WFA, -6S7b BRIEF AND INTELLIGIBLE VIEW OP THE llaturc, ©right, aito €mt OP TUBERCULAR OR SCROFULOUS DISEASE. ILLUSTRATED BY NUMEROUS CASES INCLUDING, ALSO, A MANUAL FOR THE APPLICATION OF ELECTRO-MAGNETISM IN THIS DISORDER. By JOHNjEONDEY, M.D., PROFESSOR OF THEORY AND PRACTICE»OK MEDICIKK AND PATHOLOGY IN THE ECLECTIC MEDICAL COLLEGE OF PENNSYLVANIA. "Uio^ L *>.&:■ BY. pi)ilabclpl)ia: W. C. & J. NEFF, 3J SOUTH SEVENTH STKEET. 185-3. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, By JOHN FONDEY, M. D., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. WM. S. YOUNG, PRINTER, NO. 50 N. SIXTH ST., PHTLA. PREFACE. The following work is not designed to enter as deeply into the subject of Electro-Magnetism, so far as it has a bearing on disease, as to some might seem desirable; but has been prepared to meet a want, which the author conceives to exist, of plain and practical information, by which disease of the character for which this agent is peculiarly applicable, (scro- fulous or tubercular disease,*) may be boldly encountered, and, in the majority of instances, be successfully overcome. A fault of most of the works which afford any information on this subject is, that they are too bulky—matter altogether irrelevant being, in some of them, mixed up with that which is truly useful; and the mind becomes so confused and per- plexed, amid the variety so profusely displayed before the eyes of the dazzled and bewildered investigator, as to lose sight of the grand and leading principles which ought to be clearly marked out, and kept before it, so as to become rules and guides in practice. Of this character, among others, are the works of Dr. Sher- wood—one of which is entitled " Sherwood's Manual," and * We would, in this place, wish it to be observed, that when ve speak of tubercular disease, we have reference also to what is com- monly denominated scrofulous disorder; though called by these different names, they constitute but one and the same complaint. IV PREFACE. the other, "The Motive Power of the Human System"— both of which contain a mass of important truth mixed up with much that is fanciful and visionary; but which his en- thusiastic and ardent mind regarded as of great importance and practical utility. A small work, entitled "A Treatise on Scrofulous Disease, with Directions for Using Morse's Magnetic Machines," writ- ten by Dr. S. Morse, is not liable to objections of the charac- ter above noticed; and is, in consequence of its. simplicity and brevity, far more convenient and practical than the works just mentioned, of which it may be regarded, indeed, as an excellent abstract. The cases furnished in that work, and which are presented to illustrate tubercula or scrofulous disease, are not, however, numerous enough to exhibit, in a light sufficiently strong for the development of the faith of the physician, or investigator, the power and efficacy of the means which are employed for the removal of tubercular disorder. Had not this defect existed, (although, as the author of the work of which we are speaking states, it was not his in- tention to certify the large and increasing number of cures that they are capable of effecting, but to point out the method of using his machines,) the work of Dr. M. would be nearly perfect, as a short yet plain exposition of the nature and cure of disease which is tubercular in its character. We have thought, however, that, besides the information imparted by the medical men whose writings have just been noticed, other matter, having a bearing on this disorder, might, with propriety, be introduced into a work which will fall perhaps as much under the notice of the non-professional as of the professional reader. To enlighten the public mind by giving a simple view of the nature of this disease, and of the action of the remedies which are employed for its re- moval, that men may act intelligently in the selection of the means which they may be led to search after for the removal PREFACE. V of their maladies, has indeed been one of the reasons which have induced the writer of this work to engage in its pre- paration. Not a little of the disease which so extensively afflicts humanity, arises from the ignorance of man with respect to the laws of his being; and, when diseased, of the means which are best adapted to effect a removal of his disorders. Much of tubercular disease is a result of this twofold igno- rance; and the evil is still further increased in consequence of the resort, which, in consequence of this ignorance, is too frequently had to remedial processes, whose action is only calculated to increase a disorder, which, trifling at first, per- haps, has been greatly aggravated by the very means that have been employed for its removal. The fact cannot be denied, that medical men, as a general thing, are but little acquainted with the true character of tubercular disease, and of the remedial measures which are best adapted to effect its removal. The widely varying pro- cesses which they have resorted to for the cure of this dis- ease; the empirical and often valueless remedies which have now and then come into public notice, and after which they have rushed with frantic ardour; which have had their brief day of fancied utility, and have then sunk into neglect; strikingly attest the correctness of the assertion that the true nature of this disease is unrecognised by most medical men; and, as a consequence, the treatment resorted to by them has been useless; often, indeed, injurious in its character. An insight into the true nature of this form of disease, will better fit the mind to recognise and appreciate the agen- cies which are best calculated to remove it; and if the writer shall succeed in simplifying the matter so as to render both these points sufficiently clear and intelligible, he doubts not that the fitness of the peculiar agents which are in this work recommended for the cure of this disease, will be readily per- ceived, and their value justly estimated. vi PREFACE. The superiority of the treatment advocated in the works of Sherwood and others, and unfolded also in the present volume, has been for many years strikingly exhibited to the view of the public, as well as of Uie profession; and multi- tudes have been the recipients of the blessings which it has imparted. Light has burst in upon the medical mind; and within a few years, a host of independent, truth-loving phy- sicians* have aided in diffusing that light, and in restoring to multitudes the priceless boon of health; and, discarding the idea that tubercular or scrofulous disease is in its nature an incurable disorder, have, with the aid of the means pointed out in the present work, succeeded in achieving triumphs, which have thrown far in the shade the achievements of earthly heroes, and even filled with wonder and surprise the practitioner, who, illiberal and prejudiced, has steeled him- self against the reception of truth, and refused to listen to her simple and instructive teachings. Future improvements will render still more energetic and efficient the action of the powerful means which are now em- ployed for the cure of scrofulous disorder; other means also will yet be discovered, whose influence shall tend to increase the power of the former; and the success which already fol- lows the use of the means at present made use of, will yet be eclipsed; for the benefits which flow as a result of activity of thought, and earnestness of investigation, are not confined to any one department of learning, but, interwoven as all are, they must all be affected by the improvements which are ac- complished in each individually; and medicine, a department of learning not the least important, will not fail to be a sharer in the general blessing. A deep sense of the value of the information which a work of the kind that is here presented is calculated to afford has forced upon the mind of the writer the conviction of his duty _ * Among these may be mentioned S. M. Burdett, M. D., of this PREFACE. vii to present all the light which he himself possesses on this important subject. He cherishes also the hope that, how- ever imperfect the present work may be, it will serve to awaken investigation, and lead other and abler minds to ex- plore this particular field of medicine; cull fairer and sweeter flowers than those which he has gathered; and collect those precious jewels, which, scattered here and there, wait to re- ward the diligent and independent seeker after truth, who, bound down to no exclusive system of medical practice, seeks only to perfect medical science, and, in doing so, benefit the condition of his race. If, through this effort, he shall aid in effecting so desirable a result, one grand aim of the author of this work will have been successfully accomplished. In conclusion, the remark may here be made, that not the least urgent reason which has prompted the preparation of this work, has been the need that the students of the Eclectic Medical College of Pennsylvania have felt for information embodied in a convenient form, bearing on the subject of tubercular or scrofulous disease; by the aid of which they might carry out the principles that the author has attempted to bring to view in his lectures to the class: in this work, these principles are exhibited, and the treatment founded on them is unfolded. The writer regrets that the haste with which he is compelled, in consequence of the claims of other and pressing duties, to execute his task, will necessarily oblige him to leave the work far more unfinished and imper- fect than would have been the case under circumstances more favourable to a satisfactory accomplishment of his un- dertaking. The better to enable the non-professional reader to under- stand the medical terms with which he may meet in this work, a Glossary, or dictionary, explaining these terms, has been prepared, which will be found sufficiently copious and plain to render the path of the reader, as he travels over viii PREFACE. these pages, more easy to tread. An Index will also be found connected with the work, by means of which reference may readily be had to any particular subject contained in the volume, and to which the reader may desire to direct his attention. * CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Page Tubercular or Scrofulous Disease—General Remarks on,...... 13 CHAPTER II. Tubercular Disease—Nature of,......................................... 20 CHAPTER III. Tubercular Disease—Hereditary and Acquired Predisposition to, 25 CHAPTER IV. Tubercular Disease—General Causes of: Blood-letting, Vacci- nation, Mercury,............................................. 33, 34, 37 CHAPTER V. Causes continued; General Remarks; Self-Pollution; Sexual Excess,.......................................................... 42, 44, 49 CHAPTER VI. Diagnosis. Means of Distinguishing or Discriminating,.......... 53 CHAPTER VII. Diagnosis continued. Dynamic or Moving Forces of the System considered,.............................................................. 61 CHAPTER VIII. Diagnosis continued. Eclectic Tests employed to discriminate Tubercular or Scrofulous Disease,................................ 68 CHAPTER IX. Errors in Diagnosis. Spinal Irritation,.............................. 74 CHAPTER X. Diagnosis continued. Special application of the Tests for the presence of Tubercular Disease in the different Organs, by means of pressure on the Spinal Ganglions, and of the Electro-Magnetic Machine,......................................... 81 CHAPTER XL Remedies for Tubercular or Scrofulous Disease,.................... 85 CHAPTER XII. The Electro-Magnetic Machine—Directions for Running it,..... 94 ix X CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIII. Page Method of applying the Electro-Magnetic Machine for the cure of Tubercular or Scrofulous Disorders; being arranged in alphabetical order,................................................... 98 CHAPTER XIV. (Esophagus,.................................................................. 99 Amaurosis, (GuttaSerena;) Amenorrhcea; Antrum; Aphonia; Brain, (Tubercular Disease of;) Breast,........................ 100 Buboes; Cancer; Catalepsy, (Tubercular Disease of the Ver- miform Process of the Cerebellum;) Catarrh; Chancres; Chlorosis; Chorea, (Tubercular Disease of Cerebellum;) Colic; Colic, Menstrual; Colon, (Tubercular Disease of;) Constipation, (Costiveness,)....................................... 101 Consumption; Curvature; Cystis, Bladder, (Tubercular Dis- ease of;) Deafness; Diarrhoea, Chronic; Duodenum, (Tu- bercular Disease of; Dysentery; Dyspepsia; Epilepsy,... 102 Eye, Acute or Chronic, (Tubercular Disease of;) Headache, Sick Headache; Heart, (Enlargement of the Heart, &c.;) He- morrhage from the Lungs; (mode of applying the machine in this form of Hemorrhage;) Hernia, (Rupture) Hsema- turia, (bloody Urine;) Hydrocele, (Watery Tumour in parts connected with the Testicle;) Impotence,..................... 103 Intestines, Large; Intestines, Small; Joints and Limbs, (White Swellings;) Kidneys; Leucorrhcea, .(Fluor Albus, Whites;) Liver; Lungs, (Tubercular Disease of, or Consumption,).. 104 Menstrual Colic; Mesenteric Glands, &c; Nipples; Nipples Retracted; .Nose; Omentum; Ovaria; Pancreas; Para- lysis; Peritoneum; Piles, (Hemorrhoids;) Pleurisy,....... 105 Poisoning by Opium, Morphine, Prussic Acid, Arsenic, Ac- Mode of application of the Machine in these cases of Poi- soning ; Prolapsus Uteri; Prostate Gland; Rheumatism, Acute and Chronic; Spine, Disease of the Spine,............ 106 Spleen; Strabismus, (Squinting;) St. Vitus'Dance; Testicles; Tetanus; Throat, (Tubercular Disease of;) Toothache; Uterus, (Tubercular Disease of;) Uteri Prolapsus; Uterus, (Tubercular Disease of, complicated with disease of the Stomach and Cerebellum;) Uterine Inertia in Labour; Uterine Hemorrhage; Varicocele; Vulva, Excessive Irri- tation of; Application of Machine in; Wakefulness, (Sleep- lessness,)....................................................... JQy CHAPTER XV. Mucous Disease; Marks of distinction between it and Tuber- cula; Mode of applying the Machine in Mucous Disease also the remedies for it,...................................... ' jqq CHAPTER XVI. Cases of Tubercula and Scrofula in various Organs of the Bodv • General Remarks,................................................. ' ,qo CONTENTS. xi CHAPTER XVI. Page. Tnbercula of the Lungs and other Organs,.......................... 115 CHAPTER XVII. Tubercula of the Throat and Palate, commonly, but incorrectly, called Bronchitis,...................................................... 122 CHAPTER XVIII. Tubercula of the Heart. Enlargement of the Heart,............ 127 CHAPTER XIX. Tubercula of the Bowels,................................................. 135 CHAPTER XX. Tubercula of the Stomach. Dyspepsia,.............................. 140 CHAPTER XXI. Tubercula of the Kidneys,................................................ 145 CHAPTER XXII. Tubercula of the Muscles and Joints; White-swelling of the Joints and Limbs. General Remarks,.......................... 148 CHAPTER XXIII. Tubercula of the Spine. Curvature of the Spine. General Remarks,................................................................ 159 CHAPTER XXIV. Tubercula of the Nerves; Neuralgia; Tic Douleureux; Sick Headache; Chorea; Locked Jaw,................................. 168 CHAPTER XXV. Tubercula of the Eyes and appendages,.............................. 173 CHAPTER-XXVI. Tubercula of the Thyroid Gland; Bronchocele or Goitre,....... 178 CHAPTER XXVII. Tubercula of the Womb. General Remarks,........................ 180 CHAPTER XXVIII. Tubercula of the Womb. Cases,....................................... 183 CHAPTER XXIX. Tubercula of the Womb, continued..................................... 190 CHAPTER XXX. Tubercula of the Womb and appendages,............................ 195 CHAPTER XXXI. Tubercula of the Organs of Generation,.............................. 202 Glossary,..................................................................... 207 A CARD. The Electro-magnetic Machines manufactured by the subscribers, which are made in a superior manner, are beau- tiful in appearance, and have been sold extensively through- out the Union, can be sent by express, or other modes of conveyance, to any part of the United States, Price of the Medium size, $10. Largest size, $15. Letters, post paid, enclosing orders for the Machine, and accompanied by cash, will receive immediate attention. A liberal deduction made to Agents. This work can be transmitted by mail to any part of the United States; also, to the Canadas. Price of a single copy Fifty Cents, or three copies for One Dollar. Purchasers can forward the sum of one dollar in gold or good bills, along with eight three cent postage stamps, where three copies are ordered; and where more are desired, in the same proportion; in this manner avoiding the payment of double postage on the work, which would be the case if this were not prepaid. 8®" Orders for the work, post paid, enclosing the cash, will be attended to immediately. W. C. & J. NEFF, Electro-magnetic Instrument Makers, No. 3 J South Seventh Street, Philadelphia, Pa. TUBERCULAR OR SCROFULOUS DISEASE. CHAPTEK I. GENERAL REMARKS. This form of disease is one of an exceedingly interesting and important description. It has long baffled the skill of men of the highest reputation in the healing art, and so little impression have all the means which medical men usually employ, made upon it, as to cause the conviction to fasten deeply and firmly in their minds, that where vital organs were the seat of it, the case was one of an utterly hopeless character. Even at this moment, with all the light which Electro-Magnetism has thrown around this subject; with all the proofs which it has so amply furnished of its power in the removal of this form of disorder; with the living, breathing evidences of its health-restoring and life-preserving energy, which continually meet the eye, and call forth expres- sions of wonder and surprise; where the grave just opening apparently to receive its victim, has been compelled to defer the period of its triumph; with all these proofs of the power of Electro-Magnetism over tubercular disorder, there are many physicians who still contend that this disease cannot be cured; and where cures have been effected in cases of a serious character, that these could not have been tubercular in their nature. This delusive opinion seemed, indeed, destined to be over- thrown, under the proofs which apparently were about to be poured out upon the world, of the amazingly curative proper- ties of Cod-liver Oil and Phosphate of lime. Time, however, has not established the truth of the loud and wide-spread de- claration of the virtues of these remedial agents in this dis- 2 14 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. order, and their reputation has fallen as rapidly as it rose, and they bid fair, so far as any influence of theirs over the cure of Tubercular disease of the lungs is concerned, to sink speedily into an obscurity so complete as hardly to admit of any future recovery; an obscurity as deep, as their elevation was grand and imposing. If, however, humanity were to be left to choose between such a course of medication as has just been pointed out for the removal of the disorder which is under consideration, and those processes of treatment which were formerly adopted for the cure of Tubercular disease, of which pulmonary con- sumption, or that form of it at least which is tubercular in its character, was regarded as the grand embodiment, no lover of his race, no one needing relief from its dire and destruc- tive influences, could for a moment hesitate as to the choice to be made between the two, but would regard even Cod-liver Oil and Phosphate of Lime as infinitely preferable to those harsh and debilitating processes of treatment which were for- merly made use of; which speedily exhausted the constitution of the poor sufferer, and rapidly hurried the victim of a ruin- ous system of medication to the mansions of the grave. No wonder if, under the influence of such reducing methods of treatment as were formerly employed, the progress of the unhappy victim of an injudicious and injurious system of medication should have been downward: that the constitu- tion, weakened already by the disease, should have become still weaker under the treatment adopted; and life, that blessed boon, speedily have ceased to animate the structure, which disease and destructive remedial agencies had com- bined to render unfit for the further manifestations of ac- tivity and intelligence. No wonder that the physician who blindly followed in the paths marked out by those who pre- ceded him, should, in view of the fatal consequences of pulmo- nary disorder, following, with such certain and unvarying tread upon the harsh and ruinous remedial treatment made use of, have come to the conclusion that Tubercular Consump- tion was incurable: so long as resort was still had to the old and debilitating methods of treatment, so long were all his efforts to stay the disease fruitless: his exertions indeed only had the effect to aggravate the disease, and hurry on the final and fatal issue. Sad, sad, that men holding so high and responsible stations GENERAL REMARKS. 15 as those which physicians occupy, should have depended so much upon the experience of their ancestors, and have exer- cised so little the judgment with which they themselves had been endowed by a benignant Creator. How degraded the condition of one who claims the possession of intelligence, and yet refuses to exercise that reason with which he is favoured, but relies wholly upon authority for his opinions, and no matter how contrary such opinions may be to the de- cisions of enlightened judgment, who, rather than appear singular, prefers to carry out the opinions and dicta of others; of those who having perhaps flourished long before him, have been placed in the temple of his reason as gods; before whom he bows down; and whose decisions, as though in- spired, have with him, apparently, all the sanctions of Divinity. These remarks apply in a special sense to the men of past days: in a lesser degree they apply to many of the present time, who, occupying the responsible position of medical ad- visers, have not as yet given up their blind deference to human authority, but pursue a course of professional effort, remarkable only for the amazing fidelity with which they carry out a plan of treatment, which some venerable and re- nowned Hippocrates of former days may have urged as that which was the best adapted for the removal of human dis- order; and which, no matter how unsuccessful *in its results, they feel themselves bound at all hazards to conform to. Medical mind has, however, like other mind, felt the ge- nial influence of the spirit of inquiry, which is so character- istic of the action of intellect during the present century; and bursting away its shackles, has darted forward on its path of independent and fearless investigation. The opinions of antiquity, when subjected to the test of reason, which has desired only the evolution of truth, if found to be in accord- ance with that reason, have been retained, and still more ar- dently venerated; while those whose value has only been de- rived from the fact of their antiquity, have been abandoned and discarded with as little regret, as a garment marred and worthless; their antiquity rendering them, so discordant were they with truth, only the more odious and repulsive. Not the least important field which medicine has presented for the investigation of this awakened medical mind, is that which has reference to Tubercular disease. Nor is this strange, 16 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. when we consider that so much suffering and distress result as a consequence of the ravages of this disorder. How is beauty marred, health destroyed, loved ones laid low, high hopes blasted, and life, if protracted, rendered a scene of weariness, pain, and distress, through the influence of this prolific source of disease and suffering. That this form of disease is one of a wide-spreading and extensive character, those who have examined the subject thoroughly can bear testimony. The greater portion of chronic disease is of a tubercular character, and much of that which is acute is of the same nature; whilst much of the fatality that attends Scarlet Fever, Cholera, and other disor- ders which are commonly recognised as connected with this form of complaint, owe, in a great degree, their fatal character to the existence of tuberculations of longer or shorter con- tinuance in some one or more of the vital organs. How often, after acute attacks of disease, do we find wasting consump- tion set in, and a cold, apparently trifling, speedily develope Tubercular Consumption. The true cause of this is due to the fact that in these cases tubercular disease had, for a longer or shorter period, perhaps for many years, existed in the lungs, and perhaps, in other organs also: the disease, dormant but present during that period, being called into activity and life by the action of exciting causes, such as other diseases; cold, &c; which, by increasing the tubercular engorgements, hastened on their final suppuration. It is not strange that the heart of the medical man should, in view of the ravages of tubercular disease, be deeply affected; nor, affecting, as this complaint does, many who are engaged in the work of alleviating human misery, so far as this is dependent on disease, that motives of an urgent character should present themselves at all times for the study of this disorder, and the discovery of the means that are calculated to effect its removal. It is scarcely necessary here to enumerate the varied and ever varying processes which for many years have been re- commended and employed by medical men and others, for the cure of tubercular disease; of which we may regard Tu- bercular Consumption as the complete exemplification. That their action was for the most part debilitating in their cha- racter, and calculated to aggravate the disorder, the student of medicine in any degree enlightened can readily perceive. GENERAL REMARKS. 17 So evident was this, that medical men sought at last for pallia- tives only; their efforts being directed to smooth the passage of the diseased one to the grave; no expectation being cherished of the removal by human agency of the disorder. The practice at the present time has settled down, (the Cod- liver Oil and Phosphate of Lime furor having subsided,) into the course above mentioned; and, notwithstanding the bril- liant discoveries which have been made, with regard to the powers possessed by electro-magnetic agents for the cure of tubercular disease, the most of medical men still plod on in the old track; and, despairing of curing the complaint, with calmness and resignation hand down their patients, palliating the symptoms as they go, to sink into the embrace of the grim monster death. The mind of one philosophical and investigating physician was not, however, contented with so inefficient and palliative a system of practice as that which we have just considered. To Dr. H. H. Sherwood must be awarded the honour of ori- ginating a method of treatment in tubercular disease; and of unfolding views in relation to it which are simple, philosophi- cal, easy of practical application, and eminently successful. Himself consumptive, at an early period of his medical career, he was led, in consequence of the failure of the common methods of treatment, to engage in a course of philosophical investigation bearing on this point; which re- sulted in the evolution of the grand yet simple thought, that tubercular disease is nothing more than disease of the absorb- ent glandular system, depending on the preponderance of the negative or expansive force of electricity over the positive or contractive force; the result of which is the enlargement of the absorbent glands, followed by the phenomena which mark the course of tubercular disease: that, as a consequence, such remedies as have the effect to act upon this state of the gland, and restore it to its original size and condition, supplying it with a sufficiency of the positive force, by which its power of contraction is increased, thus overcoming the negative or expansive force, constitute the means which are calculated to remove the disease in question. With the light of truth beaming thus brightly around him, he sought after remedies which possessed the power of hold- in o- large quantities of positive electricity in intimate combi- nation; and which, when introduced into the system, would 18 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. impart this needed force to the weakened and enlarged ab- sorbent glandular structure. He found these remedies; and although his lungs were at that time so diseased that cavities had formed in them, he was enabled by the use of these means, to overcome the disease; eventually recovering his health. This took place about forty years ago. The Doctor died a few years since. He requested, many years before he died, that an examination of his body should be made after death, that the truth of the opinion which he entertained, might be confirmed by dissection, as to the existence of cicatrices in those parts of his lungs which had been so many years before the seat of cavities, and which had then nearly brought him to the grave. Dissection proved the correctness of his opinion, old cicatrices or scars were discovered in the lungs: the disease of which he died was an affection of the heart. In the early period of the magnetic practice of Dr. Sher- wood, he relied almost entirely upon medicines highly magne- tized, and the outward application of magnetized plasters, for the cure of tubercular disease. The improvements, how- ever, which have of late years been made in the modes of applying electricity, brought within his reach additional means by which he was enabled, while using the remedies which he had first employed, to throw into the system, in quantities greater or less, the electrical force which was neces- sary for the cure of this disorder. His success was great, and many a diseased one has had occasion to thank a kind Pro- vidence for his relief, and in many instances salvation from death, through the skill and use of the remedies of this dis- tinguished physician. The writer of this work is one of the instances of this character. He may, if he can spare the space, in another part of this work, speak of the pulmonary difficulty under which he laboured some twelve years since: he will here simply state that one if not more cavities had formed in his lungs, and that he was so feeble at one time, as to be regarded as within a few weeks of his end. Through the administration of the means recommended by Dr. Sherwood, he was eventu- ally restored to health, and the practice of his profession; and such has been the success which has followed his own use of these means in the treatment of the diseases of others, as to satisfy him of the superiority of the practice here laid down, and encourage him in presenting it as prominently as GENERAL REMARKS. 19 he can, to the view of the profession, as well as those who stand in need of its inestimable benefits. Earnestly would he desire that in the investigation of the views here unfolded, prejudice might be laid aside, and reason and a desire to ob- tain truth take its place; and as in medicine, no principle which is truly worthy of application to the treatment of dis- ease can be appreciated as it deserves to be, unless it has been subjected to the test of experiment; he trusts that, following the course which he himself pursued, others may carry out these principles into their practical application, and although the remedies are not infallible, he doubts not that a degree of success will follow the thorough, judicious, and enlightened use of the means here recommended, that will increase the laurels which already deck the physician's brow; and, in the satisfaction which accompanies successful efforts to relieve the miseries of man enfeebled and diseased, a degree of happiness will be secured, which will be purer and holier in its character than that which springs simply from the circumstance of reputation exalted, or wealth increased by the exertions which he may have made to remove disease, one of the great scourges which afflict a common humanity. 20 TUTSERCULAR DISEASE. CHAPTEK II. TUBERCULAR DISEASE—ITS NATURE. The importance of the subject of Tubercular disease ren- ders it necessary that some explanation should be given of the nature of tubercles; what they are, or in what their es- sential condition consists. The practice which may be adopted for their removal will, and does in fact, depend greatly on the views which we form with reference to their character. The view commonly entertained is, that they are the result of the "Extravasation (or pouring out of a fluid from the vessel con- taining it, and the effusion of the fluid into the surrounding textures,) of a formless matter, which is possessed of a low and feeble vitality; that an imperfect attempt at organization takes place; the issue of which is, the generation of granules and peculiar corpuscles; the tubercle thus formed grows by imbibition, (absorption) like cartilage, and then, in virtue of a law of its constitution, passes through a succession of changes ending in a disintegration of its substance." We do not in this work aim at controversy, and we do not intend to occupy our time in combatting the opinions of others; we wish simply to present our own views, and show in a plain way what the true nature of tubercle is, and ac- count for the changes 'which occur in those organs which con- stitute the real seat of the disorder. We give the above view, that some idea may be formed of the opinion which is com- monly entertained among medical men of the highest autho- rity, as to the real character of tubercular disorder. What is that state or condition of the organization on which tubercular disease is mainly dependent; and what organ or system of organs is the real seat of the disease in question? We consider the absorbent glands to be the organs affected in this complaint, and the disease to consist essentially in a wea/cened condition of these organs. Tubercles we regard as being simply enlarged absorbent glands; an opinion long ago promulgated by Dr. Sherwood, and supported by other physi- cians of great reputation and experience. The absorbent ITS NATURE. 21 system is one whose office is of great importance, and as some knowledge of it is necessary for the development of our views, we will, for the benefit of the non-professional reader, present those facts connected with the subject, which will the better enable us to exhibit the philosophical relation which exists between the condition of these parts in disease, and the re- medies which are employed for its removal. The absorption of nutritive matter from the intestinal walls, is performed partly by means of the blood vessels of the part, and partly through the agency of the lacteal vessels. The nutritive matter which is taken up by the blood vessels, is not permitted to enter the general current of the circulation, until it has been subjected to an assimilating process which is accomplished by the Liver. The portion of the nutritive matter which is taken up by the lacteal or chyle vessels, passes through a series of glandular bodies, called lymphatic or absorbent glands. The lymphatic vessels of the outer surface of the body, as those of the skin, also those of the different tissues of the body, pass, like the internal or chyle lymphatic vessels through lymphatic glands, and finally empty their contents into the same receptacle, the thoracic duct; these mingled fluids finally passing into the blood. Va- rious changes take place in the constitution of the chyle as it passes through the chyle vessels and the absorbent glands, and through the vessels intervening between these glands and the thoracic or central duct. Fibrin begins to appear; small round bodies become visible, and the fluid more closely re- sembles blood; showing that, under the influence of the vital energies of this system of vessels and glands, important changes in the nutritive fluid have been accomplished. We wish the fact, that such changes and alterations are produced by the vital activity of these vessels and glands, to be borne in mind, as we shall make use of it hereafter. A number of agencies combine to produce the movement of the fluids, which are taken up by the absorbent vessels. Like the veins, the lymphatic vessels are furnished with a fibrous coat into which the muscular fibre cells enter largely, rendering it as a consequence very contractile. In all parts of the body, even in the enamel of the teeth, these vessels are believed to exist. They consist of small tubes, one- twelfth, or less, of an inch in diameter, usually increasing m size, and becoming less numerous as they proceed, forming 22 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. net works by frequently uniting with each other, and appear- ing knotted in consequence of the valvular interruptions to their cavities. The inner coat of these vessels is very fine and transparent, and doubling itself frequently, produces valves similar to those in the veins, the object of which is to prevent the fluid which they carry from passing back again. The lymphatic glands are known by the name of lymphatic or absorbent glands or ganglions, usually called waxen kernels. They are quite hard, of a flattened ovoidal shape, and of a reddish ash colour, and vary in size from the one-twelfth of an inch, to an inch in their long diameter. They are usually met with in clusters, and are most abundant in the arm-pits, groin, neck, mesentery, and point of division of the wind- pipe. They seem to be made up of the minute branching of the lymphatic vessels (of which we have already made mention) which enter the gland and the roots of the vessels which proceed from it; those which pass into the gland being continued into those which go out. They possess, like the lym- phatic vessels, two coats, both of which, as well as those of the last-mentioned set of vessels, are furnished with arteries, veins, and nerves, and are very strong and dense, and possess remarkable powers of contraction. _ We said, when speaking of the causes which produce mo- tion in the lymphatic vessels, that the fibrous coat possesses very great powers of contractility, in consequence of the muscular fibre cells which enter so largely into its composition. We have also seen that the coats of the vessels of the lym- phatic or absorbent glands possess similar powers and pro- perties. We desire that this fact should be borne in mind; we wish the fact, that these vessels are furnished with such a fibro-muscular organization of one of their coats, to be kept in view, as it serves to explain the reason why tubercular dis- ease is a curable disease under the action of the remedies which we employ for its removal: ^ As we have already stated, we regard tubercles as being simply enlarged absorbent glands, no matter what their loca- tion, or what the products of the disorder; and the essential condition of the gland in a state of disease as consisting in a weakened state of these organs; of their nerves, coats, and blood vessels. Through the action of causes which have a tendency to produce general or local debility, these organs ITS NATURE. 