THE 
jflfdlioditttJ litigation of .'jlatcr 
IN THE 
TREATMENT OF DISEASES 
WITH 
SPECIAL REMARKS ON FEVER, THE LATEST IN- 
VESTIGATIONS RELATIVE THERETO, AND 
OF ITS TREATMENT BY MEANS 
OF THE SAME REMEDY. 
BY V. ZOLNOWSKI, M. D. 
EW yORK ; 
STYLES & CASH, PRINTERS, 77 EIGHTH AVENUE. 
1 8 7 5. THE 
j[}dljoilta1 '-\|i|i(icatiait of 'i'atcr 
IN THE 
TREATMENT OF DISEASES, 
WITH 
SPECIAL REMARKS ON FEVER, THE LATEST IN- 
VESTIGATIONS RELATIVE THERETO, AND 
OF ITS TREATMENT BY MEANS 
OF THE SAME REMEDY. A 
BY V. ZOLNOWSKI, M. D. 
-'wour 
NEW T ORK ; 
STYLES & CASH. PRINTERS, 77 EIGHTH AVENUE. 
1 875. PREFACE. 
It is the invariable custom with those who follow 
the well meant but short-sighted recommendations 
of some physicians in certain classes of disease, to 
keep the chest, neck and throat, continually wrapped 
and bundled up, and thus as they suppose protected 
from all danger. Following the same advice they 
usually remain confined in their dwellings, living in 
closed unventilated rooms, and coming but seldom 
into contact with the outer and invigorating air, 
whose healthful oxygen would prove so beneficial. 
Such persons think it somewhat strange, when they 
first enter upon a course of hydropathic treatment, 
that its results are not so instantaneous as their 
wishes, and sometimes even seem to produce aggra- 
vated effects. They forget that its results are slow 
in making their appearance, especially in those cases 
that have gone the whole round of systems, and have 
finally come to the water cure as a last resort. In- 
deed in the course of a week or fortnight, the patient’s 
system is becoming changed under the influence of 
the remedy ; perhaps being seemly worse, but grow- 
ing really better, and becoming more robust, hardy 
and capable of resisting cold air. 
It appears that now the time is passed, when 
learned physicians have an aversion to the applica- 
tion of water. Surgeons, midwives and oculists, 4 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKl, 
have overcome that aversion long ago, and it was 
just those branches of the healing art, that gave the 
impulse to attempt the system of water treatment, 
further to develop and establish the laws under 
which the water can have a full beneficial effect. 
We have really only two classes of healing reme- 
dies, one exciting and the other quieting, all others 
that do not belong to these categories of remedy, 
have no decided effect. 
In regard to the effect of so called organic reme- 
dies upon certain organs and systems, these can 
only be expressed, through excitement and quiet- 
ment. We know that the diuretic excite the kidneys 
and through that increase the urinary excretion. 
The cathartic excite the intestine and increase its 
excretion ; we know that the narcotic, quiets the ner- 
vous system, as well as produces a sombient effect, 
upon the sensorium. But we know also that the 
stimulating remedies, excite the nerves and the 
system of the vessels, and produce more intense 
activity of these. The same effect can be obtained 
also by the water treatment, without fear of any 
extra effect, and this only by the physical act of re- 
ducing the temperature and by its action upon the 
circulation of the blood. The water cure method 
is qualified in all cases and diseases, with the excep- 
tion of those in which the organic excitement and 
activity will not allow any reaction. 
We can obtain the exciting and the quieting effect 
by the proceedings of the water cure system alone ; 
so by uniting these proceedings, we can constitute 
two methods. APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
5 
The one the exciting and the other the quieting. 
We can also obtain by water treatment in the most 
cases, what by the other system of remedies, will, 
very often only be obtained in theory. The differ- 
ence between these two methods is this, that success 
by the water treatment is sure, and by the other 
only problematic. By water treatment, we can pro- 
duce exciting and quieting effects, upon each organic 
system and each organ ; by the other only upon one 
system and organ. By water treatment, the action 
can be confined according to one’s own judgment, 
which cannot be done by the other—and at last, by 
water treatment, we need not fear any extra action, 
that always must be necessarily involved by com- 
bining the use of the other remedies, and that result 
cannot be shown by the usual treatment. 
By these two principal methods, we are able to 
control all diseased organic action, because each of 
these methods have great extent and large scope. 
The excitement and quietment, can take place in 
the most varied degrees, and depends on the cold- 
ness and quantity of water, on the duration, repeti- 
tion and the different ways of effect. The water 
cure treatment attains its results by the outer appli- 
cation of water (as has been shown physiologically), 
especially through the nervous system, so that the 
irritability of the nerves and the nervous action, are 
those factors which thereby receive value, but also 
the organic contraction and expansion, the inolecu- 
lary action, constitute a great part of it. Taken 
into the circulation and equalized with its tempera- 
ture with the blood, the water acts by its quantity t)R. V. ZOLNOWSKl, 
in increasing the pressure as a solvent through its 
fluid nature, and as a constituting body to all organs 
and fluids, it takes an important part in the pro- 
gressive metamorphosis, and serves as a great vehicle 
of nourishment and absorption, and therefore of the 
entire change of matter. 
The best proof of acknowledgment in regard to 
the water treatment is given by Felix Niemeyer, in 
his book (Special Pathologie and Therapie,) which 
appeared in 8 editions, and now translated into 
English, and is acknowledged as authority by most 
all the medical faculties. The author highly recom- 
mends the application of water in most diseases, and 
according to the statement of his brother Paul 
Niemeyer, shown in his work of 1874, (Physical 
Diagnostic, p. 136,) Felix Niemeyer, liked best to 
treat with water and house remedies; and this con- 
firms the opinion of Frederick Hoffman, one of the 
most eminent physicians of the past century, who 
said, that if there ever was a universal remedy, 
whose effects were truly equal and innoxious in 
themselves, without any disordered and demoralizing 
results, that remedy was water. But to obtain the 
full benefit of its healing power, the water must be 
applied under the attentive care, and the finished 
skill of the experienced physician. 
THE AUTHOR. APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
7 
METHODICAL APPLICATION OF 
WATER IN DISEASES. 
