Great difference of opinion exists as to the cause of gout. Ancient physicians called it the daughter of Bacchus and Venus; and truly persons, or their progeny, devoted to these two divinities, offer the greatest number of examples.

To cure this complaint, the ingenuity of thousands of scientific men has been taxed, and the whole pharmacopoeia applied to in vain. Perspiration is mostly resorted to; but as this is effected by warm baths, vapour baths, or drugs, the consequences are so debilitating that few constitutions can bear them. The result of all medical treatment in this disease is, the degradation of robust constitutions, and the promotion of diseases worse than the gout itself.

Volumes might be written on the various remedial measures which have been resorted to in this complaint, and of which time has shewn the fallacy. We now ask the invalid, if he ever knew the gout radically cured by any pharmaceutical means? Were Hydropathists asked whether they ever knew cases of gout cured by water, they would unhesitatingly answer in the affirmative. Incipient gout is always curable. The same may be said of chronic gout, except in isolated cases: then Hydropathy invariably gives relief; and by regulating the functions of the body, improves the general health.

The following treatment and cases will shew how the manipulation is varied, to combat this disease in its manifold forms:—

Gout cannot be cured by local applications; the whole system must be purified by a general treatment, or no permanent cure can be effected.

For occasional attacks of gout in the extremities, the constitution being otherwise robust:—

In the morning, put a bandage on the part affected, pack the patient in blankets (sweating process) until perspiration appears in the face.

Then put him into the half-bath—water 62° to 65° Fahr.; let him be well rubbed in this from 5 to 25 minutes, or until friction can be applied to all parts alike. Cold water should be occasionally poured over head and shoulders during the operation. This ended, put bandages round the waist and on the afflicted part.

For the second treatment:—About mid-day, rubbed in a packing-sheet; take a sitz-bath for fifteen minutes—first time tepid 64°, afterwards cold; then put the offending member into cold water for ten or fifteen minutes, and renew bandages.

In the afternoon, at 5 o’clock, repeat mid-day treatment. During the day, drink ten to fourteen tumblers of water.

The above treatment will generally put an end to a slight attack of gout; but to eradicate it from the system, the cure must be followed up. To effect this, for the sweating process on the second day, substitute the packing-sheet until warm, which generally requires the patient to lie in it from thirty minutes to an hour.

Where a bath cannot be obtained, the rubbing sheet is used instead; this should be very little wrung out, and if one does not cool the body, a second or a third should be applied.

The douche is often applied in gout; but as that cannot be the case in ordinary practice, the practitioner must use his discretion in prescribing it.

It is good treatment to use the sweating process in the morning, and the packing-sheet in the afternoon.

The bandages must be worn day and night, and changed often.

Cases.—A patient, fifty years of age, with rheumatic gout, bad digestion, nervousness, fingers blue and swollen, slight pain in the knee, much debilitated, was ordered:—In the morning, five rubbing sheets, two or three minutes each, allowing a short interim between each. At noon, the same. At five o’clock, the same. Ten tumblers of water daily. Bandages to parts affected, and round the loins always. On the patient experiencing great pain under the knees, the morning treatment was changed to lying in packing-sheets until well warmed, followed by the tepid bath. Patient soon improved in health.

A——, forty-six years of age, suffered fifteen years from periodical attacks of gout, and had his last severe attack in his feet, hands, and elbows, accompanied by paralysis, which affected his voice.

Treatment.—Laid in packing-sheet until perspiration ensued (two or three hours); then tepid bath renewed by cold water being thrown over head and shoulders; noon, rubbing-sheet, followed by sitz-bath 62° for fifteen minutes; cold foot-bath fifteen minutes, and head-bath ten minutes; afternoon, morning treatment repeated.

Alternate days, sweating in blankets instead of the sheets; all other treatment the same as before.

This continued treatment was persevered in for ten weeks, when patient was prescribed sweating in the morning, and packing-sheet in the afternoon, followed by cold bath. Sitz and foot-baths as before; head-bath discontinued. Shortly after, sweating twice a day, with foot-baths, fifteen minutes in the middle of the day. Sitz-baths dispensed with. This treatment at the end of six weeks was again changed for perspiring only once a day, for three hours. Patient was at length ordered to discontinue the treatment altogether, and proceed to the sea-side for a month. Soon after his return again to GrÄfenberg, he was able to walk fifteen miles at a time, as is seen by his own letter.