23 become debilitated; the coats of their vessels lose, in a greater or less degree, their contractile power, and, as a consequence, the contents of the vessels are not pushed forward so rapidly as when the parts possess their usual strength and vigour. The circulation becomes sluggish, accumulations of the fluids take place, the vessels consequently expand, and an enlarged state of the gland occurs, which, if it be located on the external surface under the skin, becomes appreciable to the sense of touch, or sight, or both. Here is a tubercle in its early stage of development, and before any unusual product has as yet started into existence. If the irritation which results from this enlargement of the absorbent gland continues, or any cause of disturbance existing in some other part of the body, whose effect is to excite and keep up irritation in the diseased gland, continue to operate, the gland undergoes certain changes, which are the result partly of the altered state of the nutrition of the gland from excitement, and partly of the obstruction to the circulation, and the consequent stagnation of the fluids which pass through the vessels of the part. The circulation becoming more and more sluggish, the gland becomes less and less able to relieve itself of its contents, and as the thinner parts of the contents of its vessels are absorbed, a thicker and more dense substance is left behind; and since the detritus, or waste of the organs, among which are lime and other earthy matters, is conveyed by these absorbent vessels, an accumu- lation of these matters takes place in the gland, forming chalky and other concretions, which are not unfrequently spit up from the lungs, along with other substances which are thrown out from tubercles. It is not singular that, under such circumstances as have been pointed out above, an absorbent gland should enlarge, a tubercle develope; and if the irritation should continue sufficiently long, that the gland should eventually suppurate, as occurs in other textures. No necessity exists for the adoption of the opinion that these phenomena are the result of a special deposit in the gland, which is the seat of the dis- order. It is not singular that the peculiar secretions which, in a state of health, the gland forms, and by which the con- tents of its vessels become better fitted for assimilating and mingling with the blood, should undergo a change, and un- natural products be seeu in the gland, as a consequence of 24 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. those irritations which occur in tubercular disorder. Great alterations take place in other organs and textures of the body, when affected with inflammation; the character of their natural products is essentially and remarkably changed; it is not strange if the lymphatic or absorbent glandular system which is so vitally concerned in carrying on the nutritive pro- cesses of the system, should, when in a state of disease, have its products so essentially and wonderfully modified and altered, as to assume a character widely differing from that of other pro- ducts of irritation and inflammation. When speaking of the effeet produced on the chyle during its passage through the lymphatic vessels, we pointed out the influence exerted by the vital energies of the part in the production of changes which caused the lymphatic fluid to bear a close resemblance to the blood; it cannot be regarded as strange if, in a state of disease, instead of such an alteration as that just men- tioned being witnessed, such as tubercular disease exhibits, should be manifested; and that a variety of products which have been by physicians regarded as the result of a special deposit, should be substituted for those which, in a state of health, were usually afforded. In our next chapter we shall still further unfold this subject. HEREDITARY AND ACQUIRED. 25 CHAPTER III. HEREDITARY AND ACQUIRED PREDISPOSITION TO TUBERCULAR DISEASE. But few deny that Tubercular disease is in many cases in- herited; that even where the disease is not at birth developed, a predisposition to it, inherited from one or both of the parents, exists, which renders the individual liable at some future time to become the subject of this disorder. In many cases, however, no such original predisposition to the disease exists, but in consequence of causes yet to be mentioned, a disposition to take on the affection is developed, which, unless overcome, may ultimately end in settled tuberculous dis- order. These two kinds of predisposition to tubercular affec- tion may be entitled, Hereditary and Acquired. We pro- pose to explain the manner of the origin of these predisposi- tions, and thus unfold more fully the subject of tubercula or scrofula. It is at present a generally received opinion, that not only are mental and moral qualities transmissible by the parent to the child, but physical qualities also. Not only is this ob- servable in the resemblance which the child most commonly bears in these respects to one, or in some instances both of the parents, but peculiar states or conditions of organs are also liable to be transmitted. This is true also with reference to the subject of disease. As an illustration of diseased states of the organization being transmitted, we may speak of the instances which frequently occur where the mother being con- sumptive, the child is born with all the marks of consumptive disorder; both mother and child often dying of this disease, soon after the birth of the latter. This, it is true, is an extreme case: we can hardly say that a predisposition to disease is here transmitted; the child is born with the disease itself iw. full action: here the actual disease is imparted by the diseased mother to the child. In most instances, however, the dis- eased state of the organization has not arrived at this high stage of development. Although there may be a predisposi- tion to tubercles, these may not yet have formed in the organs, 3 26 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. or, if formed, they may be quiescent, and produce apparently no disturbance in those parts of the organization in which they are located. In the latter of the two cases just mentioned, it is easy to conceive that an active state of the tubercular disease, at some future period, would not be an unlikely consequence of the previously and inherited, tuberculated state of the parts. Tuberculations already existing there, a variety of causes which are exciting in their character, would tend to increase the previous difficulty, and urge on to the full development of this form of disorder. Hereditary predisposition to Tubercular Disease. In the first of the two cases under consideration, in which there exists a predisposition by inheritance to this disorder, while as yet no actual tubercular disease is present, a certain con- dition of those parts which are the seat of tubercles is pre- sent, and this condition of the parts is what in reality con- stitutes the predisposition to the disease. In this case the true cause of predisposition to tubercular disease, consists in the transmission by the parent to the child of a weakened state of the absorbent glandular system. Where the organiza- tion is in this state, it is easy to perceive why tubercular de- velopments should sooner or later occur. It is a law of dis- ease, that any cause calculated to aevelope disorder, will be more likely to operate on a weak organ than on a strong one. Hence the weaker organ will feel the injurious influence of such a disturbing cause more readily and deeply than that which is stronger, even if any impression is made upon the latter. If that cause be the application or action of cold, which is too intense for the reactive powers of the individual to overcome entirely, the current of the circulation sets in- wardly; the internal organs become congested, and in that organ, (as the lungs for instance, in cases where predisposition to tubercular disease of this organ is inherited,) which is weakest, and least able consequently to counteract the force of the current, congestion ensues to a greater or less extent, and the lymphatic glands, which, in the individual are through predisposition naturally delicate, feel in the highest degree the effects of the congestion. As a consequence, though pre- viously of a size nearly or quite natural, they enlarge, and as they increase, the irritation in the part increases, which has a tendency to increase still further the accumulations of blood HEREDITARY AND ACQUIRED. 27 and fluids in the glands. Owing to the obstruction of the circulation, both as regards the blood and lymph, these fluids are retained to a greater or less degree in the part, and the natural functions of the gland becoming affected by the irri- tation as well as the changes which occur in the lymph and blood, important changes occur in the natural products of the glands in consequence of this condition of congestion, ob- struction, and alteration of function. The chalky concre- tions are, as we have said, among the more simple of the results of tubercular irritation, depending probably almost entirely on the absorption of the more liquid parts of the lymphatic fluid, which leave behind the lime which formed one of their constituents. Now this congestion of the glands may be temporary; the circulation generally may improve, and the" current again set outwardly; and these glands, where they have not gone quite so far in the process of alteration as we have pointed out, may eventually recover their natural size, remaining perhaps somewhat more enlarged than they were before. This state of things is commonly observed in congestion and inflamma- tion of the lungs: as the disease improves, the tuberculated glands diminish in size, regaining nearly, if not wholly, their natural dimensions. The result, however, of the injurious action of cold, above mentioned, and other causes, and of the consequent conges- tion, has been to leave the parts more liable to disease than they were before, owing to the increased weakness which has resulted from the action previously noticed; so that the same cause, or others which have a similar tendency, and which weaken the general system, or the part previously affected, will again be followed by the same results. The affected gland or glands may at length advance beyond the adhesive stage of inflammation, and pass into the suppurative stage; which, as it has its seat in this instance in a particular kind of structure, and under peculiar circumstances of predisposi- tion, alteration of nutritive function, &c., will of course be likely to be attended with the formation and discharge of products differing somewhat in character from those which are attendant on suppuration in other textures. The irri- tation caused by this process will, of course, be extended along the chain of glands; and the glands generally may be brought into a state of irritation and congestion; partly as a 28 TUBERCULAR DISEASE, result of the influence of the general congestion of the organ affected, and partly as the result of the irritation transmitted by the glands which are already congested and irritated; and which, through nervous sympathy and structural connexions, implicate those which previously were unaffected. Hence we see why it is that tubercular disease in the lungs may increase to such an extent; why it is that when suppuration takes place in one portion of them, the disease is so apt to extend itself with greater rapidity. Not only does the heightened irritation tend to cause this increase in the disorder, but in consequence of the general weakness of the lungs, which is induced by the process of suppuration, the vessels of the lymphatic glands become greatly debilitated, rendering them less able to carry on their circulation properly; and, as a con- sequence, congestion, accumulations, and irritation follow, and glandular enlargement, or tubercular increase, results. In portraying, as I have done, the character of Hereditary Predisposition to tubercular disease, and while tracing its progress from simple predisposition to its full development, four circumstances will be noticed as characterizing this com- plaint. First, there is a debilitated state of the absorbent glands of one or more of the organs of the body; followed by, in the second place, a congested state of these glands. Third, as a consequence, an enlarged state of the glands occurs; in other words, tubercles form. Fourth, an altera- tion in the natural products of the gland takes place; which is the result of an alteration in the functional action of the parts, which, in consequence of irritation and inflammation, has greatly changed its character, giving rise to products widely differing from those which, in a state of health, were elaborated in the parts. The view then which we would here maintain is, that to constitute an hereditary predisposition to tubercular disease, the parent must transmit to the child a weakened condition of the absorbent glands of one or more of the bodily organs; the child becoming, in consequence, disposed to be affected by unfavourable influences, whose action, owing to this pre- existing debility of glandular structure, will be felt most powerfully at these points, and result in those congestions which lie at the foundation of tubercular formations. Acquired predisposition to Tubercular Disease. We have considered, in what has already been said, that tubercular HEREDITARY AND ACQUIRED. 29 condition which was connected with hereditary predisposi- tion. But avc also said, that a predisposition to tubercular disease which was not hereditary, might be acquired. It will not be necessary to say much in explanation of this form of predisposition, after what has already been advanced, to ex- plain the hereditary form. We see it, as the result of one among other causes, not unfrequently occur in the case of individuals who, though naturally healthy, have, in conse- quence of disease of an acute character, as, for instance, in- flammation of some important part, or as a result of the treatment which has been adopted to quell it, become gene- rally weakened. The absorbent glandular system, partaking of the general debility, becomes susceptible to the influence of the general causes which are calculated to induce conges- tion in internal parts. These causes of disturbance may, if they recur frequently, give rise eventually to a permanently congested state of the absorbent glands, forming tubercles; which, unless arrested, may terminate in suppuration of the diseased organ. In the formation of tubercle, the blood has been regarded by many as performing a part not altogether secondary in its nature. That the condition of this fluid, in this complaint, is not always healthy, is indeed very evident; and that it has a bearing often on the production of this complaint, must be acknowledged. But that it contains in itself a substance of a tubercular nature, which is thrown out here and there in the organs, is of a formless character, and grows, finally be- coming a fully developed tubercle, is an idea not accordant with facts, nor at all necessary for the explanation of the phenomena connected with the rise and progress of this dis- order. The part which the blood performs, in the deve- lopment of this disease, is, as we believe, of the following character. A vigorous state of the digestive organs is, among other things, necessary for the formation of strong, healthy blood. The various organs derive the supplies which they need for their development, and for the maintenance as well as increase of their powers, from this fluid. If this fluid is healthy, the organs nourished by it will, as a general thing, be strong and healthy also; but if, through weakness of the digestive func- tions, the blood is rendered weak and unhealthy, the organs which derive from it their nourishment will, as a general 3* 30 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. rule, be also lacking in vigour. The absorbent glands con- stituting a part of the economy, and receiving their supplies from the blood, become, when this fluid is unhealthy, and more or less deficient in the elements of strength^ weak also. Consequently they are, while thus debilitated, less able to resist those surrounding adverse influences, and internal causes of irritation, which determine undue quantities of blood to them; and hence congestions take place in them, with all those accompanying phenomena, of which we have treated at length elsewhere, and which go to make up tuber- cula or scrofula. Besides, where tubercular disease already exists in the organs, especially in the mesenteric glands, in which, as we have already seen, important changes are effected in the chyle, causing it to bear a closer resemblance to the blood, the composition and nature of this fluid must be con- siderably affected by this diseased condition of these blood- making organs, and, as a consequence, the structures gene- rally, but especially those parts which are predisposed to tubercular disease, must be impaired in their strength, and less able to resist the causes productive of this disorder. In such a state of the vital fluid, it is not singular if, the vital functions of the absorbent glands being impaired and affected, the products of these diseased glands should be remarkably altered, and in this way a sufficient explanation be afforded of many of the phenomena which are attendant on tubercula; and this without the necessity of supposing the previous existence of tubercular matter in the blood. The true seat of the dis- ease is in the weakened absorbents: tlie imperfect blood af- fords the materials, which, elaborated under the action of such altered functional activity of these glands, gives rise to products which are characteristic of tubercular complaints. We may go still further in our explanations of tubercular disease, and describe the change which occurs in the electri- cal condition of the absorbent glands in this disorder. There are two electrical forces by which the various operations con- nected with the living organism are accomplished. These two forces are positive and negative in their character. The effect of the action of the positive is, to produce attraction and contraction; that of the negative, to produce repulsion and expansion. These two forces operate as vital powers in the lymphatic glands, as well as elsewhere; and when a proper relation exists between the action of the two, the gland HEREDITARY AND ACQUIRED. 31 is kept from decrease in size on the one hand, and undue enlargement on the other. If, however, from the influence of causes which have a tendency to weaken the system, or the part, these vital powers become deranged, the positive force may exert less power than is proper, thus allowing the negative to exercise a greater influence. And as we have said before, the effect of the action of the positive being to produce contraction, while that of the negative is to produce expansion, when the positive influence is diminished in power, the negative gains the ascendency; and congestion, which is the result of this preponderance of negative influ- ence, takes place; and an interference with the natural and appropriate functions of the part occurs. The influence of the positive power may become weakened either from over excitement, or any other cause which tends to debilitate the system generally, or the parts particularly; and as the effect of the action of this power is to produce contraction, when this becomes impaired, the vessels expand in size, and do not drive their contents forward as rapidly as is necessary to constitute a healthy circulation; an enlarge- ment of the gland consequently takes place. The accumu- lation still going on, irritation becomes more and more developed in the gland from distention of its vessels. As a consequence the fluids are determined in still larger quanti- ties to the irritated parts which continue to augment in size; and as the functions which are appropriate to the gland, be- come affected by the distention of the parts, as well as by the lost balance of the electrical forces, new combinations take place in the elements of the fluids circulating through the glands, and in different proportions than are natural; giving rise to products which are new and unnatural to the part, as well as to the system. As an illustration of the in- fluence which the diversity of atomic combinations exerts in the formation of a diversity of products, we may refer to the combinations of sulphur with oxygen: not less than four dif- ferent compounds being formed as the result of the difference in the relative proportions of their elementary combinations. So in the case of tubercula: a change in the electrical state of the parts gives rise to an alteration in function which re- sults in the formation of new and unusual products. We need in the review of all that has been said, no depo- sition of new and unusual matter in the part, called tubercular 32 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. matter, to enable us to account for the origin of tubercles. The tubercular matter is formed in the part; not in the system generally, but in the part itself; and is a consequence of this altered state of the functions of the absorbent glands which are affected: the blood itself not containing tubercular matter, but being in many instances unhealthy, and supplying the materials which are elaborated by the diseased absorbent glands; in this manner the tubercular substance being formed, which is met with in the diseased absorbent glandular structure. CAUSES OF. 33 CHAPTER IY. CAUSES OF TUBERCULAR OR SCROFULOUS DISEASE. As we design to make this work practical in its character, and intend to fit it not only for the use, as a manual, of the physician, but also as a vehicle of information on the subject of tubercular disease to the non-professional reader, the indi- vidual who will need its aid for the removal of his disorders; we propose to consider its causes, noticing at least some which exert, as we conceive, a great influence in its production. Among these are inattention to the laws of diet; uncleanli- ness; excessive indulgence of the passions; secret vice; de- pressing mental emotions; over exertion of body or mind; severe and protracted study; damp, unhealthy, foul, habita- tions; illy ventilated rooms; mercury; blood-letting; profuse natural or artificial discharges; vaccination; severe disease, &c.: these, together with the action of cold, are among the most common causes which are productive of it. We do not propose to explain the manner in which each of the above mentioned causes acts in the production of this disease; we may, however, in a general way state that they give rise to this complaint, by inducing a state of debility of the system generally, or of one or more of its parts, by which they are rendered less capable of resisting the action of cold, and other causes, which determine undue quantities of blood to the parts previously weakened; resulting finally in permanent congestion of the absorbent glands there located; or, in other words, in the development of tubercula. Blood-letting. A common cause of this disease is Blood- letting. This was formerly employed to a much greater ex- tent than at the present day, and has laid the foundation of an immense amount of tubercular disorder. No wonder that under so reducing a process an individual who had been treated for inflammation or fever, should at last in many in- stances, sink into wasting consumption, and die, the victim not of the original disease, but of one induced by the debili- tating treatment which had been employed for its removal. 34 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. That medical men are using the lancet, and cup, and leech, more sparingly than was formerly the case, is a matter de- manding public thankfulness; for the desolations which war occasions, are but trifling when compared with that wide- spread devastation which the professional abstraction of human blood has inflicted upon a diseased humanity. Look at the broken down constitutions with which one is continually meeting, which, having fallen under the power of the Philis- tines, are bearing with them to the grave, into which they must shortly enter, the evidences of the destructive treatment which they have received at the hands of their professional advisers. When will medical mind, bursting the shackles which darker ages than the present imposed upon it, learn the grand truth that if we would successfully combat disease, we must husband the vital powers of the system, instead of wasting its energies by the employment of useless, debilitating, and destructive processes. It is easy to conceive how blood- letting acts in the production of tubercula or scrofula. The absorbent glandular system is weakened, along with other parts of the body, by the abstraction of the vital fluid; and the disposition of the circulation to retire inwardly, instead of flowing outwardly, is greatly augmented. As a consequence, congestion results; followed by the long train of phenomena which have been dwelt upon already at considerable length, and which have been described as constituting tubercular affection. I have frequently noticed the occurrence of this result of blood-letting, especially in females who have been bled repeatedly, and, apparently in many instances for trifling causes: tubercular disease of an extensive character, and in- volving many organs, has at last become developed; and though they may, under the influence of this weakening pro- cess, have increased in size, and substance; and the glow, apparently of rosy health, have suffused their cheeks, yet like beautiful apples, outwardly perfect and free from disease, but at the core rotten and unsound, an examination has detected extensive tubercular difficulty in vital organs; which must sooner or later carry these victims of an unfortunate and de- structive practice to an untimely grave. Vaccination. This is another of the grand causes of the disease which is under consideration. The time has not yet arrived for medical men to endorse the views which, as an individual, (I do not wish to make eclecticism, nor the Eclectic CAUSES OF. 35 Medical College of Pennsylvania, responsible for the correct- ness of these opinions: they are private views of my own,) I entertain respecting vaccination, regarded as a preventive of small pox: the time will yet come, however, I firmly be- lieve, when men will wonder that they ever entertained the delusive idea, that, independent of the protection which the belief that, they were thus protected, conferred upon them, vaccination should ever have been regarded as a boon granted to humanity. I do not propose in this place, nor in this work, to give my reasons for the opinion just expressed. My ob- ject in this volume is to point out the injurious results which not unfrequently flow from vaccination. Much of tubercula or scrofula is, I conceive, due to this cause. Where a predisposition to this disease, either inherited or acquired, exists, the introduction into the system of so dis- turbing a cause as vaccine matter has the effect, in many in- stances, to develope tubercular disorder. The reason of this is found in the fact that the matter is absorbed into the system, finds its way into the blood, which it contaminates; and mix- ing with the fluids which circulate through the absorbent glands, it excites in these last-mentioned organs, irritation, resulting in congestion; followed by those phenomena which have been so fully pointed out when speaking of predisposi- tion to the disease under consideration. Such may be the consequence of vaccination, supposing the matter employed to be what is called pure; such in fact are not unfrequently the results of vaccination, where the purest matter has been made use of; the introduction of such, comparatively speak- ing, innocent matter, acting upon parts predisposed to scro- fula or tubercula, serving to develope in these parts tubercular disorder, through the irritation which it occasions in the already debilitated absorbent glandular structure. Let, however, that vaccine matter be diseased; let it be taken from an individual who is tainted with erysipelas, salt rheum, or other skin diseases; which diseases may be in a latent, undeveloped state as yet, or may be in full activity; or who may be tainted with scrofula, or perhaps even, through inheritance from his parents, with that vile and loathsome disorder, Syphilis; (the result of licentiousness,) and let_(as has often been done,) matter, thus diseased, be introduced into the system of an individual as yet unaffected by scrofula, and not in any way predisposed to the disease, and it cannot be 36 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. wondered at if the absorbent glands, through which this foul irritating and diseased matter has to pass, should become irri- tated, congested, and tuber-ciliated. No other result than dis- ease of these organs could be expected under such circum- stances to occur, and such cases have occurred sufficiently often, one would think, to have led men long ago, if for no other reason, to lay aside a weapon so dangerous; one whose consequences may prove so disastrous. I will here give a case or two bearing on the subject in question. A child, eighteen months old, was vaccinated by a vaccine physician in the absence of the father; the mother being overpersuaded, contrary to her own and husband's opinion of the injurious character of the operation, to give her consent. Three days after the operation an ulcer formed in the spot where the matter had been inserted, and discharged acrid burning matter. The arm swelled from the fingers up to the neck; the cervical absorbent glands became enlarged; and the skin assumed a copper-coloured appearance. Within two weeks after the operation the child died. The parents were healthy. The diseased state of the system, and of the parts in this ease, was, indubitably, the result of the introduction into the system of foul, vile, and loathsome matter. In another case, a fine healthy boy, who had never had a day's sickness in his life, was vaccinated when eight months old. The operation was performed below the elbow. About five days after this, high fever occurred; instead of the forma- tion of the usual circle of inflammation around the spot where the matter had been inserted, the whole arm above this point, up to the shoulder, swelled, and became very red; many blisters, resembling those produced by fly blisters, formed, which finally ran together; the skin over the elbow-joint be- came purple, resembling mortification; the fore-arm also, down to the ends of the fingers, became similarly affected. The whole duration of this difficulty was about two weeks. He never knew what health was from that hour, but seemed to be ever after liable to a variety of diseases. When about two and a half years of age, scrofulous or tubercular disease of the hip-joint occurred, from which he has suffered ever since. It is now about twenty-three years since the hip com- plaint first appeared. The cause of all this was due to the introduction into his system, by vaccination, of erysipela- tous matter, which developed tubercular disease, one of tho CAUSES OF. 37 consequences of which was the hip difficulty, of which we have just spoken. These are not the only evils arising from vaccination. Not only tubercular or scrofulous disease, but skin disease, and a host of other disorders, are frequently the result of vaccina- tion. The diminished and continually diminishing confidence of the profession in its power to keep the system in a state of protection, for any great length of time, against small-pox, inspires us with some hope that the time will yet come when, aside from the injurious consequences flowing directly from the operation, it will be entirely discarded on account of its inefficiency and worthlessness. For myself, I have not for years employed this, as I consider, useless and destructive process. Mercury. This mineral is another powerful agent in the production of tubercula or scrofula. It seems as if for cen- turies medical men, like lunatics, have been running wild, casting firebrands, arrows, and*death. Scarcely a weapon could have been placed in their hands, by the Genius of Evil, which could have lent him more efficient aid in his work of destruction than the one which we are at present considering. The consequences, the deplorable consequences arising from the administration of this remedy are sad and melancholy in their character. No honest and enlightened physician can shut his eyes to the fact of its destructive ope- ration on the human organism; no physician ought to rest satisfied until he has found a substitute for the use of this corroding, devastating poison. Men ought not, in a matter so vitally affecting the happiness and well-being of their race, suffer themselves to be bound down by medical authority or great names; but in the exercise of the spirit which animates the true Eclectic, seek from every quarter those means by which he may be able to overcome disease, without being obliged to resort to so unsafe and destructive a remedy as mercury. For the information of the medical, as well as the non-professional reader, (who may yet be ignorant of the fact, and suppose that there is nothing which can answer as a sub- stitute for this mineral,) we would here state, that in man- drake, and its concentrated preparation Podophylline, we have, among other remedies, a substitute for Calomel; vege- table' innocent, and fulfilling all the indications that are desirable for which this poison has been made use of. 4 38 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. We shall not attempt to consider the subject of mercury in this volume as extensively as we might. Viewing its dis- astrous consequences as they meet the eye of the physician, volumes might be filled with the description of its ravages; of its march of destruction and death. To hint at these things, thereby directing the attention to the subject, is suf- ficient; the page of human disease is defaced and marred enough to show out in horrid and unwritten lines and letters what mercury has done and is doing to injure and curse hu- manity. Any one may there speedily discern its true nature, and the direful results which flow from its employment. I shall here, however, consider the question so far as it has a bearing on the subject of tubercular disease. Here its field is a very extensive one. It is a great cause, among other powerful causes, of a large proportion of tubercular or scro- fulous disease. The seeds of this complaint are sown freely in childhood, in the minute doses which are administered for diarrhoea, &c, or in the larger ones which are employed as cathartics; and from childhood to old age, the diseases which it first originated are nurtured and developed under its con- tinued employment. It robs the nervous structure of its phosphorus, decomposing that structure, and rendering the nervous system more susceptible to the action of injurious and unfavourable influences; thereby predisposing the gene- ral system to disease, through the derangements which the circulation experiences, in consequence of the irregularity which marks the action of so important a system of organs as is that of the nervous. The body is, through its influence, rendered more suscep- tible to the action of cold, and congestions are, in conse- quence, occurrences not unfrequently met with. Not only, however, on the nervous system, but also on the glandular, especially the absorbent glandular, its blighting influence falls with withering, crushing power. Mercury indeed has a specific influence on glandular function, and is administered, among other reasons, for the purpose of rousing up to activity torpid glands; exciting them to renewed secretion, and awakening to greater activity the powers of the absorbents. Being absorbed and carried into those vessels which are particularly set apart for the work of carrying materials into the blood, either for the nutrition of the system, or to throw out, by means of the various secreting organs, whatever parts CAUSES OF. 39 of the organization have become useless, it acts in a special manner upon the absorbent glandular structure; and it is here that its ravages are extensively met with. It decom- poses the nervous structure of the glands, thereby inducing in them a state of debility; and as a certain degree of tone and strength is necessary for the proper action of the fibro- muscular coat which forins one of the constituents of the ab- sorbent vessels, this also loses, to a considerable extent, its power of contractility, and an expansion or enlargement of these vessels ensues. The continued irritation which its presence occasions in these vessels has also the effect to in- duce a flow of fluids to the parts; and as their tone and energy are already weakened, they are less able to rid them- selves of these accumulations, and an expansion or enlarge- ment of the gland«takes place: in other words, tubercular or scrofulous disease is developed, which, unless arrested, passes through all those various changes, which have been already so fully described in another part of this work. The connexion between the administration of mercury and the development of tubercular disease, is frequently noticed in those enlargements of the absorbent glands in different parts of the body, which occur, even after slight changes of the weather, in individuals who have formerly taken prepa- rations of mercury. It is not wonderful that consumption should frequently set in, in such cases; slight colds, or other disturbing causes occurring in such, by throwing the blood more freely upon the absorbent glands of the lungs, which are already weakened and irritable, may so increase the amount of fluids in these debilitated parts, as to render them incapa- ble of themselves of throwing off the excess, and of recovering their original capacity. An instance of this kind is related in a medical journal: "A soldier, twenty-two years of age, was admitted into a regimental hospital on the 22d of Feb- ruary. Half a drachm of mercurial ointment was rubbed in every second day; and a grain and a half of the oxymuriate of mercury being divided into four doses, he was ordered to take one dose on alternate days. On the ninth day, having made five frictions, and taken the above quantity of oxymu- riate, salivation appeared, and the mercury was discontinued. There was profuse salivation. Law diet, cooling aperients, gargles, and various other means were resorted to, but without the least effect in checking the salivation. The tongue 40 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. became greatly swelled and indurated; the cheeks ulcerated; the gums were destroyed, and the teeth loosened. Swallow- ing was extremely difficult, and the nights sleepless. Leeches were applied in succession to the face and neck; and opiates were given with the view of procuring some sleep. But nothing arrested the progress of the spitting, and its devasta- tions on the mouth, tongue, and throat. On the 5th of April, incisions were made into the tongue, with the hope of relieving the swelling of that organ; but little good effect, however, was produced. By the 18th of April, the saliva- tion began to diminish, and ceased entirely by the end of the month. The swelling of the tongue disappeared, and the ulcers of the mouth healed. But the man continued pale and emaciated, complaining of a sense of heat in the region of the stomach, and having cough witffout expectoration. Early in May, expectoration appeared, and was accompanied by diarrhoea. He soon began to throw up purulent matter, and he died of rapid Pulmonary Consumption on the 14th of May; not quite three months from the commencement of the mercurial treatment. On dissection, the mouth and parts contiguous were found perfectly healthy. In the left lung, a large abscess presented itself, full of fetid matter, which was extravasated into the bag of the pleura on that side. There was nothing particular in any other part of the body." This is a case which exhibited very speedily the influence of mercury in the production of fatal tubercular disease of the lungs. In the greater proportion of instances, however, its connexion with the full development of tubercular disease is not manifested at so early a period as in the case just quoted. The disease, although it starts immediately into ex- istence, may require years to reach its full and fatal develop- ment. Cases have come under my care, in which, through the action of mercury, scrofulous or tubercular disease has been developed in the soft and bony tissues, causing the formation of holes in the bony palate, through which liquids passed into the nostrils; destruction of the cartilage of the nose, (causing this organ to cave in,) and of the soft palate; of the tonsils; also of the outer table of the skull, to the ex- tent of a quarter of a dollar piece in size; threatening to destroy the inner table of the skull, and invade the brain also. Nothing, I may here remark in passing, stayed the progress of this work of destruction, until the remedies CAUSES OF. 41 recommended in this work were administered: tnese arrested the disease, but could not repair the ravages and deformity pro- duced by this mineral, which in one of these cases had marred and mutilated a form not naturally unlovely or unattractive. Mercury is truly, as its friends contend it is, a wonderful alterative. Mercury then is not the innocent thing which some of our medical friends maintain it to be, when used judiciously. There are some things which, in themselves, are injurious to the living structure; as fire, for example: which is nevertheless capable, when duly regulated and kept at a proper distance from the body, of serving an important purpose, and contributing to the comfort and happiness of man: it will not, however, admit of being introduced within the system, or of outward application, without serious and often fatal injury to the organism. Mercury also, like fire, has its uses; and may, when coated over the back of a glass, add to the comforts and happiness of man, by giving him correct ideas with regard to his own personal appearance, and also give him information with respect to temperature, wea- ther, &c; but when introduced into the system, either by outward application, or internal administration, like fire, it awakens irritations, and produces derangements in structure, which ultimately wear out the vital energies, and result in fatal disorganization. Its path is so marked in dark and gloomy lines of suffering, sorrow, and desolation; so much light has for so long a period been shed abroad in relation to its injurious action; and other remedies, innocent, vegetable, and efficient, have been discovered, which may be substituted for it, that there seems to be no excuse for its further em- ployment as a medicine. It ought to receive its dismissal from the medical service; not because, like an old veteran, it has done its work so well, but because, like a violent and un- governable soldier, it is unfit to be associated with other remedies, and has accomplished so much injury as to render all further resort to it unnecessary and undesirable. When that happy period shall arrive, humanity will rejoice, and no dirge of sorrow be sung over the grave of the mercurial destroyer. 