A combination of the different forms and different 
kinds of water application for a certain purpose, to 
remove or allay the disease, gives us a conception of 
the different methods. These will always have to 
be guided by the appearance of the diseases. They 
will experience numerous changes according to their 
increase and decrease, and change of character. The 
art of technical treatment depends on the care, and 
promptness with which these methods are made to 
conform to the disease. This technic undergoes in 
each special case, such manifold modifications and it 
owes very much to the inventing spirit of the physi- 
cian, who equipped with the physiological under- 
standing, will attain the same results by the different 
applications of the single simple remedy, and often 
produce effects through certain modifications, which 
another could not bring about successfully. We 
have to observe the effects of the application of 
water, as exciting and increasing the motion and 
moderating and decreasing the same. But since the 
change of matter, can be controlled by the applica- 
tion of water, as well externally, as internally, we 8 
DR V. ZOLNOWSKI. 
therefore have to establish two principal methods, 
as regards the place of action : 
1. The outer. 
2. The inner. 
Excitement and quietment of the organic func- 
tions, can be produced by two methods. The outer 
surface however, offers a large sphere for action and 
the effect on this, will stand in direct proportion to 
its extent. It will therefore be the best for treat- 
ment, and still more for this reason, since with the 
inner method, the individual effects of water appli- 
cation are more difficult to be kept up independent- 
ly, whether exciting or quieting, because after the 
succeeding irritation, the remedy will have to be 
discontinued, after it has discharged its duty, but if 
this remedy can not be continued, the second effect 
of the water, namely quietment, will then have to 
be applied. 
The absorbed water will be embodied with the 
organism, and it will, by coming into the bloodflow, 
create a separate independent result, which causes 
an important accelerating influence on the regressive 
metamorphosis. 
The inner method may therefore alone either 
assist the outer, the latter appearing as the cardinal 
method, or else the inner method, becomes the car- 
dinal one, and the outer is subordinate helping it. 
The outer method attains a much higher result, be- 
cause the organism is charged with no strange mat- 
ter, it only acts on the surface of the body, by the 
immediate contact of the remedy, and therefore es- 
pecially shows its absolute value, when the admin- APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
9 
istration of healing substances, has by some causes 
become impossible. Finally the outer method can 
be accomplished with much more precision and 
certainty. 
This method can act more efficiently, because in 
the excitement of the nerves, which we cause by the 
action of the water, we possess the test remedy, 
showing in what manner and to what extent, the 
water can be made use of. For the above there is 
one outer, peripheric-acting method and may be 
regarded as: 
1. Exciting. 
2. Quieting. 
1. The Exciting. Its nature depends on the in- 
crease of the organic change of matter. „ The appli- 
cation of water must be done here speedily and 
rapidly, and the degree of temperature, proportioned 
according to the irritability. The less the irritation 
is, the lower must be the temperature of the applied 
remedy. Generally the lower degrees are used, 
seldom the middle. The withdrawal of warmth must 
be very small in amount, and correspond with its 
formation. This purpose is attained by short washes, 
rainbaths, sprinklings and abrasions, of the duration 
of several minutes. These processes must be com- 
bined with frictions of the skin, in order to increase 
the irritation. The administration of water, can 
only be permitted according to necessity. This 
method assumes a higher value in its application 
for chronic, dyscrasic diseases, and for local obsolete 
processes, which have left material changes and dis- 10 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKI, 
turbances of the functions. Here it is necessary to 
increase the functions of most systems and organs; 
also to improve the state of the blood, by the secre- 
tion and reception of new nourishment, and by in- 
creasing and strengthening capillary action, to remove 
the change of matter in the diseased organs, and to 
provide for removal of the residues of the diseases. 
As an intense excitement of the nervous system is 
only possible by an increased irritation of the same, 
hence this is very often increased artificially by 
warming and perspiring in woolen blankets, and then 
the excitement is introduced by short processes, in 
the cold tub, or under the douche or cold sprinklings, 
of a few minutes duration, with lower degrees of 
temperature, in which a constant change of fresh 
strata of winter, aids the effect. The locally applied 
exciting method consists of local baths, short sprink- 
lings, followed by rubbing, in order to aid the irrita- 
tion. With this method the active movement of the 
muscles is especially recommended, to restore the 
warmth, and the quicker this is done, the more favor- 
able the success. 
2. The Quieting method has for its object the con- 
finement of the general, as well as the local promi- 
nent appearances of the motion of change of matter, 
by the withdrawal of tvar?nth, and the recovery of the 
normal degree. This method has two forms, the 
stronger antiphlogistic, and the weaker the sedative. 
In the antiphlogistic method the withdrawal of 
warmth must reach such a degree, that the sum of 
the material motions, that appear to the mind as 
functions of the nervous system, and indicate the APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
11 
quantitative value of warmth, seein under the normal. 
For this reason; because in the quick return of the 
excited change of matter, motion and formation of 
warmth, the system and organs cannot gain time 
enough to recover themselves, and replace the con- 
sumption of matter. 
The duration of this process is, when a large part 
of the periphery of the body is treated, one-half to 
two hours. 
In this antiphlogistic method, the organic matter 
is retained, its molecular motion is directly circum- 
scribed, and this confinement shows itself in diseased 
action of the nerves and system of vessels in general, 
and of this or that organ in particular. 
In this method the withdrawal of warmth must be 
done slowly, in the shape of a slow increasing cool- 
ing, because by the quick loss of warmth, the nerves 
are irritated, and the exchange of matter is increased. 
In the beginning this can only be done by the use of 
the middle degrees of temperature, first, until the 
excitement is diminished, when lower degrees, even 
to ice-cold, can be applied locally. The withdrawal 
of warmth must here only take place in employing 
moderate quantities of water, general or local, in the 
shape of half-baths, sitzbaths and packs, and wet fric- 
tions, (rubbings,) washoffs, local wet sheets, baths 
and compresses, which must be changed frequently, 
so not to become warm. Each of these processes 
must be continued, till the normal warmth has been 
made permanent. Each process must be again com- 
menced, if the warmth has attained an abnormal 
higher degree, such as occurs in many fever diseases, 12 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKI, 
sometimes in a very short time, sometimes after a 
few hours. 
