable in a sick person. Then the will of the invalid, co-operates with the efforts of the physician, and thus the bar- rier is doubly guarded against the further enroachments of dis- ease. Through the powerful influence of statuminating vitali- zation, the uterus was made to resume its natural position and healthy action—consequently the hemorrhage ceased. She re- mained ten weeks and improved in that time so rapidly, as to take longer walks than she had before done in fifteen years. On leaving she expressed her conviction that all difficulty and weakness of the uterine organs were removed. Her other com- plaints were very much benefited, but the time was too short for their radical cure. MOTORPATHY. 61 Mrs. -----, aged 31, commenced Motorpathic treatment, Sept. 1851. She had been out of health eight years, and the last three years of the time confined to her bed. She had menorrhagia of so severe a character, that, for the year pre- vious, she had not been raised in bed. Her vitality was very low. The sense of feeling was very much deranged over the entire surface of the body, excepting the hands. The uterus and adjoining external organs were completely paralysed. In other parts of the body, this' obtuseness to the sense of touch, appeared to be in the skin only. Ten days after commencing treatment, she walked with assist- ance through a long hall. Her improvement was rapid, con- sidering the circumstances of the case; for paralysis of the ute- rus and external organs is one of the most obstinate diseases, which attacks those parts. But it is perfectly curable when sufficient time is given, by Motorpathic treatment. This lady's system was fully aroused from its state of torpidity, into one of natural action, and the sense of feeling perfectly restored. The following extract is from a letter received from her, Nov., 1852 : " I am very pleasantly situated in the capitol of -------, and have been remarkably well since I left you. I have traveled 1100 miles in the last fortnight, without any inconvenience or injury. If I could have the same regularity here, that I had while in your Institution, there would be nothing to hinder me from restoration to good health. But I am so happy in being once more able to attend church, and engage in the pleasures of society, from which I have been so long excluded. I should be pleased to hear from the Hall, for my associations were so 62 EXPOSITION OF pleasant while there, that anything from that place would be interesting to me." Mrs.-----, aged 42, entered the Institution, May 15, 1852. She had been out of health many years, her first complaint having been prolapsus uteri, brought on by hard labor. At the time of entering the Institution, menorrhagia was the most urgent symptom. She had been two years unable to bear her weight upon her feet, the least exertion or mental anxiety, bringing on a turn of flowing. She complained of dizziness, "roaring, and all kinds of noise in the head," attended with attacks of severe neuralgic pain. She suffered from general derangement of the nervous system, spinal irritation, urinary difficulties, constant pain in.the back, and costiveness. She remained eleven weeks, and left cured. A lady lately coming to the Institution through her recommendation, says that " she is quite well, enjoying better health than ever before." Mrs.----, aged 23, had a child about a year previous to the time of her entering the Institution. Her health had been very delicate since. About three months after the birth of her child, she had a severe attack of uterine hemorrhage or menorrhagia. These attacks of flowing continued to harass her once in four or eight days, up to the time of her entering this Institution. MOTORPATHY. 63 These attacks had prostrated her very low, and towards the last, they had been accompanied with vomiting and convulsions. In the interval, she had a profuse leucorrhea. After six weeks' stay, she returned home, free from leucorrhea and flowing, her general health much improved, able to sit up all day and to walk from half a mile to a mile at a time. Mrs. W----, aged 36, had a curvature in the lower part of the spine, making one hip higher than the other. Two years previous, she had been taken with severe pain in the small of the back, and profuse flowing, which reduced her very much, and left her subject to similar attacks from the least exertion. She sometimes flowed so profusely as to cause her friends and physician to despair of her recovery. Her feet and ankles were swollen, and she suffered much pain in the head and face from catarrh. She returned to her home in two months, cured, with the exception of one hip remaining a little larger than the other. She took a large amount of exercise—calisthenic, gymnastic, &c, besides walking a number of miles daily, before she left. CHAPTER VI. Leucorrhea.—Cases. Of all the prevalent maladies that affect the system of wo- man, there will perhaps none be found that attacks so large a number of all classes and ages, as that of leucorrhea; or as it is sometimes termed, fiuor-albus. This disease is a morbid secretion of whitish or milky mucus from the vagina or uterus, and is vulgarly called " whites." Perhaps there is no other disease, that is so much neglected by females, or about which there is so much ignorance existing, as upon leucorrhea and its consequences. It so completely destroys the beauty and brilliancy of a wo- man, that as soon as its presence is detected, it should be arrest- ed. Its first symptoms are a pale, sallow countenance—deject- ed spirits—failure of appetite—debility and languor. In its milder form many suppose it a natural secretion, alternating with menstruation; and have allowed it to progress, attribut- ing its deleterious consequences to some other cause, until sym- pathetic or chronic disease manifests itself in some part of the system. But in perfect health there is no such discharge. It is a diseased secretion of the uterine and vaginal mucus membrane. " In health there is an accurate relation be- tween the amount of secretion and the purpose which it serves; viz: lubrication of the surface. When, from any MOTORPATHY. 65 cause, its amount is increased beyond what is necessary for this important end, it is morbid." Every form of it, whether mild or malignant, acute or chronic, is a disease, and should be checked as soon as possible. All dread the results of a seated cough, yet it is no more baneful in its effects, than a chronic leucorrhea. There is such a close union existing between the mind and body—between mental and physical disturbances—and in wo- man particularly, there is such a close connexion between her brain and uterus, that an impression made upon the one is re- flected upon the other. Whenever the mind is oppressed by grief—whenever the affections are aroused to a morbid action —or the passions become irritated and excited—a sympathetic action ensues upon the delicate and sensitive tissues which line the vagina and uterus, and a diseased action sets in, which if not arrested at the commencement, will seriously affect the health, and, in the end, endanger the life. On the contrary, it is quite impossible for the uterine organs to be excited, without a responsive action taking place in the brain. Hence the associations of every day life—the luxurious in- dolence of wealth—the fashionable style of living—crowded assemblies and heated rooms—stimulating diet and the light literature of the day, all conspire to render woman a fit subject for leucorrhea and other uterine diseases. On the other hand, the absorption of the mind in intense study, withholds the vita- motive power from the uterus, thus producing a loss of harmo- ny between the brain and uterus, and again diseased action en- sues. The same as when, to feed the action of the brain, the 66 EXPOSITION OF vita-motive power is withheld from the stomach, weakening the digestive functiens and