B——, fifty-six years of age, suffering from Gout upwards of seventeen years, generally incapacitated from following his occupation seven or eight months in a year. Feet and hands distorted.

Treatment.—Packing sheet and tepid-bath in morning and afternoon, and sitz and foot-bath, each fifteen minutes; at noon, bandages round the waist. After a week’s treatment, a fit of gout came on in foot and ankle, which was combated by packing-sheet and tepid bath before breakfast; tepid sitz-bath at noon, and the morning treatment repeated in the afternoon. After three days, a boil began to form under the left jaw; treatment continued, with the exception of patient’s going (after the packing-sheet), into tepid bath for two minutes, then into the cold bath for two minutes, and back to the tepid, from ten to fifteen minutes.

In eight days, gout returned with greater violence, when recourse was had to the packing-sheet, as before; with tepid baths from twenty minutes to an hour, besides following up other parts of the treatment. In seven or eight days the fit quite subsided. Some time after this he had a relapse, which patient stated to me, under the allopathic treatment, would have confined him to his room at least six months; this was treated as follows:—

Packing-sheet until warm, followed by tepid bath, ten minutes; then walked about the room for a quarter of an hour; then the bath again for a quarter of an hour, a respite of a few minutes, and the bath a third time.

Two hours after the above operation, a tepid sitting-bath 62°, for twenty minutes.

In the afternoon the packing-sheet and bath as before. This treatment was repeated, every day for six days, when patient was out of doors again.

From this time patient felt himself so changed a man, that the author saw him cry with joy. He could use his limbs as he had not done for many years, and to prove it, ran up a hill with astonishing alacrity. Three days treatment were sufficient to reduce the swelling of his knuckles, toes, and hands.

This patient, on his first arrival, Mr. Priessnitz ordered, without any previous preparation, into a tepid bath, where he was rubbed upwards of an hour.

C——, aged forty. Gout generally returned in summer.

Treatment.—Morning, and afternoon, packing-sheet, tepid bath; noon, douche, three minutes.

After six weeks treatment, strong redness and much pain to the conjunctiva; douche omitted.

Sitz-baths of from an hour to an hour and a half; foot-baths; cold wet bandages to the eye, which became effected.

Then sweating processes, with wet bandages to the head, which afforded relief.

Alternate tepid, cold and tepid baths for a quarter of an hour; immediately after the packing-sheet, foot-bath and water poured over the ancle. Eyes still red; foot-bath resorted to three times a day, followed by rubbing sheet, instead of the bath and bandage to the eye. Eyes could bear the light. Patient’s appetite good and sleep sound. At night his arms, head, and most of his body were covered with bandages.

In three weeks, patient’s whole body covered with an eruption; recourse again had to the packing-sheet and tepid bath twice a day. From this time health improved daily.

D——, a gouty subject, forty-five years of age. Priessnitz, called up in the middle of the night, found the Baron labouring under an attack of gout in his chest and stomach, which almost prevented his breathing. He was immediately put into a packing-sheet for from five to ten minutes, and out of that into a tepid bath, where two men rubbed him for a quarter of an hour; cold water being continually thrown over his head and shoulders; this effectually put an end to the attack, and the patient afterwards slept soundly until the time for his usual treatment next morning. This case shows that the fear of this treatment driving gout to the stomach, is groundless and it combats a dangerous attack, and quicker than it can be done by any other means.

Hereditary Gout.—E——, a Polish nobleman, fifty-four years of age, suffered two winters from hereditary gout, which had existed in his family for upwards of forty years.

He was attacked in his feet and arms, which confined him to his bed several months.

Treatment:—In the mornings, packing-sheet and tepid bath; noon, rubbing-sheet followed by sitz-bath, fifteen minutes; afternoon, rubbing-sheet.

In eighteen days he had boils on his feet and arms, from which matter continued to exude for three or four weeks; at the expiration of which Priessnitz said, “Now we will increase the treatment, to see if any more bad matter remains in the system.”