This withdrawal of warmth is aided by the admin- 
istration of water in the shape of enemas and drinks, 
the latter of which in the beginning of the diseases, 
when the congestions in the organs have attained a 
higher degree, are to be prescribed with caution and 
limited in quantity, because these congestions in- 
crease with a larger administration of water. When 
the stagnation lirst sets in, the pheripheric capillaries 
and the organs commence their secretions, and then the 
increased administration of water will be of decided 
benefit. 
The sedative method is recommended, when the 
nerves are greatly excited. The formation of warmth 
is here less intense, and its loss is replaced slow- 
ly. Here sometimes the middle or higher de- 
grees of temperature can be chosen; but the dura- 
tion may not, in large processes, scarcely exceed 
several minutes. When the temperature has fallen 
below the normal, and with it there is a diseased in- 
crease of the functions, especially the pulse, then the 
water procedure must be interrupted, and when the 
abnormal increased warmth of the body first appears, 
then it may be commenced anew. 
The internal centrally acting method is one, which 
asserts itself as an independent one, by the manner 
of its action on the retrograde transformation of or- 
ganic substances. Here the water enters the circu- 
lation, and acts mechanically by extending the ca- 
pillaries and penetrating the tissues, in order to 
loosen the coherence of the organic structure, dis- APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
13 
solves matter, and by increased action of the respir- 
ation, introduces new relations and oxydations of the 
same matter, then passes with them chiefly through 
the kidneys as urea, salts, mostly chlorids, then 
through the lungs as vapor, impregnated with car- 
bonic acid, and finally is passed out through the 
intestines, and also through the skin. 
SITZBATHS. 
Sitzbaths are very frequently used, and are of 
great advantage, because they not only withdraw 
the heat from the gluteal, sacral, lumbal, and pelvic 
regions, but also from the abdominal organs. By 
this process the body is also exposed, and a great 
deal of blood is circulated, and also the heat of the 
blood is greatly diminished, by the application of 
water in sitzbaths. Precaution should be taken, to 
regulate the temperature according to circumstances. 14 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKI. 
SPECIAL REMARKS ON FEVER 
AND ITS TREATMENT. 
Poison, (or Miasma) can perhaps be considered as 
a distant cause of fever. Then follows the reaction 
—greater action of the heart and the lungs, and a 
cramp or diseased contraction of the external vessels, 
which prevents the retro-how of the blood. 
In consequence, a struggle breaks out between the 
central point and the resistance of the external ves- 
sels—after that comes a degree of unnatural heat, 
and a period of higher temperature. 
The real cause of increasing elevation of the tem- 
perature of the blood, must be situated in the ner- 
vous system, because it shows itself as a regulator 
of the warm temperature of animals—only the ner- 
vous system will be able to put the oxygen as well 
as the combustible organic parts, in that position and 
condition which make both proper and fit for union. 
When the temperature of the blood is increased, 
there must have occurred a previous change in the 
nervous and ganglion system. 
In the normal action of the nerves, a certain quan- 
tum of chemical products arise, and also a certain 
quantum of heat is produced. But their action in- 
creases when the great quantity of warmth has 
been increased, and we will find the quickened dis- APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
15 
eased action of the nerves of the vessels as a symptom 
of the existence of the fever. 
Virchow, and' other physiologists, recognize that 
the real regulator of the warmth in the body, is sit- 
uated in the nervous system. They support their 
view with the experiments of Bernard, according to 
which, cutting through the cervical part of the sym- 
pathetic nerve, into the corresponding part of the 
head, produces increasing warmth. 
Many physiologists supposed that the centrum 
calorificum in the medulla oblongata, from which the 
Vagus nerve arises, are the location of it, and Vir- 
chow thinks that temporary weakness of the medulla 
oblongata and Vagus nerve, as an involuntary nerve 
of the motion of the heart, produces the increasing 
heart action, and the disturbance in the stomach in 
fever. 
The experiment of Bernard is nothing new, but 
was some time ago performed by Magendie with the 
same results, and we know that not all nerves of the 
vessels arise from the sympathicus, and not all from 
this same part of it, but that the cerebrospinal nerve- 
fibres send branches to the vessels also, and that by 
cutting through this one nerve, we could not reach 
all the vaso-inotor nerves of a certain part. For 
example a single case of surgical operation alone, can 
produce irritation of the nerves, and increase the 
temperature. 
All causes of fever must in some way enter by the 
lungs, or through the skin, and being absorbed by 
the blood, either in a liquid or agaseous form, by 
mixture therewith, changes are produced in it, that 16 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKI, 
cause a modified action of the nervous system and its 
functions, or the causes may act locally, and while 
they reach the action of the nerves of the vessels 
directly, produce disturbances of the circulation, 
hyperaemiac stagnations and inflammations, through 
the local irritation. To produce local disturbances 
in general the blood becomes changed, by receiving 
the product of those disturbances, which excite the 
whole periphery of the vaso-motor-nerves. 
From the effect of quinine in intermittent fever, 
was determined the paralytic nature of the modera- 
tors of change of matter, and from these Traube con- 
ceived the cause of the excitement of the sympath- 
etic nerves. 
If it be true that the direct action of quinine 
causes irritation, then we should be able to find that 
it ought to retard or completely prevent the progress 
of all cases of fever. But we know well that qui- 
nine produces its successful effects in some certain 
forms of fever only; so we should look for the effect 
of the action of quinine, not in the nervous system, 
but in the blood in which the quinine has assisted 
in causing change. 
The chilly feeling in fever, may be expressed as 
follows : 
Through the increased action of the vaso-motor- 
nerves, arise the contractions of the minute vessels, 
and as a consequence of that, anaemia in the capil- 
lery. In the external skin there will be an insuffi- 
cient amount of blood, and through the loss of 
warmth by atmospheric air, the contractive fibres of 
the skin, will be more and more contracted, and APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
17 
cause complete anaemia, with stagnation at the 
origin of the veins, and reduction of the tempera- 
ture. In consequence of this, an impression will be 
received from the sensory nerves upon the brain, and 
expressed as a chilly feeling. 