causing dyspepsia. The practice of introducing young girls into society, at the age of twelve and fourteen, cannot be censured too severely. Nature is effecting a change in their constitution at that age ; organs are developing themselves ; the secretions are changing; the mental capacities are enlarging and strengthening; the imagination is finding new themes for contemplation and the affections are rapidly expanding. The passion of sexual pre- ference, which before had been dormant, now rises into being, causing her to retreat with glowing cheek and brightened eye into the solitudes of her chamber, that she may brood undis- turbed over the new thoughts and feelings that are thronging within ; changing in a few months the light, gay, and joyous child, to the modest, timid, bashful maiden. In this state she requires not only that the watchful eye of a mother's love should note every change in the physical system, but also that her mind should be guarded with the utmost care, to prevent a sickly imagination from taking the place of purity and chaste- ness of thought as well as act. From these considerations, how can a mother, who values her daughter's highest welfare, expose her at such an era of her life to the impure air of a crowded room, where she will receive flatteries and attentions from the other sex, many of whom are far older than herself, who only soil and stain the purity and freshness of this fragile flower, whose leaves are but just unfolding. What can be more dangerous than to submit her at this delicate period to the intoxicating excitement of the MOTORPATHY. 67 whirling dance in mixed assemblies, where, by continued, re- peated, and violent exertion, the blood is sent leaping through its channels instead of circulating quietly, thereby generating such an amount of heat, as to weaken every muscle, and debil- itate the whole system. In this changing condition of her constitution, every scene which acts upon the imagination, affections, and passions, vibrates upon the uterus and vaginal membrane, exciting their sen- sibilities, producing irritation and disease, and in many in- stances inducing secret practices that corrode both mind and body, and hurries their victim to a premature grave. Would that every mother could realize her responsibilities and the dan- ger accruing to her daughter from negligence of the causes and results of this disease. At its first approach, daily and faithful ablutions, a well-regulated diet, invigorating exercise in the open air, early hours and abstinence from all causes of excitement, should be carefully attended to, in order to strengthen the general health, and remove through that the local irritation, so as to prevent any farther increase of such a loathsome malady. But young girls in their puberty are not the only persons who, by over-exertion, or excitement, or the disobedience of physical laws, are subjects of leucorrhea. Young and married ladies are often even greater sufferers from it. There are compara- tively but a small number who do not, at some period of their lives, show visible signs of the encroachment of this disease. Some who are robust and vigorous in their physical formation will suffer with it through life without much inconvenience but they grow old prematurely in their habits and appearance, 68 EXPOSITION OF and their life is much shortened. Its effects are too.visible in the face, ever to be mistaken. It is the destroyer of both beauty and health, for the perfection of the latter is the full development of the former. Nearly two-thirds of all organic uterine diseases, are pre- ceded by leucorrhea. This disease is a constant drain upon the system. Every organ separates its secretion from the blood; and when the vaginal or uterine membrane secrets more than is necessary to lubricate its surface, that surplus is taken from the blood, which should sustain other parts of the body. By this diseased action, some persons will lose two or three ounces in a day. Let such an one think of the debility that would ensue, if that amount of blood were daily taken away by bleeding. Yet the drain by leucorrhea is more injurious than bleeding, for it not only takes away so much nourishment and strength from the whole body, but by the irritation caused by it, inflammation of the uterine organs, menorrhagia, displacements, and other organic and functional derangements may ensue. Chlorosis, which perhaps excels every other disease in its beauty-destroying influence, is very frequeutly the result of fluor-albus. A sallow skin—colorless lips—emaciated form—cold hands—a shrunken, wan, despair- ing countenance, and a foetid breath are marks of its inroads. Ladies of plethoric habits often suffer from fluor-albus, in consequence of their high living, and through sympathy it affects the mucous membrane in the whole system, and engenders disease in every part. If women would avoid this unwholesome malady, they must deny themselves many of the MOTORPATHY. 69 stimulating dishes, which are placed on the table to tempt their appetites, and take regular exercise in the open air, and be par- ticular in their daily ablutions. It is an erroneous idea existing in the minds of many, that daily bathing the whole body in cold water, particularly about the loins, is injurions to health. The want of proper cleanliness is often the cause of leucorrhea. The excessive reading of works of fiction, also causes this disease. By enervating the mind and morbidly excitiug the imagination, subjects of thought and meditation are presented, that awaken the passions, and operate directly upon the vaginal membrane. Miscarriages and frequent child-bearing, as well as uterine displacements, produce leucorrhea as a sequence, by irritating and debilitating the uterus, and preparing it for still more extensive disease. The suppression of the menses, sud- den checking of the perspiration, the repelling of milk in the breasts, protracted lactation and a pregnant uterus, are often causes of leucorrhea. In the latter case, the ovum is separated by the slightest cause, so that extreme quiet is necessary during the first few weeks. In the latter months of pregnancy, fluor- albus may be rather looked upon as a relief, if not excessive, for the pressure of the gravid uterus, and the great determina- tion of blood to that portion of the system, frequently produces symptoms of heat, weight and discomfort, which are relieved by this discharge. The use of pessaries, or other foreign substances, introduced into the vagina for other uses, are often the unsus- pected causes of long-standing leucorrhea. In chronic leucorrhea, the discharge is more or less constant and profuse, mucus or purulent, or a mixture of both, and may 7U EXPOSITION OF become green and offensive. The quantity poured out is often very abundant, sometimes amounting to a pint and a half in twenty-four hours; " it will then be expelled in gushes on any change of posture." In these cases there is " a very relaxed vagina, often accompanied by prolapsus of the uterus; there is great emaciation and debility, the eyes are hollow, the face pale or chlorotic, the pulse feeble and rapid, the feet often anasarcous, the respiration short and labored, to which succeed palpitation of the heart, dragging pain in the back, inability to exertion, profuse nocturnal perspirations. Unless remedial efforts be suc- cessful, after a protracted scene of much general suffering, the patient dies, exhausted." When the vital forces each contribute its just share to the support of motion in the uterine system, healthy functional action is the result. Statuminating vitalization is a Reliable agent for producing this effect. It may be aided by baths, par- ticularly the hip bath, by injecting tepid or cold water into the vagina, by the application of magnetism, (usually from an elec- tro-magnetic machine,) by dry-cupping applied to the sacrum and groins, and by whatever tends to invigorate the systerh, strengthen the muscles, and directly or indirectly contributes to the support of motion in the body, or to its equalization or harmony of action in its different parts. Miss---->, aged 20, had been in delicate health since puberty. Menstruation had never occurred with her at regular periods, MOTORPATHY. 