The sweating process and cold bath were now resorted to three or four times a week; the packing-sheet and cold bath other days; and the douche every day for three minutes. This treatment was continued for several weeks, during which no change of any kind was produced, a confirmation of the cure being effected.

On leaving GrÄfenberg, Priessnitz advised him to return the next year, to see if the cure was a radical one.

In 1845, the Count returned, when he was subjected to a most vigorous treatment, such as sweating, douche, etc., for a month, without any return of gout.

On leaving GrÄfenberg he assured me, that he was not only cured of gout; but that his digestive powers, which for years had been deranged, were in perfect order, and that his general health was completely restored.

Sixteen years previous to the Count’s going to GrÄfenberg, he had his elbow wounded by a ball in a duel, which occasionally caused him great pain. For the cure of this, he, at the time, rubbed in a yellow ointment. Singular to say, after a lapse of sixteen years, during a crisis, this ointment re-appeared on the elbow and arm, so thick as to be taken off with the finger. The exuding of this ointment lasted about eight days. Since the cure of his gout was effected, the arm has been pliant, and the elbow has been free from pain.

Gout in Head and Feet.—F——, a German professor, aged sixty; a small delicate man, with gout in both hands and both feet: all were contracted, he had been a martyr to gout for years and upwards, when a paroxysm of gout came on the following morning.

The following treatment was resorted to. Morning, packing-sheet until thoroughly warm; then tepid bath 64° for two hours, during which time 200 cans of cold water were thrown over his head and shoulders.

Twenty-five cans were first thrown; then great friction for some time; then twenty-five cans more, followed by friction; and so repeated until two hundred cans had been thrown over him.

Heating bandages were applied to all parts afflicted, and kept there day and night.

The above treatment was resorted to again in the afternoon.

One paroxysm that I witnessed, lasted three weeks. It was astonishing to see the courage displayed by this patient.

Each operation afforded relief for the time; but the enemy had strong hold upon the system, and was ejected with difficulty.

During all the time the patient had a good appetite and slept soundly at night.

He was still under the cure when I left GrÄfenberg. Priessnitz said, to effect this cure, it would require at least four years’ treatment, which the patient said he would prefer to a renewal of the suffering he had already undergone, previously to coming to GrÄfenberg.

Calcareous Deposit in the Knees, and high state of Inflammation.—The last case shews how the human body may be exposed to the action of water, with friction, for any length of time. The present case is that of an English Gentleman, well known to all visitors at GrÄfenberg.

G——, aged between 50 and 60, gouty for the last twenty years, with contraction of the limbs, chalk stones having formed in the joints. This patient travelled from Italy to GrÄfenberg during the heat of summer, and, on arriving, had a most painful attack of gout in his lower extremities.

Priessnitz, without the least preparation, put him into a tepid bath, and he was rubbed by three men for nearly three hours, occasionally throwing pails of cold water over his head and shoulders. This so reduced the inflammation, that, towards the end of that period, the afflicted part might also be rubbed with the wet hand.

Heating bandages were then applied to those parts and the waist.

Water was drunk plentifully during and after the operation.

Patient was able afterwards to get out of doors with the use of sticks, and slept well at night.

Next morning he began the regular treatment, which was as follows:—

Packing-sheet until warm; then the bath as before for about two hours; noon, rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath, fifteen minutes; afternoon, morning process renewed.

Mr. Priessnitz told this patient that, by the following means, he might always ward off a violent attack of gout:—

On feeling the slightest sensation of gout, he should instantly be put into a tepid bath, 62 deg., replenished with cold water, and be therein rubbed for a couple of hours.

This gentleman’s general health is perfect: he very seldom has any attacks, and they are slight; but the calcareous deposit in his knees, up to the present, resists all attempts at removal.

Acute attack of Gout.—A patient being attacked with gout was put into a tepid bath, 68 deg., up to the neck, and rubbed by himself and two men. By particular injunctions, the process was not to be discontinued until all pain subsided. The original temperature of the bath was maintained by fresh supplies of cold water. In seven hours the patient was completely relieved. His after-treatment was:—

Morning, packing-sheet and plunge-bath, bandage round the waist and on part afflicted; at noon, douche, and afterwards a rubbing-sheet; afternoon, rubbing-sheet; the simplest food. On a return of the acute attack, patient was ordered to perform the bath operation again; but, not persevering in remaining seven hours in the bath, the attack was not overcome: the patient was then ordered cold bath every morning before breakfast (temperature kept always as cold as possible), from fifteen to twenty minutes, which effected the cure. This patient was allowed a little weak chocolate, and was ordered to drink abundantly of water.