Through the greater blood pressure, which takes 
place in the heart, the contraction of the internal 
capillaries will be soon overcome and general hyper- 
aemia will set in in the internal organs, because the 
capillary contractions can no longer be supported by 
their own muscle fibres, as occurs in the case of the 
external skin, notwithstanding the bloodlessness of 
it, and especially of the mucous-membrane. At the 
same time the vaso-motor-nerves are still active, yet 
the force of the heart will overcome their action. 
The less contraction there is of the skin, and the 
more the power of the nerves becomes exhausted, 
the easier it will be to overpower here the contraction 
of the capillaries. Hyperaemia is still developed in 
the external skin, and in consequence of that, per- 
spiration can take place. 
According to Andreal, Gavaret and Rodier, the 
blood by increased warmth, becomes liable to be 
easily corrupted, and the red globules will be much 
more diminished, and the colorless globules will in- 
crease in number, and the albumen changes easier 
into fibrin, blood vesicles, hematin and fat, and exu- 
dations follow with increased excremental matter. 
According to G. Ziminermann, there is first a with- 
drawal of the albuminates and a diminuation of com- 
bustible material followed by a formation of a larger 
quantity of urea and uric acid, caused by the 
heavier and surrounding bi and tritoxyde of protein, 18 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKI, 
being changed more easily by the relative larger 
quantity of oxygen into urea and uric acid. 
The Latest Experimental Investigations upon 
Fever-Process as Performed upon Dogs, by H. Sen- 
ator, (Berlin,) give the Following Hesults. 
In the majority of fever-diseases, no simple and 
uniform maximum of the normal change of matter 
occurs, but there is a larger loss of albumen, that 
leads to an increased formation of urea. The in- 
creased formation of urea takes place at the setting- 
in of the fever process, and before the outbreak of 
the climax of the fever temperature. As albumen 
is still withdrawn mostly in other shapes during the 
change in matter, the maximum of the loss of albu- 
men is larger than that of the formation of urea, and 
in most cases therefore, amounts to much more than 
double. The conditions for the liberation of carbonic 
acid, are better during the fever heat, than during 
the normal. The feverish body is proportionally 
poor in azotic constituents, (albumen) but richer in 
non-azotic and carbonaceous (fat). Of azotic consti- 
tuents, the greater part that are rich in potash and 
hematin are consumed ; the blood corpuscles before 
all others, and then these also. The quantity 
of urine in fever is ordinarily governed by the supply 
of fluid, but stands in an unfavorable proportion to 
the normal amount. The quantity of water evapor- 
ated is increased in fever, "and indeed much more 
than that of the exhaled carbonic acid. The liber- 
ation of warmth is not increased in the beginning of 
the fever when chilly; rather decreased. At the 
height of the fever, it is on an average increased. 
The greater part of the loss of warmth in the fever APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
19 
heat, depends on the conduction and radiation, in the 
critical decline however, on the evaporation. The 
surplus warmth in the body during fever heat, can 
not be explained by alteration in the changes of 
matter, that are indicated by the resulting products, 
principally urea and carbonic acid. The skin during 
the fever has not lost its capacity to regulate the 
temperature of the body by changing its warmth and 
contents of blood. The higher temperature during 
fever is occasioned by the disproportion between the 
abnormal increased formation, and the increased lib- 
eration of warmth, though not in the same degree. 
At the same time the liberation at the height of the 
fever may be greater than normally, and occasion- 
ally even greater than the fever formation of warmth. 
The pyrognetic stage finds its strongest expression 
in the chill, the defervesetic stage in the crisis. The 
want or setting in of perspiration does not depend 
on the fever-process, but on the nature of the fever 
diseases or individual causes, and is of no account 
in regulating the warmth. ( Wiener med. preuse, No. 
3, 1874.) 
The Mechanical Doctrine of Fever, by Prof. 
Hueter. 
As the author has already shown on former occa- 
sions, one can examine the perturbations of the ca- 
pillary bloodflow in the mesentery and web of frogs, 
by infecting the animals with monadic fluids. Hith- 
erto the frog had not been used for such experiments, 
though Malpighi has shown the possibility of observ- 
ing the bloodflow in them, by means of the micros- 
cope. The normal circulation in the frog occurs so 
rapidly, that the separate globules are not at all 20 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKI, 
visible, but only a single red stream is seen, flowing 
through the capillary vessel. In infected frogs how- 
ever, the flow of blood is more or less retarded in 
the larger number of the alveolaric districts, while 
in a less number of alveolaries, the circulation re- 
mains normal. 
The author concludes therefrom, that during (In- 
fection) fever, a number of the smallest vessels are 
excluded from the total circulation of the body. He 
therefore sides with the theory of Traube and Sen- 
ator, who do not explain fever from the increased pro- 
duction of warmth, but from decreased liberation of 
warmth. When Traube assumed a contraction of 
the small principal arteries, as being the cause of 
the decreased liberation of warmth, this is partial, 
since one can perceive, like the author, the retarded 
circulation, not only in the skin, but also in the 
lung. Those alveolary districts, in which the mon- 
ades and white globules adhere, can naturally render 
less warmth to the air, in the interior of the alveo- 
laries. The temperature of the body must rise in 
consequence thereof. (Medical Centralblatt, xi., 5, 6, 
1873.) 
The fever itself consists : 
1. Of a special kind of weakness as the first effect 
of a distant cause, which the fever brings forth. 
2. Generally cramp or contraction of the arteries, 
but especially those lying on the periphery, and the 
capillary vessels of the periphery, are a necessary 
consequence following through two conditional ac- 
cumulation of blood in the heart and in the lime's, and 
3. Showing diseased heart, and diseased concaten- 
ation of the symptom as retro-effect of these organs. APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
21 
PROOFS 
In keeping a patient in a warm room, or in a 
warm bath to the degree of 4-5 F. above the normal 
temperature, the pulse will soon be more frequent 
and approach the subjective fever phenomenon. The 
symptoms will not diminish before the irregular heat 
is reduced. Should the person remain sometime in 
the same warm temperature—the pulse frequently 
will continue the same as though he had left the 
room until the temperature has returned to the nor- 
mal state. 