71 and she suffered constantly from leucorrhea. Her back and abdominal viscera were much weakened. She was very ner- vous, had wakeful nights, was easily excited; there was de- rangement of her digestive functions, irregularity of the bowels and piles. The morbid secretions were soon corrected by this vitalizing treatment, and a complete change produced in her constitutional habits. She has often been heard from since, and continues in the enjoyment of good health. Miss-----, aged 24, commenced treatment, Sept. 1849, for leucorrhea, which had brought on a general weakness of the nervous system, and hysteria. She was of a full habit, with a craving appetite. She frequently had a flushed countenance, and to an ordinary observer, put on the appearance of robust health ; but any trifling excitement would throw her into par- oxysms of hysteria, frightful to witness. Three months' treat- ment brought her uterine organs into a state of healthy action, her general health became firm, and she was no more troubled with that distressing disease, hysteria. Mrs.___—, aged 27, entered the Institution, Nov. 1849. She had suffered from leucorrhea many years. During the last four or five years it had become very offensive, and of various colors, changing from red to green. Her periods were painful, and she 5 72 EXPOSITION OF had a very weak back, attended witb heat and pain. Prolap- sus uteri had come on, and the last three years she had been confined to her bed. After six weeks' treatment, she returned home in comfortable health, free from leucorrhea, and the pro- lapsus uteri cured. Mis* ----, aged 23, commenced treatment, April, 1850. Had been in ill health three years ; system very much out of tone—somewhat dyspeptic, obstinately costive, had bilious vom- iting, cold hands and feet, and weak lungs. • She suffered from neuralgia, had spasms, had long been troubled with leucorrhea, and later with prolapsus uteri. She left six weeks after, in good health, relieved of all her troubles. She has since mar- ried, and continues in good health. Miss----, aged 26, had been out of health four years. Her first disease was leucorrhea. She had become very nervous, was costive, had painful menstruation and a disordered stomach. For a year past she had suffered from prolapsus uteri, brought on by the continued weakening effects of leucorrhea. After nine weeks' treatment, she left cured, and has continued in good health since, now over two years. MOTORPATHY. 73 Leucorrhea is nearly, if not always, an attendant symptom of the displacements of the uterus, particularly of prolapsus. In these cases the displacement must be reduced before any treatment will be found to have much effect in lessening the discharge. As long as the irritation of the displacement is present as an exciting cause, little can be done in controlling the secretion. But in Motorpathic treatment, where the reduc- tion of these is rendered easy and certain, the difficulty of cur- ing leucorrhea is very much lessened. The statuminating vitalization, which imparts vigor to the uterine organs, sufficient to enable them to maintain their position, cannot but stimulate to more healthy action in their secreting vessels. No difficulty has been found in bringing the organs to a healthy condition where leucorrhea has been dependant upon functional derange- ment, or upon the irritation proceeding from displacements. When leucorrhea proceeds from the disorganising progress of some disease of the uterus or its appendages, it puts on a very obstinate character, and sometimes baffles all attempts at con- trol. In these cases, leucorrhea is not the disease. The pres- ence of a discharge resembling leucorrhea, is only symptomatic of a worse, and too frequently of a fatal malady. Carcinoma, except in its earliest stages, I have never seen cured. Schirrous formations in the uterus, and very painful ulcerations of the cervix uteri, which put on a cancerous appearance, have with more or less difficulty been cured, but against the ravages of seated cancer, Motorpathy has as yet been powerless. CHAPTER VII. Irritable Uterus.—Cases- Irritable uterus, or, as others have called the same disease, neuralgia of the uterus, is a disease to which the attention of practitioners has not, till of late, been called. It is generally thought to be of comparatively rare occurrence, though from my own experience, I should think it a frequent attendant of displacements. I have usually found it connected with an irri- table state of the vagina, " characterised by excessive tenderness when the lining membrane is touched by the finger, or the male organ; hence sexual intercourse cannot be indulged, or if it be" it occasions much pain. Dr. Dunglison remarks that, " the affection is apt to resist every effort of treatment, so that the patient is compelled to endure it through life ; and to avoid those exciting influences which she knows develope suffering." The symptoms of an irritable uterus cannot be better described than in the words of Dr. Gooch : " A patient complains of pain in the lowest part of the abdomen, along the brim of the pel- vis, and often, also, in the loins. The pain is worse when she is up and taking exercise, and less when she is at rest in the horizontal posture; in this respect it resembles that of prolap- sus uteri, but there is this difference, that in the latter, if the patient lies down, she soon becomes quite easy; but in the com- plaint of which I am speaking, the recumbent posture, although MOTORPATHY. 75 it diminishes, does not remove the pain. It is always present in some degree, and severe paroxysms often occur, although the patient has been recumbent for a long time. If the uterus is examined, it is found to be exquisitely tender, the finger can be introduced into the vagina, and pressed against its sides without causing uneasiness, but as soon as it reaches and is pressed against the uterus, it gives exquisite pain. This ten- derness, however, varies at different times, according to the de- gree of pain which has been latterly experienced. The neck and body of the uterus feel slightly swollen, but this condition also exists in different degrees, sometimes sufficiently manifest, some- times scarcely or not at all perceptible. Excepting, however, this tenderness, and occasionally this swelling, or rather tension, the uterus feels perfectly natural in structure; there is no evi- dence of scirrhus in the neck, the orifice is not misshapen, its edges are not indurated. The patient, finding her pain greatly increased by rising and walking, soon learns to relieve herself by lying on the sofa, and at length spends nearly her whole time there. Notwithstanding this precaution, there is always a considerable degree of uneasiness, but this frequently increases to severe pain. These paroxysms generally come on either a few days before menstruation, or (as is the case in many instan- ces,) a few days afterwards." He speaks of the disease as one of great obstinacy, and of his mode of treatment, as having been tardy in efficacy in most cases, and vain in some ; and wishes he had a shorter and surer mode of cure to communicate. His treatment consisted mainly in confinement to the hori- 76 EXPOSITION OF zontal posture which he enjoined strictly, depletion, narcotics and external irritation. And this, with some variations, has been the course generally followed by practitioners since. The Motorpathic mode of treatment is almost diametrically opposed to this, and in the great number of cases which have been treated by it, there have been none who were