A—— had a most violent attack at GrÄfenberg, for which he was put up to his neck into a tepid bath, 64 deg., and there rubbed by two men for seven hours. Priessnitz gave particular orders that the patient should not leave the bath until all pain had completely subsided. Cold water was frequently added, to keep that in the bath at the original temperature. By these means the attack was completely subdued. Daily treatment:—

Morning, packing-sheet and cold plunge-bath; bandage to be applied to parts affected; noon, douche, and sitz-bath, fifteen minutes; afternoon, as in the morning.

Instructions:—Eat plain food; and in case of a return of gout, faithfully perform the first operation.

Gout in the Foot and Ankle.—A lady awoke in the morning with pain in her foot and ankle, which were both swollen.

Treatment.—Packing-sheet for an hour, followed by a rubbing-sheet; after which a foot-bath, up to the instep, for a quarter of an hour; and the foot and leg, up to the knee, well rubbed all the time.

Bandages were then applied from the toes to the knee.

At noon, and in the afternoon, the foot-bath was again applied, and the bandages were changed.

This simple treatment put an end to the attack in two days. If it had not done so, it ought to have been repeated.

XXXV.—Rheumatism, etc.

Gout, rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, tic doloureux, and neuralgia, all being attended with inflammation, are so nearly allied, that the same treatment as for gout, with slight variation, might be applied to any or all of them.

Rheumatism.—On a slight attack of rheumatism, rub the part affected with wet hands three times a day, from a quarter of an hour to an hour each time; then apply a bandage, which change when dry, and wear it until the pain ceases.

Rub the body all over with a wet towel, then a dry one; wait five minutes, then repeat the same operation four times in succession: this will animate the circulation. Then apply a bandage as in the case of gout. This treatment should be applied several times a day. Rheumatic subjects ought never to be overclothed, wear flannel, or fail drinking water.

When the attack is more severe, three rubbing-sheets in succession, allowing an interim of from three to five minutes between each. The body must be dried after each rubbing-sheet; this increases the effect of the next rubbing-sheet. Rub the parts affected often with wet hands, and apply bandages. This treatment may be repeated three or four times a day. If there is a great want of circulation, the patient may lie in bed until warm, between the application of each rubbing-sheet.

Neuralgic Pains.—Whatever the nature of these pains may be (supposing the patient not too debilitated), perspiration will generally be found to relieve them. To effect this:—

When in bed in the morning, add a number of blankets, and on them a feather-bed: there remain until in a profuse perspiration; then cool the body, either by rubbing-sheets, a cold bath,—or get a washing-tub, stand up in it, and have some jugs of water poured over the head and shoulders. This very often settles the affair at once.

A patient was afflicted in every joint so that he could not be moved in bed without great pain.

Packing-sheets until warm, which required about half an hour, ten times a day, allowing an interval between them. Each packing sheet was followed by a rubbing with wet hands.

This treatment in one day enabled patient to stand; then the packing sheets were used four times a day, followed by rubbing sheets. Parts affected and loins always enclosed in bandages. Patient drank sixteen to twenty glasses of water a day. He was out of doors the third day, and afterwards pursued a more vigorous treatment, such as sweating, douche, &c.

A——, had a severe rheumatic attack in both knees; he thought swinging his legs backwards and forwards would relieve him; instead of which, it brought on enlargement of the joints and inflammation: whilst at GrÄfenberg I inquired of Priessnitz what he ought to have done.—

Answer—He ought in, the first instance, to have rubbed the knees well and often with wet hands and worn a bandage. If this was not sufficient, then to have put the feet and legs, over the knees into cold water for half an hour at least, rubbing them all the time, and apply a bandage from the calf of the leg to the middle of the thigh.

Chronic Rheumatism.—A——, contracted rheumatism in 1837, which commenced as sciatica. Constitution greatly debilitated. Medical advice, sea baths, hot baths, and other remedies, useless.