An even comparison is not possible, because arti- 
ficially warm air or warm bath of so high a temper- 
ature can never be obtained as in fever. In a warm 
bath it is difficult to increase the temperature above 
100-101 degrees of F., when as usual the perspiration 
breaks out, the fever symptoms mostly disappear, 
through the perspiration, and by reducing the tem- 
perature the heat will be reduced, which is not the 
case in fever. 
The contraction of the external vessels constitutes 
a very important symptom in diseases. These con- 
tractions stubbornly assert themselves, and cause a 
great retro-action and more so at a temperature of 
104-105 degrees F. 
The reduction of the fever heat to the normal 
state as necessary as it is—is therefore difficult and 
very uncertain 
While the contraction of the vessels and the per- 
spirations are regulated, the profuse heat will disap- 22 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKI. 
pear through perceptible and imperceptible perspir- 
ation. The abnormal heat and contractions are less, 
the action of the heart and arteries are regulated, 
and sleeps sets in. In this way the heat and the 
frequency of the pulse is reduced. 
The diseases can only he prevented in the begin- 
ning, by the use of plunge baths, at a later period it 
would only be beneficial so long as the same temper- 
ature is retained, but not so sure, because the body 
has become used to the fever. 
The Hydropaths, and the best author on the 
hydropathic methods say, that water is an animating, 
an antifebrile, a derivative and tonic remedy. 
1. As an animating Remedy, a short bath from two 
to five minutes of a temperature from 50-64 degrees 
F., provided that the body is warm before the batlq 
and bodily exercise is made in and after the bath. 
After such a bath one does not feel cold, but rather 
warm. The blood and nerves are invigorated, and 
resulting effect is fatigue and sleep. 
In the pathological state, this animating condition 
can be obtained instead of by means of the bath, by 
wet rubbing, half bath and the application of water 
at a certain temperature. 
The animated action is obtained the least by rubb- 
ing. This latter method cools only for a short time, 
and in an unimportant degree—more so when the 
body is not rubbed dry. In contrast to this, the de- 
rivative action of water can be obtained by rubbing, 
which creates an easy quiet and produces good sleep. 
The half bath from 72-77 degrees of F., and of a 
duration from 5-10 minutes, produces light chills and 
sinks the temperature from 1-2 degrees of F. The APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
23 
relative effect of these few moments is to produce 
small shocks to the nervous system. 
The application of pouring water from 50-63 de- 
grees of F. during 3-5 minutes, in addition to the re- 
vulsion, by rubbing, causes energetic reduction of the 
temperature, and considerable shocks to the nervous 
system. 
The resulting reaction produces the return of the 
disordered functions of the brain and nervous system. 
2. Antifebrile remedy which reduces the temperature. 
This effect can be obtained by the application of 
water in any form—only external manifestations of 
reduction of temperature, determine in which form 
the applications must be made 
The physician in each and every way succeeds in 
reducing the temperature, but he cannot prevent the 
increase of intense heat. 
To produce this the physician must prevent the 
inactive state of the temperature-regulator, of the 
medulla oblongata and Vagus nerve, and the paralytic 
weakness of the brain, as the Digitalis in typhus and 
scarlet fever and so forth are not sufficient, and the 
remedies which increase the warmth and irritate the 
brain, such as camphor, cannot be given to limit the 
composition of the blood. 
The first can be obtained by water if properly 
applied, when the animated power is methodically 
united with the reduction of the temperature. 
The second will be produced by proper and ener- 
getic application of water of antifebrile power. 
3. As Derivative. The excretions of the skin in 
Typhus, are according to Brand real crisis, and are 
produced in consequence of the increasing irritation. DR. V. ZOLNOWSKI, 
This can be obtained by rubbing the body with 
wet hands in the bath, and by washing and cold ap- 
plications. The skin becomes red, and eruption 
breaks out quickly. This method can be applied 
during the whole sickness, until the soreness will 
make further rubbing impossible. 
4. As a Tonic Remedy through economy of general 
consumption, which is produced by a weakened state 
and long standing fever, and by which the living 
matter is used up. 
The milder state of the fever, requires less con- 
sumption of the living matter. At the same time 
care should be taken of the digestion, and proper 
nourishment given. After the fever has moderated, 
half baths are recommended, besides supporting the 
abdomen with wet bandages. 
5. As a Local Remedy. Wet bandages in local dis- 
eases, to quiet and soothe. The wet bandages must 
be large, very cold, very wet and often changed, so 
as not to heat the diseased part. Cold, well wrung 
and seldom changed, they cause irritation. 
In a cold bath the external tissues of the body are 
cooled off to a certain degree, and the blood Hows 
back from the surface in consequence of the contrac- 
tion of the vessels, so that the blood is not, or only 
partly, cooled off. 
After the bath, the blood flows again more freely 
through the extended vessels of the tissues, which 
latter become warm through the blood, while again 
from the surface, the streaming blood in the cooled 
tissues cools off more or less, and so will produce for 
a longer time a general reduced temperature. Should 
warmer blood continue to flow, then a period must application op water in diseases. 
25 
come where the blood from the internal organs re- 
ceives as much heat, as it gave to the cooled off 
periphery, and instead of falling, the thermometer 
will remain the same for a different length of time. 
Brand’s General Indications are : 
a. The brain and nervous system must be protected 
against the united attacks of Typhus poison, fever 
heat, and diseased blood. 
b. Limiting the effect of the Typhus poison in the 
blood, and preventing through it their degeneration 
and its consequences. 
c. Preventing the formation of early secretion of 
the Typhus production. 
d. Preserving the strength, and decreasing the con- 
sumption, and 
e. Preventing and removing local diseases. 
The water will answer for all these five indications, 
as invigorating, antifebrile, derivative and tonic re- 
medies. 
GENERAL TREATMENT WITH 
THE SEDATIVE METHOD. 
The object here is to moderate the heat, and de- 
crease the frequency of the pulse. This may be ac- 
complished in many ways, but we must select such 
proceedings, as may insure success, and also under 
whatever circumstances it may be accomplished in 
the easiest manner. 