not greatly relieved and made comfortable, and the most were perfectly cured. It has always been thought that those cases which eould not be said to be cured, might have been perfectly res- tored had they remained under treatment a sufficient length of time. But where a lady remains but a few weeks, for the removal of a malady of so obstinate a nature, it cannot be expected that a restoration to perfect health, can always be the result. Soothing applications, modified by degrees as they can be borne without pain to invigorating ones, have been found to aid in lessening the irritation. Douche baths, graduated in force and temperature as the parts can bear, have been of essen- tial aid in perfecting the balance of motion in the organs, and preventing a relapse after the irritation had been allayed and the tenderness controlled by the process of vitalization. Fomen- tations, warm hip baths, vapor baths, and dry cupping aid in alleviating the paroxysms of pain. Warm bathing should only be resorted to in cases of emergency, unless the patient is able to bear the application of the cold shower or sheet bath after as it has a relaxing effect upon the system, and suppresses a vigorous re-action, instead of promoting it, MOTORPATHY. 77 Mrs. A-----, aged 32, of an excitable temperament, applied to the Motorpathic Institution for relief from an irritable state of the uterus and vagina, from which she had suffered twelve years. She had no children. Sexual intercourse gave great pain, in so much that it had been a prohibited thing during the most of her married life. She suffered much pain in the pelvis and loins, which extended also down the limbs. Pain in the left side was very troublesome, extending across the abdo- men from the left hip. Her circulation was a little accelerated at all times, and the least emotion or excitement rendered it much more so. She had been able to take but little exercise, and was subject to paroxysms of severe pain, sometimes lasting two or three days; at which times she suffered intensely. These usually came on a little previous to menstruation. Her lungs were weak. She was subject to attacks of bronchial irri- tation and cough, which would subside in a few weeks, and soon after disappear; leaving the lungs and bronchial tubes apparently free from disease. On examination per vaginam, the whole surface of the vagina and uterus was found to be in an exquisitely tender state. No alteration of position could be detected in the uterus, or any change of structure, either in that or the vagina, was perceptible from touch. The pain was too exquisite to bear the use of a speculum. After being under treatment one month, the sensibility was very much diminished. She joined in a variety of calisthenic exercises, rolled at ten-pins, and took walks of a mile in length two or three times a day. The habitual pain was very much lessened. She had had one severe turn of pain lasting her 78 EXPOSITION OF nearly two days. She continued improving during the next month, but toward the last of it she had another paroxysm of severe pain, not as excruciating as the one the month previous, and lasting about twelve hours. This came on the third day after menstruation. During the next month she had an attack of irritation of the lungs with considerable febrile excite- ment, soreness of the lungs and cough. It was occasioned by exposure to the night air. The febrile symptoms were relieved in a few days; and the cough and every symptom of irritation disappeared in less than two weeks. With these exceptions her improvement, though not rapid, was uninterrupted during the four months of her stay, when she left cured. Her consti- tution had gradually gained power of endurance. For a long time previous to leaving, she walked daily from eight to twelve miles, beside taking a large amount of bowling, calisthenic, and other exercises. Miss -----, aged 24, of nervous, bilious temperament, had been out of health several years. She had an irritable uterus and vagina, or neuralgia of those organs. Physicians had treated her for inflammation. The symptoms present were exquisite sensibility of the neck and body of the uterus, which appeared slightly swollen and very tender to the touch. The vaginal membrane was also very tender and painful on pressure—with very slight increase of temperature. Examina- tions per vaginam gave exquisite pain which sometimes lasted for hours after. She had much pain in the lower part of the / MOTORPATHY. 79 bowels, through the pelvis and loins, and frequent paroxysms of pain attended with a stinging sensation about the sphincters of the vagina and rectum. The most aggravated and continu- ous paroxysms of pain, were just before, and a day or two af- ter her catamenial periods. These occurred with regularity as to time. She could take no exercise without great increase of pain, particularly in the right inguinal region. When, at rest in a horizontal position, the pulse was soft and not much quicker than natural; but excitement or emotion would accele- rate them to 100 or 120 per minute. No change of structure in the vagina or uterus, was observable, if we except the slightly tumid appearance of the latter. The pain and uneasiness soon subsided under treatment. Occasionally after much exercise, she would have a relapse of inguinal pain; but the painful susceptibility of the organs did not return. She left in two months, entirely relieved. She has since married, and continues in good health. CHAPTER VIII. Sterility.—Abortion.—Cases. The causes of sterility are two-fold—organic and functional. Under the head of Organic, may be classed all varieties of mal- formation, such as impenetrable vagina, closed fallopian tubes, wanting ovaries, and an undeveloped or distorted uterus. It is readily seen that these conditions, from their nature, will not admit of benefit from treatment, unless, in some instances, sur- gical treatment be of some avail. But in the functional causes, among which may be enume- rated those diseases of the uterine organs which do not produce change of structure, much can be done by the vivifying process of Motorpathic treatment. I believe with Waller, that "In the general, the cause of sterility is not attributable to organic defect, as the generative organs are usually well formed, but to derangement of their functions; this derangement not unfre- quently depending upon constitutional causes. The state of the catamenial secretion should be carefully investigated, as this is the index which points out the healthy or unhealthy condition of the uterus. Should this function be deranged, the next inquiry is whether the womb itself is at fault, or whether there is a generally disturbed state of action in other organs of the body." " There is in most cases, debility of system conjoined with, if not producing, faulty uterine action; and in a great MOTORPATHY. 