4* 42 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. CHAPTER V. SELF-POLLUTION AND SEXUAL EXCESS. If we consider the adverse influences which are productive of tubercular disease, we may, when we contemplate their ndmbers, call them legion. But not only are they numerous, but the sphere of their operation is very extensive, all classes, ages, and conditions, being the subjects of their action. Thus vaccination, blood-letting, and mercury, a few of the widely acting causes of this disease, are so extensively employed as remedial agents, as to become in consequence efficient and wide-spread instruments in the production of this dreaded disorder. Other causes, however, are yet to be mentioned, which exert no less influence than those which we have just enumerated, in the development of the form of disease which is under consideration. I allude to Self-pollution and Sexual Excess. By some it may be regarded as injudicious and improper, to bring before the public mind a subject which is of so con- fessedly delicate a character as that which we are about to consider. The propriety or impropriety of actions is not, however, always to be determined by the question of the delicacy of the subject to which those actions may bear a relation. There are considerations growing out of the claims of humanity, virtue, and religion, which completely override all questions of mere delicacy; delicacy, if I may so express myself, must be mortified; the mind that would impart in- formation, the tendency of which is to bless humanity, must suffer pain, if it would save man from sin by revealing his danger, and pointing out the way for his restoration to health and virtue, and the manner in which he may once more re- gain happiness. Although this is a subject which comes in conflict with the finer feelings of humanity, yet it is one of a character which it is not only the duty of the physician to unfold; but parents, guardians, relations, friends, and pastors, should feel themselves bound by every consideration of duty and regard CAUSES OF—SELF-POLLUTION. 43 for the happiness and well being of their fellow men, to bring to the view of those, over whom they can exert any influence, the evil and disastrous consequences which flow from self-pollution, and excessive sexual indulgence. The physician, however, is especially called upon, in view of the destructive tendency of these vices, to raise his voice, and use his pen in endeavouring to deter mankind from practices which so sadly deteriorate his organization, (when we say mankind, we of course include women also,) and not only cripple his physical structure, but also weaken and per- vert his mental and moral powers. Not only is he to do this in his private capacity, as a professional adviser; but, where opportunity presents, he ought publicly to bear testimony to the evil nature of the practices in question, that thus his means of doing good may be enhanced, and the sum of human happiness be greatly augmented. To neglect to do this, because the subject is a delicate one, is to prefer that man should ruin himself physically, men- tally, morally, and eternally, rather than do that violence to his own, as well as the feelings of others, which must ac- company the endeavour to enlighten him with regard to the consequences of the vicious habits in which he indulges. In whatever light we may view the subject, it seems to be the duty of the physician to do privately, and also publicly, whatever he can in his own particular and special sphere of labour, to benefit a common humanity; ^ seeking to o-uard those who come under his care, and within reach of his influence, against whatever is injurious and destructive; and not only to do this, but when the evils that meet his eye are general ones, and not sufficiently elucidated, nor guarded against, he is to depart from his ordinary track, and adopt unusual methods to awaken the community to a proper per- ception of the dangers which threaten it, and of the sad and destructive character of the vices which many of its members indulge in. i • • Although it is not beyond the province of the physician to dwell upon the moral character of these indulgences, and to point out their consequences, so far as regards the interests of both time and eternity, yet this part of the work falls especially to the lot of the minister of the gospel, and it is one which lie. should faithfully and fearlessly execute. But where is the pulpit in which these special sins are boldly and 44 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. fearlessly reprobated? How few of the under shepherds of the flock seem to occupy themselves in the work of guarding the lambs of the fold, and saving them from falling into those pits of pollution into which they are continually plunging. A little of the kind of preaching with which Nathan reproved David; plain, practical, and to the point; bearing down upon particular sins, and exposing them to the view of the sinner; is needed in these days of impurity and self-indulgence. If there were less fastidiousness and more true delicacy; that delicacy which springs from innate purity, and which prompts to earnest effort to save man from moral pollution; we should have less clamour against the presentation of subjects which are calculated to do good, by pointing out to the victim of unholy and excessive lust, the dangers that beset his path, and which threaten every moment to engulf him. In the almost entire absence of such efforts on the part of those whose duty it is in a special manner to warn men against the injurious consequences, and the moral guilt of those actions which constitute the subject of our present remarks; the responsibility of the physician is greatly in- creased; his obligation to present this subject to the public, and save his fellow men from the consequences of such in- dulgences, is vastly augmented. This work will fall into the hands of fathers and mothers, as well as their offspring; all of whom are vitally interested in the subject which we are considering. With the full con- viction resting on my mind, that the presentation of it is not only proper, but also imperatively demanded in this work, inasmuch as it constitutes one of the most frightful causes of tubercular disease, I feel that I would fail in duty, and be wanting in moral courage, did I not unfold the subject sufficiently, to enable those who may read this work to under- stand the bearing, which self-pollution and excessive sexual indulgence have on the production of this form of disorder. Self-pollution. This consists in the unnatural and unlaw- ful use of the organs which were given by the Creator to mankind for wise and benevolent purposes,—the continuance of the human race,—the reproduction of the species. To accomplish these results, without which the human race would shortly become extinct, a proper and legitimate method has been instituted. Any departure from the mode which he has arranged for effecting this object, is contrary to his own CAUSES OF—SELF-POLLUTION. 45 established order and arrangement, but that departure which we are now considering is, especially, the subject of divine dis- pleasure; a displeasure manifested most strikingly and ter- ribly in the deplorable consequences which result from a vio- lation of the laws which he has instituted. By both sexes, and in females in a variety of ways, the degrading and destroying sin is practised, and such an alarm- ing height has the evil attained, that among the youth of both sexes, comparatively few are untainted by it; nearly all practising it now, or suffering from the effects of former in- dulgence in it; and many even among the adults, being en- gaged in the same iniquitous course of action. Our schools are hot beds of moral pollution; male and female boarding- schools especially. The church is lamentably tainted with it, and many even among pastors and their people, are enslaved by the degrading indulgence. All classes and conditions are contaminated by the foul, body, mind, and soul-destroying vice; and its indulgence lies at the foundation of much of the licentiousness that is sweeping over the earth, and which threatens yet to introduce universally an era of moral pollu- tion, similar to that which characterized the period when France, casting aside all the restraints of religion, rioted in the grossest licentiousness and debauchery. So generally practised is this degrading vice; so sadly does it vitiate the moral character, that it need not be matter of wonder, if the minister finds so little success in his inculca- tions of religious truth. Until the sinful practice is discon- tinued, the unholy work abandoned, motives of holiness drawn from the living word of truth, will have but little weight; for the constant indulgence in wrong and sinful habits, constitutes a strong barrier against the practice of virtue, and the reception by the heart of the pure and holy precepts of Him who is Purity itself. This vice is one which, as I have said, affects all classes and conditions. All ages too, I might say; for even the child eighteen months old, has been taught the horrid practice; it has infected the monk in his cell, the nun in her cloister professedly giving up the world and its lusts; the pastor of the church of God, and his male and female mem- bers; through all grades of society, has the polluting stream flowed, and^even the shepherd and shepherdess, who have been surrounded by everything that could inspire the heart 46 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. with sentiments of virtue and purity, have desecrated the scene, where Heaven has displayed in rich profusion, the evi- dences of its love and power, by indulgence in a vice, in view of which angels, if possible, weep, and creation sighs. Every barrier which is reared by religion, virtue, position in society, and natural delicacy; every thing in fact which goes to make up all that is pure and noble, elevated and lovely; every thing that affects the interests of the soul for time and eternity, is swept away by this absorbing, destruc- tive vice; and disease in varied forms, and of a yariety of characters, comes, with its long train of frightful^ evils, to warn the transgressor that law—law, moral, physical, and mental, has been violated; and that the unhappy being who is thus engaged in transgressing the rules which a Being of infinite love and purity has laid down for the regulation of human conduct, is suffering woes which are designed for his good by Him who sees and knows all thoughts and actions; no matter how secret they may be, or unknown to other mor- tals; and whose rod is sent to lead the erring one back to paths of purity and happiness. How long the catalogue of ills which follow all departures from virtue! How manifold the evils which spring from this odious and destructive propensity! To enumerate all the evil consequences which result from it, would take more time than we can allot to the subject. We may, however, notice a sufficient number of them to convince any one that the way of the transgressor against purity is hard; and that the dis- pleasure of a pure and holy Being is plainly manifested in the sufferings and sorrows which result from such an unholy and unnatural practice. A large proportion of the ills which overtake man at, and after the period of puberty, and in some cases long before, are referable to self-pollution; by which the natural powers are wasted, and the physical and mental energies are dissi- pated. Under its influence, those principles of virtue which lie at the foundation of a healthy, moral development, have been greatly weakened; and those noble, lofty, and honoura- ble feelings which budded so beautifully in the earlier forma- tion of character, have sadly changed; and fruit, far different from that which once promised such a bountiful and desira- ble harvest, has ripened only to injure its possessor, and cause every lover of virtue to sigh over the disappointment of ex- CAUSES OF—SELF-POLLUTION. 47 pectations once formed of future usefulness; of hopes of future benefit to society and the race blasted and annihilated. It is customary to refer many of the weaknesses which occur at the period of the commencement of the change from boyhood to manhood, and from girlhood to womanhood, to the circumstances connected with the growth of the indivi- dual; but in the greater proportion of cases, they are in jus- tice due to the influence of this pernicious habit. How many a youth, at and after this period, perhaps long before, manifests great weakness of constitution; becomes troubled with a variety of distressing sensations, and perhaps sinks away consumptive to the tomb; or gradually, after a long season of suffering, from infirmity and symptoms of an alarming character, recovers a tolerable degree of health and strength, but never perhaps perfectly regains his former vigour. The grand secret of the cause, in the greater number of cases, of this wasting away; this general decay; this early sinking to the grave—and I wish you who are parents, and you also who are young, whether addicted or not to this vice, to mark what I say—the principal cause of this premature decay is due to the influence of this destructive habit. In the male, the consequences resulting from it are more immediately and generally disastrous than in the female: the loss of the semen, where the individual has attained an age in which this secretion has become developed, occasioning in him a greater degree of prostration of the vital powers, and debility of the organs, than occurs in the female, in whom no such highly animalized fluid as the semen is generated. But in the female, the results of this practice are also dis- astrous. Over-excitement of the nervous system; congestion of the womb, and a morbidly trritable state of that organ; falling of the womb, with leucorrhcea, or Jluor albus; along with other distressing symptoms, wear out the vital energies, and bring the unhappy victim of an enslaving vice to an un- timely grave. How destructive, also, do we find it at this period of life, as in fact at any other, to the mental, as well as physical powers of the unfortunate youth who practises it! You have looked with pleasure on some bright boy, whose precocity of intellect has shadowed forth his future useful- ness and fame. Lively, buoyant, and happy, he engages in 48 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. his sports with zest; and when engaged in study, is able to master his tasks with rapidity and ease. He bids fair at some future period of life to be great. On him the father looks with pride and satisfaction, the mother with delight and fondest love. Friends regard him with admiration; and some employment or profession is prospectively selected for him, for which he is to prepare—in which he may have an oppor- tunity to exhibit those powers which he possesses, and with which he is confidently expected to dazzle and captivate those with whom he may come in contact, and obtain for himself a reputation and fortune. But a change comes over that boy. He becomes dull and languid; he does not work with his usual energy; he cannot fix his mind on his studies; his gait is feeble; his mind dull; he is irresolute; does not enter into play with as much ani- mation as formerly; and shuns social intercourse. When not engaged in work or play, he instinctively lapses into a lolling or reclining posture; and is apt, even when at work or play, to embrace every opportunity to lie down, or sit in a curved position. His mind seems to suffer more and more, becoming weak, even approaching, perhaps, idiocy: and if he does not become idiotic, he at least depreciates greatly in regard to mental power and vigour. This cause of deterioration goes on until, at length, if he does not sink away with consumption, or become idiotic, his mental and physical powers receive a shock from which he never recovers; and through life he remains a subject of physical weaknesses and infirmities, with a mind weak and debilitated; changed, sadly changed from its former condi- tion of brightness and vigour. Parents look with sadness on the alteration; high hopes have been crushed; glowing and bright anticipations of future greatness for their loved one have been blasted; and, ignorant of the cause, it is attributed to too rapid growth, excessive study, or ill health; no know- ledge, in the majority of cases, being possessed by the pa- rent, of the real and true cause of this sad and distressing alteration. Important then, to both parent and child, is a proper un- derstanding of these matters; and those parents who are not ignorant of the evil consequences of this vicious indulgence, as also those who have the care of children, greatly err in not early imparting such knowledge on these points, as shall CAUSES OF—SEXUAL EXCESS. 49 serve to act as a check on the child, and guard him against acquiring the destructive habit. Not only so, but they should also see that they are pre- served from such associations as are corrupting; never allow- ing them to sleep with servants and others, especially those of the opposite sex; a thing which in children is often allowed, and has resulted in many instances most disastrously. It is not a part of our plan, while considering the subject of self-pollution, to enter deeply into its investigation, or to unfold all the unhappy consequences which flow from an in- dulgence in it. We may simply state, that there is scarcely a disease of any magnitude of which it may not be the direct or indirect producing cause; but its influence in the produc- tion of tubercular or scrofulous disease is extensive and imme- diate. The varied forms of disease which it originates are, indeed, for the most part tubercular in their character; whe- ther they be consumptive, digestive, nervous, or whatever may be their description. In nearly all these cases, scrofu- lous disorder is developed; and the variety in their symptoms is more the result of the difference which exists in regard to the structure and function of the organs which are affected, whether of the lungs, heart, &c, than of any essential dif- ference in the nature of the diseased condition of the parts; which state of parts, in reality, lies at the foundation of the diseases which we have in a general way only hinted at. It will hardly be necessary to explain the manner in which tubercular disease is engendered by indulgence in this vice; we have already, when speaking of blood-letting, shown the mode in which this form of disease was, under the influence of this reducing process, developed. Self-pollution also, like blood-letting, debilitates the system; and thus favours those changes in the absorbent glands, of which we have made so frequent mention elsewhere, as constituting the phenomena which characterize and accompany the progress of tubercular or scrofulous disorder. Sexual Excess. We spoke of sexual excess also, as being a fruitful cause of tubercular disease. Two classes of indi- viduals fall into this sin; those who are married, and in whom the moderate indulgence of the sexual appetite is not only allowable, but necessary for the generation of offspring; and those who are unmarried, and in whose case the slightest in- dulgence constitutes a breach of that law which the Creator 50 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. has given to man; and which, in many civilized countries, is also recognized as binding on him, and is enforced by legal enactments. No matter, however, to which of the two classes the indi- vidual may belong, or what the sex, which is guilty in this particular; a penalty attaches to the course of indulgence which maybe pursued, attesting the Divine displeasure against it. In man, the consequences resulting from such excess are deplorable. How often have we seen a newly married pair enter upon their united life, with the best prospect apparently, of enjoying each other's society for many years; the husband seemingly in the possession of perfect health. Scarcely, how- ever, may a year have passed by, ere that robust and manly form is bowed and emaciated; and consumption, with its wasting hand, speedily snatches him from the partner of his bosom, the being perhaps loved and cherished with the deepest and fondest affection. Or, the exhaustion of vital power which such excess occasions, may render him more liable to the attacks of sudden and fatal disorders, which find the system prepared to receive the seeds of epidemic influ- ence; or take on violent inflammation of some vital part; or render him perhaps incapable of resisting the operation of those influences which aid in the development of Cholera, or some other disorder; which, but for his predisposed state to take on disease, in consequence of his sexual excess, would have had no power over him, but would have been success- fully resisted by the vital energies of a still unbroken and vigorous constitution. The consequences of such excess may not, however, prove so immediately disastrous and fatal in their character. A debilitated condition of various organs and systems of organs, may be occasioned by it; and a variety of distressing symptoms may affect the sufferer for many years; all the days of his existence being passed in suffering, discomfort, and pain, the result of a cause which he is perhaps entirely una- ware of. It may be Dyspepsia; Kidney-complaint; Nervous affection; Asthma; Chronic-affection of the Lungs, Heart, Liver, or some other organ, under which he labours; diseases produced and nurtured by his long continued indulgence, which serves to keep up the weakness of the organs, and stands as a continual barrier against all improvement or re- covery. These diseases may continue for many years, and CAUSES OF—SEXUAL EXCESS. 51 sooner or later, the individual fall at length a victim to con« sumption. In the majority of instances, these diseases, no matter what the organ in which they may be located, will be seen to be tubercular in their character. In all the examinations which I have made of chronic disease, I cannot say that in any case I have found a perfect exemption from tubercular disorder; some one or more of the organs being in a greater or less degree tainted with it. The connexion between a vigorous state of the generative organs and other parts of the body, seems to be close and intimate. When by exces- sive action of those first mentioned, a state of debility is in- duced in them, all the other organs of the body sympathize with them. Those, which are by inheritance predisposed, first feel the influence of this exhaustion, and becoming still more weakened in consequence, that long train of results con- sequent upon a debilitated condition of the absorbent glands follows, resulting in the development of tubercular or scro- fulous disease in the organ. And as the cause continues to operate, other and naturally stronger organs in their turn give way, until finally tubercular disease may involve all the organs of the body. I have had in view, in the brief description just given of some of the evil consequences arising from sexual excess, the exhibition of those which affect the male, whether married or unmarried. The female, however, whether single or mar- ried, who is guilty of the same abuse of the sexual organs, is visited by consequences no less disastrous. In her the womb is an important organ, with which all the rest of the organs sympathize. If under the influence of such abuse, this organ and its associate parts become weakened, a derangement of the circulation of the parts ensues; the absorbent glands enlarge, and tubercular disease is de- veloped. Influencing, as this organ does, in so remarkable a degree, the state of other organs, its action over them, when it becomes diseased, is powerful for evil. _ One organ^ after another becomes involved in tubercular disorder, and if she does not die speedily of consumption, chronic^ disease of a variety of organs is established, beneath the weight of which she dra^s out a miserable existence; and under which, unless i-olieved° by judicious remedial treatment, she finally sinks, finding repose at length in the quiet slumber of the grave. 52 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. A vast amount of womb disease has its origin -in sexual excess; and the incorrect methods usually adopted for its re- moval, tend not only by their weakening influence to increase the disease, but many of them are so disgusting in some of their practical applications, as not only to shock female deli- cacy, but also aggravate -the existing disorder. In conse- quence of the influence exerted by the womb over the nervous system, the character and temper become in many instances remarkably changed; a perverted state of the moral faculties occurring in some, sad, and apparently unaccountable; whilst the sweetest natural temper often becomes hateful, laying the foundation of much domestic infelicity. Such are some of the disastrous results which flow from self-pollution and sexual excess. Are they not of sufficient magnitude and importance to justify in this work a brief con- sideration of, and reference to them? And so extensively productive as they are of tubercular disease, which consti- tutes the subject of this volume, they come in place here as one of the grand causes of this disorder. I did not dare to pass them by. To have done so with the full conviction that they were so fruitful a cause of tubercular affection, would have been to suffer man to go on the slave of vile lusts, which are not only unfitting him for a holier sphere than this, but rendering him miserable and unhappy in a world, where some- thing like real happiness can still be found, if sought for in the practice of virtue and purity. MEANS OF DISCRIMINATING. 53 CHAPTER VI. DIAGNOSIS. MEANS OF DISCRIMINATING OR DISTINGUISHING TUBERCULAR OR SCROFULOUS DISEASE. Notwithstanding the fact that tubercular or scrofulous disease is so very common and prevalent a disorder, a strange degree of ignorance seems to pervade the minds of medical men, not only in respect to its nature, but also in relation to the method of ascertaining its existence, when it is present in the system. Even when pervading the system so gene- rally as not only to occupy vital organs, but also lie thickly scattered under the skin, men of intelligence on other sub- jects connected with medicine, seem incapable often of re- cognising its presence. I remember being consulted some years ago by a young gentleman who had not been many years married, in whom, in consequence of great sexual excess, not only were the organs affected with tubercular disease, but thickly scattered under the skin were lumps of considerable size, like beans. He had consulted several physicians, and one eminent sur- geon among the rest, none of whom could inform him as to the character of these enlargements. He had a very delicate languid appearance; the lungs, stomach, liver, kidneys, &c, were tuberculated; and the absorbent glandular system gene- rally, had become so debilitated by his excess, that those glands which lie beneath the skin became at last involved, taking on tubercular disorder. The disease was evidently extensive tubercular disorder, affecting the glands lying superficially, as well as those which are deeper seated. It becomes important, therefore, to lay down some general rules, or process, by which we shall be better able to ascertain the existence of this disease; and do it with a degree of certainty which shall give us confidence with reference to the correctness of the opinion we form on this point; and thus the better enable us to decide as to the course of treatment which is best calculated to remove the disorder. To ascertain 54 TUBERCULAR DISEASE, its existence at as early a period as possible, ere its ravages have become so great as to prove irreparable, constitutes another reason why the methods adopted for its detection should be reliable in their character. It is evident that if we can detect the presence of this disease in the system gene- rally, or in the organs in particular, especially where vital organs are involved; and do this before the vital powers have become greatly impaired, we shall be placed in a better situa- tion to meet and combat the disease, than if, ignorant of the proper mode of detecting it in its incipient stages, we are obliged to wait until the disease has attained such a degree of development, and has so extensively involved vital organs, as to render a knowledge of the complaint, so far as reme- dial measures for its cure are concerned, of little value. It is this ability to ascertain the existence of tubercular disease in its incipient stages, before the general system or organs have become as yet seriously weakened by the disorder, that forms one of the distinguishing features of the Eclectic system of practice; and enables its advocates, in connexion with the fact that they possess also a knowledge of better pro- cesses and remedial agencies for its removal, to apply these remedies and processes at so early a period as to save the strength of the patient, and effect with greater rapidity, a restoration to health. On the contrary, nothing has, to many a patient, seemed so difficult of explanation, as are the various and contra- dictory opinions of medical men, men too, of high reputation and standing in their profession; all of whose examinations too, have been similar in their character; who have inspected and measured the chest, made applications to it of the hand and ear, and tapped it with the fingers. Notwithstanding the same processes have been resorted to by each, it is not un- common for the patient to have about as many different opinions given him by these physicians, as to the nature of his disease, as there were experimenters on his chest. ^ One, perhaps, will stoutly assert that the lungs are exten- sively tubercujated with the existence of large cavities; that the lungs are in fact almost gone; whilst another may o-ive an opinion directly the reverse, and affirm, with the greatest confidence, that the lungs are perfectly sound, and that the disease is located elsewhere. Amid such extreme diversities of opinion (with many in- MEANS OF DISCRIMINATING. « 55 termediate shades of difference,) founded upon the common modes of testing for the presence of tubercular disease, we need, evidently, something more reliable; some mode which can with almost unfailing certainty, assure us of the exist- ence or non-existence in the system of this disorder. Such methods of testing, by which to ascertain the presence or absence of this disease in the system or organs, we possess in the processes with which eclecticism supplies us, and of these we shall make mention hereafter. We shall first proceed to show from the very highest medi- cal authority, that the ordinary modes of diagnosticating or discriminating and treating tubercular disease of the lungs; in other words, of ascertaining its existence or non-existence in the system, and proper mode of cure, are regarded as un- reliable and uncertain. Says Mons. Lugol, an eminent phy- sician of Paris, in extracts taken from his fourth lecture on the formation of tubercles in internal organs, "The nu- merous checks and repeated deceptions, to which physicians arc daily exposed in the diagnosis and treatment of tubercular diseases, do they not prove that it is necessary to leave the beaten track of inquiry, and pursue some other which is less fallible? You all know that auscultation and percussion, (listening to the sounds given by the chest on applying the ear to it, and striking it with the fingers,) are useless in the diagnosis of pulmonary tubercles." Here is a frank admission by a physician who thoroughly understood the use of these processes for the detection of tubercles in the lungs; and whose competency to give a cor- rect opinion on these points, if this could be done by any one, will not be disputed; that auscultation and percussion are not to be depended upon in discriminating or diagnosti- cating tubercular disease of the lungs. And yet there are many physicians, some of whom know but little about auscul- tation and percussion, who would perhaps be fool-hardy enough to stake their existence on the correctness of the diagnosis which they may make, with respect to the condi- tion of those lungs which may be subjected to their exami- nation. But M. Lugol goes on to say: " Both (auscultation and percussion) alike insufficient to announce the commence- ment of the mischief, they are superfluous at the very time they become capable of indicating the presence of the tubercles, 56 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. for then they are discoverable by other means, and alas, are too far advanced in their development to warrant our hopes of arresting their progress, at least in the generality of cases. I will even go a step farther, and say, that the unlimited con- fidence placed by the greater number of practitioners of the present day, has had the effect of too often inspiring a fatal security in many tubercular diseases, which are thereby al- lowed to advance in their progress, until this is revealed by physical phenomena, at a period when remedial measures have but little chance of effecting any good." In his second lecture he says: "The diagnosis of tubercles in particular organs, is very difficult, at least in the first pe- riods of their existence. When tubercles lie just beneath the skin, the mere local examination of the parts, at once ena- bles us to convince ourselves of their presence; although, as we have already stated, these morbid productions develope themselves gradually, without pain, and without swelling of the surrounding parts; in a word, without giving rise to any perceptible phenomena. When, therefore, we consider that tubercles located just beneath the skin, only become manifest during the first stages of their existence because they are ex- ternal; we can easily understand how it is that in the medi- astinum, (an appendage of the lungs,) and the parenchyma- tous organs, this source of diagnosis being closed, it should be always difficult, and often impossible, to recognise their presence. Tubercles may exist in parenchymatous (or that which constitutes the texture or substance of organs,) organs; (the lungs for instance) may even partly annihilate them; without their existence being revealed by any external symp- toms; or if they are discovered, it is at an advanced period of their existence, when they have so far progressed, that treatment is no longer of any avail." This is an important confession, and yet how many physi- cians, who are regarded as men of high reputation for learn- ing and ability, are continually engaged in making examina- tions of the lungs of individuals who have a suspicion that these organs are diseased; and express their opinion as confi- dently, on the point of these organs being tuberculated, or non-tuberculated, as though they actually saw the organs. What folly to submit to such examinations; how little, except in the last stage of the disorder, is to be drawn from such an examination that is truly satisfying. MEANS OF DISCRIMINATING. 