For this the following is recommended. 
1. Wet rubbings at a moderate temperature, which 
are repeated frequently in succession, until the tern- 26 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKI, 
perature of the patient becomes normal, or is a little 
below the normal state, each succeeding rubbing can 
be colder, by using more water on the fresh sheet, or 
by using colder water, or by applying the water with 
a sponge, so long as the sheet is around the body. 
The patient must then be dried, put to bed, and sup- 
plied with the necessary applications. This proceed- 
ing must be repeated, until the desired effect is 
produced. 
2. The application of wet sheets of a moderate 
temperature, from ten to twenty minutes, each suc- 
ceeding application five minutes longer; in the last 
sheet the patient can remain, as long as he feels com- 
fortable. In it they sometimes fall asleep. After 
that wet rubbings, should the heat of the body be 
very great; then a half bath of a higher temperature 
should be given, until the body is cooled off', while 
the head should be attended to. 
3. Should the heat, with the fever phenomenon 
be increased, the nerve centre, especially the brain be 
much affected, and should the symptoms again return 
soon after the application of the two last proceed- 
ings, then a half bath, with washing the upper part 
of the body and rubbing the feet should be at once 
resorted to; should weakness (Adynamia) appear, 
then immediately after washing the body, water of 
a low temperature may be poured over it 
GENERAL TREATMENT WITH 
THE EXCITING METHOD. 
In cases of debility, which can be known by great 
prostration, considerable agitation of the brain, slow APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
increase of temperature, and frequent weak pulse, 
the exciting method must be applied. 
For this the following is recommended: 
1. Long wet packings of a higher temperature, 
from 1-2 hours, followed by very quick and cold 
rubbings of a low temperature, also dry frictions of 
the whole body, especially the feet. 
2. Warm half baths of a higher temperature, pour- 
ing of cold water over the head and back, and Fol- 
lowed by dry rubbing. 
Both proceedings to be repeated if necessary. 
This can be known by the high temperature of the 
head, face, and general increased state of action. 
The stimulating art of the water cure system, has 
an altogether different effect, from so called excitant 
remedies, used in the Pharmacologia. This latter 
method, also shows its stimulating power by the de- 
crease of temperature, but the former acts as an irri- 
tant, and reduces the temperature quickly, and by 
small degrees. Through this slow process of decreas- 
ing the temperature, the irritation of the nervous 
system will be diminished. There will be the quiet 
manifestation of increased strength The general 
stimulating remedies, such as camphor, valerian, musk, 
wine, are incorporated with and produce an influence, 
by stimulating the nervous system. Notwithstand- 
ing that, the accelerated, changed process increases 
in the blood, and the irritation of the nervous system 
increases the debility, and through the irritation of 
the capillary vessels, the local process is heightened. 
Whether the patient after these proceedings should 
be allowed to walk out doors, or in his room, or to 
be put to bed, depends upon circumstances. In the 28 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKI, 
beginning of the sickness, the patient will feel strong* 
er after each proceeding, and in such case, he ought 
to be allowed, to exercise in the open air, if the 
weather is fair; in bad weather, exercise in his room. 
Should he feel weak, then he must not be allowed to 
exercise, but his room, should be well ventilated, and 
the windows should also be leit open in pleasant 
weather, without danger of ill effect. The greatest 
care should be taken to have the body and bed linen 
clean. 
LOCAL TREATMENT. 
Between each proceeding, wet applications are to 
be applied to the suffering part. The principal appli- 
cation should be made around the body and the head, 
instead of the usual belt bandage, which is seldom 
used, because it is 1oo troublesome to change It is 
preferable to apply a wet, thick, compress over the 
whole abdomen, with a dry towel or sheet over it, 
which is folded around the stomach, and which can 
be easily changed if necessary. 
To cool off' the head, a wet towel should be tied 
around the same in such a manner as to bring the two 
ends across the forehead, or a wet compress should 
be applied to the back, and a second one to the front of 
the head. The one on the back should not be 
changed as often, while the one on the forehead 
whenever necessary. In case the feet and hands get 
warm too slowly, then they should be dry rubbed, 
and wrapped in warm towels. In case the heat in 
the feet and hands is too great, then a wet towel 
should also be applied around them. APPLICATION OP WATER IN DISEASES. 
2. The local processes that are mostly based on 
Hyperaemia and inflammation, will be treated in cor- 
respondence with their developed state, either by the 
quieting or exciting method. 
The hot face should be cooled by frequent washing 
off with cold water ; the mouth and the throat, should 
be especially taken care of, by using gargle of cold 
water, or by washing out with a clean piece of linen. 
The blood is restored through nourishment and 
water. Nourishment should be taken often, and in 
as small quantities as circumstances will permit. It 
should only be of such quality, as will permit restitu- 
tion of the blood, as speedily as possible. 
For this, the following is recommended: 
Milk, beef broth, soup with yolk of eggs, or light 
paste, bread soup, afterward light puddings, light 
meats but the quality should be carefully selected, 
because it may cause the return of sickness. Drink- 
ing a certain quantity of water of a certain tempera- 
ture, has the effect of cooling off and restoring the 
loss of water, and relieving the hyperaemia in the 
indigestive organ. The crisis should not be disturbed. 
If the perspiration decrease or stops, then rubbing of 
moderate temperature should be applied, because the 
body is too sensitive for too low a temperature; 
should the perspiration not continue, then the body 
should be rubbed with a wet sheet, so that the skin 
vessels become irritated and are forced to perspire. 
The temperature should never be decreased too 
much, because production of perspiration requires a 
certain amount of heat. 30 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKI. 
A SHORT REMARK ON PNEUMONIA. 