81 majority of cases, (the organs being perfect,) attention to the general health is the only probable method of removing this condition." There is nothing which operates so generally upon the whole physical organization, and brings not only one organ or set of organs into activity, but the whole into combined, harmonious and reciprocal action, like Motorpathic treatment. By its vivi- fying power, the causes of sterility are removed, and direct energy imparted to the reproductive organs, which enables them to develope their innate vital powers, not only in vivifying the germ received, but in carrying out the work of embryo organization, and perfecting the whole by the continuance of foetal life during the full period of gestation. Excessive sexual indulgence or abuse, is one of the most common causes of sterility in either sex, and can be obviated only by rest or more limited indulgence, by restriction to an unstimulating diet, and by the promotion of a reciprocal and vigorous motion between the two recuperative forces of the body, that the great waste of vital power may be replenished. If the vitality of the would-be parent is exhausted by excess, and by the debilitating effects of luxurious living, let not off- spring be hoped for, until the habits are changed and a thorough renovation is effected. It is a law of nature, that unhealthy or shriveled seed shall not be vivified and take root in any soil, however rich and fertile; nor, on the other hand, shall good seed take root in a soil parched with heat or chilled with cold, or filled, to the exclusion of the nobler products, with the weeds of disease. Let the weeds be cast forth, and the soil rendered 82 EXPOSITION OF fertile by the unimpeded motion of the life-currents from brain and heart, and the seed may be expected to germinate, and the plant not only to spring forth, but to bloom under the parental eye, and shed the sweetest of fragrance upon the parental heart. Perhaps, of all desires, that of maternity is the strongest with woman. It is the one thing round which all her hopes hover. She looks upon maternity as her crowning charm, as the amulet which, when possessed, shall bind to her with more than fairy spells, her husband's heart; and more than all, she looks upon a child as a constant source of ever new and ever deepening delight. No wonder that the heart, clinging so fondly around this object, and as years roll on with an ever-increasing desire, should sometimes sicken with hope deferred, and grow unhappy and desponding. Much charity should be felt for the woman who looks upon her life as a barren waste, without ver- dure or bloom, and on whose rough declivities no vine clambers in beauty, hiding the imperfections beneath. Many ladies are so unfortunate as to give premature birth to their offspring. Time after time, the promise of maternity is given, and fond hopes brighten, which are never to be realized, and which leave the heart all the darker in the disappointment which they occasion. When this habit of abortion is continued, the health declines rapidly, and if the unhappy sufferer does not sink from immediate exhaustion, consumption, or some other incurable disease, is almost sure to result from it. In most cases of this kind, debility of the uterus is the primary, if not the sole cause. There may be sufficient action for vivification. Such persons are not usually wanting in sensitiveness or impres- MOTORPATHY. 83 sability; their systems are rather like a finely-strung Eolian harp, vibrating to the least breath of air, but whose strings a rough breeze snaps asunder. Excesses of all kinds should be avoided by such persons, and a systematic course of exercises taken, which strengthen the uterus, and cause the vital forces to unite in supplying the increasing demands of nature, and then embryo life will not be cut short in the first few months, but they will be enabled to go through the periods of gestation and parturition, with per- fect health and safety, both to mother and child. Mrs.----■, aged 36, had been married 14 years, was never pregnant, menstruation irregular and painful, lasting from ten to fourteen days, succeeded by fluor-albus, which continued more or less of the time, until the next appearance of the cata- menia. The symptoms present, were, great prostration of nerv- ous and muscular strength, loss of appetite, indigestion and costiveness. Her countenance was cadaverous, she had sleepless nights, her mental faculties were impaired, and she had a con- stant disposition to complain and find fault. Physician after physician had treated her, until all parties had become discour- aged. From this unenviable situation, relief was sought at the Motorpathic Institution, Rochester. Three months' treat- ment restored her to health and good spirits. She was quite another creature, amiable, kind and agreeable. Some eleven 84 EXPOSITION OF months after her return home, a letter was received from her, desiring advice concerning her accouchement, which was draw- ing near. The following statement of a case is extracted from a letter received from a gentleman in Ohio, October, 1850 : " Having heard of the cures taking place in your Institution, I was induced to write and describe my wife's case to you. She has bronchitis, cold hands and feet, weak eyes, is very nervous, and pulse is one hundred per minute ; but her great- est difficulty is painful menstruation. She is first taken period- ically with great heat in the bowels, and distressing sensations which I cannot describe to you ; these continue to pass up until they reach the heart, where the agony becomes very great, and extends to the head, producing great pain and blindness. This distress continues until it produces a rigid tension of every muscle in the system. She will remain in this condition some time, then relaxation of the muscles commences, and gaping is the first symptom of recovery. Her great and alarming dis- tress at such times, has so frightened the family, that the neigh- bors have been called in, on an average, ten times a year for the last nine years, to see her die. She has been treated by all the physicians of note for fifty miles around. They say that in her paroxysms of distress, the blood stops circulating in the heart, or nearly so, and that she has more or less congestion of the brain. She has been operated on three times, to produce MOTORPATHY. 85 menstruation. There does not anything seem to help her as yet, and I would like to have your opinion of her case." The above lady arrived and commenced treatment two weeks previous to the time of her periodical attacks. Menstruation took place with little pain or suffering of any kind. Her men- struations after, were perfectly healthy and free from any phys- ical disturbance. She remained three months, and went home perfectly well. She had been married nine years without family. Some months after her return, she wrote to inform me of her prospect of becoming a mother, and desiring advice in regard to her diet, bathing, and exercise during pregnancy. Mrs. C-------, aged 30 years, had never been robust, hav- ing been subject to a cough, pain in the side and irregularities since puberty. After her marriage she had had two miscarri- ages, and had become so reduced that for eight years she had not walked, sat up, or turned herself in bed, without assistance. She had prolapsus uteri, dyspepsia, liver complaint, spinal irritation and what her physician had considered confirmed consumption. But on examination her lungs were found to be free from actual disease, though very weak. She was in a mise- rable, suffering condition—every organ torpid or diseased. She had tried various modes of treatment under some fifty physicians far and near, without material benefit. After five months' treatment she could walk, run, and exercise, equal to any one. Her health became good and firm, and within a year 86 EXPOSITION OF after leaving the Institution, she gave birth to a fine healthy child. Mrs. -----, aged 27, had been out of health ten years. Her principal difficulty had been spinal irritation, affecting espe- cially the lumbar vertabrae and sacrum. Her naturally frail form had been so much impaired by the spinal affection, that her vitality was insufficient to supply the demands of gestation, and abortion had three times occurred. This had reduced her still more, and brought on prolapsus uteri. On account of the lateness of the season and her desire to return by the lakes, (her residence was in Wisconsin,) she remained but five weeks, but her improvement in that time was rapid, and she returned home better in every respect. The next year, several ladies coming to the Institution through her influence, brought the pleasing intelligence of the birth of a living child, and said she attributed her health and happiness to the benefit she received during her short stay. Mrs. -----, aged 27, entered the Institution, May, 1850. She had been in delicate health several years—was very ner- vous and excitable—had no endurance of constitution—men- struation irregular and painful1—had tenderness and bloating of the bowels—palpitation of the heart—pain in the head with retentions of blood—prolapsus uteri—difficulty of pass- ing urine and a general disposition to anasurca. She had been MOTORPATHY. 