57 He proceeds to say: "In such cases, it can scarcely be said, that the malady has been recognised during life; they belong in reality to Pathological Anatomy." And hear the follow- ing important admission. He says: " Our want of success in the use of the ordinary means of diagnosticating tubercles, proves that means are inadequate, that we follow an errone- ous course in our investigations, and that we must resort to new modes, if we -wish to be successful. "When pulmonary tu- bercles are suspected, we resort to auscultation and percussion, but in many cases these fail us, even where numerous tubercles are disseminated through the lungs, and for this reason it is, that many physicians after having greatly exaggerated the value of the stethoscopic signs, now declare them of little value, at least during the first stages of the disease. There is here, another mode to which we may resort, induction; for instance, a patient complains for some time of slight pain and uneasi- ness in the cavity of the chest: we resort to auscultation and percussion; the resonance of the thorax is everywhere normal, (natural) pulmonary expansion free and easy, respiration perfectly natural, and guided by these data, the physician declares that there are no tubercles in the lungs. But he is deceived; the method of investigation which he has followed has been inefficient. If we consider that the patient is born of tuberculous parents, that he has lost brothers or sisters from phthisis; or that they are suffering from cervical tuber- cles; white-swelling, or other scrofulous affections; that his health is delicate, his growth has been deficient, in a word, if we consult with care, antecedents and coincidents, we shall acquire the conviction that his lungs contain tubercles, although auscultation is powerless to demonstrate their pre- sence." But we proceed to give further authority of a high character, with reference to the failure of auscultation and percussion, to detect, with any certainty, tubercular disease; these processes being altogether unreliable and uncertain in the diagnosis of this disorder. We give an extract from the memoir of Mons. Louis, another eminent Parisian physician, on the proper mode of examining a patient, and of arriving at facts of a general nature. He says, " Peritonitis," which is an inflammation of the membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen or belly, " Peritonitis, when of a chronic character from its commence- 58 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. ment among adults, that is between the ages of fifteen and a very late period of life is, according to facts which I have recorded, constantly tuberculous, or connected with the ex- istence of gray semi-transparent granulations, developed either upon, or under the peritoneum. But as I have already stated, neither of these lesions exists in any organ, unless it be observed likewise in the lungs, so that when there exists a case of well-marked chronic peritonitis, we are able, inde- pendently of the symptoms referable to the respiratory organs, or even in their absence, to recognise the existence of phthisis, or, in other words, the development of more or less tubercles, gray, semi-transparent granulations in the lungs. / have," and I would have you to mark what he says, "more than once announced the existence of phthisis in patients who presented all the signs of chronic peritonitis, but neither auscultation nor percussion of the chest!!! afforded any signs!!! of an appre- ciable alteration of the pulmonary parenchyma, and this even inpatients who had not any cough." From the extracts which we have given above, taken from the writings of men of eminence in their profession, we find that no certain dependence is to be placed upon the methods usually employed by physicians to detect tubercu- lar disease; and that where disease has invaded the lungs, we can, by these methods of diagnosis, only ascertain the existence of this disorder, when such knowledge can be turned to no practical use; when the disease has advanced so far, that under ordinary methods of treatment the case is hopeless. The folly then of patients going from one physician to another to have the lungs sounded, as it is called, for the purpose of ascertaining whether they are tubercularly dis- eased or not, is in view of these honest confessions of emi- nent and competent physicians, perfectly absurd; the very time when the patient needs the knowledge for which he seeks, in order that he may adopt proper means to obtain re- lief from his disorder, being the very time when these processes of diagnosis are useless; failing as they do to enlighten him on the point so important to be decided, viz.: whether he is tubercularly diseased or not. It will also be seen in the light of what has been said, that a great want requires to be satisfied; that it is desirable that some process, if possible, should be discovered, by MEANS OF DISCRIMINATING. 59 which tubercular disease of the organs, especially of the lungs, may be detected in its incipiency, before it has reached such a stage as to render the employment of remedial mea- sures useless. And if, along with this knowledge of the process of detecting the disease, a way can be devised by which these tuberculations can be dissipated, the value of the discovery will be enhanced, and the discoverer himself be entitled to the thanks, not only of all who derive benefit from the discovery, but of all who love their race, and desire the promotion of human happiness. Eclecticism, confined to no exclusive system, like the bee which culls its honey from every flower, taking from each system whatever is good, and rejecting whatever it con- ceives to be injurious, has lighted, in its path of exploration and observation, on a method adapted to meet these wants, and fulfil these indications; and with alacrity and joy has grasped it; made it a part of itself; and hastens to pour the treasure which it has obtained into the lap of those who can appreciate its priceless value. Recognising the reasonableness and justice of the com- mand, to render honour to whom honour is due, it unhesi- tatingly accords to the late Dr. II. H. Sherwood of New York, the merit, under the guidance and blessing of the Father of all mercies, and the Giver of every good and per- fect gift, of originating and developing the grand system of truth, in relation to the detection and cure of tubercular disease, which, separately regarded, sustains towards other truths already ascertained and developed, a place, an honour and a °lory, not inferior to theirs: but when eclectically com- bined with them, adding increased efficiency to the means with which they furnish us of removing tubercular disorder, and of checking the ravages of a malady, whose path is marked with sadness, sorrow, and sighs. _ In the next chapter we shall attempt to give an idea of some of the views advanced and promulgated by this dis- tinguished physician, in relation to the moving forces of man or the power by which his motions and functional operations are accomplished. As an explanation of these forces is necessary for an elucidation of the subject of diagnosis, or discrimination of tubercular disease; and as these forces play an active part in the processes which are adopted for the cure of this 60 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. affection, their consideration very properly comes in at this point of our investigation of the subject of tubercular dis- order. We shall also be led to perceive, in the light of the views which the consideration of these forces will unfold, the beauty, appropriateness, and philosophical character of the treatment, which will, in this work, be recommended for the cure of Tubercula or Scrofula. DYNAMIC FORCES OF THE SYSTEM. 6] CHAPTER VH SUBJECT OF DIAGNOSIS CONTINUED—DYNAMIC OR MOVING FORCES OF THE SYSTEM CONSIDERED. In view of the varied phenomena which present themselves as we pass under review the actions of the living system, the question arises as to the source or cause of the motions which characterize its operations. To give a satisfactory and ra- tional reply to this question has been quite difficult. The cause has been assigned as due to the influence of life. This however gives no clue to the nature of the action included in the term life, of which it is the result; and merely points out an abstract cause, without explaining the manner in which this cause operates—in what manner it accomplishes the re- sults which are so strikingly manifested. In the phenomena which attend the sublime operations of physical nature, as in the flash of the lightning, and the deep roll of mighty thunderings; in the influence which is exerted by steam, as witnessed in the exhibition of its mighty power, as it drives onward the swift rolling locomotive, and the less rapid steam vessel, with their accompanying burdens; or those terrific displays of its energy which are presented in the ex- plosion of the diminutive boiler; and in a still higher degree in the magnificent, awful, and death-dealing eruptions of the dreaded volcano: in all these wonderful and mighty opera- tions, the agency of electricity is recognised, and to its repul- sive and expansive properties are ascribed its magnificent and tremendous powers and energies. Thus, in nature, the real cause of motion—motion, often grand, majestic, and terri- ble—has been ascertained; and the powers and properties of this agency have been determined with considerable accuracy. When we come, however, to the exposition of the cause of motion in man, the same equal clearness of ideas with respect to its character and origin, has not been attained by the truth- loving inquirer. It is our intention to supply, so far as we can, this defect which exists with reference to the explanation of the nature 6 62 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. of the motive-power in man, and point out the principles which govern its action, together with the results produced by interference with it; and the processes which are to be adopted as remedial measures for the restoration of motion which has thus become disturbed, or is wanting—in this way restoring to health parts in which motion has become thus disordered. To understand this subject, it is necessary to give a brief sketch of the various structures of organized bodies; to obtain some idea of their construction, just as a machinist ascertains the structure of his machine, before we can discover what the force is by which motion is effected in them. We find, on looking at the human form, that it is sur- rounded by the skin, a compound membranous structure, which is composed of three membranes; and contains within it many glands denominated papillary, which are bodies, small in size, and globular in form, highly organized, also having minute arteries and veins. Small ducts are seen, under a high magnifying power, to proceed from them, having their termination by open orifices on the skin. When we examine the organs, as the heart, liver, brain, lungs, &c, we find all of them covered with a membrane denominated serous, in which we detect immense numbers of small glands, or ele- mentary globular bodies, which also possess ducts, whose terminations are in open orifices on the surface of these serous membranes. A watery fluid, whose object it is to lubricate and keep these surfaces moist, is excreted by the glands. The internal parts of the body are covered with a mem- brane resembling the serous in its structure, differing, how- ever, from it, in having what is called the villous, instead of the serous surface, which characterizes the serous membranes. The internal parts of all the organs, even the ventricles of the brain, together with the whole tract of the alimentary canal, are lined with this membrane, which has received the name of mucous, and encloses many little oval or round glands, or villi; and which, like the papillary glands of the skin, have their own arteries, veins, and ducts, which terminate on the surface by open orifices. Numerous little cavities or follicles also terminate on tho surface of these membranes, and are seen to be filled, as well as the ducts, with mucus, which proceeds from them, thereby covering the surfaces of these mucous membranes. We find that these two fluids DYNAMIC FORCES OF THE SYSTEM. 63 differ from each other in their character: that which is ex- creted by the serous membranes and skin, is more or less acid, while that which comes from the mucous, is of an alka- line character. That which comes from the serous mem- branes appears to be muriatic acid; while that from the mucous membranes, and which is alkaline, is soda and mu- riate of soda, or common salt. These two classes of matter possess properties which are the reverse of each other; yet they possess the strongest affi- nities, the one for the other, and are universally scattered through the earth, and the animal, as well as vegetable king- doms. Constituting, as they do, two grand and important divisions of matter, that which is acid has received the name of negative, while the alkali has been denominated positive matter. From each of these two various kinds of matter, it has been found that an innate and different kind of force is continually given out; the negative force being given out by the alkaline or positive matter, and the positive force by tho acid or negative matter. The negative force is therefore con- tinually being thrown out by the positive matter on the inter- nal surfaces of the body and organs; whilst the positive force is as constantly being evolved by the negative matter on tho external surfaces of the body and organs. Not only are these forces evolved in large quantities from these surfaces by their secretions, but the supply is augmented through the agency of the air, water, and food which are taken in the system. ^On looking at the human structure, an arrangement of or- gans called muscles, is observed; which, comprising about four hundred and thirty-six in number, and varying in their form, are placed in a variety of ways, for the purpose of causing motion. Each of these muscles which give rise to motion, is covered with a membrane or fascia, the outer sur- face of which possesses a serous, and the inner a mucous surface; and being covered with matter of different kinds, present very large surfaces, from which these two forces, called positive and negative, are continually given off. This arrangement of surfaces resembles that which we find to exist in the different metallic surfaces of the magnetic bat- tery; and the forces which are thus sustained on these mem- branous surfaces of the living structure, agree precisely with those which are maintained on different surfaces of the bat- tery. In the battery, the two forces are conducted from these 64 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. two metallic surfaces to the poles of the battery by two me- tallic wires; and on looking at the structure of the little glands of the skin, surfaces, and mucous membranes, also the muscular fibres, we find minute threads or nerves passing into these parts, which increase in size by uniting with one ano- ther, and finally communicate with the brain and spinal cord. Being conducted by means of the nerves, from the skin and membranous surfaces, these two forces concentrate in the brain, forming poles in this organ, or a dynamic or moving power, by which the operations of the living system are ac- complished. The dynamic or moving power of the body has, in conse- quence of a variety of facts and observations that have been noticed by careful investigators, come to be regarded as a fluid corresponding to, or identical with, the forces which are known by the names of magnetism, galvanism, and elec- tricity. Dr. S. ascertained the location of the different magnetic poles in the system; indicating those which are positive, and those which are negative. In the brain he found five poles: one in the middle of this organ; one in each lobe of the cere- bellum; and one in each of the anterior lobes of the cerebrum. Through the agency of the magnetic machine, he discovered the location of the chief magnetic poles in different parts of the body. The largest pole is located in the centre of the brain; the next largest is in the hollow of the feet; and in the hand the next. We find those which rank the next in power, in the cerebrum and cerebellum, heart, ovaria, kid- neys, stomach, vagina, and testes; the liver, spleen, &c, come next; afterwards those of the limbs and joints; whilst those in the spinal column, muscles, skin, and ganglions, are last and least of all. The properties which belong to a magnetic pole are light, power, and motion. Like the poles in a magnet, those which exist in the organs, muscles, and skin, have radiations from a centre, and are connected by magnetic axes, constituting, when taken together, a magnetic form, on which we find the substance of the human frame to be laid. The positive poles of the body, like the positive poles of a magnet, attract: the negative in each case repel. Repulsion takes place between poles of the same kind, whilst those which are opposite attract each other. So in the brain; the DYNAMIC FORCES OF THE SYSTEM. 65 two poles of different significations, in the same hemisphere of the brain, along with the two which exist on the opposite side, through the agency of the nerves which are connected with the brain, and which act as conductors of the magnetic force, contract one set of muscles; whilst those from the op- posite side of the brain, which repel, produce expansion in another set. When the limbs and body are moved, we know that during the contraction of one set of muscles which then occurs, expansion takes place in the set which corresponds with them. The motion which is observable in animal life, is produced by the action of these forces, which, as we have seen, are attracting and repelling in their character. They operate universally, are very subtle, and possess immense velocity. Their action is manifested in the growth of plants, the nutritive matters of which are attracted from the earth,'and are afterwards repelled into the different portions of the plant, forming the materials out of which the secretions peculiar to the plant are elaborated. Their influence is ne- cessary for the development of life throughout all animated nature; not only imparting life to beings of the most massive and majestic forms, but originating the forms of multitudes of beings of the most minute size, with an accuracy equal to that which is observable in those whose size is of the most imposing character. Their action also constitutes the agency by which the pro- duction of sound is accomplished; and an idea may be formed of their immense energy, in the displays with which nature furnishes us; and which are exhibited in the wailings of the blast, the low rumblings of the earthquake, the deafening noise of the cannon, and the crashing and overpowering ex- plosions of thunder. We have thus explained the views which are set forth with reference to the nature and powers of these forces: the sub- ject has been briefly considered, but perhaps as fully as the character of this work rendered necessary. The general causes which tend to disturb the action of these forces in animal life, thereby giving rise to disease, are but few. It will be readily seen, that those which are depen- dent on changes in the electrical condition of the atmosphere; of these attractive and repulsive, or positive and negative forces, modified as they are by the action of heat and cold, 66 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. must have a tendency to affect the action of the magnetic organization, and the bodily motions dependent thereon, thereby inducing a diseased condition of the body. Thus the attractive forces in the atmosphere may prepon- derate over the repulsive, or the repulsive over the attractive. Tubercular disease of the limbs or organs is a common result of this variation in the action of the electrical forces; because by these changes and modifications of the atmosphere, changes of a corresponding character are produced in the positive and negative states of the body; the secretions and excretions also undergoing a modification. When tuberculations have arisen from this or other causes, the limbs or organs which are thus affected are rendered in a greater or less degree sensible to pressure, because pressure contracts them; but on the removal of the pressure, the pain ceases, because its re- moval allows of their expansion. When the state of the atmosphere is negative, and is damp and cold, the attractive and contractive forces prevail over the repulsive and expan- sive: in this case the tuberculated organs and limbs are con- tracted, and the patient suffers more from pain, accompanied with a feeling of dulness, and heaviness, than when the air is in a positive state, and clear and dry. This arises from the changes which the body undergoes from the positive to the negative state, at the same time that the atmosphere changes from the positive to the negative condition. When the at- mosphere changes from the negative to the positive state, and the pressure is consequently taken off from the tubercula- tions, allowing them to expand, the previously aching and tortured patient is sensible of experiencing great relief; and, comparatively well, goes forth freed from much of the distress and uneasiness which were experienced by him during the period that the electrical condition of the atmosphere was different in its character. A derangement in the action of the magnetic organization and motion of the body, may result too in consequence of the use of unsuitable food, which acts by affecting the alkalies and acids, which, in their chemical changes, communicate these forces to the system. In a state of disease, there must be either too little or too much magnetism in the body, or these two forces do not act in harmony; the negative prepon- derating over the positive, or the positive over the negative. Both the serous and mucous membranes would be affected in DYNAMIC FORCES OF THE SYSTEM. 67 the first two instances given; whilst in the last two, the serous or mucous would become first affected; the disease extending gradually in protracted cases, so as to implicate the surround- ing structures. We notice in tubercular diseases, or those which affect serous membranes, enlargement of parts: this is owing to the deficiency of negative matter, which is not present in suffi- cient quantity to impart the proper amount of positive force; and in consequence thereof, the expansive or repulsive force preponderates over the attractive and contractive force. In an opposite condition, or where the attractive prevails over the repulsive, and the mucous membranes are the parts af- fected, there will be a deficiency of substance. An example of this description is afforded us in the case of the individual who raises large quantities of mucus from the throat; whose lips are thin and compressed; and whose body is shrivelled. Of this last form of disease, or that which is mucous, we do not propose to treat at any great length in this volume. Our subject has reference to tubercular disease—a disease which is one and the same thing, no matter where existing— being always tubercular in its character, and having its seat in the absorbent glands, whether of the muscular or other organs. 68 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. CHAPTER VIII. SUBJECT OF DIAGNOSIS CONTINUED—ECLECTIC TESTS EM- PLOYED TO DISCRIMINATE TUBERCULAR OR SCROFULOUS DISEASE. We have proceeded thus far in our investigations, with reference to the subject of diagnosis or the discrimination of tubercular disease; we have pointed out the inefficacy of the methods which are commonly resorted to, to ascertain its pre- sence in the system; and have shown from the testimony of physicians well versed in the use of these methods, men too of the highest reputation and standing in their profession, how unreliable they are in the earlier stages of tubercular disorder, as means of ascertaining the existence of this form of disease; proving useful only in those advanced periods of the disease, when its existence is indicated by other and evi- dent phenomena; and giving us no certain information of its presence in the earlier parts of its history, when reme- dies might be employed, with some prospect of doing good to the individual who is the subject of the disorder. We have also considered the subject of the diagnosis of this complaint, with regard to the dynamic or moving forces of the system. Inasmuch as the action of these forces has some reference to the diagnosis of this complaint, and as they also play an important part in the processes which are adopted for the cure of tubercular disease, their consideration came in most naturally in this connexion; and also afforded us the opportunity of showing the influence which derangement of their action exerts in the production of tuberculous disorder. We now proceed to show the tests which eclecticism affords us of diagnosticating or discriminating tubercular disease. We shall explain their nature, and show the basis on which they rest, as reliable methods to be employed in ascertaining the existence of this affection, which is by most medical men regarded as incurable in its character. A striking peculiarity of this complaint is afforded us in the fact, that it is almost invariably characterized by the ECLECTIC TESTS EMPLOYED TO DISCRIMINATE. 69 presence of pain, which is more or less severe in its nature, and proportioned to the severity of the complaint, when pressure is made on the ganglions of the spinal nerves, which lie in the intervertebral spaces along each side of the spine. The ganglions of which we speak, are organs of sensation, and have a connexion with the skin, serous membranes, and se- rous surfaces, in every part of the system, by means of the posterior spinal nerves; the anterior or motor spinal nerves, being connected with the mucous membranes and mucous surfaces in every part of the body. A necessity for this particular arrangement of the nerves of sensation and motion existed, on account of its bearing on the inception and existence of animals; and to prevent the irritating effects of the atmosphere, fluids, semi-fluids, or other non-fluid substances, which come, as a matter of necessity, and continually, in contact with the mucous membranes, and mu- cous surfaces, of beings endowed with sensation. This con- nexion between the spinal ganglions, and the serous mem- branes and surfaces, was ascertained by Dr. Sherwood in many experiments made on patients labouring under this disease, and is continually realized in the experience of those who employ the eclectic tests to ascertain the presence of tuber- cular difficulty; the magnetic forces, on pressure being made on the ganglions, often darting into the affected lymphatic glands, producing sensation, inclination, and consequent mo- tion. The development of pain in the spinal ganglions, on pressure being made over them, constitutes then one of the tests of tubercular disease!!! When the organ which is dis- eased, is in a high state of irritation, the spinal ganglions, which hold an intimate connexion with it, suffer acutely when pressure is made; the pain not being confined to the gangli- ons, but darting into the organ. We referred before to this phenomenon, but have in this place varied the expression, in order to fix upon the mind the important fact, that pain produced by pressure on the spinal ganglions, the pain sometimes darting into the diseased orr/a n, affords unfailing, reliable evidence of (lie existence of tubercular disease in the organs, with which those ganglions are connected. The connexion between these ganglions which lie on the posterior spinal nerves and the organs, was, in view of the phenomena which he witnessed, inferred by Dr. Sherwood: 70 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. the microscopic investigations of Volkmann and Bidder, in later periods, have proved the correctness of his opinion, and shown the reality of such connexion; demonstrating the ori- gin of the sympathetic nerve, not only in the ganglions of the sympathetic cord, but in those ganglions also which lie on the posterior branches of the spinal nerves. We do not propose to give in full the researches of these physiologists on this point; we simply state the fact, and proceed to show what bearing it has on the test which we furnish for the de- tection of tubercular disease. We have shown in another place, that tubercular disease is a disease of the lymphatic or absorbent glands, whose loca- tion, as we have previously stated, is in the serous membranes; and which communicate, through the medium of the sympa- thetic nerves, as we have just seen, with the spinal ganglions, which are organs of sensation, and are connected with the skin and serous membranes. We have said also, that this disease consisted in an enlarged condition of these absorbent glands. Now irritation and a development of sensation in these glands, is a consequence of this enlargement; and when this irritation rises to any height, it is transmitted along the chain of sympathetic nerves, until it reaches the spinal gang- lions, in which these nerves in part originate; which gangli- ons lie at the sides of the spaces between the bones of the spine. These ganglions become in consequence irritated and sensitive, because they feel the force of the irritation, which exists at the extreme points of termination of the sympa- thetic nerve, in the lymphatic glands which are tuberculated. By making pressure then on the spinal ganglions, we are assured, if they are sensitive, of the existence of irritation in the nerves at their points of termination; or in other words, in the lymphatic glands; which, as we have heretofore shown, are located in the serous membranes. We can, by this test, ascertain whether tubercular disease is active or acute, or whether it is passive or chronic. If, on making pressure on the spinal ganglions, these are not only sensitive, but the pain also darts into the diseased organ, the disease is acute; but if, on making pressure, the ganglions only are found to be sensitive, the pain not shooting into the organ, the disease is of a chronic character. It is no proof that the organ is not affected because the ganglions only, in chronic disease, appear to be sensitive; the same phenomenon ECLECTIC TESTS EMPLOYED TO DISCRIMINATE. 71 is exhibited in disease of the hip-joint, the pain being referred by the patient to a distant point, the knee, although the hip is the true seat of the disorder. So with the diseased organ in tubercular affection of a chronic character; the patient may refer his pain altogether to a distant point, the spinal ganglions. This fact shows the folly of the course pursued by many physicians, who, not recognising the connexion which exists between the diseased organs and the spinal ganglions; nor the fact that pain in these last is evidence of disease in the former; call the affection spinal irritation, and resort to applications over the undiseased, though sensitive and sym- pathizing spinal ganglions, which weaken and debilitate the spinal marrow, as well as the constitution of the patient. But more on this point in another chapter. I have, however, found in some very few cases of tuber- cular disease of the organs of a chronic character, and which I detected by another test yet to be mentioned, a seeming want of sensitiveness of the spinal ganglions connected with those organs; pressure on those ganglions causing no sensa- tion of soreness. The cause of this I have thought was owing to some natural insusceptibility of the nerves lying between the ganglions and the organs, to become easily affected by irritation in the parts to which they were dis- tributed, the diseased absorbents; so that although these last tuberculated organs might be labouring under considerable irritation, the nerves themselves beyond these parts, and per- haps the ganglions themselves, did not readily respond to the irritation existing in the absorbents. Similar is this to what occurs in different individuals; one of whom may become so greatly affected by a slight cause of irritation, perhaps the consequence of an outward injury, as to produce great irritation in a point very far distant from the seat of the injury; while in another, the local injury, although very severe, may produce but little dis- turbance in parts not immediately contiguous to the part especially affected. Or, in such cases of seeming failure in the test, there may, in consequence of the diseased state of the absorbent gland or glands, be considerable pressure on the branch of the sympathetic nerve, which connects the affected organ with the spinal ganglions, and a diminution of the sensibility of the nerve, be the consequence; so that 72 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. it would but imperfectly convey the impressions which the diseased gland would make on the nerve, to the ganglions in question. Where, however, such a state of things exists, we shall be able to rectify our diagnosis by another test; that which is derived from the application of the magnetic machine. This constitutes the second test for discriminating tubercular disease. In the test usually made by pressure on the spinal ganglions, where the disease is active, and where the pain on pressure darts into the diseased organ, a force passes into the organ, and gives rise, as a consequence, to pain in that organ. So, too, when we apply the magnetic machine, we introduce into the organ affected, a magnetic force, which, acting upon irritable tender glands, and producing contrac- tion in them, gives rise also to sensations of pain and dis- tress in the parts affected. The passing of the buttons over an organ affected with this disease, soon affords evidence to the patient of the ex- istence of disease in that organ; and also indicates the points which are more especially the seat of the disorder. This second test, therefore, is a valuable method which can be brought to bear upon the question of determining with cer- tainty, the existence of tubercular disease in the organ which may be the seat of it. In explaining the nature and operation of the tests with which eclecticism furnishes us, for the detection of tubercu- lar disease, we have aimed to present the matter in an intelli- gible light, that the reasonableness, utility and reliability of the methods, in the detection of this disease, may be clearly developed. The importance of such tests, so unerring, as always, when the signs of tenderness, on pressure being made over the spinal ganglions, and on the application of the machine over the organs, are present to assure us of the existence of this form of disease in the organs, cannot be too strongly impressed upon the public mind. To parents and others, the information imparted by these tests, is of incalculable value, since the existence of disease of this character can, by this process, be ascertained before it has made great ravages, and while it is yet in its incipiency. So common is this disorder, that no individual ought to be satisfied of his exemption from it, no matter how positive his convictj^n may be that he is not ECLECTIC TESTS EMPLOYED TO DISCRIMINATE. 73 tainted by it, nor how free apparently he may be from the disorder, until he has found his opinion confirmed by the favourable decision of the tests above given. If a merchant feels it to be important once in the year, or oftener, to ascer- tain the condition of his affairs, is it not a matter of far greater consequence, that each individual should ascertain the condi- tion of his organization, and satisfy himself, after the use of proper and reliable methods of diagnosis, that nothing like tubercular disease is present in his system? 74 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. CHAPTER IX. ERRORS IN DIAGNOSIS—SPINAL IRRITATION. While treating on the subject of diagnosis, it will not be out of place to notice one of the evils, one fraught with im- portant and disastrous consequences, which has resulted from an erroneous opinion that has been formed by most of the profession with reference to the true nature and seat of what has been commonly denominated spinal irritation. We spoke in our last article of tenderness of the spinal ganglions as in- dicating tubercular affection in the absorbent glands of the organs; the ganglions simply expressing the condition of those glands, and not themselves constituting the real seat of the disease. This state of the ganglions is altogether de- pendent on that of the glands of the organs; their tenderness diminishing as the tubercular disease of the organ subsides, and disappearing with the removal of this disorder. It is, however, a sad thought, that the majority of the pro- fession, instead of recognising the true nature of this con- nexion, have altogether misapprehended the nature of the difficulty in question. Taking a limited view of the subject, they have either referred the disease altogether to the influ- ence of a morbidly increased excitement of the spinal marrow: or, reversing the true condition of things, they have referred the disorders in the organs, which, as they saw, accompanied the spinal irritation, to the influence of this irritation, (which in some few cases is undoubtedly the case,) instead of refer- ring the irritation of the spinal ganglions to tubercular dis- ease of the organs. This error has led to unhappy results, in consequence of the processes which have been employed for the removal of this fancied diseased condition of the spinal marrow. A physician who is ignorant of the proper tests for tubercular disease, on observing this irritable condition of the spinal ganglions, regards the disease as spinal irritation: he knows nothing of the true cause of this irritation; he is not aware that the organs connected with these ganglions are diseased; ERRORS IN DIAGNOSIS—SPINAL IRRITATION. 7& and that a kind Providence has so ordered, that when these organs are diseased, they shall send up their note of com- plaint; and by irritating the spinal ganglions, give us a means of ascertaining that disease is lurking at the vitals, and that these need immediate attention, and demand relief. Call spinal irritation, or at least that irritation which is located in the ganglions, and which is expressive of a diseased state of the organs, a disease! It is no disease; it is a friend; uttering in tones clear, and not to be mistaken, its cry of warning and alarm, to point out the dangers which threaten the organs with which the ganglions hold such close rela- tions; and obtain, at an early period of the disease, such assistance as shall remove the disorder, ere it has so far de- veloped itself, and the vital powers have become so exhausted as to render the case utterly hopeless. He, however, who does not recognise the real character of this irritation, on finding it present in the ganglions, locates the disease in the spinal marrow, and goes to work at this organ with all the means with which an heroic and destruc- tive system of practice has supplied him. Leeches, cups, setons, issues, and blisters, are employed externally, with mercury often internally; and perhaps general blood-letting also is resorted to; each or all of which may be brought to bear upon this fancied disease, without accomplishing, in the majority of cases, any thing more than the ruin of the ner- vous system, and the aggravation of the real disease; whose true seat is in the internal organs, and in some cases in the external muscles. How absurd, how mischievous a practice! As well might the individual who is labouring under a severe headache— which is not the result of any local cause, as a blow on the head, or mental excitement, &c., but which is the result of a disordered stomach, and obstructed digestive organs—attempt to remove that headache by remedies applied to the head. Suppose he should leech, cup, and blister the head: so long as he did not remove the real cause; so long as he did not address his remedies to the stomach and obstructed organs, which were in fact the real seat of the difficulty, so long would you expect the headache to continue; or even if the headache should be lessened by these applications to it, you would not imagine that the real and true cause of the headache, which cause was located in the digestive organs, 76 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. would be influenced in the slightest degree by these applica- tions to the head. To remove the effect, you must correct the cause. Or suppose that an individual should, in consequence of the irritation caused by a toe-nail which is pressing into the flesh of the toe, suffer from irritation and enlargement of the glands of the groin, is it to be supposed, even if the remedies which you should apply to the groin succeeded in allaying the congestion and inflammation of the glands there located, that they would remove the irritation in the toe? So long as the nail continued to press into the flesh of the toe, so long would this remain irritated; and all the means which you brought to bear on the difficulty in the groin, would have no effect upon the irritation in the toe which produced it. The real cause of the irritation is not in the groin, but down in the foot; and your remedies, if you desire to do good, must, as a matter of course, be applied in that quarter. So in what has been called spinal irritation; though the ganglions are irritated, thi3 is only an effect: the cause is in the organ which is tuberculated. This throws up its irrita- tion to the spinal ganglions with which it is connected; so that if you bring your remedial measures to bear simply on the spine, you deal only with an effect; you do not act upon the real cause. What an abused and injured organ is the spine! Not only has it been obliged to submit to harsh and tormenting pro- cesses at the hands of physicians who have attempted to re- lieve the diseases with which it was actually and truly affected, but it has been treated for fancied diseases; and has been cupped, leeched, blistered, burnt, issued, setoned, irritated with tartar-emetic ointment and plasters, and the patient has been salivated; and for no other reason than because, faithful guardian and sentinel as it was, its spinal ganglions uttered the warning cry; and by the presence of pain, which they manifested, on pressure being made upon them, (and often without any pressure,) testified that disease was lurking in the organs with which they were connected, which threatened serious and deplorable consequences. How sad the thought that so destructive a practice should have been employed in such cases! When one looks back, and regards the useless and mischievous remedial treatment which has been employed for the cure of a fancied disorder, ERRORS IN DIAGNOSIS—SPINAL IRRITATION. 