The present prevailing inflammation of the lungs 
(called pneumonia), induces me to add my opinion on 
the treatment of this disease. The severe winter 
brought a frequency of this disease, which is only 
known to this extent in the northern parts during 
the months of December, January, February and 
March. The frequent development of this disease, 
is caused by the high rate of barometer, (great at- 
mospheric pressure,) high degrees of cold, great dry- 
ness of atmosphere, lower electricity and frequent 
north-winds, blowing over countries where there is 
no vegetation and no forests. Men are predisposed 
to this disease more than females—plethoric persons 
and also persons with diseased lungs. After taking 
cold, the predisposed is afflicted with a congestion, 
(Hyperaemia) of the lungs, and shortly after, follows 
an exudation of a fibrous, compact fluid into the cells 
of the lungs, called pneumonia. The most impor- 
tant symptom in pneumonia is therefore the high 
congested state of the lungs, which alone according 
to Dr. Rokitansky is the most frequent cause of sud- 
den deaths, or with the following oedema. The 
most successful treatment is by contracting the con- 
gested vessels, and reducing the high temperature 
of the blood, by the proper, local and general appli- 
cation of water, in such a manner as to produce its 
antiphlogistic and sedative results, of a lowest and 
moderate temperature, and by derivative application 
of water to the lower extremities. By these pro- APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
31 
ceedings the congestion of the lungs will be dimin- 
ished, and less exudation take place. In the next 
state, in order to aid the softening and support the 
absorption, and expectoration of the exudation, is 
recommended the exciting method of the application 
of water, at the higher temperature, in the form of 
wet packing, wet bandages, wet rubbing, half baths, 
internal use of water and proper nourishment. By 
this treatment, the patient is not debilitated, but 
soon recovers, without ill effect. 
From all this we see, when treating diseases, we 
are occupied in healing the diseased change of mat- 
ter, that this abnormal change of matter, can be in- 
creased or decreased, and that the qualitative devia- 
tion of nourishment is only established by quantitative 
conditions of the moleculary adhesion and repulsion. 
The increase of the abnormal diminished change 
of matter, can only be done, when by some circum- 
stance which we call irritation, motion in the mole- 
cules is aroused, and these come into different posi- 
tions and distances to each other, entering into nu- 
merous new combinations. By these aroused motions 
of change of matter in the organic parts, the intro- 
duced food will be easier combined with the consti- 
tuents of the organism, and thereby cause better 
nutrition. With the increased formation of matter, 
the functions of all organs will gain strength and in- 
tensity, and hence these will gradually return to 32 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKI, 
their normal state ; each positive cure can only take 
place in the nutritive manner. 
This increased change of matter will be attained, 
by assisting the function of the nervous system, since 
this especially controls the circulation, respiration 
and capillary action. 
By irritating the respiratory nerves, especially the 
vagus nerve, the breathing becomes deeper and 
about one-fifth part quicker; therefore the reception 
of oxygen is larger, by this irritation of the same 
nerve the motion of the heart becomes stronger, and 
acts about one-third slower, consequently the contact 
of the blood with the oxygen in the lungs, is more 
intense and lasting. The proportion of the cir- 
culation to the respiration is more favorable, by 
the excitement of the nerve centres, the nervous in- 
fluence on all functions is stronger, and by exciting 
the vessel-nerves, the capillary bloodtlow, and change 
of matter will be more active. 
The general therapeutical remedies, which cause 
the motion of matter, excitants, amara, robor- 
antia, solventia, etc., attain this result seldom or not 
at all, as only in very rare cases the motion of 
matter is controlled by them in the desired measure. 
For all these substances are to the greater part ab- 
sorbed in the circulation, and there cause their effect. 
By their exciting action, their irritation extends 
through the whole mass of blood, and not alone rests 
on the nervous system of the vessels, but also on the 
central parts of it. By the irritation of the vessel 
nerves, which is a general one, the exciting effect 
will also be general, as well in the internal organs, 
as in the external skin. Hyperaemia in the vessels APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
33 
and plethoric parts will appear, acting more severe 
on the delicate parts, and very easily causing stag- 
nation. 
Although some of these remedies, the one or the 
other, may act on the organic sphere, it is impossi- 
ble to tell in advance, which organ and which 
mucous membranes are especially affected. Through 
the irritation of the nervous sympathicus, the breath 
and heart motion is accelerated, and we possess only 
certain remedies, which act retardingly on the latter, 
(as aconite, digitalis,) and which do not belong pro- 
perly in the category of excitantia, and whose colla- 
teral action may be disadvantageous in a special case. 
The excitement of all central points of the nervous 
system, is sometimes not at all observed, but only 
that of its individual parts. 
If the irritating remedies are locally applied, then 
they can only be used externally, and brought only 
in the accessible cavities, as the urethra, bladder, in 
the rectum, in the vagina, uterus, the throat, and 
perhaps also into the larynx, but not to those parts 
where their action would be desirable; and then it 
happens besides, that they are absorbed in the blood 
and thereby cause other disadvantageous results. 
Sometimes it is just the stomach and intestines 
which cannot stand the irritation, when such reme- 
dies generally bring on a positive local disadvantage, 
without causing more than a problematic advantage. 
The degree of irritation of these remedies, cannot be 
discovered until it is manifested by the consequences, 
which sometimes appear too late; for if the remedy 
is once taken in, it is very difficult to remove it 34 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKT, 
again. The duration of such an irritation cannot be 
determined, because the diseases in the different in- 
dividuals, and after the different circumstances of 
the individuals, are different. 
Under the application of water the case is changed. 
By the action of the change of temperature on the 
organism, we obtain sure and positive results, which 
are favorable to the desire and object. If we admit 
that each momentary decreased temperature, acts in 
an exciting manner on the surface of the peripheric 
nerves, that the excitement differs with the quick- 
ness and intensity of the decrease of temperatures, 
with it rises and falls, if one considers, that the irri- 
tation can quickly be diminished, and just so quickly 
increased, that this irritation can be repeated as often 
as one deems it advisable, in which the mass of blood 
remains untouched, there remains no doubt, that we 
can control this remedy better and with more cer- 
tainty. This irritation differs from any other, be- 
cause it principally acts on the nervous system, and 
increases its nutrition, without changing its chemi- 
cal constituents. 
The irritation can be concentrated on the different 
spheres of the nervous system, therefore the brain 
alone, the spine alone, the respiration alone, the cir- 
culation alone, and the vessel nerves can be separ- 
ately controlled thereby. 