87 married eight years, without offspring. She had never con- ceived and thought it impossible she should ever have children. She left the Institution in good health, and eleven months af- ter, intelligence was received of her being far advanced in preg- nancy. Mrs. S----•, aged 30, possessed naturally a delicate constitu- tion. Three years before she came to our Institution, she was reduced very low by a premature confinement, from which she had never recovered. She was suffering with prolapsus uteri, pain and weakness in the small of the back, palpitation of the heart, dyspepsia, and irregularity of the bowels. She had had fever and chills regularly for nine months, and had not been able to sit up any during that time. A complete change was effected in her health in six weeks, so that she was able to take a grdBt deal of exercise, and endure much fatigue. The following extract is from a letter received since from her husband : " Taking advantage of your kind liberality, I trouble you with an epistle of inquiry. Mrs. S-------had a living child on the 8th instant, and had a very comfortable accouche- ment. She has been quite smart up to the present time, with a few exceptions about which I wish your advice." Nine-tenths of the cases of sterility, could be obviated by Motorpathic treatment, regimen, and exercises, if sufficient time was given to change the habits and general character of the constitution. 6 CHAPTER IX. Uterine Displacements.—Prolapsus Uteri.—Retroversion.—Antever- sion.—Cases. The uterus being suspended in the pelvic cavity, with its larg- est end upward, and having no other support to sustain it in this position, than its own self-sustaining, electric power, assisted in some measure by the peritoneum, a thin membrane, and by the broad and round ligaments which yield readily to any change of position, is easily made to fall to one side or the other, tip backwards, or slide directly down into the vagina. The os may be twisted to one side, and the fundus dipping down nearly to the cervix, or other positions may be assumed, the minute detail of which, would be of no advantage in a work like this. Prolapsus uteri, or a falling of the womb down in the vagina, or its protrusion thence, is the most common form of displacement. In females of stout muscular frames, the approach of prolapsus uteri is sometimes so slow and insi- dious, that the mind of the sufferer is completely veiled as to the cause of her declining health. Possessing naturally a strong constitution, which does not readily yield to fatigue, she seems, for a while, exempted from the penalties of excesses and physical transgressions, and exulting in the possession of so rich a blessing, she lives on, laboring and indulging her appetites and passions, equally regardless of advice or symptomatic warn- * MOTORPATHY. 89 ing, that the strength of her constitution is failing; until, by some violent exertion, some last act, she is prostrated and una- ble to rise. In more delicate females of nervous temperaments, who are highly susceptible to every impression, the true source of their suffering may be so obscured by excessive irritation of the nerv- ous system, and sympathetic functional derangements in vari- ous organs, as to deceive all but the discriminating physician, whose experience and tact guide him to the true cause. It is seldom that prolapsus is accompanied by complete sup- pression of the catamenia, but that secretion is often irregular, sometimes being excessive, and sometimes scanty and attended with much pain and suffering. In the first stages of this dis- ease, the symptoms are of so general a nature, as to elicit no alarm. The whole system suffers from debility and languor, but there is little pain. There is an inability to peform labor, or take exercise. The nervous system becomes very sensitive, and is easily provoked to unnatural action. As the disease progresses, walking and going up stairs especially, requires great effort; there does not seem to be sufficient motive power in the limbs, or strength to support the weight of the body, in rising from one step to another. Large assemblies and gay companies are now unpleasant, because the enfeebled frame does not possess the energy, nor the mind, the freshness, and buoyancy, necessary for the enjoyment of society. The quiet and repose of the chamber is desired, and the bed or sofa pos- sesses attractions, which there is no desire to resist. When standing there is a sense of weight or pressure in the pelvis. 90 EXPOSITION OF Pain is felt in the small of the back or across the hips, through the region of the lower bowels, and sometimes it extends from the groins down the thighs. In the later stages of the disease, there is a sense of goneness at the pit of the stomach, a sensa- tion as of a sinking of the diaphragm, which makes the person feel as if she wanted a machine to assist her in breathing. If the disease is not arrested here, it steadily progresses, and the symptoms become more aggravated and continually widen- ing in their circle, as the powers of the body, one after another, are prostrated by the disease. The leucorrhea, which is al- ways an attendant of displacements, becomes more irritating and offensive. The uterus, in some cases, becomes enlarged or congested, and the vagina much irritated, producing a drag- ging and painful sensation in the loins and abdomen, which is much alleviated by a horizontal position; because the uterus then partially returns to its proper situation, and the nerves of the pelvis are relieved from its weight, and the pressure caused by its descent. In some cases the uterus descends about half the distance of the vagina; in others it falls so low as to rest directly upon the perineum, and in some rare cases it passes entirely without the pelvis, and hangs like a bag, externally. Additional and greatly aggravated symptoms, follow the progress of the disease, arising from pressure on the neck of the bladder and the rectum. The irritation from the vagina extends to the urethra, causing a constant desire to void urine, which is passed in small quantities and with extreme agony. Sometimes there is a complete suppression of the urine, making the use of the catheter necessary to empty the bladder. By MOTORPATHY. 91 the continued pressure upon the rectum, its contractility and power of expulsion is diminished, producing constipation and intestinal derangement. Piles, in an aggravated form, are a frequent attendant of prolapsus uteri. A long train of sympathetic affections set in; irritability of the stomach; palpitation of the heart; pain in the head, with a sense of fullness and dullness; melancholy and fearful forebodings. Inflammation of the uterus may oc- cur " from its congestion and weight, with the unavoidable pressure and attrition .of the organ, against the lower muscular part of the pelvis, which it was not designed by nature to touch." The nervous system becomes extremely sensitive, suf- fering acutely from the irritation of the nerves in the pelvis. Paralysis of the whole genital organs is sometimes an ac- companiment of this state of things, destroying sensation com- pletely in the parts affected, so that little pain is suffered, though there is an inability to rise from the bed. Prolapsus uteri, in no two cases, will present the same symptoms, or be attended with the same sympathetic affections. One possessing a narrow, thin chest may have every appear- ance of phthisis—may have pain in the chest—hoarseness —cough—rapU breathing—hectic fever and a small, quick pulse, when they all proceed