77 when vital organs were really implicated, he can but wonder that a better system of remedial measures—one which has been promulgated for about forty years; the efficacy, too, of which has been confirmed by the success which has been at- tendant on its employment—should not have gained more favour with physicians; and have become, by this time, uni- versally and deservedly established as the best and most successful system of practice for the cure of diseases of a tubercular character. No wonder that we see so many curved spines and broken down constitutions. Not only is the system generally weak- ened, but the muscles stretched along the spine, and those contiguous to it, as well as the spinal marrow itself, and the organs which connect with the spinal ganglions, are debili- tated by such weakening processes; and distortions, decrepi- tude, and premature decay, are the unhappy consequences. I recall to mind the case of a lawyer in----, a gentleman of a high order of talent, who became a martyr to the false system of practice predicated on the erroneous theory of spinal irritation; and who was leeched, cupped, and blistered, until a noble, manly form was marred and deformed; and, weak- ened, as the whole lower part of the spine was by these re- ducing processes, he now moves along in a hitching manner; dragging his legs after him, in a manner nearly resembling an animal whose back has been broken. Is he an admirer of the scientific practice of the day? No! His only medicine now is cold water: I do not know that he would even con- sent to employ the comparatively feeble doses of homoeo- pathy. The case of a lady came also under my notice, in which the same error in diagnosis, or discrimination of disease, was followed by results of a sadly distressing character. I had been attending a young lady for the relief of various diffi- culties; among the rest, tubercular disease of the womb; who experienced so much relief from my treatment, that she felt extremely anxious to have me see her aunt, and get her also under my medical care. She spoke to her relative on the subject, who expressed a desire to see me. In accordance with her wish, I called upon her. Her tale was a sad one. She was about fifty years of age at this time, and had almost constantly been under the treatment of one of the first phy- sicians of----- during the last twenty years, for the relief 78 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. of spinal irritation, with which he said she was affected. At the time when she first came under his care, she suffered but little; complaining more, I believe, of some slight feeling of uneasiness about the back, such as is commonly felt in tuber- cular disease of the organs. But at any rate, he considered the case to be spinal irritation, and commenced an heroic plan of treatment, which he steadily pursued for twenty years. The remedies which he most commonly employed were bleed- ing and cupping; mercury was also given repeatedly and largely, during the long period of her medical torture. Blis- ters and tartar-emetic applications had also been frequently made use of. She was at this time, and had been for years, confined to her house; was incapable of taking charge of her family; and a martyr continually to all those distressing pains and sensations which are experienced by those whose nervous system has been weakened and broken down by the com- bined action of bleeding, cupping, blistering, tartar-emetic applications, and repeated salivations. Life had no charms; the best part of it had been one of pain, suffering, and tor- ture only; and all this was the result of an error in opinion, on the part of her physician, as to the nature of her disease, and of the injurious processes to which he had subjected her for its removal. She said, that when, during this long period of sickness, he would occasionally suspend the treatment, she would ex- perience relief, and her vital powers would appear to rally; but it seemed as though her tormentor was not desirous that she should improve, for he would immediately resume his course of depletion and salivation, bringing her down to the same former point, or even lower, of distressing sensations and debility. On examining her case, I found the spinal ganglions pretty generally sensitive on pressure, with the presence of symptoms indicating extensive tubercular disease of the organs. She wished me to give an opinion as to the probability of her obtaining relief from my treatment. I un- hesitatingly expressed my confident belief that she could be relieved, and restored to the enjoyment of comfortable health, although she could never expect to be entirely freed from the injurious consequences of the previous mercurializing and debilitating treatment. She was ardently desirous to place herself under my treat- ment; and after seeing her husband, and endeavouring to ERRORS IN DIAGNOSIS—SPINAL IRRITATION. 79 gain his consent to the step, she would, she said, if she ob- tained it, send for me. She never however sent for me. I understood afterwards, from her niece, that the husband of her aunt was a man who was perfectly bound up in his phy- sician; and that the latter, on hearing that she wished me to take charge of her case, resorted to every method to prejudice his mind against me. The true secret of his opposition to it was, that the case was a good fat job for him, out of which he yearly realized hundreds of dollars; and, like the lawyer's case, had been nursed so long, that he could not bear to have it taken out of his hands. Had the patient been poor, I would most certainly have had the case gladly turned over to me. However, as I said, his influence over the husband was unbounded; and she, poor creature, had been so broken down, and shattered in mind and body, that she had not strength of character to act independently or decidedly in the matter; although she was fully aware that the course of treatment to which she had for so long a period been subjected, was all wrong, and was extremely desirous of testing that which I recommended to her. Several years passed by. Her old physician had, during this interval, died. But he had left a partner in possession of his business. One day I called on the old lady to make some inquiries of her respecting the place of habitation of the niece whom I had formerly attended. The old lady was still in her corner, useless and suffering. She again went over the history of her trials and sufferings. She regretted deeply that she had not been able to gain the consent of her husband to employ me. He was, however, an old John Bull, and rather stubborn. Her symptoms were at this time becoming more serious Dropsical symptoms, the consequence of de- bility produced by depleting processes and mercurial saliva- tion, were now setting in; yet, even at this time, she longed most ardently to place herself under my care and treatment. Her life, she said, had been completely broken up, and her happiness destroyed, by the medical treatment to which she had been subjected. She felt that she was a burden to her- self, and that she could do nothing to make others happy around her. She spoke feelingly and sadly on these points, and mourned that she had ever, in her ignorance, permitted herself to place her constitution in the hands of one who had made a wreck of her; the injurious action of whose destructive 80 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. processes were now telling with fearful effect upon her sys- tem, and fast bringing her to the grave. Again did she express a desire to have the benefit of my treatment; and stated her determination to speak to her husband on the sub- ject, and let me know if he was disposed to gratify her wishes in this particular. My expectations of her accomplishing her object were not very sanguine; and the result proved that my suspicions were well founded. I have never heard from her since that hour. This is but one of a multitude of similar cases with which the history of what has been called spinal irritation furnishes us; and reveals to the view a picture of physical and mental suffering; of social disquietude and unhappiness; far sur- passed, in many instances, by those exhibitions which have occurred in the experience of those who have been the agents in inflicting upon patient and abused humanity this pain, misery, and suffering. Better, better by far, do nothing for this class of diseases, than submit to those torturing, destruc- tive processes, which wreck the constitution; make life a dreary pilgrimage; and lead the suffering one, as well as all who sympathize with human wo and sorrow, to pray for a speedy release from suffering and distress, and a calm and sweet repose in the silent mansions of the tomb. SPECIAL APPLICATION OF TESTS FOR. 81 CHAPTER X. SUBJECT OF DIAGNOSIS CONTINUED—SPECIAL' APPLICA- TION OF THE TESTS FOR THE PRESENCE OF TUBERCULAR DISEASE IN THE DIFFERENT ORGANS, BY MEANS OF PRES- SURE ON THE SPINAL GANGLIONS AND THE ELECTRO- MAGNETIC MACHINE. We have, in another place, shown the connexion which exists between the spinal ganglions and the organs: this con- nexion, when these organs are tuberculated, affording us a means of determining the presence of this form of disease, through the tenderness which pressure on these ganglions occasions. In the acute variety of the disorder affecting the surfaces of the body, the limbs or the organs, the pain pro- duced by pressure on the ganglions, darts into the affected part or organs: in the chronic form of the disease, the pain is confined, to the ganglions on which the pressure is made. As each organ or part has its appropriate connexion with its own particular spinal ganglion, pressure, made at different points along the sides of the spinal column, affords us an in- dication of the presence or absence of tubercular disease in the corresponding organ or part with which the ganglion has a connexion. In making this pressure, we employ the thumb, and with it, Press on the sides of the first cervical (neck) vertebra, to detect symptoms indicative of tubercular disease of the head—cerebrum, cerebellum, eyes, ears, throat, or nose. Press on the sides of the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 cervical ver- tebras to detect tubercular disease of the muscles; (rheumatism) or the vertebrae, or of the joints of the limbs; white swellings, &c. Press on the sides of the space between the 7th cervical and 1st dorsal, to detect tubercular disease of the lungs. Press on the left side of the same space, to find tubercula of the heart. 82 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. Here some difficulty may exist as to the diagnosis: it may not be easy to distinguish by pressure, whether the heart or the lung of the left side, is the seat of the disorder. If, on pressure being made on the right side of the space above mentioned, pain is produced, the right lung is tuber- culated; if, however, tenderness is produced on making pres- sure on the left side of the same space, it may be the left lung or the heart, or both, which may be the seat of the disease. In this case, to ascertain with certainty the true location of the disorder, we should inquire as to the existence of cough and expectoration; and whether the patient has been subject to a hard, heavy beating of the heart. If there is cough, without this heavy action of the heart, we have evidence that the left lung is tuberculated; but if there is no cough, it will be found on examination, that the beating of the heart is much harder than natural, and its action will give so loud a sound, on applying the ear over it, as to resemble the sound which is heard during the action of churning. Press on the space between the 1st and 2d dorsal vertebrae, to find tubercula of the stomach. Press between the 2d and 3d dorsal, to find tubercula of the duodenum. Press between the 3d and 4th dorsal, to find tubercula of the colon, (large intestine.) Press between the 4th and 5th dorsal, to find tubercula of the pancreas. Press between the 6th and 7th dorsal, to find tubercula of the omentum. Press between the 7th and 8th dorsal, on the right side, to find tubercula of the liver, and on the left side, to find tubercula of the spleen. Press between the 8th and 9th dorsal, to find tubercula of the diaphragm. Press between the 9th and 10th dorsal, to find tubercula of the peritoneum. Press between the 11th and 12th dorsal, to find tubercula of the small intestines. Press on the spaces between the 12 dorsal and 1st lumbar vertebra, to find tubercula of the kidneys. Press on the spaces between the 1st and 4th lumbar vertebrae, to find tubercula of the uterus, ovaria, prostate gland, vesiculae seminales, and testes. SPECIAL APPLICATION OF TESTS FOR. 83 Press on the spaces between the 4th lumbar and os coccyx, (small bone at the extreme point of the spine,) to find tubercula of vagina, &c. There are seven cervical vertebrae, or spinal bones of the neck; twelve dorsal, or those of the back; and five lumbar, or those of the loins; these constituting, along with the Bacrum and os coccyx, which extend from the lowest lumbar vertebra, to the extreme lower part of the spine, what is called the spinal column; in which is contained, what is de- nominated the spinal marrow. We have given above, a special description of the Eclectic Test for Tubercular disease, by means of pressure on the spinal ganglions; we shall now briefly consider that which is afforded us, by means of the electro-magnetic machine. Application of the Electro-Magnetic Machine, as a test for the detection of tubercular disease in particular organs. The weakest button, or that on the left hand, in Neff's battery, is to be applied to those spinal ganglions which have already been stated to have a connexion with certain organs; the strongest button, or that on the right hand, under a moderate degree of power, being at the same time passed slowly over the organs themselves. If tubercular disease be present in the organs, pain, more or less severe in its character, will be experienced in the affected part. It is not an uncommon thing for the patient, when first brought under the influence of the electrical current, espe- cially if considerable disease be present in the heart and other vital organs, to feel sick at the stomach, and faintish; symptoms which might alarm the physician, as well as the patient, but which need excite no apprehensions; speedily passing off, and leaving no ill consequences behind them. By directing attention to Chapter Thirteenth, entitled ap- plication of the machine in tubercula of the different organs, arranged in alphabetical order; in the greater portion of which the connexion between the organs and spinal gang- lions is exhibited, the operator can ascertain the method of detecting disease in any of the organs, or parts, of whose healthy condition he may be in doubt. The processes which we have pointed out in this chapter, for detecting tubercular disease in the various organs, are, as will be seen, extremely simple in their character. This very simplicity, however, is an argument in their favour: the 84 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. more readily susceptible the tests are of application, the better for the physician, as well as the patient. Under the application of the old processes of auscultation and percussion, the ques- tion of the presence or absence of disease in the organs was one which was left altogether with the physician to decide; the patient being skeptical or not, with regard to the correct- ness of his opinion. Under the application of the eclectic tests, however, pain being developed in the ganglions and organs, when these tests are employed, the patient becomes himself the judge, and, experimentally, the only judge, of the existence of tubercular disease in the organs. REMEDIES FOR. 85 CHAPTER XI. REMEDIES FOR TUBERCULAR OR SCROFULOUS DISEASE. The processes and remedies which eclecticism employs for the cure of disease, are very diversified and numerous. Cull- ing out of all the different systems of practice, whatever is valuable in each, as regards principles or remedial agents, the means which it brings to bear upon disease generally, are ample and effective. In the treatment of tubercular disease also, eclecticism furnishes us with many remedies and pro- cesses, which have more or less curative bearing on some of the symptoms which develope themselves during the progress of this disorder. So wide and extensive, however, is the field from which the eclectic selects his remedies; and so multi- plied are the combinations of remedies which he may employ in the treatment of this disease, that no special course of medication can be laid down; each physician varying his plan of action in the administration of remedies, according as he is biassed by his prepossessions in favour of this or that remedy, or combination of remedies; the same result being obtained by each in the removal of these minor symptoms, although the articles administered may be entirely dissimilar. This diversity of practice, however, although proper, so far as regards the treatment of some of the symptoms which are accompaniments of tubercula or scrofula, is not allowable, so far as our present light enables us to see, when we aim at the removal of the grand and essential symptoms which are peculiar to this disorder. Here, although we do not deny that remedies may yet be discovered which may prove even more innocent and efficient than those which we shall recom- mend for the treatment of this disease, a few remedial pro- cesses and remedies have been found to be so uniformly useful and efficacious, as almost to entitle them to be regarded as specifics. These constitute, in reality, the main and essential agents in the cure of this disease; operating upon and re- moving that peculiar condition of the parts which is charac- teristic'of the complaint; whilst the others above mentioned, 8 86 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. although they are useful, do not influence materially this peculiar state of the parts, and consequently cannot take the place of those whose action is more particularly calculated to remove that condition of the absorbents, which characterizes tubercular or scrofulous disorder. We shall, therefore, in considering the subject of the re- medies suitable for the cure of this complaint, confine our- selves to the consideration of those which are regarded by some as specifics, and endeavour to point out their action, so that the harmony which exists between this action and the condi- tion of the diseased parts may be clearly recognised, and their consequent adaptation and suitableness of employment in this disease, be more fully and readily comprehended. In the chapter on the nature of tubercula, we directed attention to the fact that the lymphatic vessels, also those which enter into the composition of the absorbent glands, are furnished with a fihro-muscular coat; we also wished this fact to be kept in view, inasmuch as it serves to explain the reason why tubercular disease is a curable disease under the action of the remedies which we employ for its removal. We de- sire that this fact should be kept in view at the present time, as we attempt to explain the action of these remedies. Tubercular disease, as we have repeatedly stated, consists in an enlarged state of the absorbent glands, in which the positive or contracting force has become weakened, allowing the negative or expansive force to operate with greater effi- ciency. The fibro-muscular coat of the lymphatic vessels and glands becomes, in consequence of this preponderance of the negative over the positive force, expanded; and as a conse- quence, congestion, and distention of the vessels take place; along with the deposition of various products, the result of the irritation, congestion, and altered functional action of the part. The principal remedies which are employed by eclectics for the removal of this condition of the parts in tu- bercular disease, have especial reference to this state of the Electrical forces of the part, and this condition of the fibro- muscular coat of the vessels of the organ which is affected. The electro-magnetic machine constitutes one of the most powerful means which we possess, to accomplish the results that are so desirable, in the treatment of this complaint. What we want in the remedies which we employ is, some power that will excite the contractility of the coats of the vessels of the REMEDIES FOR. 87 enlarged absorbent glands, also of the lymphatic vessels, give strength to the magnetic organization of the parts, and pro- mote the absorption of the deposits that may have occurred in and around these glands and vessels. The machine does all this. Its power to excite the contractility of the coats of the vessels, can be readily understood if we observe its action when the buttons are taken in the hands, and some degree of power is brought to bear upon the muscles. The muscles are strongly contracted and shortened during the action of the machine, the force with which the act is performed being sometimes so great, as to occasion sensations which seem cramp-like and spasmodic. The process of absorption is also promoted by its action. I have seen tumours under the skin which were not tubercular, but encysted, reduced in size about one half of their original bulk during the action of the machine, which was in operation for about ten minutes only. In a case of aneurism of the carotid artery of the neck, in which I applied the machine a few times over the artery, a considerable reduction in its diameter was effected. So, too, in bronchocele or goitre, I have seen the swelling considerably reduced in size, during the fifteen minutes in which I was engaged in applying to it the forces evolved by the battery. In the employment of the electro-magnetic machine for the cure of tubercular disease, the electro-magnetic fluid derived from the battery, conducted from the machine by the wires, and introduced into the parts affected by the application of the buttons, operates upon these enlarged glands or tubercles, excites the contractility of the fibro-muscular coat of the vessels, causing a diminution in their caliber, with a conse- quent propulsion forwards of their contents; the magnetic organization of the parts which had previously become en- feebled, is strengthened, the nerves acquiring more tone and vigour; while the action of the absorbent vessels of the gland is greatly increased, and absorption of the various deposits in and around the gland is promoted. By following up this operation at daily, or longer intervals; combining with it the administration of appropriate internal remedies, these results become more and more apparent; the enlarged or tuberculated gland gradually/egains its usual size; the vessels recover their natural dimensions; the deposits in and around the gland are absorbed and removed from the part; and the pre- 88 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. viously diseased gland at length regains its former healthy condition. Here you have the process by which the cure of tubercula is accomplished. It is simple, it is easy of comprehension, and it is often easy of accomplishment. Notwithstanding all that has been said by great men; notwithstanding all the weight which great names give to the opinion that this form of disease is incurable, the opinion is erroneous; experience disproves it; the disease is curable; it is daily being cured, and success will crown, in the majority of instances, the efforts of those who judiciously employ the means with which a kind Providence has so richly furnished us, to aid us in overcoming even so serious a complaint as is tubercular dis- order. How simple too, how philosophical, the methods employed to effect a restoration to health, of the parts which are thus diseased! The electrical forces act directly and specially, on the true difficulty which exists in the case; they energize the action of the parts; give strength to the local magnetic organization; and act on that expanded, enlarged condition of the fibro-muscular coat, which, as the result of the pre- ponderance of the negative over the positive power, or force, constitutes the real disease; and by overcoming this condi- tion of the parts, and exciting the action of the absorbents, so as to promote the removal of the deposits which have been formed in and around the parts affected, the disease is finally overcome, unless the vital powers of the constitution or part have become so enfeebled as not to allow the possibility of recovery. The application of this remedial agent, to be useful, and also to be safe, requires, however, to be made with judgment. Some have made but little use either of discretion or judg- ment in this matter, and have inflicted injury in some cases, rather than benefit. Notwithstanding the brain is naturally so delicate and sensitive an organ, they have not hesitated to throw strong charges into its substance; arousing irrita- tion and giving a shock to it, which have been followed by results of an injurious character. Others have, in cases of disease of the eyes, amaurosis, or affection of the nerve of sight, for instance, applied so strong a force of the fluid to the delicate nerve and organ of vision; a force so disproportioned both to the nature of the organ, REMEDIES FOR. 89 and the state of the disease in the part affected, as to inflict serious injury, and render recovery almost an impossibility. They act upon the maxim, that if a little does good, a great deal is still better; regardless of the degree of strength of the magnetic organization of the parts, or the degree of irritabi- lity existing in them. Others, in order perhaps to appear more scientific; some probably because they truly think it to be the best method, always pass the fluid through their own system first; but, like the nurse who chews the child's food, and mixes with it impurities derived from her own secretions, which possibly may be highly diseased; thereby tainting the child, and disordering its delicate stomach; so these advanced experi- menters may, if their own systems are affected with various impure and eruptive disorders, impart these to the patient, along with the electric fluid which is transmitted through their own bodies; and if this result do not follow, they them- selves may derive from their patient diseases which are not desirable, and manifest, even during the operation, symptoms which are of an alarming character. Thus, on one occasion, Dr. Sherwood was magnetizing a boy of twelve years of age, who was labouring under a recent paralysis of the left arm, and of the tongue and face, with tetanic rigidity of the muscles of the neck, &c. He placed the positive button in the patient's left hand, and the nega- tive button in his own left hand, and made passes with his right hand over the face of the boy for five minutes. In about five minutes from Ihe time he had finished operating, the doctor's left arm began to ache, and the intensity of this symptom increased so rapidly as to completely paralyze the arm in one minute; and in about two minutes it was so great as to be insupportable. A sinking sensation began to per- vade the system, when the doctor called for assistance, and had the negative button quickly placed in his left hand, and the positive on his neck, under the full power of the largest machine. A pleasant sensation from the action of the ma- chine was soon experienced; the horrible aching sensation be"-an to give way; and in about five minutes it had almost entirely ceased, and the motion of the arm was restored. In this case, the disease in the left arm of the boy was con- ducted to the doctor's left arm by the current from the posi- tive button, in an opposite direction from the current which 8* 90 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. was at the same time moving from the negative to the positive button. This method of applying the fluid, although some- times useful and allowable, is therefore not always that which is best, either for the patient or operator, and requires to be employed with great caution and judgment. It is also important that the buttons should be placed at right points on the spinal ganglions. If, for instance, the lungs are to be magnetized, we apply the weakest button over the spinal ganglions in the space between the seventh cervi- cal and the first dorsal vertebras, and the strongest is passed over the chest: it is at this point of the spine that the com- munication between the spinal ganglions and the lungs is most direct; and the electro-magnetic fluid finds a more easy and straight passage to the organs; besides, producing those changes which are necessary in the nerves that connect the glands which are tuberculated with these ganglions. Another thing which is to be guarded against, in the use of this process, is the performance of the operation in a man- ner which is calculated to shock the delicacy of the patient, and violate the rules of decency and modesty. It may be laid down as a rule, that the physician who does not seek to employ this process in a manner which shall save, as much as possible, the feelings of his patient, and who resorts to methods of application which are destructive of delicacy—the tendency of which is to break down those barriers which, if destroyed, pave the way for acts of gross indecency and licen- tiousness, is only pursuing a course which gratifies his own unholy and vicious propensities—and he should be frowned down, and denied access to the dwellings and persons of all who value purity of soul even above health of the body; and who would shun those whose society and remedial processes (these last conducted as such a physician would conduct them) are only calculated to pollute and injure. The physi- cian should be a promoter of morality and religion/ seeking to bless, and, so far as his influence can do so, purify others; and not, like Burr, or the deadly upas, blight, pollute, and destroy whatever may come within reach of his withering and destroying influence. I might here state, that my remarks have been confined altogether to the use of the electro-magnetic machine: other modes of developing and applying the electric fluid have been devised, which also have been found exceedingly useful. REMEDIES FOR. 91 Thus, the electrical machine has been employed in the treat- ment of this disease; and the fluid from the magnetic bat- tery, giving us what has been called the primary current, has also proved valuable in this disorder. Further experience will undoubtedly add to the strength of the convictions al- ready entertained of their value and importance in the treat- ment of this complaint. The remedies, other than the machine, which are adminis- tered for the cure of tubercular disease, and which have a specific tendency to remove the glandular enlargements of which we have shown tubercles to consist, produce results similar to those that are effected by the action of positive elec- tricity derived from the battery. They consist of such mine- ral preparations, (of which, of course, mercury forms no part, mercury having a tendency to produce the disorder,) as have the power to hold, in combination with their atoms, large quantities of positive electricity. These are introduced into the system, and give out, in large portions, their positive force, which is appropriated by the diseased glands or tuber- cles, and, acting upon the coats of their vessels, the fibro- muscular coat in particular, excites the contractile action of the vessels; driving forward their fluids; promoting the ab- sorption of deposits; changing the altered functional action of these organs; and increasing also the tone and vigour of the magnetic organization of the parts which are implicated in the disorder. Their action is similar to that of the machine; and in com- bination with it, they exert a great power over the disease; reducing it so rapidly, as, in many instances, to appear mira- culous. Cases of rapid consumption, which seemed to be but a week removed from the grave, have, in three weeks' time, through their energetic influence, been perfectly freed from the disorder. For the purpose of effecting the above changes, in the parts which are affected in tubercular or scrofulous disease, chlorine is employed in combination with negative matter; of which compound, Gold forms the most conspicuous and important constituent. This is usually prepared in the form of a pill, whose action is extremely energetic, and at the same time innocent. This remedy is one, in fact, whose value cannot be over-estimated in the treatment of tubercular disorder. As in this disease, those chains of lymphatic glands, or 92 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. secreting organs, which lie along the spinal column, and also their satellites which surround the vertebrae, together with the spinal nerves, are more or less implicated in the disease of the organs with which they are connected, a magnetized plaster is made use of over the spine, for the purpose of ef- fecting a change in the excretions of the skin. Naturally these are of an aeriform or negative character; under the action of the plaster, however, they are changed to that of a mucous or positive description. This plaster is composed of bitumen and iron, and is placed over the spine, and the joints and limbs which are tuberculated. In administering the preparation of Gold for the cure of this disease, it is customary to give one pill after breakfast, and one after tea, daily, for sixty days, should the disease continue so long; after this, giving one nightly, as long as necessary. Where the medicine cannot be taken in the form of a pill, these may be cut up, several of the pills being put in a clean vial; adding a teaspoonful of lukewarm water for each pill in the vial, and shaking this well at intervals, until they are dissolved; taking care to shake the vial thoroughly when about to make use of the medicine. If the patient is very susceptible to the action of medicine, and cannot bear the above dose, it may be diminished to half a pill or less at a time. In giving it to children, if they are over five, and under twelve years of age, the dose will be one pill, which is to be taken on going to bed; under five, and over two, half a pill, given at the same time; under two years, and over six months, a quarter of a pill is to be administered daily. In giving it to children under five years of age, and to infants, the pill should be dissolved in warm water, one pill to four teaspoonsful of water; of this a teaspoonful may be given to infants at night, taking care to shake the vial each time before using. In this disease, rigid dieting is not to be enforced; in fact, during the use of the pills, it is improper and unnecessary: where the stomach will allow it, the most nourishing diet is to be recommended. In using the plaster, we should take care to spread it as thin as possible on oil-silk, leather or cloth, four or five inches in width, and of sufficient length to cover those portions of the spine which are painful or tender. The plaster becomes REMEDIES FOR. 93 loose after a few days, and should be spread over again, and reapplied, unless the surface is quite sore; in which case the parts should be covered with a cloth, on which some mutton- tallow has been spread, and when the irritation has subsided, this should be removed; the bitumen plaster to be again ap- plied over the affected spot. 94 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. CHAPTER XH. THE ELECTRO-MAGNETIC MACHINE.—DIRECTIONS FOR RUNNING IT. "We have already spoken of the agency exerted by the machine, in the cure of tubercular or scrofulous disorder. By its aid we are enabled to supply the body artificially, yet in a simple, direct, and certain manner, with those electrical forces, in which, in a state of disease, it is more or less defi- cient. The magnetic organization of the parts is strengthened under its action, and its influence is exerted in producing that contraction of the fibro-muscular coat of the absorbent vessels, as well as exciting that absorbent action which are necessary for the restoration of the enlarged absorbent ves- sels to their original size, and former healthy condition. For the purpose of supplying these forces, a variety of machines have been invented, many of which are capable of producing all the good results which are sought after by their employment. Those which I have used for some years past, and which I have found admirably adapted to the purpose for which I have employed them, are manufactured by Messrs. W. C. & J. Neff, of this city, (Philadelphia,) No. 3 J South Seventh Street; and are got up in so perfect a manner, as regards both beauty and durability, as well as effi- ciency, as apparently to leave nothing wanting by which their utility and value, in the treatment of disease, could be aug- mented. These machines are of different sizes and prices; the price of the medium size, that which I prefer for use, being ten dollars, and the price of the largest fifteen dollars. To prepare the machine for action, dissolve one ounce of blue vitriol (sulphate of copper,) in one quart of water; fill the battery to the top of the zinc, and then connect with the wires to the instrument; put the wire with the flat end into the hole on the side of the copper box, and the other end into the corner post, and screw it fast; put the wire with the bent ELECTRO-MAGNETIC MACHINE. 