Through the momentary withdrawal of warmth 
from the peripheric nerve ends, a change of position 
of the nerve-molecules takes place, as in every irri- 
tation, which extends over the whole fibres. But 
when the temperature has again equalized itself, the APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
35 
original condition again returns. We cannot alone 
in general control the organic action, in applying 
water, but we are enabled, to point out the degree, the 
extent, the location, and the duration of the effect, and 
to conform to the individuality, which in applying 
internal remedies, is not the case. 
The decrease of the diseased increased organic 
change of matter, whose principal process exists in 
an increased formation of warmth, 36-318 F. above 
the normal state, and as it occurs in all fever dis- 
eases, with abnormal increased excitement of the 
entire nervous system, with increased heart and re- 
spiratory action, with hyperaemia and inflammations, 
and as it also appears in local disturbances without 
general fever symptoms, takes place directly by the 
diminution of the organic warmth, being the princi- 
pal excitant of the organic motion. 
The common Therapy diminishes the material of 
the organism, by the withdrawal of the organic 
fluids, and the food, and removes the external irrita- 
tions. The water cure system, however, acts direct- 
ly on the action of the organic matter, by withdraw- 
ing the warmth and soothe the irritability, and the 
conductibility of the nerves, and can indeed be con- 
trolled as to stop entirely any motion. 
The frequency of the pulse, decreases the respira- 
tion, comes into the normal proportion to the beat 
of the heart, the hyperaemia is removed by the con- 
traction of the capillaries, and also the branches of 
the arteries are larger, thereby decreasing the for- 
mation of stases. If we do not stop the chemical 
changes, which are caused by the different diseases Or. y. zolnowskI. 
in the blood, as in Typhus, Exauthems, intermittent 
fever, and do not entirely destroy the causes, as they 
are only known to us in their consequences, still we 
can paralyze their analyzing power, by withdrawing 
that condition, the warmth, which is absolutely ne- 
cessary for their further development. 
We can replace the loss of organic matters, which 
the body suffers by the constant chemical changes, 
by new introduction of food, whose right assimula- 
tion and proper absorption is possible only in this 
treatment. It therefore shows itself clearly enough 
and requires no further proof, that the advantages of 
this treatment, preponderate above all others. 
Even in advance states of brain and spinal dis- 
eases, the water cure system since its general appli- 
cation, has frequently proved its beneficial results, 
according to the testimonials of German and French 
physicians, and I myself have had the opportunity, 
partly in my practice, partly in the water cure insti- 
tute, of treating cases of disturbances of 
motility, beginning withvancf resulting in complete 
lameness, and which had lasted for years, curing 
some completely, and relieving others, in such a 
manner that they were enabled to make use of their 
limbs again to a great extent. Of course consider- 
able time is required, as it is generally the case in 
such chronic diseases, but the patients are afterwards 
able to continue the treatment at home, if circum- 
stances should not allow them to remain any longer 
in the institute. It cannot be denied, that if the 
water cure is improperly applied, the malady thereby 
may be greatly increased, and consequently some 
will be opposed to this method. APPLICATION OP WATER IN DISEASES. 
37 
Heretofore in America, the use of water, as a re- 
medy for diseases, has been mostly in the hands of 
men who having no physiological and pathological 
knowledge, as a foundation on which to cause the 
application, have failed totally in bringing out its 
true effects, and in fact, actually abused its full and 
beneficial use. 
Before all, it remains for the physician to find out, 
to what degree, what extent, and of what character 
if more active or atonic the disturbances are. This 
can be seen from the duration of the disease, the ir- 
ritability of the nervous system, of the respective 
parts especially and greatly from the diseased 
symptoms; the observance of the patient after the 
applications of the first proceedings is here an infal- 
lible criterion, to determine the cure for the future. 
At the beginning of the disease, and far into its dur- 
ation, the active character will make itself known 
in all symptoms; afterwards these will change, the 
moderated irritability of the nerves and muscles will 
be of a more passive character, and the exciting pro- 
ceedings will always cause an immediate relief. 
From this relief, its duration and its gradual in- 
crease, it will be possible to determine the kind and 
intensity of the method to be applied. It of course 
is understood, that such fine observations cannot be 
expected from every person. 
It is the general erroneous opinion, that water as 
a remedy, is merely water, and that the results of 
its application, no matter how or in what manner it 
may be done, or at what degree of temperature, it 
may be applied, must always be beneficial. Water, 38 
DR. V. ZOLNOWSKf, 
indeed, under the direction of a physician, skilled in 
its application is the most potent remedy we possess, 
and properly administered produces good results ; but 
like every thing else in nature, it has its positive 
and its negative effects. It is the good result, however, 
that is to be sought after, and not its hurtful abuse. 
But this latter is much more frequently obtained 
than the former, by the haphazard way in which 
some physicians prescribe the use of water. I have 
often in my own practice, met cases where the doc- 
tor himself, not knowing the proper routine in water 
treatment, has sent a subordinate, a so-called “ rub- 
ber,” to attend a patient, and this man has given 
him instead of a invigorating, an exhausting wash-off 
of an hour or more, and then packed him for either a 
too short or too long a time, to the great injury of 
the patient. These “ rubbers,” have several parties 
to attend, and while one is undergoing treatment, 
they leave him thus in a pack, and go to another, 
thus endeavoring to serve several at the same time, 
to their own pecuniary benefit, and to the disadvan- 
tage and harm of the patient; and some, even offer 
themselves independently of the advice of a physi- 
cian. No wonder patients complain that the effects 
are not beneficial and so denounce the whole system 
as totally inefficient. These men are not to be blamed 
so much as those who stmd them to perform these 
services. These “ rubbers,” are ignorant of the true 
method of applying the cure; they do not know, that 
a difference even of a few degrees in temperature, 
and a few minutes in time, is enough to change 
wholly the retro-effect of the exciting or quieting 
application of the water used. APPLICATION OF WATER IN DISEASES. 
39 
This custom ought to be discountenanced, since it is 
not only prejudicial to the true interests of those 
who seek relief from this water cure treatment, but 
also, because it is in direct opposition to the recent 
act of the legislature, in reference to practicing 
physicians. 
V. ZOLNOWSKI, M. D., 
WATER CURE INSTITUTION, 
463 West 21st Street, New York.