from a sympathetic action of the lungs with the diseased uterus, and which disappear when the disease of this latter organ is cured. If a woman has pain in the back and loins, leucorrhea, a dragging sensation, as of a weight or pressure in the pelvis, with an inability to walk or stand, on account of increased pain, we may rest assured that 92 EXPOSITION OF the origin of her suffering is not in her lungs, as a primary cause, but in her uterus; and that it will be worse than useless to go through a course of medication, for the purpose of relieving the pulmonary affection, unless the uterus is first made to assume and maintain a natural position, and to resume a healthy mani- festation of its functions. Another may have dyspepsia, as a sympathetic affection with , its distressing train of evils—indigestion—flatulence—constipa- tion—melancholy and recklessness of life;—take all the popu- lar remedies for it—employ physician after physician—visit watering places, medicated springs and hydropathic institutions, but they will avail her nothing in point of cure, until the pro- lapsus uteri is remedied. Yet another may, from the com- mencement of her decline, have her nervous system so much affected, as to make that appear the seat of her disease. As the uterine displacement becomes more aggravated, there is a corresponding increase in the derangement of the nervous system. It is impossible to describe the phases which nervous affec- tions assume, for their appearances are as varied as there are persons in whom they are manifested. Sometimes the pres- sure upon the nerves in the pelvis causes such a reflux action, as to produce spasms and convulsions. If these continue for any length of time, the limbs and other parts of the body may, become contracted. The abdominal muscles of most females who are confined to their beds, are more or less contracted, and by their want of elasticity, present an obstacle to the rising of the uterus to its natural position. MOTORPATHY. 93 Hysteria is one of the common forms of nervous disease, and of all the sympathetic affections, which arise from uterine displacements, is one of the most aggravating and distressing. It completely unfits its victim for every enjoyment of life, and for every participation in its duties. It might almost be said to free her from responsibilities, for her mind is often so affected as to make her wholly unconscious of what she is doing. Perhaps no one thing that has ever afflicted the sex, has been the means of heaping upon her such an amount of ridicule and contumely as hysteria; or has so robbed her of the sympathy of her own, and the opposite sex. Seized in one of the dis- tressing paroxysms of her malady, she declares that she is dying, and because she does this, time after time, and year after year, and still lives on, apparently no nearer to her end than at her first attack, her disease becomes a by-word and a jest. Her peculiarities are unkindly dealt with, and sympathy for her sufferings is withdrawn. Even her physician will some- times stand by and witness her difficult respiration and screams of terror, with an ironic smile upon his countenance, and say, " there is nothing the matter. She feigns it all." In some instances, it may be the case that many of the fits are feigned. But admitting this to be the fact, the cause is none the more revealed, for there must be a something, laying back some- where, which has deranged her system, and weakened her mind; for no person with a healthy body and mind can ever feign disease or death, for the sake of sympathy. Woman has been misunderstood—she has been called a mysterious being, because, in one hour, excitement would car 94 EXPOSITION OF ry her to the very climax of manifested joy and delight, and in the next, when re-action had taken place, she was sunk in deep depression and melancholy. True, woman is mysterious in her spiritual nature—in common with all humanity. But disease renders her so, only, because its operations are not understood. Medicine has been given her in vain, and sym- pathy, either bestowed or withheld, has alike failed to miti- gate her sufferings. But, that she should be so censured and misjudged by those from whom she expects advice and assistance, is doing violence to her nature. Again, it is said " if she would only get up and exercise she would be well. She cannot expect health while she lies in bed, or indulges herself in the luxurious indolence of a rocking chair." This may be true under certain circumstances, but it is also true, that she cannot take much exercise of any kind while suffering from displacement, without pain and serious injury to herself. Neither can she subdue her nervousness, calm her feverish excitement, refrain from the hysteric sob or indefinable dread of death, control the spasmodic move- ments, withhold the passionate exclamation, or keep her mind undisturbed by the petty annoyances around her, while she is suffering from prolapsus uteri, or some other material derange- ment of the uterine functions. The true cause of all this physical suffering, this derange- ment of the whole system, must be sought out, and the proper remedy applied. The question arises, what is that remedy that strikes at the root of these diseases, and removes the cause ? It does not lie in a course of depletion, for this only reduces MOTORPATHY. 95 the system still more. It does not lie in antispasmodics, or a tonic course of medication, for they only allay the excitement for the time being, without imparting any additional vigor to the body. It does not lie in journeying or change of air or exercise, as these, if they can be entered into at all, cannot be entered into with any pleasure and spirit, and consequently their beneficial effects are lost. In what then does it consist ? Simply in this—in causing the organ to assume its natural, upright position, and by the process of statuminating vitalization, to develope its own life principle, and not only cause it to resume its self-poising, self- sustaining power, but remain in the electric position which nature designed. This life principle of the organ can be so devel- oped, (I had almost said inspired into it,) by Motorpathy, that the patient can be immediately raised upon her feet without injury or fear of displacement, though she had been unable to walk for years. This process must be repeated, until the organ is habituated to act of itself, and until, through the use of its powers, strength and elastic contractility of the uterine muscles is uniformly established, and the life power flows in, unaided from the brain, in sufficient quantities to establish an equable and vigor- ous motion between the two vital forces in the uterine system. When this is effected, the organs are brought into a healthy state. As in uterine diseases the unhealthy action of the vita-mo- tive power is more or less apparent in every part of the body, a 96 EXPOSITION OF systematic course of exercises which shall give motion to every part of the body, and use to every muscle, is an important aid, by strengthening the whole muscular system of the body, and through that, lending support to the uterine muscles. Water treatment also is available when used Motorpathically, in quickening the circulation of the vita-motive power, and removing obstructions to its free circulation, as also obstructions to the secretions of the sanguinous system. It aids in the establishment of a more vigorous and sustained motion between the two recuperative forces, in every portion of the body, which by intimate connection with the uterine system as one of its centers, acts and reacts, each upon the other, and perfects the harmony of motion, not only between the vital forces in each organ, but between each individual organ and the rest, thus binding all together in a round of harmonious motion, which constitutes the health of each organ in particular, and of the whole when taken together—or constitutional strength and' power of endurance. No pessaries, no external supports, no confinements to the bed with the hips elevated, with their long train of deleterious consequences, are necessary under this system. It acts upon the opposite principles, of giving to every portion of the body use ; through the contractions and flexions of the muscles, strength and elasticity; and through the equable, quickening presence of the vita-motive power in every part, vitality. Thus all is activity, life. The life-power is made to assume and maintain its proper ascendancy over the inert physical. MOTORPATHY. 