95 end into the hole in the top of the zinc, and screw it fast; and the other end into the middle post, which also is to be screwed tight. If the spring at the end of the magnet does not vibrate, give it a slight impulse by passing the finger quickly across it. The conductors, or wires with the buttons or handles at their ends, through which the current is to be conveyed into the body, are attached at their small extremity to the two posts at the end of the machine. The one from which the current flows is marked P, (the weakest) and the one to which it flows is marked N, (the strongest) which may easily be de- termined by taking hold of the handles. Withdraw the round rod (piston) in the machine, till after you have got the buttons in the hands, and have tested the strength of the machine, and then introduce it as the patient can bear with comfort. Pushing in the piston increases the strength of the machine, drawing it out diminishes it. The metallic part of the buttons should be covered with sponge or cloth, and kept wet with water; this will make the application more pleasant. In making application of the electrical forces in the treat- ment of tubercular disease, the operator takes the button which conveys the weakest force, (the left hand button, of Neff's machine, as the machine faces you,) wets the sponge or cloth which is fastened around it, in water, and applies it over the proper spinal ganglion, as directed in chapter thir- teen, keeping it stationary over the ganglion; and after wetting the sponge or cloth which surrounds the other and stronger button, (the right hand button—the one next to the copper-box,) he makes passes with this over the tuberculated organ, if the organ be large; but if the part which is tuber- culated occupies but very little extent, he may keep this button stationary also, for a few minutes. The time occupied in magnetizing is usually from five to fifteen minutes; some cases may require less time, and others more: this must be left to the judgment of the operator. In many cases, to aid in equalizing the circulation, as well as the nervous energy, we may place the button conveying the strongest force, in the hollow of the foot of one side of the body, or on the top of the foot, or in the ankle over the large nerves of the part; the button conveying the weakest force being held in the hand of the side which is opposite 96 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. to that side on the foot of which the strongest button is ap- plied; afterwards placing the strongest button on the other foot, and the weakest in the hand which is on the opposite side of the body. The sponges should in all cases of application, be thoroughly washed after the operation; both for the sake of cleanliness, and to avoid the danger of transmitting disease from one patient to another. Directions for keeping the Battery in running order. Each time after using the machine, the zinc must be washed and left out of the battery until used again. The solution can be poured out into any vessel that may be con- venient, as it will do to use several times. The instrument will always work well if the following rules are observed. I. That the zinc and copper do not touch in any place. II. That the places where the parts connect with each other are kept clean. III. That the hammer on the end of the spring be kept at the proper distance from the end of the magnet, which is about the thirty-second part of an inch; that the screw with the small white point, which conveys the electric cur- rent to the spring, touch very lightly on the small square plate that is on the spring; so that when the hammer is drawn to the magnet, the connexion between the small point and the plate on the spring is broken. IV. When the screw with the small white point is adjusted properly, the small screw in the top of the post should be screwed down on it to keep it in its proper posi- tion. V. After the battery has been used, and the zinc has not been properly cleaned, it should remain in the solution a little while in order to dissolve the coat that has formed on it; the machine will then operate. VI. Care must be taken that no soap or greasy water is used when you cleanse the zinc, for if the zinc becomes greasy, the solution will not act on it. Then cleanse as in direction number seven. VII. If the zinc becomes coated with a hard scale, it must be scraped off; or, if you will take the battery out of the box, and fill it nearly full of water, then add one ounce of ELECTRO-MAGNETIC MACHINE. 97 oil of vitriol, and let it remain a few minutes, it will tho- roughly cleanse it; then throw it out and rinse off. VIII. If any of the posts of the machine become loose, screw up the nut under the block. IX. Sulphate of Iron (copperas) will not answer to charge the battery with. 9 98 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. CHAPTER XIII. METHOD OF APPLYING THE ELECTRO-MAGNETIC MACHINE FOR THE CURE OF TUBERCULAR OR SCROFULOUS DISEASES; THESE BEING ARRANGED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Some individuals, especially females, are often extremely sensitive with respect to the application of the machine, for the removal of their diseases. Some operators, even Dr. Sherwood, advise, in females, the entire removal of the cloth- ing from the chest and back, where the lungs, &c, are affected, in order that free access may be had to the parts diseased, and the passes be made with greater ease by the operator. At the commencement of my experience in the application of electro-magnetism, some eleven years ago, I adopted this course, but do not remember ever employing it in the case of females but once, my own instinctive delicacy satisfying me that this exposure of the person was not only improper, but unnecessary. Whatever aid it may give the operator, is more than counterbalanced by the injury which may be in- flicted by it on his own moral character, even where nothing more than impurity of thought may grow out of it; but it can be readily conceived that, to minds depraved and bent on the gratification of vicious indulgences, much injury may arise from such exposure. If the patient be a male, no such ob- jections of course lie against such exposure of the person; but in the case of a female, nothing should be done by the operator which has any tendency to destroy those feelings of purity and delicacy, which so adorn her character; the mani- festation of which, often awakens, even in the minds of the unworthy and impure, their warmest admiration, and com- mands their highest respect. In many cases, especially where it is not necessary to make a very extensive application of the buttons; where, for in- stance the disease is confined to a small point, we can, in females, direct the current into the part affected, by means of a hollow glass tube, of from one to three feet in length, PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF MACHINE IN. 99 through the centre of which we can draw the wire or con- ductor which conveys the fluid; fastening the wire to a me- tallic plate at the end of the tube, which plate is made to grasp the tube as a ring grasps the finger. Around this metallic plate, a piece of sponge, or cotton strip, is to be laid and fastened with a string; and after being wet, is to be passed down inside the clothes, to the points on the organs and the spine, over which the buttons are usually applied. Where a glass tube cannot be procured, a hollow reed may be substituted, or even a flat piece of stick, sufficiently long to reach as low as the groins, may be made use of; the me- tallic plate, &c, being attached to it, as in the description above given. The course, however, which I pursue, where such a method will not give sufficient freedom for the application of the buttons, is to have the patient drop all her clothes from off the upper part of her person, as low as the waist; and put on a dressing gown which is full and large, the slit of which is placed behind, allowing the operator to place his hand within the gown, and giving him plenty of room to operate on the parts affected. In this case there is no exposure of the per- son, save a small portion of the back, and I have found no difficulty in obtaining the consent of females to the perform- ance of the operation, where the method just mentioned was adopted. With these general remarks on the application of the ma- chine, I proceed to consider its special application in the treatment of tubercular disease of special organs. CEsophagus. In tubercular disease of this organ, the strongest or right hand button (of Neff's machine) is placed at the pit of the stomach, and the weakest, or left hand but- ton, over the first cervical vertebra, afterwards placing the strongest under the chin. Amaurosis. Gutta Serena. Sco Fye. Amenorrhoca. Magnetize as in tubercular disease of the Ovaria. Antrum. In tubercular disease of the Antrum, the strongest button is placed over the antrum, and the weakest over the neck. Aphonia. Loss of Voice. The buttons are, in this dis- ease, placed on the neck, under the angle of the lower jaw. Brain, Tubercular disease of. This is manifested by the 100 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. pain which is produced on pressure being made on the sides of the space between the head and first cervical vertebra; provided there are no indications of tubercular disease of the throat. The pain also, in the acute form of the disease darts into the brain; or there is severe pain in this active state of the disorder, in the absence of any injury which might have induced it. The application is in these cases required to be extremely light; the weakest button being applied to the above space, and the strongest, the head being wet, being passed over it, making the passes downwards. Breast. In case of tumour of the breast, place the strongest button over the breast, and the weakest over the neck. Buboes. The strongest button is to be placed over the buboes, and the weakest over the lumbar vertebrae. Cancer. Cancerous Sioellings. Place the strongest but- ton over the swelling, and the weakest over the back of the neck. Catalepsy. Tubercular disease of the vermiform process in the medium line of the cerebellum, (organ of motion.) Here the strongest button should be placed over the organ of indi- viduality, and the weakest over the first cervical vertebra. Catarrh. Chronic Nasal. Tubercular disease of the nose, or frontal sinus. Place the strongest button on the top and sides of the nose, and the weakest over the first cervical vertebra in the hollow of the neck. Chancres. Place the strongest button on the chancre, and the weakest over the intervertebral space between the last lumbar vertebra and os coccyx. Chlorosis. Magnetize as in tubercular disease of the Ovaria. Chorea. Tubercular disease of the Cerebellum. St. Vitus' Dance. Place the strongest button over the organ of ama- tivencss, and the weakest on the affected limb or limbs of the opposite side. Colic. Place the weakest button over the spaces between the first and second dorsal vertebra, and make passes with the strongest one downward, from the pit of the stomach, over the bowels generally. Colic Menstrual. Magnetize as in Uterine Inertia. Colon, tubercular disease of. Place the weakest but- ton between the third and fourth dorsal vertebra, while PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF MACHINE IN. 101 the strongest is passed downward over the stomach and ab- domen. Constipation. Make passes with the strongest button downwards, from the pit of the stomach, over the whole of the bowels, placing the weakest button over the spinal nerves between the first and second dorsal spaces. Give Nux v., alternated with Plumbum, (Homoeopathic doses,) Hep. Sul., and podo internally. Consumption. The mode of applying the machine in this case will be considered when we come to speak of the lungs. Curvature. See Cases. Cystis. Bladder, tubercular disease of. Place the strongest button over and below the pubis, and the weakest between the twelfth dorsal and first lumbar vertebra. Deafness. Place the strongest in the ear, (a piece of metal adapted to fit in the ear being connected with the wire attached to the right hand post,) and the weakest, on the nose. Diarrhoea, Chronic. Tubercular disease of Intestines. The strongest button should be moved over the surface of the abdomen, the weakest being placed over the intervertebral spaces between the eleventh and twelfth dorsal vertebra. Duodenum, tubercular disease of. The strongest button is passed over the surface to the right of the middle line of the body, and two or three inches below the pit of the stomach; the weakest being placed over the space between the second and third dorsal vertebra. Dysentery. Place the strongest button over the anus, and the weakest over the last lumbar vertebra, under a moderate power of the machine, increasing the power till the pain ceases; renewing the application on the return of the pain. Set the patient also in a warm bath; place the strongest but- ton in the water, and apply the weakest to that part of the spine which is not covered by the water. Dyspepsia. The strongest button is to be passed over the stomach, and the weakest to be placed over the intervertebral space between the first and second dorsal vertebra. For the right side of the stomach, place the weakest over the above space on the right side of the spine; and when magnetizing the left side of the stomach, place the weakest over the same space on the left side of the above mentioned dorsal ver- tebrae. 9* 102 TUBERCULAR DISEASE, Epilepsy. Place the weakest button on the neck or ear, and the strongest over the cerebellum of the side opposite to the ear, or that side of the neck on which the weakest is placed. Eye, Acute or Chronic, tubercular disease of. Place the strongest button, the power being carefully proportioned to the state of the irritation in the parts, over the eyelids, and the weakest over the back of the neck. Headache. Sick Headache. Place the weakest button over the organ of amativeness, and the strongest over the organ of causality, on the opposite side of the head, moving it quickly over the same side of the forehead; after which the weakest button is to be placed over the opposite organ of amativeness, and the strongest over the opposite organ of causality, moving it over the same side of the forehead, as above described: the whole application occupying less than one minute, in the most of cases. The amount of power employed should be moderate. Where the headache is not periodical, or of the kind called sick headache, we should magnetize the parts affected, as mentioned when speaking of tubercular disease of the brain, employing a power proportioned to the delicacy of the organ. Heart. (Enlargement of the Heart, c&c.) Move the strong- est button, under a light power of the instrument, over the heart, and then let it rest for a time over and below the lower apex of the organ, the weakest at the same time being placed on the left side of the space between the first dorsal and the seventh cervical vertebra. Hemorrhage from the Lungs. Magnetize as in tubercular disease of the lungs. Give salt and water and aconite; gra- dually increasing the power to the full extent of the patient's ability to bear it, and repeat. Hernia, Rupture. Place the strongest button over the pro- truding intestine, the weakest being applied over the spaces between the first and second dorsal vertebra. Haematuria. Bloody Urine. Magnetize as in tubercular disease of cystis, or bladder. Hydrocele. ( Watery Tumour in parts connected with the Testicle.') The buttons should be moved over and around the testicle, under a strong power; the strongest button, after this, is to be moved over the testicle, while the weakest is PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF MACHINE IN. 103 placed over tho inter-vertebral space between the last lumbar vertebra and os coccyx. Impotence. The strongest button, in males, is placed on the testicles, and in females, below the pubis, and over the vulva; while the weakest is placed over the hollow of the neck, and then over the lumbar vertebrae. Also take, in males, a piece of India-rubber of a cylindrical form, or a rectum-bougie, covered with tin-foil, the inner surface of which has been coated with gum tragacanth paste; fasten a metallic ring or wire on the large end of the bougie; to this attach the wire connected with the strongest pole of the ma- chine; oil the bougie, and pass it up the rectum. The weak- est button is then to be placed over several parts in sucoession; over the lower inter-vertebral spaces, and along the sacrum; over the point where the seminal ducts pass into the abdo- men, and on the perinaeum. Intestines—Large. Pass the strongest button over the abdomen, the weakest being placed over the space between the third and fourth dorsal vertebra. Intestines—Small. Pass the strongest button over the ab- domen, and place the weakest over the space between the eleventh and twelfth dorsal vertebra. Joints and Limbs. ( White Swellings.') Pass the strongest button over and around the swellings, and along the limbs, and place the weakest over the cervical spaces; afterwards passing both buttons around the swellings and along the limbs. Kidneys. Pass the strongest button over the space between the twelfth dorsal and first lumbar vertebra, placing the weakest over and below the pubis. Leucorrhcea. Fluor Alb us—Whites. The weakest button is to be placed between the fifth lumbar vertebra and os coccyx, when pain on pressure is experienced there; and if any pain is felt on pressure between the lumbar spaces, it is to be applied there; placing the strongest, in the former case, over the perinacum; and in the latter, over and around the pubis. Liver. Pass the strongest button over the whole region of the liver—from the left lobe around the whole right side of the body to the spine, and afterwards over the false ribs— placing the weakest over the space between the seventh and eighth dorsal vertebra of the right side. 104 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. Lungs—Tubercular disease of, or Consumption. Pass the strongest button downwards over the front and back part of the chest, and place the weakest over the space between the last cervical and first dorsal vertebra. The fluid should be applied for a longer period over those parts where the great- est amount of pain is experienced from the application of the instrument. Menstrual Colic. Magnetize as in Uterine Inertia. Mesenteric Glands, &c. Pass the strongest button over the abdomen, as in the case of tubercular disease of the intes- tines; placing the weakest over those spaces between the dorsal vertebrae, which were pointed out when speaking of tubercular disease of the bowels. Nipples. Where the nipples are sore, and this is connected with soreness of the mouth, place the strongest button over the nipple, and the weakest on the tongue; where the mouth is not sore, place the strongest button in the groin, or over the ovary of the opposite side, and the weakest over the nipple. Nipples Retracted. Where this state of the nipples ex- ists, place the strongest button in the groin, or over the ovary of the opposite side, and the weakest over the nipple. Nose. Place the strongest button over the nose, and the weakest over the back part of the neck: when the disease is polypus of the nose, reverse the above application of the buttons. Omentum. Pass the strongest button over the stomach and bowels, placing the weakest over the space between the sixth and seventh dorsal vertebra. Ovaria. Where tubercular disease of the ovaria exists, the largest breast will be found on the same side with the affected ovary. The strongest button is to be placed over the ovary of the side which is opposite to the smallest breast, and the weakest over the diminished breast. Pancreas. Place the strongest button over the lower part of the stomach, or about four or five inches below the pit of it, and the weakest over the space between the fourth and fifth dorsal vertebra. Paralysis. Magnetize as in Rheumatism. Peritoneum. Pass the strongest button over the painful parts of the abdomen, the weakest being placed over the space between the ninth and tenth dorsal vertebra. PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF MACHINE IN. 105 Piles. Hemorrhoids. Place the strongest button over the anus, and the weakest over the lower lumbar vertebrae. Pleurisy. Pass the strongest button over that part of the chest in which the pain is most severe, the weakest being placed over the space between the seventh cervical and first dorsal vertebra. Poisoning by Opium, Morphine, Prussic Acid, or any other vegetable or animal poison, and also by Arsenic. Magnetize the stomach and muscles, as recommended in Dyspepsia and Rheumatism. Give an emetic of Lobelia, or sulphate of Zinc, with the use of the stomach-pump, where it can be obtained. Finely pulverized charcoal, animal or vegetable—the former being the best—also calcined magnesia, to be employed internally. Prolapsus Uteri. Place the strongest button over the vulva, below the pubis, and afterwards in each groin; the weakest being placed over the inter-vertebral spaces between the first and second, and second and third lumbar vertebra. In cases accompanied with considerable enlargement of the uterus, or where the disease is obstinate, apply the strongest button to the womb itself, in the manner directed under the head of Uterus. Give iron, by hydrogen, tannin, and podo- phylline, (minute dose,) with hepar. sul. and plumb., if much costiveness is present. A solution of acetate of iron may be injected into the vagina once a day, and a small piece of sponge, very fine and soft, about the size of an egg, with a string about six inches long attached to the lower end of it, may be introduced into the upper part of the vagina by the patient. The tubercular remedies are also to be administered internally. Prostate Gland. The strongest button is to be placed over and above the pubis, and the weakest over the inter- vertebral space between the last lumbar vertebra and the os coccyx. Also magnetize as recommended in Impotence. Rheumatism. Tubercular Disease of the Muscles—Acute or Chronic. The cervical spaces in this disease indicate tenderness on pressure, which increases in proportion to the intensity of the disease. It makes no difference what the location of the muscle may be, in which this disease exists, the weakest button is to be placed over the back part of the neck, when the process is commenced, and at intervals during the operation; the strongest is to be placed at first in the 106 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. hollow of one foot, and afterwards in the hollow of the other. We may also occasionally place the weakest button in the palm of one hand, the strongest being pressed against the foot of the opposite side, in the hollow of it; or the button may be passed over the spot where the pain is experienced, whe- ther this be in a joint or in a limb. Spine. Disease of the Spine. This will be considered hereafter, under the head of Cases of Curvature. Spleen. The strongest button is to be passed over the re- gion of the spleen, while the weakest is to be placed between the seventh and eighth dorsal vertebra on the left side of the spine. Strabismus. (Squinting.) The weakest button is to be placed in the corner of the eye, over the paralyzed muscle, while the strongest is to be placed over the opposite corner of the eye, for the space of about a minute. St. Vitus' Dance. See Chorea. Testicles. Magnetize as in Hydrocele. Tetanus. Magnetize the stomach and muscles, as in dis- ease of those organs. Throat—Tubercular Disease of. Place the strongest button over the side of the throat, and the weakest over the space between the first cervical vertebra and the head; also, after- wards, place the buttons on the opposite sides of the neck, under the ear, and move them towards the chin. Tooth-ache. Place the strongest button over the diseased tooth, and the weakest in front of the ears. Uterus—Tubercular Disease of. Place the stron gest button over the vulva, below the pubis; also in the groins; the weak- est being placed over the inter-vertebral spaces between the first and second, and second and third lumbar vertebra. In severe cases of disease of this organ, I have used with suc- cess a process for applying the electrical forces directly to the womb. I take a strong wire—one of the iron wires which connect the whalebone of the umbrella with the sliding cylin- der on the handle—to one of the ends of which (the forked end) I fasten a sponge, which is to be wet with water; the sponge being connected with the strongest or right hand post of the machine by a conducting wire, one extremity of which is passed through the little hole at the other end of the um- brella wire, while the other extremity is fastened to the right hand post of the machine: the weakest button is then applied PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF MACHINE IN. 107 over the inter-vertebral spaces above mentioned. The sponge while wet is passed up into the vagina, until it comes in con- tact with the womb. The current in this case is transmitted directly through the womb. Of course this latter application is not to be made use of in ordinary cases, but is to be re- served for those severe ones, in which the common modes of employing the machine are inefficient for the removal of the disease. Uteri Prolapsus. See Prolapsus Uteri. Uterus—Tubercular Disease of—Complicated with disease of the Stomach. Place the strongest button over the pubis and in the groins, and the weakest between the first and se- cond dorsal spaces. Uterus—Tubercular Disease of—Complicated with disease of the Cerebellum. Place the weakest button on one side of the pubis, and the strongest over the organ of amativeness on the opposite side. In all these cases, where the womb is magnetized, the button which is to be applied to those parts contiguous to the womb, may be handed to the female, who is to be allowed to place it in the proper position. Uterine Inertia in Labour. The uterus is to be magnetized by placing the strongest button below the pubis, and over the vulva, and the weakest over the lumbar vertebrae. Uterine Hemorrhage. Magnetize as above, in Uterine Inertia. Give oil of fleabane, five drops at a dose, where the hemorrhage is very severe, repeating the dose, if necessary. Varicocele. Magnetize the same as in Hydrocele. Vulva—Excessive Irritation of. Magnetize as directed in disease of the Uterus. Wakefulness—Sleeplessness. Magnetize the muscles, as directed for the cure of Rheumatism. 108 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. CHAPTER XIV. MUCOUS DISEASE. It is not our intention to enter fully into the consideration of this subject, but simply to state a few facts connected with its history, which may serve to show more clearly the distinc- tion which exists between it and tubercular disease. In the diagnosis of this form of disease, the magnetic symptoms which we find present in tubercular disease, are wanting; there is no tenderness on making pressure on the spinal gang- lions. The attractive and contractive force prevails in mu- cous disease over the repulsive and expansive force, which last, in tubercula predominates. This form of disease may be acute or chronic in its cha- racter. In the use of remedies for its removal, we employ positive matter, as the gums, and alkalies chiefly, and the magnetic machine; reversing the application of the buttons; applying the strongest button over the spine, and passing the weakest over the affected organs. In many of these cases, however, the disease may eventually become complicated with tubercular disorder, and require a modification of treatment, so as to call for the employment, in connexion with those remedies which are specially adapted to mucous disease, of those which are suitable for the removal of tubercular diffi- culty. In diseases of the skin also, the use of Electro-mag- netism is beneficial; in such cases, both buttons are usually applied, and moved over the diseased surfaces. GENERAL REMARKS. 109 CASES OF TUBERCULA OR SCROFULA IN VARIOUS ORGANS OF THE BODY. CHAPTER XV. GENERAL REMARKS. We have passed over the most important points connected with the subject of tubercular disease, and are now prepared to look at the results of the treatment which has been founded on the views of this disorder, which have been unfolded somewhat at length in the preceding part of this work. From these re- sults we may be able to form an opinion as to the probability of the correctness of the ideas which have been expressed as to its nature, and the efficacy of the means which have been recommended for its removal. We shall, therefore, give some cases of disease of this character, which will serve to show its general curability, and awaken confidence in regard to the utility of the remedies which are made use of for the removal of a complaint which is so generally considered as being hopelessly incurable in its nature. In this connexion, we would give a word of caution, with respect to some points connected with this subject, which the student, and new beginner, will find of value. One is, to sec that the strength of the application of the machine is in proportion to the degree of strength of the patient, and the part affected, as well as the activity of the disorder. If a highly active state of irritation exists in the diseased part, thfs may be greatly aggravated by an injudicious use of the machine, and we may fail of accomplishing what we aim at, viz.: the removal of the disease, if we throw into the part too heavy charges of the fluid. Another point is, to bear in mind the fact that, in many 10 110 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. cases of this disease, there are seasons of repose, which arc invariably succeeded by periods of excitement; thus render- ing a tubercular disease, which was usually of a chronic de- scription, at these periods, acute in its character. The patient may, consequently, unless properly instructed on these points, become discouraged; and the physician, too, may lose confi- dence in the value of his own remedial agencies. Part of this increased activity is due to the influence of the changes which occur in the electrical state of the atmosphere; im- prudences in diet, &c; and partly to the agency of that re- served power possessed by the system, which is called into action at certain times, and by which the ordinary recupera- tive efforts of the living organism are exalted in their activity, for the removal of its diseased conditions. This high state of excitement usually subsides under the use of appropriate remedies; and neither the patient nor the physician, should suffer his fears to rise to such a pitch as to lead either of them to abandon the treatment recommended for the cure of tubercular affection, under the idea that no impression has been, or will be, made on the disorder. The use of remedies which are calculated to calm down this ex- cited state of the diseased parts, will generally remove these alarming and discouraging symptoms; and the subsequent improvement will prove, in many instances, so rapid, as to surprise the patient and physician who have, perhaps, in view of these untoward circumstances, been led to despair of ever effecting the cure of a complaint so apparently desperate in its character. In attempting to present some of the cases of this form of disorder, it will be difficult to bring disease of special organs before the view, as distinctly as would be desirable. This arises from the fact that, while some organs are in this com- plaint, brought into a state of diseased activity in a higher de- gree than others, so much so as to attract more special notice and attention, there are but few cases in which the disease is confined to one organ; a number of others, in the majority of instances, being involved in the same difficulty; their con- dition, so far as the nature of the complaint is concerned, being essentially the same. It will, therefore, be seen that the greater proportion of the cases here presented are not cases of tubercular disease of one single organ, but of several; a fact, showing the disposition of this complaint to extend GENERAL REMARKS. Ill and spread from one part of the body to another, until, as is witnessed in some cases, nearly the whole body seems to be pervaded by the disorder. We do not propose to precede our description of cases with a history of the symptoms, and other points connected with this disease, as affecting prominent organs; our limits forbid such a course. Our design is merely to present such an array of facts, as shall serve to show the general curability of this disease; that it is as curable as other diseases, cir- cumstances being equally favourable in each; we shall, there- fore, assign to the cases themselves, the duty of unfolding the history of their own diseases, as indicated by their attendant symptoms. The treatment adopted will not be given as extensively as it was at the time carried out; the course pursued, however, was the eclectic system of practice, or that which allows the use and application of the principles and remedial processes of the various systems of practice; care being taken to select those which are innocent and efficacious, whether drawn from the Allopathic, Homoeopathic, Hydropathic, Botanic, Chrono- thermal, or Electro-magnetic systems of practice; excluding of course, blood-letting, blistering, cupping, leeching, calomel, &c, those unnecessary and injurious agencies, which have done so much to ruin health, and produce the very diseases of which, through the cases to be here given, a sufficiency will be furnished to allow any one to form a pretty correct idea of the extensive and destructive tendency of this form of dis- ease; and at the same time, encourage also the hope of ob- taining, through the means of the treatment here recom- mended, deliverance from its power, and salvation from the grave to which it hurries its unwilling victims. As also, in these cases, the cure was mainly effected through the agencies furnished by the electro-magnepathic system of practice, it was not necessary to take up time and space, in going through all the minutiae of the treatment which was adopted: the other systems were useful as accessaries in the majority of cases; although in many, their cure was ac- complished altogether through the agency of the specific remedies drawn from the system entitled electro-magne- pathic. To some also, the idea may seem strange, that diseases, differing apparently so greatly in their symptoms and cha- 112 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. racter, as are those which are here described, should yet be treated in the same general manner; being cured often by the very same remedies; this might, if the subject is re- garded superficially, subject the system of practice employed in the cure of tubercular disease, to the imputation of em- piricism; causing it to be regarded as only worthy of being placed among those inventions of the empiric, which cure every thing no matter how completely at antipodes the con- ditions or symptoms of the disorders may be, for which they are lauded. In the light, however, of the views which have been pre- sented on the subject of tubercular disease, the reason for the extinguishment or cure of this affection at the same time, and by the same remedies, wherever the disease may exist, or how- ever diverse may be the symptoms; is one which can be readily furnished, and its justice be admitted by all who are sincere and unbiassed. Tubercular disease, although affecting structures apparently so diverse; as for instance, the bones, and softer tissues, is, notwithstanding, in its essence the same disease, being located in the system of the absorbent vessels and glands; which system pervades all parts of the living structure, with but few unimportant exceptions. Consequently, the disease, though widely scattered, and in its symptoms varying according to the difference in structure and function of the various organs, is still the same. Like the dreams of the Egyptian king, though so utterly dissimilar, to all appearance, they are nevertheless but one and the same disease; which needs, in reality, for its cure, only one kind of remedial agencies, but allows the employment of accessory agencies, either to aid it in the more rapid execution of its work, or to remove symp- toms connected with the case, which are not absolutely de- pendent on tubercular difficulty. In giving cases which exhibit the power of the eclectic system of practice for the removal of tubercular disease, I would not wish to convey the erroneous idea that all cases of this form of affection will be relieved by it; or that the phy- sician may not be disappointed sometimes, in the results which may attend his best and most unwearied efforts to overcome the disorder; even where the case may seem to be of no very serious character, when first submitted to his treat- ment. He cannot always justly estimate the degree of vital GENERAL REMARKS. 113 force with which the patient may by nature be endowed; this may be far greater, apparently, than he actually possesses; and the constitution, when once the work of deterioration begins, may give way rapidly, in spite of all the resistance offered by remedial agencies to the progress of the disease. Medicine cannot impart a constitution to the individual dis- eased; the foundation of this must be inherent; transmitted by the parents; the treatment can only throw off those ob- structions and weights which press down the springs of life; these, when such pressure is taken off, speedily reacting, and restoring the health and vigour, unless they may have be- come so weakened, or are naturally so defective, as not to admit of any great reaction; even after the clogs and weights which oppressed them, have been removed, through the agency of suitable remedial substances and processes. We see this exemplified in the history of some families: the children of which perhaps live just so long; and then, inheriting, as they do, but just so much of vital force, they tend rapidly downward to the tomb; as though the springs of life had lost all power, and their supply of energy were now exhausted. At those periods of life, when nature makes a demand upon the constitution for power, with which to carry on operations, which are to develope in a still higher degree, the nature of man, how often do we find the vital power, in such as have inherited but a small amount of it, give way, and the frame sink, in spite of the use of means the most generally successful, and best adapted to arrest its progress. Such is the case, in many instances, with regard to the treatment recommended in this work, for the cure of tuber- cular disease; incapable in itself of giving a constitution, it will, when this is feeble, retard the time of the occurrence of the fatal blow, but not avert in the end the sad result. Many a case, however, has occurred, and some such will be found recorded in this work, where the case was desperate; and yet the vital power, hidden but still possessed, was suffi- ciently strong, with the aid of proper remedial treatment, to throw off the weights which pressed down the springs of life, and impart new life and energy to the previously obstructed and deranged organism. "What we aim at in this work is, to show the general cura- bility of tubercular disease; that the tendency of the treat- ment which is employed to effect its removal, where the con- 10* 114 TUBERCULAR DISEASE, ditions connected with the vital force, and the degree of affection of the organs are favourable, (especially the former; even where the organs have been extensively diseased, the case has often terminated favourably where the vital force was good,) is of a character as encouraging as that which follows upon the proper and judicious treatment of any other class of diseases. In speaking of cases of tubercular disease, I shall com- mence with those which are connected with this form of affection of the lungs. TUBERCULA OF THE LUNGS. 115 CHAPTER XVI. TUBERCULA OF THE LUNGS AND OTHER ORGANS. Rapid Consumption. About the first of June, 1847,1 was sent for by Mrs. M., of Albany, New York, to see her, and examine her case. On examination by the magnetic tests, I found considerable tu- bercular disease of both lungs; of the heart, liver, bowels; and some other organs. The account which she gave me was this. One of her children had been dangerously ill for three weeks or more, during which time she had been deprived of her regular sleep; her meals had been taken irregularly; and her mind had been deeply anxious in consequence of the condition of her daughter. The result of this was that her constitution suffered greatly, becoming debilitated; and while in this condition of prostration, she did a very heavy wash one day; and afterwards, it being a very fine summer's day, rode out several miles in the country in a thin dress. During her ride a heavy thunder shower came on, which produced a great change in the air, and gave her a severe cold, which settled on her lungs. This was about one month before I saw her. Her health, she said, had failed rapidly from the time she took the cold; and she had been for three weeks under the care of one of the ablest medical men, who used every endeavour to arrest the disorder; employing the most celebrated methods recommended in such cases for her relief, but without benefit: her health failed daily, and rapidly. I had once before attended her for the relief of a serious disorder, where also, she was apparently near her end; I had been the means, under Providence, of raising her up: and she now sent for me to obtain from me an expression of my opinion as to the nature of her disorder; she did not expect me to do anything for her, nor did she indeed think that her case was one which allowed the indulgence even of a hope of recovery. 116 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. All around her regarded her case as an incurable one, and looked for her speedy dissolution. I must confess that the case looked extremely unfavourable, but as she had once be- fore been extremely low, and had, notwithstanding, recovered, I felt as though the case ought not to be abandoned as one altogether hopeless in its character. I informed her that although her condition seemed desperate, yet under the Divine blessing, she might be restored to health and vigour. She was at this time, to all appearance, in the last stage of rapid consumption; had constant cough; diarrhoea; raised a great deal of blood and matter; had night-sweats; hectic fever; bloating of the body; swelled feet; palpitation of the heart; and where she was not bloated, was emaciated; was very feeble. She seemed to feel the beneficial influence of the treatment instantaneously. The first night she slept better; did not cough so much; was less troubled with her bowels; and did not raise so much from the lungs. The im- provement was so rapid as to astonish myself and all around; for in the course of a few days she was so much improved as to be able to walk out in the street with her husband. All the rest of her bad symptoms speedily left her, and in the course of a very few weeks she entirely recovered her health. In this case, I used a combination of Electro-magnetic and Homoeopathic remedies and processes; the machine was ap- plied daily. The constitution of this patient was extremely elastic, and the springs of life speedily reacted on taking off the pressure which disease had placed upon them. Tubercula of the Lungs.— Consumption. I was sent for about the middle of November, 1854, to see Mr. E. of Albany; who had for two years or more been labouring under constant pain in the breast, with occa- sionally a hacking cough. For a year or more, previous to this, he had suffered from night-sweats, which proved quite weakening; his appetite was poor, and digestion bad; he had been under the medical care of several physicians for about a year, without deriving any benefit from their reme- dies. In October, 1S45, he caught a severe cold, which settled on his lungs; his health failed rapidly from this time; his cough was_ incessant; he raised a great deal of tuberculous matter; his night-sweats became more exhausting; he bled TUBERCULA OF THE LUNGS. 117 at the lungs; and became so weak that he could scarcely walk across the room. He felt that he would soon cease to exist, unless he was speedily relieved. I visited him about the middle of November, and com- menced the use of the machine and the magnetized chloride of gold pills, along with botanic medicines to eorrect the secretory organs. He experienced great relief in a very short time; and daily improved so much, that in the space of five weeks, he was able to go out and attend to business, and finally got well. I saw him in A., during the summer of 1853: he was then a conductor on one of the Eastern rail- roads; but was, at the time when I last saw him, going to hunt a location in some Western State, as conductor, and possessed good health. The following case is that of a Baptist clergyman: I give it in his own words. Acute Tubercula of the Lungs, Liver, and other Organs. "South Butler, N. Y., Feb. 23, 1849. " Dr. Fondey,—I have for some time felt it to be my duty to report to you the success of the remedies you prescribed for me, in June of 1847. You will remember my wan and desponding appearance at that time, and also in May of 1845. My health had been in a declining state for three or four years, insomuch that I was at last compelled to retire from the labours of the ministry. I had bled much from the lungs, and had abandoned all hope of a return to even comfortable health. In this state of despair, I concluded to visit Prof. B., of New York city; and had proceeded as far as Albany county, where I determined to rest a few days with my mo- ther. While there, I was informed by my brother, that you thought you could prescribe successfully for me, and wished me to call upon you. I did so; but must confess I had a very small share of confidence in the remedies on which you de- pended for my relief." I would here state, that on examining his case, I found acute tubercular disease of the lungs, also of the liver, and other organs. He was extremely feeble, too; so weak that he was obliged to lie down for some time after coming to my office, before I could operate on him in the process of testing the organs After the operation, so excitable were the organs, 118 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. that he was obliged to lie down again, before he could recover sufficient strength to allow of his leaving the office. " Prof. Beach pronounced me unsound throughout all the organs of the chest, and considered my case almost hopeless. Subsequently I was introduced to Dr. Sherwood, who agreed with yourself as to the nature of my case, and the prospect of cure. By his kindness I was furnished with a box of his pills, which you had before recommended. On my return to your residence, I received, by your kindness, a box of plaster, purchased a machine, and returned home. "In the course of three weeks, my cough, which had been severe, entirely subsided: the pains of my chest abated; my appetite returned; and in the space of six u-eeks, I was able to ride night and day, in my practice, [he had entered into the practice of medicine, on leaving the ministry;] which I did without any apparent injury to my health. My system seemed to receive an energy, by which it was enabled to resist the sudden changes of the weather, to which I was constantly exposed. I used the medicine about six weeks in all. The effects were truly astonishing to myself and my friends. " I am now returned to the work of the ministry, in which I have laboured somewhat arduously for the last nine months, and up to the present time, I enjoy an almost uninterrupted freedom from those distressing symptoms attendant on tuber- culated lungs in a state of active inflammation. " I beg to return you my most sincere thanks for your timely interference, and very successful prescriptions for me; and humbly desire the Divine blessing to attend your efforts to relieve others, as in my own case. "I remain, respectfully, yours, "Abram V. Baldwin." I shall present another case of consumption, in which also bleeding from the lungs occurred during the progress of the complaint. The recovery in this case was not rapid, owing to the defective vitality of the individual in question: he was naturally of a delicate constitution. In the case of the cler- gyman above noticed, there was great debility; but this was owing to the active or acute state of the disorder. In the acute form, the vital powers are more depressed, and symp- toms apparently indicative of prostration of the system readily manifest themselves; soon to disappear when the pressure is TUBERCULA OF THE LUNGS. 119 taken off from the vital springs, and when free play is given to their action. Consumption—Bleeding from the Lungs—Tubercula of the Lungs, Muscles, Liver, and Kidneys. I was called, Jan. 11, 1849, to see Mr. T., of Albany, whom his friends thought so low as scarcely to allow of the possibility of recovery. He was severely affected with hae- moptysis, or bleeding from the lungs. Naturally possessing a very slender constitution, and weak muscular organization, his health, some time in the fall of 1848, became considerably affected. His complexion assumed a sallow appearance: he suffered from rheumatic pains in the arms and shoulders; was greatly troubled with drowsiness, and general weakness of body, especially in the region of the kidneys. While in this state of health, he exerted himself, on seve- ral occasions, more than his strength would allow; aiding in lifting a barrel of flour up a back flight of stairs; along with other efforts, which were too severe for his feeble muscular organization. The consequence of these imprudences was a severe attack of bleeding from the lungs. When I called to see him, he was very feeble; all the above symptoms were present, and his case was such as afforded but little hope of his restoration to health. On examination I found tubercu- lar disease of the lungs, liver, muscles, and kidneys. Under the administration of homoeopathic doses of aconite and salt and water, the spitting of blood was in a few days entirely checked. I then put him under a thorough course of treatment for tubercular disease, including the use of the machine; employing remedies drawn from the electro-mag- netic, homoeopathic, and botanic systems of practice. Under this treatment, he slowly recovered. His recovery was slow, owing to the delicacy of his constitution, and the severity of the attack. He removed to B. after this, and entered into active business; and was, when I heard from him in March, 1850, in the enjoyment of comfortable health. Consumption— Tubercula of the Lungs. In October, 1845, I was requested to examine the child of a patient whom I was at the time attending for the cure 120 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. of disease of a tubercular nature. The mother was scrofu- lous; her constitution had been ruined by mercury, and her children inherited the same scrofulous diathesis or predis- position. Her little girl, who was now in her sixth year, had been troubled with a cough from infancy. In February, 1845, she was attacked with hooping-cough; her lungs became seriously affected, and she raised blood with considerable pu- rulent matter. The medical man who had been for years their family phy- sician, said that the child could not live, and that it was use- less to give her medicine any longer; and discontinued the treatment. The mother placed the child under my care. A thorough eclectic treatment, consisting of the application of the electro-magnepathic and homoeopathic systems of prac- tice, was employed; the machine also was frequently applied. The treatment was followed out for a couple of months, and the child obtained health; a blessing which she had never before enjoyed. Chronic Tubercular disease of the Lungs, Liver, and Brain. On the 28th Nov., 1845, I was visited by Mr. G., of A., who sought relief from diseases, under some of which he had laboured for fifteen years. About ten years before he called on me, he had an attack of lung and liver complaint, which reduced him greatly, bringing him into a very low condition: from this he partially recovered. Five years before this, or fifteen from the time I undertook the treatment of his case, he had been subject to severe and frequent attacks of head- ache, accompanied with great dizziness. He had bled seve- ral times from the lungs; his health, during summer, was generally better, but in winter, worse. Twice had he been obliged to go south, to Mexico, for his health; and he had submitted to various kinds of treatment, but without benefit. In the winter of 1845-6, his health was in a wretched state; so miserable was he, that he was thinking of again spending the winter in the south, when he called upon me. He was at this time troubled with a hacking cough; had much distress in the chest and side; pain in the head, and dizziness; and was quite feeble. On examination, I ascer- tained the existence of tubercula of the brain, lungs, and liver. I placed him under a thorough eclectic course of treatment; the machine was used frequently, and a combi- TUBERCULA OF THE LUNGS. 121 nation of the botanic, homoeopathic, and electro-magnepathic systems of treatment being employed for about five months, resulted in the removal of all these varied and distressing symptoms. Tubercula of the Lungs, Liver, and Heart. Mr. V. C. called on me, April 25, 1846, to consult me in relation to his case. He stated, that for about five years past he had been afflicted with pain between his shoulders; also in the back of his neck, and left side. He also suffered from pain and tightness in his breast, with cough; accompanied with expectoration of thick, bluish matter, and small tuber- cular lumps. His heart also beat hard and heavy; he had palpitations of the heart; was very costive; and suffered oc- casionally from severe headache; his strength was failing. At the time he called on me, these symptoms were very se- vere. He had been employing various kinds of treatment for his diseases, but had found no relief from them. On examination, I found tenderness on pressure between the inter-vertebral spaces of the seventh cervical and first dorsal vertebrae, and between the seventh and eighth dorsal vertebrae of the right side. A thorough course of eclectic treatment, including the use of the botanic, homoeopathic, and electro-magnepathic systems, the machine being used almost daily, was pursued; and resulted, in a few months, in his restoration to health. A year after this, in consequence of imprudence, and over-exertion of his lungs in singing and praying—for he was one of your very noisy Methodists, but a whole-souled, sincere Christian—he experienced a slight return of the disease in his lungs, which was speedily removed on resuming the treatment previously adopted. I saw him in the summer of 1853. He had experienced no return of his complaints since the time he was last treated for their cure—a period of six years, at the time I last saw him. 11 122 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. CHAPTER XVII. TUBERCULA OE THE THROAT AND OTHER ORGANS. Bronchitis. What is commonly denominated Bronchitis, is a disease altogether different from that, to which, in reality, the term should justly be applied. The one first mentioned, is disease of a tubercular character; invading the throat, palate, and contiguous parts; and extending downwards, in many in- stances, into the lungs; ending in tubercular consumption: the other, or bronchitis proper, being an affection of the mucous membrane lining the air tubes of the lungs; and is properly a mucous disease, or disease of the mucous surfaces. This distinction is one of practical importance, inasmuch as the treatment proper for the cure of these two distinct forms of disease is altogether, and essentially, diverse; the first re- quiring negative matter, which exerts a positive force; and the last, positive matter, which exerts a negative force, for its removal. I will give an instance of what is commonly, but incor- rectly, called Bronchitis, being nothing more than tubercular disease of the throat and palate; the case too, one which was simple, and uncombined with tubercular affection of the lungs or other parts; after which, I will present others in which the lungs also, and other organs, were affected with tubercular disease. What in reality ought to be designated as Bronchitis, that disease which is of a mucous character, and which affects the bronchial membrane of the lungs, I shall not dwell upon in this work; the subject of this volume, having reference to disease of a tubercular description. Tubercular disease of the Throat and Palate—Com- monly, but incorrectly, called Bronchitis. In June, 1847, I was visited by Mr. J. S., of Cohoes, TUBERCULA OF THE THROAT. 123 Albany County, for relief. In the spring of 1846, he caught a severe cold, which settled on his throat and palate. He suffered greatly from pain for four weeks; was not able to eat solid food; and could scarcely swallow liquids. From that time his throat and palate troubled him greatly; there was much swelling and redness of those parts; and his appe- tite was poor. He had been treated by various physicians for the cure of his disease, who afforded him only partial re- lief. I applied the machine, and administered the electro- magnetic medicines. In the course of a week he improved considerably; his appetite had returned, and there was much less distress in his throat. On the 4th of September, of the same year, about three months after commencing the treat- ment, I received a letter from him, in which he stated that he had entirely recovered from his painful affection. In a few more cases which I shall present, I will show the complications of tubercular disease of the throat, palate and adjacent parts, as in the ease above mentioned, with tubercu- lar disease of the lungs, liver, and other organs. Tubercular disease of the Tonsils, Palate, Lungs and Liver. The first case of which I shall speak, was that of a youth about twelve years of age, son of Mr. S., of Albany; who had for several years laboured under an affection of the throat and palate. He usually took cold very easily, which was always followed by an aggravation of the throat difficulty. In consequence of this he was generally confined to the house during the greater part of the winter, and was unable to at- tend school with any degree of regularity. His constitution also was quite delicate; indicating a consumptive tendency. His colour was not good. He had been under a variety of treatment; especially the Homoeopathic, but with no improve- ment in his disorder. Some time in the summer of 1852, he called on me for advice. His throat, palate, and tonsils, were much affected by tubercular disease. He had cough; poor appetite; skin sallow; and was quite delicate in his appearance. His dis- ease having continued some years, threatened to be intracta- ble; but under the Eclectic treatment; the Magnetic, in con- nexion with the Botanic, Homoeopathic, and Hydropathic, being employed; the disease was in a few months gradually 124 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. overcome: he recovered strength and energy, and during the winter of 1852, '53, was enabled to attend school without any loss of time through sickness; and has enjoyed, since that time, a degree of health and vigour, of which for years he had not been the possessor. Another case I will give, showing the complications of simple tubercular disease of the throat, &c, or what is in- correctly called Bronchitis, with tubercular disease of the lungs and other organs. Tubercula of the Throat, Heart, Liver, Lungs, and Kidneys. In September, 1845, I was visited by Mr. J. P., of Al- bany, who gave me the following statement of the previous history of his case: He had been, he said, ailing for about five years, with a disease, until that time new to him; which kept growing worse until August, 1843; at which time he took a severe cold, which was accompanied with cough; for which he em- ployed a variety of remedies that were recommended to him; but with no beneficial results. His cough grew worse, and in the spring of 1844, he was attacked with quinsy, which was followed by an occasional raising of blood. During the winter of 1845, he suffered greatly from a choking or crawling pain in the lower part of the throat, which was very violent; also from pain in his chest and right shoulder; had a hacking cough; severe palpitations of the heart; (this organ was greatly enlarged, causing quite a projection of the left side of the chest,) accompanied with cold sweats, which produced great debility; his throat was so much affected by the swelling as to create a difficulty in breathing and eating; he suffered also occasionally from attacks of hoarseness; his kidneys, too, were considerably diseased, so much so as to keep him awake at night for weeks, in consequence of the pain which he experienced in them. Having tried various physicians, and derived from their treatment no advantage, and becoming satisfied that he was already far advanced in consumption, he put himself under my. care immediately. I applied the machine repeatedly over the diseased organs, and employed Botanic and Electro-magnetic, with Homoeopathic remedies. For the first three weeks he experienced no relief, but after TUBERCULA OF THE TnROAT. 125 this period, he improved; his strength and weight increased; and in April, 1840, the palpitation of the heart, pain in the side and chest, had entirely disappeared; the distress in the kidneys also; the disease in the throat was also materially lessened. He finally recovered; the only symptom of his old complaint being an occasional soreness of the throat, from which he suffered when the weather changed. This he at- tributed, and I think justly, to the salivations to which he had been subjected, prior to coming under my own treatment. I may in this connexion, remark, that Mercury is a very common cause of tubercular disease of the throat and other organs. During the time of my residence in this city, (since Octo- ber, 1853,) I have treated several cases of this affection. One of these I will relate in this connexion. Tubercula of the Throat and Palate; Neck; Lungs; Stomach; Heart; Liver; and Bowels. On the 28th of December, 1853, I was requested to ex- amine Miss B., a little girl of twelve years of age, who had been sickly from her birth. The difficulties under which she had from infancy laboured were cough, and weak stomach; her digestion was imperfect, and her appetite had always been poor. She suffered greatly from pain in her stomach; her circulation was defective; the hands and feet usually cold. She was troubled with flushing of the cheeks, and severe headache; with night-sweats; the tongue was bilious; she suffered from palpitation of the heart, accompanied with hard, heavy beating of that organ; from costiveness; the throat and palate were tuberculated, swelled, and irritable; the ab- sorbent glands of the neck, on either side, were tuberculated. Pressure on the spinal ganglions connected with the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, and bowels, caused pain which darted into the above organs; the pain being most severe in the heart, lungs, and stomach. She had been treated by various physicians, none of whom seemed to have recognised the true nature of her disorder. One of these regarded her dis- ease as the result of worms, and gave her Pink, Senna, &c, which inflamed her eyes, and produced blindness, which con- tinued five months; this was four years before I attended her. T put her under Eclectic treatment, the Botanic, Homceopa- 11* 126 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. thic, and Electro-magnepathic systems being employed, and so successfully, that in the course of a few days, the pain in her stomach disappeared entirely; her appetite became excel- lent; the irritation in her throat, cough, night-sweats, and headache subsided; and in the course of about six weeks, these symptoms, including also the costiveness and heart diffi- culty, with all of which she had from childhood been affected, were entirely removed, and health, of which she had never known the possession, was realized, and enjoyed, as a pre- cious blessing. TUBERCULA OF THE HEART. 127 CHAPTER XVILT. TUBERCULA OF THE HEART. The next class of tubercular diseases of which I shall now give some cases, is that in which the Heart was chiefly affected; this organ suffering from a greater or less degree of enlargement or hypertrophy; although, as I have remarked before, tubercular disease of other organs than the heart was also present in these cases. Tubercular Disease of the Heart, Liver, Lungs, Stomach, and Kidneys, of more than twenty years' standing. On the 1st of February, 1847, I was called to see Capt. B., of Albany, who was labouring under a severe attack of bilious fever. This was broken up in twenty-four hours, by the aid of a pretty thorough employment of the Botanic sys- tem of practice; and in the course of a few days, he was able to go out and attend to his work. During the period of my attendance on him, he gave me a history of the symptoms under which he had been labouring for the twenty years pre- vious to his present illness. He had been suffering during this long period of time, from palpitation of the heart, and fainting spells. He could not run, nor did he dare do any thing in a hurry; for if he did, he would faint away. He could not work for a longer period than an hour at a time, without fainting; in fact, while loading and unloading a wagon, he would faint away several times; not in conse- quence of debility or fatigue, for his muscular system was powerful. He was tall, and very strong; this faintness, con- sequently, was not the result of bodily exertion simply, but of the diseased condition of the heart; which could not bear the increased pressure of the blood, which the bodily exer- tion connected with labour and exercise, occasioned. During these twenty years he had been affected with pain in the stomach and side, and had also been troubled with 128 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. dyspepsia. For many years also, his lungs and kidneys had been affected. For the relief of all these complaints, he had been treated by various physicians, who had afforded him no relief. On making an examination, I found the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, and kidneys tuberculated. A thorough Eclec- tic course of treatment was adopted. The machine was used daily; and a combination of the Botanic and Electro-mag- nepathic systems of practice was employed for the cure of his difficulties; a success attending their use, which was as great as it was gratifying. His improvement was very rapid. He had been under treatment but a few weeks, when the palpitations and faintness entirely ceased; the other symptoms also, gradually improved; and two months after I commenced treating him for the cure of these old affections, he expressed himself as feeling well, and able to do as hard a day's work as any one. In another case which I shall give, there was Enlargement of the Heart, Dyspepsia, Disease of the Skin, Muscles, (Rheu- matism,) and. organs generally. Tubercula of the Heart, Stomach, Muscles, and Organs generally. Disease of the skin. ■ Mr. P., of Albany, a shoemaker by occupation, came under my care in the spring of 1849. For nineteen years previous to this time his health had been poor; during the last four years of this period, however, it had been much worse than previously. His head was so much affected that he would suddenly lose his strength and fall; and even while sitting on his bench at work he would not, at times, be able, for an hour or more, to rise from his seat, owing to the condition of his head. While walking in the street, he would sometimes, also, be seized with vertigo. His digestion was poor; he could scarcely digest any food; he suffered from nausea; and was troubled either with costiveness or diarrhoea. For nineteen years he had been affected with an eruption over his body and limbs, of large sores, like ring-worms. He had for many years suffered from palpitation, and heavy, hard beating of the heart; the enlargement of the heart was so great, as to raise the left side over the region of the heart, somewhat higher than the right. For the last two years he had not been able to work much; owing to rheuma- TUBERCULA OF THE HEART. 129 tism in his shoulders. At the time of calling upon me he expected to live but a short time. Examination of his case by the Eclectic tests, disclosed the existence of tubercular disease in nearly all the organs. Thorough treatment of the Eclectic kind, the Botanic, Homoeopathic, and Electro-mag- nepathic systems of practice being employed, was instituted; he was magnetized daily. These agencies were kept in ac- tion on the disease for some months; at the end of which time he was entirely relieved of his distressing symptoms; the enlargement of his heart and chest had subsided; his dizziness, nausea and other bad feelings, had left him; his rheumatism also; and the eruptive disorder was scarcely per- ceptible. Tubercular Disease of the Heart and Liver—Enlargement of the Heart and Disease of the Liver. I was called on in June, 1846, by Mrs. C, of Albany, a milliner by trade, who had for some time been labouring under severe palpitation of the heart, accompanied with great distress in that organ, which troubled her very much at night. She suffered greatly, also from pain in the region of the Liver; which organ was very sore. For the past year, too, she had been inclined to dropsical disorder. Her diseases were brought upon her by working beyond her strength, in connexion with domestic trouble. I employed, in this case, the magnetic machine only. She was under my care for about three months. The treatment afforded her great relief, but I was obliged to suspend it in consequence of her re- moval from the city. The relief afforded was, however, permanent. I saw her a year or two after, and her health at that time was even better than when the treatment of her case was discontinued. Tubercular disease of the Heart, (Enlargement of the Heart) with tubercular disease of the Brain, and Liver, of about thirty years' standing. Mr. L. of Albany, a weigher and measurer of grain, aged sixty-two years, called on me on the 8th of November, 1849, for relief. About thirty years before this, he had been at- tacked with fits, which usually occurred as often as once in a week or ten days. This state of things continued until the 130 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. year 1832. The character of his symptoms then changed. He became affected with heaviness of the head, and pain over the eyes, along with dizziness; often becoming so dizzy as to stagger, as if intoxicated. He also suffered from severe pain in the shoulder, and over the region of the heart; and was greatly troubled with palpitation, and hard heavy beat- ing of the heart. He had been under the care of a number of physicians. His last physician was one quite eminent in his profession. He had cupped him repeatedly for years, it being necessary to perform the operation at shorter and shorter intervals, until at last he could not go more than three weeks without having blood taken away by cupping. His physician at last refused to cup him any more, and put a seton in his neck, to guard against the occurrence of apoplexy. At the time he first called upon me, he had had the seton in about eighteen months. He had no confidence at all in the treat- ment, but came to see me to please his friends, especially his wife, who entertained a high opinion of my method of practice. I took out the seton, and permitted it to heal up; giving him alterative syrups, to correct the action of the liver. The ma- chine was applied almost daily, and the Electro-magnetic remedies were administered. To the surprise and gratification of my patient, notwith- standing his previous unbelief, he soon began to improve; and after a few months' treatment, his headache, dizziness, pain about the heart, palpitation, &c, were entirely removed; and, for the first time in about thirty years, he knew what it was to enjoy the blessing of perfect health. I have, in another part of this work, spoken of strains and over-exertion as being productive, in many instances, of se- rious tubercular disease of the organs. Sometimes this is confined to the muscles simply; at other times, however, it involves the internal organs, producing serious disorder. The class of individuals designated by the name of firemen, is one in whom these injurious results of over-exertion are frequently witnessed. I have had many cases of tubercular disease among this description of individuals, and regard their em- ployment as one which is not desirable, either as regards its exhausting labours, or the results flowing as a consequence of them; some of the worst cases of tubercular disease arising from the over-exertion connected with the discharge of their arduous duties. TUBERCULA OF THE HEART. 131 A few cases of severe tubercular disease, caused by over- exertion, or strains, or injuries, will close this chapter on Tubercular Disease of the Heart. Tubercular Disease of the Heart, Lungs, Liver, Muscles, (Rheumatism,) Stomach, (Dyspepsia,) and Bowels. On the 26th of March, 1847, Mr. S., of Albany, a carpen- ter by trade, called on me to obtain relief from diseases under which he had for years been labouring. About a year before calling upon me, while carrying a log weighing about two hun- dred pounds, he fell, the fall injuring him considerably. His back appeared to suffer greatly from it; his whole system also became much affected, a variety of unpleasant symptoms oc- curring. He experienced distressing sensations in his chest and back, also in his stomach and bowels; he suffered from palpitations and hard beating of the heart; food distressed him, producing darting pains in his stomach and side; and he became considerably emaciated. He was also troubled with cough, soreness of the lungs, and headache; and felt rheumatic pains in different parts of his body. At the time he called upon me, he was not able to work much, not more than an hour during the day: he possessed but little strength, and suffered from universal distress. I administered to him the electro-magnetic remedies, and applied the machine daily. Under this treatment, he im- proved rapidly; his appetite speedily got better, and his food ceased to distress him. His cough, the soreness of his lungs, the palpitations and hard beating of his heart, also the gene- ral soreness, wore off gradually. He finally recovered his ap- petite; his ability to work returned; his distress vanished, and he got well. In this connexion, as exhibiting the ill effects resulting from injuries, and the good results of the magnetic treatment made use of for their removal—although not connected with the subject of disease of the heart, which we are mainly con- sidering, but somewhat appropriate, notwithstanding, in this place—I give a case which shows, in a remarkable manner, the power of the machine in effecting recovery from severe injuries. On the 18th of August, 1845, while Mr. P., of Albany, a carpenter by trade, was engaged in altering a boat which a physician was fitting up for a floating bathing establishment, 132 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. the deck suddenly fell, while he was under it, crushing him. His head was bent down nearly as low as his feet; and his back was greatly strained. So very severe were his suffer- ings, so great his distress, that he did not know that two of his ribs were broken, until nine days after the accident. His agony was so extreme, that he could not sleep at all during the night immediately following the accident. He was at- tended by two eminent surgeons, who adopted the treatment usually employed in such cases. Some time previous to the occurrence of the injury, I had applied the machine to him once for pain in the side, and with decided relief. Remem- bering this, he felt anxious, after the accident, to have it ap- plied for the relief of the severe distress under which he was labouring. He asked one of his attending surgeons whether he did not think it would prove of use to him; who made the reply, that a yellow stick would do just as well, if he only thought so. Knowing better, however, he took upon him- self the responsibility to send for me. He was unable at this time to move his body, limbs, or fingers: his whole frame, but especially his spine, suffered from excruciating pain. I ap- plied the machine over the spine, under an extremely mode- rate power: he could not bear it very strong. The applica- tion, however, gave him some ease, and he slept about an hour the night following. The next day he was taken to the house of the physician for whom he had been working, who was a Thomsonian in practice, and who, for three weeks or more, sought by various methods, but without success, to relieve him. At the end of this period, July 12th, he was removed to his own house on a bed, incapable still of moving body or limbs; and im- mediately sent for me. I applied the machine daily. Two days after the first application, he was enabled to move his feet over the side of the bed, and, with the aid of crutches, stood for five minutes on his feet. On the 15th inst. he was able to walk on crutches across the room; on the 23d inst., eleven days after the first application, he went down stairs into the street, and walked on his crutches one hundred and fifty rods; on the 25th, he walked about three-fourths of a mile, with the aid of a crutch and stick. On the 29th, or seventeen days after I commenced the daily use of the ma- chine, he walked two miles, with one stick. His recovery was gradual but sure; and eventually he recovered entirely TUBERCULA OF THE HEART. 133 from the effects of an injury which threatened, at first, to cripple him for life. The injurious consequences resulting from strains, are very forcibly exhibited in the case of enlarged heart, with which I close this chapter on enlargement of this organ. Tubercular Disease of the Heart, Liver, Lungs, Spleen, Kidneys, and Muscles. Immense Enlargement of the Heart. Disease of the liver/ spleen, and kidneys, with rheumatism. Mr. B., merchant, of Albany, aged about thirty-six, came to consult me, July 14, 1848. For some time he had noticed a disproportion between the two sides of his chest; he had suffered also, occasionally, from palpitation, and heavy beating of the heart. For this he consulted his family physician, also two other medical men of eminence: they all agreed in the opinion that the case was one of enlargement of the heart. They advised him to quit business; and told him that he might, with care, live some years, but that he might die any twenty-four hours. He placed himself under the care of one of the professors, who administered medicine, and applied a plaster of cicuta over the region of the heart. The disease, however, seemed to be aggravated by the treatment; the enlargement of the chest rapidly advancing, and the heart becoming more and more tender. His condition threw him into a state of deep anxiety and discouragement. While in this state of body and mind, and thinking seriously of giving up all business, a friend of his recommended him to me. I found the lungs and kidneys, on examination, slightly tuberculated. The two lobes of the liver were also affected; the left one was considerably enlarged; the spleen also. The heart, however, was enormously en- larged; and in addition to this, there was a dropsical state of the pericardium. From the clavicle, (collar-bone,) down to the last rib, and from the breast-bone to the spine, the left side of the chest was uniformly expanded to such a degree as to raise the whole left side considerably above the level of the right side; which was at least one inch lower than the left side; while the left arm was thrown outwardly, two or three inches farther than natural, from the left side. The cause of this extensive disease of the organs, and of the heart in particular, was, I consider, owing to his strain- 12 134 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. ing himself by^ lifting enormous weights. Being naturally very strong, he was accustomed to measure his strength with the carmen who worked for him; and often raised up six hundred pounds' weight from the floor, with both hands. Notwithstanding these unfavourable symptoms, I under- took the management of the case. The affected organs, in- cluding the heart, were daily magnetized; and botanic and electro-magnetic remedies were administered, with the design not only of acting upon the tubercular disorder, but also of making an impression on the secretory action of the liver; as well as removing the dropsical accumulation in the peri- cardium, or covering of the heart. During the first few months of the treatment, the swelling subsided very rapidly; after this, the reduction was accomplished in a more gradual manner. He remained under my treatment for two years or more; at the end of which time he removed from Albany, and entered into business in the city of New York. At the time he left the city, the difference between the two sides of the chest was scarcely apparent. The palpitations and heavy beatings of the heart had long ceased; and his rheumatism had entirely disappeared. TUBERCULA OF THE BOWELS. 