97 In this way a command is obtained over these heretofore obstinate and unmanageable difficulties, and the success of their treatment reduced to a certainty. Prolapsus, though the most common, is not the only kind of displacement to which the uterus is liable. It may be so turned as to lie directly across the vagina. When in this situation, its position has received two names—retroversion, in which the fundus lies against the rectum, and the os-uteri is turned for- ward to the pubis; and anteversion, in which the position of the parts is reversed, the fundus being turned toward the pubis, and the os-uteri toward the rectum. Sometimes the neck only will be twisted to one side, the body remaining in its natural position ; or the fundus may be fallen forward on to the cervix. In some cases the os is elongated, in others it is shortened, and in some it is relaxed and very much widened, the finger enter- ing so readily as at first scarcely to arrest the attention, and make the physician sensible that he is not following the vagina. All these forms of displacements are attended with similar symptoms and similar sympathetic affections; there being no reliable distinction in the diagnosis, the true situation can only be revealed by examinations per vaginam. The treatment in all is similar, for what restores action and vitality in one case will restore it in another. It is a mistaken idea that water treatment, unconnected with Motorpathy, can be made effectual in the cure of these diseases. The organ and parts must first be made to resume their con- tractile, elevating force before water or exercise can be used to any advantage, if they are not directly injurious. 98 EXPOSITION OF Miss B-------, aged 23, had been able to walk or sit up but little for two years. Her disease was prolapsus uteri. She had naturally a good constitution, and her improvement was proportionate. In twenty-four hours she walked half a mile without detriment. She was under treatment six weeks, and for several weeks before she left, was in the daily habit of walking from six to eight miles before breakfast—which was served at six o'clock. Mrs. G----, aged 26, was brought on a bed ; she had been sick four years, with prolapsus uteri, liver complaint, and dys- pepsia of a most aggravated character. Some time previous to commencing treatment, her stomach had become so irritable as to reject all food. For weeks her diet had been restricted to a soda cracker daily, and even that she could not retain. Every other day she was much distressed with nausea and vomiting. She had a curvature of the spine, attended with much irritation, pressure of blood to the head, nervous headache, and spasms. Her bowels were so constipated as to render the constant use of enemas necessary. She had also frequent distressing par- oxysms of gravel. She was so reduced as to be unable to raise up or turn herself in bed. Her improvement was immediate. In a few days she could walk alone, and after two months' treat- ment she returned home, with a degree of health which few who call themselves well, enjoy. MOTORPATHY. 99 Mrs. H-----, of a naturally delicate constitution, with pre- disposition to consumption—several members of her family having died of that disease—had been confined to her bed ten months ; during five months she had been unable to bear her weight, sit up, or turn herself in bed. She was unable to lie in any other position than with her hips elevated some twenty inches, her arms supported on pillows, and her lower limbs— which were contracted eight inches—separated by inserting a pil- low between the knees. The weight of the bed-covering dis- tressed her, and was arranged in such a manner as to bear as lightly upon her person as possible. Her disease were prolap- sus uteri, with its attendant evils ; a long standing liver com- plaint and dyspepsia; she had also a lateral curvature of the spine. Through the influence of a friend—who had been con- fined to her bed some years by similar difficulties, and had recently left the Institution cured—she was induced to seek relief where her friend had so happily obtained it. She was brought many miles by railroad, on a bed, accompanied by a nurse and other attendants. All supporters, &c, were at once dispensed with, and her improvement under the Motorpathic treatment was immediate. On the fifth day, she walked twice through three long halls, and up and down two high flights of stairs, without assistance, and on returning to her room, said she felt better for the exertion. Three months' treatment restored her to better health than she had before enjoyed since childhood. 100 EXPOSITION OF Miss ----, aged 24, entered the Motorpathic Institution, Rochester, New York, in Sept., 1851 ; had been out of health since her ninth year. She had had a cough the previous eigh- teen months. Her pulse was one hundred per minute, and very irregular. She was very nervous—she had had turns of a bloating of her head with dull, heavy pain in it. She had taken any quantity of medicine, and been under the care of several physicians, but grew worse continually. She had worn pessaries and supporters. On examination the os-uteri was found to be twisted to one side, and the abdominal muscles much contracted. Some portions of her spine were very ten- der ; and it was the irritation from this, which was reflected upon her bronchia and lungs, and produced the cough. A few weeks' treatment restored the uterine system to a healthy con- dition ; and as her spine became less irritable, her cough and other symptoms of pulmonary disease decreased. When she left, she was able to take more exercise and longer walks than she had ever before done; her constitution having gained much in power of endurance. A letter was received from her a few months since, in which she said her cough had entirely left her, and that she was in excellent health. Mrs. S----, aged 23, received an injury during confinement, which produced prolapsus uteri, with much pain and irritation. From the time of receiving the injury, to that of entering the Institution, (three and a half years,) she had been almost MOTORPATHY. 101 entirely confined to her bed. She was unable to walk, and could sit up but a few minutes at a time. The irritation and pain continued, not only in the diseased organ, but extended to the back and limbs also. A portion of the spine was very tender, with great heat and pain, and sometimes a sensation of numbness extended throughout its whole length. She had frequent attacks of headache, vertigo, &c. Any over exertion produced loss of voice, and faintness. In three days after commencing treatment, she went up and down stairs, and in a week walked about the grounds, rolled ten pins, &c, &c. Six weeks' treatment restored her to health. Mrs. A-----, aged 27, had not walked in five years, or sat up more than two hours out of twenty-four. This was an aggravated case of prolapsus uteri and its concomitants. She was exceedingly nervous, and strongly inclined to dropsy, hav- ing a very fleshy, bloated appearance. In a few days she could walk about the house, and very soon a mile before breakfast, (quite an exertion for a woman of her size in good health,) besides entering with spirit into the calisthenic and gymnastic exercises, bowling, &c,