135 CHAPTER XIX TUBERCULA OF THE BOWELS. This is an affection which often becomes exceedingly dan- gerous; in the severer cases of the disorder, constituting what has been called Consumption of the Bowels, and fre- quently ending fatally. It is, however, as curable a disease, in its earlier stages, as is any other of the various forms of tubercular disorder; and in its more severe forms, cures have been effected through the remedial agencies and processes which Eclecticism, with a wise selection of means, adopts for its removal. The following cases will serve to show the curability of this disorder. Tubercular disease of the Bowels, Liver, Lungs, Throat, and Heart. August 30, 1847, I was visited by J. N, a carriage ma- ker of Albany, aged about twenty-eight, who gave me the following history of his symptoms. He had been attacked, he said, in the fall of 1846, with a severe diarrhoea, which continued for some days, and finally became chronic in its nature. He was treated for this complaint by a number of able physicians, but with no permanent benefit. In the course of the next spring he went through the Hydropathic treat- ment; and spent some time in testing its power to relieve his disorder at one of the water-cure establishments. He re- turned at length to Albany, in the summer, unimproved in health. His condition at this time was quite alarming; he felt that he was fast sinking into the grave. So debilitated had he become through the disease, that he had not for nine months had sufficient strength to labour at his business; and had become despairing, with regard to the prospect of ever recovering his health. In this state of the case he called upon me. On exami- 136 TUBERCULAR DISEASE, nation, I discovered tubercular disease of the bowels and liver, which were extensively affected; and in the Lungs and Heart, which were slightly implicated. His throat also was somewhat diseased. I administered the magnetized reme- dies and magnetized him daily. He improved so much after a few days' treatment, as to be able to resume his business; at which, as I have said before, he had not been able to do any- thing for nine months previously. He continued under my treatment while he was in Albany, which was for a period of six weeks; at the end of which time he removed from the city. At this time he was nearly well; he continued, how- ever, to use the remedies for some time longer, gaining in health and strength; and finally recovered his health. Tubercula of the Bowels, Stomach, Liver, and Lungs. Mr. Thomas C, of Albany, tin-worker by trade, aged about thirty-three, called on me on the ninth of March, 1847, to consult me in relation to a disease of the bowels, or diarrhoea; under which he had laboured for the last fifteen years. From the time of the Cholera season of 1832, he had laboured under the difficulty: occasionally, when the disease became more severe, he would pass blood and matter. He had also been troubled greatly with indigestion, difficulty of breath- ing, and cough. He had tried many physicians, but their prescriptions seemed to be of no avail. Having heard of the success attendant on my treatment of disease, he had come to me with a hope of obtaining relief from his disorder. On examining him, I found evidence of considerable tuber- cular disease in the bowels; also in the stomach, liver, and lungs. I put him at once under thorough treatment for tubercular disease, including the use of the machine; and in a few weeks' time, had the pleasure of knowing that he had entirely re- covered from his long standing disorder. I was greatly as- tonished myself, to find in this case so rapid an improvement: that a disease of fifteen years' standing, and which had resisted the efforts employed by many able men to effect its removal, should, in a very short period of time, be overcome; and with apparently so little effort; affords convincing proofs that the remedies made use of by Eclectics, act in harmony with the vital powers, and are the best which can be employed for the TUBERCULA OF THE BOWELS. 137 purpose; removing the disease where Hydropathy, Homoeo- pathy, Allopathy, and Botanopathy, have failed singly to over- come the disorder. Tubercula of the Bowels and Liver. * On the 25th of February, 1851, I was called to see Mr. W. of Albany, who was labouring under an attack of bilious fever; this was speedily broken up, and in two or three days' time he was able to attend to his business. While attending him, he expressed his anxiety in relation to the health of his wife, who had for nearly two years been labouring under a chronic disorder, which was fast wearing away her strength and life. As soon, however, as he began to direct my attention to her situation she interrupted him, and expressed her utter incredulity with reference to the suc- cess of any plan of treatment which might be pursued in her case, as she felt assured it would prove useless. She had already gone through a variety of modes of treatment, at the hands of several eminent physicians, without relief from her disorder. She had suffered from an attack of cholera during the season of 1848; after this she had an attack of dysentery. For this she was calomel and opiumized, with the result of inducing tubercular disease of the bowels; under which she had already been labouring about two years or more at the time when I first saw her. During the whole of this period, she had been passing matter daily, mixed occasionally with blood. Usually she had about four discharges of matter a day; sometimes half a pint of matter in one discharge. Every two or three days, however, she was accustomed (and this had been the case during the whole course of her dis- ease,) to have fresh abscesses break; and on the days when this occurred, she would have as many as twelve or fourteen discharges of matter a day, mixed with blood; the next day having, as I have already stated, about four discharges a day. The effect of this drain upon her constitution was, as might be expected, truly deplorable. Her vital powers were quite feeble; and her bowels so weak that she was incapable of doino- any work; she was in fact perfectly useless, and ex- pected always to be so. So irritable were her bowels, that even the weakest preparations of Homoeopathic medicine would excite them to such a degree as to produce purging. 12* 138 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. The case was one of that character, which promised to re- ward but poorly, the best directed efforts made for its removal. There was such a loss of energy and vital power in the con- stitution, as well as in the parts more particularly affected, as forbade apparently all hope of overcoming a disease so seri- ous: the grave seemed to be the only place which could afford relief from her sufferings, and to all appearance, was a point soon to be reached in the onward progress of her disorder. Through the solicitations of her husband, she was induced to place herself under my care. I administered the reme- dies usually employed for tubercular disease; employing, also, Botanic and Homoeopathic medicines. In the course of a few weeks a gratifying change was perceptible; one which was as pleasing to her husband and friends as it was to her physician. Instead of abscesses breaking every two or three days, these did not discharge oftener than once in two or three weeks; and during the intervals between these succes- sive discharges, no matter was passed from the bowels. The bowels became less and less irritable; and the intervals be- tween the formation of the abscesses with their resulting dis- charges of matter, of longer and longer duration. This case was under treatment a little over two years; the mercurial action on the parts, (in consequence of the mercury which had been given her by other physicians,) together with the influence of the atmospheric changes, presenting con- tinually, a strong opposing influence against the treatment which I employed for the removal of her disorder. Nearly every change in the weather, especially in the earlier parts of my attendance on her, gave rise to the formation and dis- charge of fresh abscesses. She continued steadily to im- prove, gaining in general power of constitution; the parts affected also increased in vigour. At the time I left Albany, (having accepted a call to the chair of Theory and Practice, in the Eclectic Medical College of Pennsylvania,) to take up my residence in this city, which was October 13th, 1853; she had during the whole nine months of that year, had but two very slight discharges of matter. Where formerly she had these abscesses every two days, she had, at the time I left, had them only twice in about two hundred and seventy days. With the above excep- tions, no matter was discharged from her bowels; the mucus, too, which she was in the habit of passing in the earlier part TUBERCULA OF THE BOWELS. 139 of the treatment, disappeared; animation, life, and elasticity of spirits, took the place of the discouragement and gloom which had been caused by her affliction. Her whole consti- tution had strengthened, too: she could walk for miles, (when I took her in charge she could not walk far from her house,) and carry considerable weight; do her own cooking, house- keeping and ironing; was restored again to usefulness, and felt once more that existence was desirable, and her life not altogether valueless. 140 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. CHAPTER XX. TUBERCULA OF THE STOMACH. Dyspepsia or Indigestion. GENERAL REMARKS. This disease is one of extensive prevalence, and depends for its existence upon a variety of causes. Among these, tu- bercular disease of the stomach constitutes a very common cause; and many cases of this complaint, which are regarded as incurable, or which are not cured under the ordinary methods of treating it; are speedily removed under the action of the remedies which are here recommended for the cure of tubercular disorder. Another symptom which is regarded by many as consti- tuting in itself a disease, and which is commonly attendant on this disorder; I allude to Constipation of the Bowels, or Costiveness; I will here speak of, inasmuch as its considera- tion seems most appropriate in this connexion. This symptom, which is the subject of so great diversity in practice, is one which is usually easy of removal. In but very few cases have I, during a few years past, failed to remove this troublesome symptom; succeeding in breaking it up in some instances, where the individual has not been in the habit of having a motion through the bowels, oftener than once in from eight to fourteen days. The applica- tion of the machine, and the administration of the compound Chloride of Gold preparation, in connexion with Hepar Sul., Podophylljne, and Plumbum, where tubercular disease of the digestive organs is present; and the machine with the use of the remedies just mentioned, with the exception of the above preparation of the Chloride of Gold and Soda, where no tubercular difficulty exists, usually break up all these cases with but little difficulty. With these few remarks, I shall describe some cases of dyspepsia, which were treated Eclecti- cally. TEBERCULA OF THE STOMACH. 141 Tubercular Disease of the Stomach, (Dyspepsia,) Heart, Liver, Lungs, and Kidneys. Mr. G., aged thirty-three, a worker in brass and iron, called on me in January, 1848, for relief. For many years he had suffered from disease, and could never eat food without being obliged to spit it up. He had for a long time been affected with palpitations, and hard, heavy beating of the heart; also with cough, pain in the breast, side, and stomach; was greatly debilitated; at times he felt exceedingly weak and drowsy. He suffered greatly also from dizziness and heaviness of the head; and from severe pain in the kidneys. He had resorted to various modes of treatment for relief, but without any benefit; and he had, he said, been under the care of most of the physicians in Albany. An examination of his case showed great tenderness of the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, and kidneys. Under the treat- ment which I adopted, and which consisted of the frequent application of the machine over the affected organs, in con- nexion with the use of remedies drawn from the botanic and electro-magnepathic systems of practice, he was, in the course of a few months, relieved of all his distressing symptoms; recovering health, to which for many years he had been an entire stranger. Tubercular Disease of the Stomach, (Dyspepsia,) Bowels, and other Organs, including the Muscles and Brain. Mr. G., of Albany, aged about twenty-one, had been un- well for a number of years. He had suffered especially from dyspeptic symptoms, and from difficulty in his bowels. He had been treated by many physicians, with but little improve- ment in his disorder. He called on me, July 11,1853. On examination, I found tenderness of all the organs, especially of the stomach and bowels. He was unable to take much food; even the plainest kinds of food distressed him; and if he went beyond a certain moderate point in eating, he would feel great irritation and distress in his stomach; his head would become excited; headache, confusion of mind, twitch- ing of the eyes, heat of the stomach, extreme nervousness, and great debility occurring. Labour, even of the most mo- derate kind, seemed to excite his system generally, so that he could engage in no business; his bowels were costive. He 142 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. could not read; the act of reading excited his brain, throw- ing this organ very speedily out of equilibrium. His condi- tion was one of great misery, and he regarded his case as almost hopeless. In consequence of my removal from A. to this city, I was obliged, about three months after I commenced treating him, to suspend the treatment; not, however, until a great and pleasing change had been wrought in his symptoms. His bowels had become more regular; food agreed better with him; his nervous system had regained strength and tone; he was able to work; could read much better and bade fair ulti- mately to regain his strength and vigour. In this case, the nervous system was greatly affected, in consequence of the diseased condition of his digestive organs. The cerebellum (lesser brain) as well as the cerebrum (larger brain,) were apparently considerably irritated by the affection of the stomach; this state of the cerebrum causing his con- fusion of thought, inability to read, or do any thing requiring much mental effort; while his want of power to work, and the disordered state of his muscular system generally, indi- cated an affection of the cerebellum also. Tubercula of the Stomach, Liver, and Lungs. Dyspepsia, of about thirty years' standing, accompanied with Obsti- nate Costiveness, of about the same duration. The following case, that of James Brown, author of the Rational System of English Grammar, I will here introduce. It affords an instance of very long, protracted dyspepsia, also of costiveness, broken up by the treatment recommended in this work for the cure of Tubercula. Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1855. John Fondey, M. D.: Dear Sir,—I have so long been an invalid, and my life has been rendered so wretched, in consequence of dyspepsia, that the statement which I herewith transmit, of my expe- rience, connected with this disease, and of the relief obtained through the action of the plan of treatment which you adopt for the cure of Tubercular disease, will not, I believe, prove unacceptable to you, as a record of your success; but conduce also to the benefit of multitudes, by pointing out to them a way of deliverance from the horrors of that distressing dis- TUBERCULA OF THE STOMACn. 143 ease, which, for so many years, bound me in chains, which were destined, apparently, never to be broken. ^ It has pleased our common Parent to allow me to live fifty- eight years; and for nearly thirty of them, I have been af- flicted with dyspepsia. My tongue was perpetually covered with a heavy fur, and my bowels were greatly constipated. I did not have a movement through them oftener than once in three or four days, and then it would assume the form of a diarrhoea. After eating my meals, (and this has been the case with every meal during the long period of about thirty years,) I suffered from a dull, heavy pain in my stomach; and this was so distressing, that I used to dread eating. Other symptoms also occurred, as a consequence of this dis- order; which affected my spirits and energies in a manner extremely unpleasant to me, and rendered me often quite unhappy. For the relief of the symptoms connected with this dis- tressing disease, I have resorted to a number of eminent phy- sicians in the different schools of practice; in the majority of instances, without any relief whatever; in others, with an improvement in some symptoms, which were not very impor- tant in their character. The burden of the complaint was still unremoved; all the above mentioned symptoms continued unmitigated and unrestrained, until, providentially, I was directed to you for relief. I called on you, August 5, 1854. You examined me, and found tubercular disease existing in the stomach, liver, and lungs. The treatment which you adopted produced an almost im- mediate effect upon my disorder. Your skill as an eclectic, in about three weeks' time, removed the constipation of the bowels, and the fur on my tongue; which the old school and other physicians had tried in vain to obviate*. The muscles of the abdomen, which, at the time of my coming to you, were so hard, rigid, and unyielding, as apparently to be un- influenced by the strongest power of the machine; no con- tractile movement seemingly taking place in them while you were operating; after a few weeks' treatment, became quite soft, and contracted energetically under the influence of the electro-magnetic fluid. The change was one of a marked and remarkable character. I continued under pretty active treatment for four or five months, constantly improving during this period; all of my 144 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. severe symptoms disappearing at an early stage of the treat- ment. My bowels became regular, and the pain experienced in my stomach after eating, left me about three weeks after first commencing the use of your remedies. Indeed, I have been constantly improving since I placed myself under your treatment; which I can ascribe to nothing but your superior skill in the art of healing. With profound respect, and great friendship, I subscribe myself your humble servant, James Brown. No. 15 South Tenth street, Philadelphia. TUBERCULA OF THE KIDNEYS. 145 CHAPTER XXI. TUBERCULA OF THE KIDNEYS. This constitutes another of the forms in which tubercular disorder manifests itself; and is an affection which readily yields to proper medical treatment, where the kidneys have not lost, in too great a degree, their vital energy, or where the vital power of the system generally, is not too much im- paired. VVe have already noticed this complaint more or less while describing tubercular disease in other organs; we will here give one or two cases which will serve to show the gene- ral curability of this disorder. Tubercular disease of the Kidneys. * I was visited in Albany, on the 9th of March, 1848, by Capt. Francis A., who applied to me for relief from an affec- tion of the kidneys, under which he had for some time been labouring. Seven months previous to calling on me, after working very hard, he had been attacked with pain in the region of the kidneys and the hips, and weakness in the back; this feeling of weakness, as he described it, worked down at last into his hips and knees; and was accompanied with a feeling of deadness about the hips, and coldness in the legs. He had not been able to do any work during this time, nor was he able to bend his body. He had been under the care of eminent physicians, but had derived no benefit from their treatment; on the contrary, he had been getting worse and worse, and despaired of ever getting well. I applied the machine over the region of the kidneys and hips, also, to the legs; and gave him magnetic medicines, which in two days restored the warmth of his limbs, and di- minished the pains in his back, so that he could stoop over without distress. By the faithful use of the above means, which were employed for a few weeks, his disease was at length completely broken up, and he was enabled to resume his accustomed labours. 13 146 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. Tubercula of the Kidneys, Liver, Throat, Palate, and Lungs. On the 9th of August, *1847, I was visited by Mr. B., of Albany, aged about twenty-five years, who gave me a brief description of a disease under which he had been labouring since the spring of the same year. He stated that he had been troubled with cough and irritation about the throat, weakness, and an occasional pain in his side, which at times was very severe; so much so as to cause sickness at the stomach, vomiting, and other unpleasant symptoms. He ap- plied to several eminent physicians for relief. In connexion with other treatment, they recommended the application of Tartar Emetic Ointment, to produce sores or pustules, by which the inward distress might be counteracted when it came on. They informed him that the pain originated in a disease of the kidneys, which could not be permanently cured; but that by the use of the ointment he might live so as to be tolerably comfortable. After following their prescriptions for some few months, he came to the conclusion that as the sores were quite as painful as the original disease, and as they afforded no prospect of giving permanent relief, he would follow the advice of his friends, and consult with me in re- lation to his case. I found tenderness of the kidneys, liver, and lungs; also enlargement of the uvula, (projection from the soft palate,) and tonsils; and placed him under thorough treatment; em- ploying the machine almost daily, besides using the Electro- magnetic remedies; and such articles drawn from the Botanic and Homoeopathic systems of practice, as were calculated to act upon his disorder. He had a slight attack of the pain about three weeks after placing himself under my care; after which he had but little pain during the time he was under treatment, which was about eight months in all. - The cough and irritation of the throat disappeared under the use of the remedies, and after cutting off a piece of the enlarged and projecting uvula; the weakness in his side gradually disap- peared, and a permanent cure was effected. Under the action of the remedies employed, quite a long and apparently flat stone was driven down into the urethra, (or passage for the urine,) so that a portion of it projected beyond the extremity of the passage. The stone was rather TUBERCULA OF THE KIDNEYS. 147 soft, and he broke off the greater portion of that which pro- jected, before he came to me to get rid of the remainder. I found that there was quite a large-sized piece of the stone still remaining in the urethra; so large that it was utterly impossible to extract it while it possessed its original dimen- sions. I was thinking seriously of enlarging the opening of the canal by making an incision, when the thought occurred to me that the trocar and cannula, which are employed in tapping, might aid me in extricating it. I took the instru- ment, drew back the trocar, so as to bring its cutting edge within the cavity of the cannula, and passed the latter into the urethra, so as to cause it to rest upon the stone; then pushed the trocar forward until it came in contact with the calculus, (stone) and making a rotary motion with the former, suc- ceeded in drilling the stone, so as to cut it up in small pieces, thereby allowing it to come away with the urine without any difficulty. Whether such an operation as the one just mentioned was ever practised in the same case, and with the same instru- ments, I know not: the mode adopted, however, answered all the purpose for which a more scientific surgical apparatus could have been invented. 148 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. CHAPTER XXII. TUBERCULA OF THE MUSCLES AND JOINTS. White-swelling of the Joints and Limbs. This disease is one which deserves the most earnest and profound attention of the physician as well as the surgeon; inasmuch as it usually falls first under the care and notice of the former; to be consigned, after a period of experimentation, longer or shorter in duration, to the care of the latter; who, after carrying the patient through a course of treatment, of sufficiently long continuance to satisfy his own mind that he too will fail in overcoming the disorder, resorts to excision of the diseased joints or limbs; the case sometimes termi- nating in a restoration to a state of health not altogether per- fect; but more frequently resulting in prostration of the vital powers, followed by death. The views commonly entertained in relation to this dis- order, have unfortunately been such as to lead to the adoption of an incorrect and injurious system of practice; which has often served to render a simple case incurable, which might have been cured under a better and more rational plan of treatment. The mistake has been, that the disease has been regarded and treated too much as one of inflammation simply; and depleting processes have been resorted to, with the de- sign of overcoming that high state of action; which have only served in the majority of cases to aggravate the disorder. But in what does the disease truly consist? The seat of it is in the absorbent vessels and glands of the muscles in par- ticular, but involving in its onward march, even the more solid bony texture. The nature of tubercular disease is es- sentially that of debility; it consequently is neither wise nor philosophical to employ processes of treatment for the cure of disease of this description which are reducing in their cha- racter; serving as they do, not only to debilitate still more the affected parts, but by lessening their vital power and energy, TUBERCULA OF THE MUSCLES AND JOINTS. 149 diminishing their ability to rid themselves of the disorders which affect them. The course to be pursued in the treatment of white-swelling, is, to strengthen the magnetic organization of the diseased absorbent glands of the part, and reduce the tuberculations which cripple and irritate it. For this purpose, experience fully and amply demonstrates the fact, that the course re- commended in the present volume is one, which has, in multi- tudes of instances, effected these desirable results; and ac- complished cures which have thrown far in the shade the achievements of the surgeon, who may have shown singular skill in removing the limb of many a diseased one, (who may not, however, have long survived the loss of the excised member,) but who could not save the limb which the less pretending physician, by a proper selection and application of remedial agencies, would, in all probability, have succeeded in restoring to a healthy condition; thus fitting it to perform again the duties for which it was originally designed. That these remarks are not uncalled for, nor unjust, will appear during the description of one or more of the cases with which I shall illustrate the history of this description of tubercular disorder. Similar remarks have been made by surgeons of the greatest celebrity in their own special sphere of professional effort. Again and again, have I heard the gentlemanly and accom- plished Gibson, while listening to his lectures on Surgery, in the University of Pennsylvania, my own Alma Mater, express himself in strong and decided language against the rash and uncalled for operations of ardent aspirants for surgical fame; and utter the remark, that, while the work of removing a limb was no indication of great ability as a surgeon, being nothing more than a butcher could accomplish; he, on the contrary, justly merited that character, who could, through the skilful application of the resources of his art, arrest the progress of the disease, and save the limb, perhaps the life of the patient; both of which, in the hands of him who performs his operations by the watch, and seeks to accomplish the removal of a limb in as short a time as possible, stood a chance of being sacrificed by those who were ambitious for distinction as quick operators, and who did not realize that the salvation of a limb called for a higher degree of profes- sional skill, than was required to effect its excision from the body. 1:!* 150 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. Tubercula of the Muscles, accompanied with effusion into the cavity of the Joints. In the year 1854, Mr. G. W., a carpenter by trade, called upon me. He was a young man of fine personal appearance, in whom a disease of the joints and muscles had for some years existed. The toe, ankle, and knee joints, were much affected in consequence of rheumatism; the muscles of the lower extremities were generally stiffened; while the joints themselves in these lower portions of the body were conside- rably swelled, especially the knees, which were greatly en- larged. The parts were quite tender, especially on applying the machine. The swelling was soft and elastic on each side of the patella or knee-pan, causing a perceptible fluctuation on being touched with the fingers. It was with extreme diffi- culty that he could walk, so very stiff was he. I used the machine on him pretty regularly for some few months, and administered the Electro-magnetic remedies. Under this treatment he gradually improved, and finally re- covered the use of his limbs, with a removal, also, of the rheumatic and dropsical affections. White-swelling of the Knee, Hip-joint, and Thigh, Curva- ture of the Spine, also, Tuberculated Lungs. In 1847, I treated a severe case of this disorder. It oc- curred in a little girl who, in 1844, after an attack of scarlet fever, took cold, which caused white-swelling in both knees, both of which were considerably bent and painful; along with this there was considerable loss of power in both legs. This was followed by the appearance of a large white- swelling below the hip-joint, on the right side of the body; extending along the side and front of the thigh; accompa- nied with great pain, and a shortening of the limb. The spine, also, in the region of the lumbar vertebrae became con- siderably curved; and so painful was her condition of body, as to prevent her from lying in bed for two years. She was obliged to sit up in a chair provided with wings and a front piece. In this she sat and slept day and night, for two years. Her lungs were a good deal affected; she had severe cough; and was quite thin and feeble. Her sufferings during this period, were extremely great; and no one expected that she TUBERCULA OF THE MUSCLES AND JOINTS. 151 would ever get well. All hope of ever seeing her well or walking, had for a long time been given up. She had been under the treatment of a number of Allopathic physicians previous to this, who had failed to afford her any relief. In February, 1837,1 commenced the treatment of her case. I applied a large bitumen plaster over the thigh, magnetized her daily, and administered the magnetic medicines—the compound preparation of gold and soda. The case was one of experiment on the part of the parents, for they were incre- dulous as to her ever getting better. In a short time, how- ever, she began to improve; the swelling on the thigh dis- charged, pouring out at one time a quart or more of matter; and continuing to discharge for about three months. The swelling in the knee-joints, as well as the deformity existing there, soon passed away; the curvature in the spine was re- moved, and she was able to walk on crutches. The limb gradually improved in strength, and lengthened considerably. Her cough also disappeared; and she got to be quite a healthy child. The cure of this case was regarded by her parents and others as being almost miraculous; but in the light of the history which we have given of the nature of tubercular dis- ease, and the action of the remedies which we recommend for its removal, the improvement which took place is easily susceptible of explanation. Tubercula of the Hip, and Affection of the Spine. I was called, Nov. 26, 1852, to visit a young lady, Miss 0. C, of Albany, aged about twenty-one, who had been for some months ailing with an affection of the hip and spine. Three years previously, her parents had lost a very fine boy, with the same complaint; a circumstance which discouraged them as to the prospect of the recovery of this daughter. She had, some time before this, fallen down a long flight of stairs, and injured her back; which became, throughout its whole length, quite numb, and had continued so for some months before I saw her. Along with this, she suffered greatly from distress all around the hip, and from pain in the knee. Be- sides these symptoms, she had ulcers discharging in the groins. She was not able to sit up; was quite emaciated; and suffered greatly from the disorder. Under the action of the magnetic remedies, and the plas* 152 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. ter which I applied over the spine and hip, the disease ra- pidly yielded; the numbness passed away in less than a week; the sores in the groin dried up; her general health improved; and in the course of a few weeks, she was able to go out and take a long walk. The disease did not return. Tubercula of the 3Iuscles of the Spine, (Curvature,) of the Right Knee, and Left Thigh—also of the Right Knee, and Left Hip Joints. Tubercular Disease, also, of the Organs generally. I was called, Jan. 4, 1854, to visit Robert B., of Phila- delphia, aged seven years, who was affected with white swell- ing of the right knee and left hip joint; also with white swelling of the muscles around the right knee and on the left thigh. About three years ago, he began to limp; the right knee appeared to be a little larger than the left; but did not seem to be painful. He was treated for this for nine months by a physician; took syrups, and applied plasters and splints. Another physician then took charge of him, and used stimu- lating applications to the knee, and kept him in bed. The knee, however, under this process, contracted and drew up faster than before. In this state the knee continued for two years, but without pain: he was then sent to school, and while there, was seized one day with great pain in the left knee, and had to be carried home. His physician pronounced this to be inflammatory rheumatism, and employed various external and internal preparations. Two months after this, his left hip swelled, and became painful; for this he was leeched over the part. He was afterwards attacked with measles and erysipelas; and his lower extremities and hands, also his face, became dropsical. About a year ago, a discharge of matter from the parts surrounding the left hip joint took place, which, at the date of my visit, still continued. Soon after this, a discharge from the right knee also took place, which has continued at inter- vals to this date, from three difierent places; the discharge at the hip issues from one point. He has suffered greatly from distress in the left hip joint. For six months, he could not lie down; he suffers more or less from pain in the knee also, before each discharge of matter takes place. His aspect is unhealthy; his countenance sallow, and he is feeble; cannot stand up, but crawls along the floor. TUBERCULA OF THE MUSCLES AND JOINTS. 153 The right leg is bent nearly at right angles with the thigh; there is quite a depression on the front surface of the lower part of the thigh bone, at the point which constitutes the knee- pan. There is some pain on pressure at the side of the holes in the knee; some fluctuation on pressure at the outer and inner sides of the patella, (small moveable bone in the knee- pan;) the muscles around the left hip joint, and parts around the fistulous opening, are quite tender on pressure, and puffy. There is also a right lateral (side) curvature of the five lower dorsal, and all the lumbar vertebrae; the muscles on the right side of the curve are swelled, and tender on pressure. The lower limbs are somewhat, but not greatly wasted. _ On examining his neck, I found the cervical glands, espe- cially those on the right side of the neck, tuberculated; and all of the spinal ganglions tender on making pressure. Diag- nosis—Tubercular disease of all the organs and muscles; white swelling of the right knee, and left hip joint and thigh, and curvature of the spine. I prescribed the tubercular pills; with tannin, iron, podo., and hep., as tonics and alteratives; also magnetized the parts frequently, and applied the bitumen plaster over the spine, from the middle of the spine to the very extreme point of the column. An abscess discharged from the hip, around the joint, on the 26th of February, and ran freely; the bitumen plaster was applied over it. During the month of April, matter kept discharging from two sores which formed on the front of the left thigh. A compound alterative syrup of sai-s., guiac, yellow dock, smartweed, and prickly-ash, was at this time directed by me to be given four times a day, in con- nexion with the other medicines. Under this treatment, constantly kept up—the machine being used about three times a week—he steadily improved; his appearance and general health indicated a favourable change in his system; his strength increased; and the sore in the knee healed up, and continued closed. The knee be- came more flexible, the angle assuming a more obtuse cha- racter; the pain in the muscles, and parts surrounding the knee and hip joints, diminished greatly; so that, with the diminished pain, increased strength, and greater freedom of motion, he was, in a few months' time, able to walk on crutches—articles which he has made use of up to the pre- sent time. 154 TUBERCULAR DISEASE. The sores on the front part of the thigh are, at this date, (Feb. 17, 1855,) healed up entirely; the hole over the hip joint still remaining open, discharges a very trifling quantity of matter: the right knee is assuming a more natural look, losing that appearance of flatness which it exhibited when first noticed by me, and is becoming quite prominent and more natural in appearance; the curvature has disappeared; his general health seems to be quite good; and he has been but very little affected by the changes of the past winter, and bids fair eventually to make still further improvement. The case is still under treatment. Tubercula of the Muscles of the Thigh, and parts contiguous to the Hip Joint—with Acute Tubercula of the Liver, and other Organs. This case gives us an example of hip disease in its forming stage, and is one not devoid of interest. Sept. 8th, 1848, I was called to visit Mr. W., of Albany, aged about nineteen, who had been under treatment by an eminent medical man, for bilious fever. The case, however, seemed to linger on, from some cause or other; and symptoms threatening the oc- currence of hip disease manifested themselves. There was still more or less fever, and the whole hip was extremely tender; so much so, that he could not bear to stand upon his feet. He had been fed, as is usually the case under the common mode of treatment, with more or less of calomel; and between the action of this poison, and that of the bilious attack, these unfavourable symptoms had manifested them- selves. His physician could not overcome these symptoms, and I was called in to examine the case. I found, in the liver especially, but also in the other or- gans, acute tubercular disease; also tubercular disease in the muscles of the thigh, and the parts around the hip joint. The great exciting cause of the general tubercular irritation was located in the digestive organs, the liver especially, which was very tender; and which, by its irritation, kept all the rest of the body in the same state of excitement. I employed a combination of botanic and electro-magnetic medicines; corrected the action of the liver, and applied the machine daily. He was under treatment about three months. He improved steadily, and at the end of the period above mentioned, all those symptoms which threatened such serious TUBERCULA OF THE MUSCLES AND JOINTS. 155 consequences were dissipated. Had this gentleman continued under the treatment to which he at first submitted, he would in all probability, supposing that the disease of his lungs, liver,