Patient went to GrÄfenberg, August 1843, and left in May following.

Treatment.—Packing-sheet, followed by cold bath twice a-day; noon, sitz-bath and foot-bath, fifteen minutes each; legs rubbed all the time up to the knee. Douche three minutes daily.

In November, one of his usual attacks came on, when sixteen rubbing sheets a-day were resorted to. Four of these were given in succession four times a-day; between each rubbing sheet, the patient being weak lay down in bed, until warm bandages were applied as usual.

This attack subsided after the second day, when patient renewed his former treatment.

B——, travelling in North America, and exposed to severe rains without the means of changing his clothes, suffered the consequences such circumstances frequently entail. Rheumatism almost beyond endurance induced him to go to GrÄfenberg.

At the first interview, Priessnitz put him first into a tepid bath 64 deg., out of which he plunged into a cold bath, where he staid about a minute, and from that he returned again to the tepid, when bandages were applied to his waist and parts affected.

Treatment.—Morning, packing-sheet until warm, then cold bath; noon, rubbing-sheet; afternoon, packing-sheet, twenty minutes, and then rubbing-sheet again.

Left GrÄfenberg in a month, during which time patient used the rubbing-sheet mornings and evenings; exposed his body (after that in the morning) quite naked in his room, from a quarter to half an hour.

On returning to GrÄfenberg, the douche was substituted for the rubbing-sheet at noon. After continuing the treatment for some time, rheumatism returned, when he was ordered three rubbing-sheets five minutes each, twice a-day; between each an air bath of five minutes.

A crisis of boils ensued, and after they healed, patient was perfectly well. The patient writes to a friend—“I now leave GrÄfenberg with a clean body, and a sincere wish for your own speedy cure, and that of all the agreeable acquaintances that I leave behind me, under the safe care of our virtuous and sagacious friend V. Priessnitz.”

Chronic Rheumatism, Chronic Headache, Constipation, Piles, &c.—A Gentleman, aged about 45, was treated as follows:—

Morning, sweating process and cold bath, three minutes; noon, douche, three minutes; an hour afterwards, sitz-bath fifteen minutes; foot-bath fifteen minutes; head-bath ten minutes; one following the other immediately; afternoon, noon treatment over again; all night—loins, feet, legs, and thighs, to the fork, were encased in bandages.

In a few months, rheumatism, piles, and constipation were cured, but head-ache returned at intervals.

Rheumatic attack in the Back, Shoulders, and Neck.—The sweating process, followed by three rubbing-sheets not much wrung out, applied without intermission for five minutes each, put an end to the attack at once. If this number of rubbing-sheets had not cooled the body, more must have been used.

Had rheumatism continued, rubbing-sheets must have been resorted to again in the afternoon, and the sweating resumed the next day.

Rheumatic Fever.—For a slight attack of rheumatic fever, three rubbing-sheets three times a-day were found sufficient.

Rheumatic Gout.—A gentleman named Heymann, about 34 years of age, at the fire at Hamburg was exposed to the wet from the engines for several days and nights. The result was, a violent attack of rheumatic gout; first in the knees and feet, then neck and arms; afterward in hip and both breasts, which confined him to bed a whole year, from April 1843 to April 1844. During this time he took large quantities of medicine, and used steam and sulphur baths: about seventy of the former, and near a hundred of the latter. Also mud and sulphur baths, which enabled him to walk for about a month, when he was again confined to bed. Gout having attacked the breast, both his medical attendants declared they could do no more. 1st May, 1844, he was conveyed to GrÄfenberg, so crippled that he could not dress himself. He began the treatment as follows:—

Morning, packing-sheet and tepid bath; noon, three rubbing-sheets, at intervals of five minutes, with open windows; afternoon, packing-sheet one hour, and tepid bath; bandage round the body, and from ankles to knees during the night.

Pain increasing, parts affected were rubbed with wet hands both day and night until they became hot. Body entirely bandaged by night. Bandage changed three or four times as pain resulted from the bandages being dry.

At the expiration of three months, patient enabled to walk out. Treatment changed.

Morning, packing-sheet and tepid bath; noon, one rubbing-sheet, followed by sitz-bath for quarter of an hour; douche before and after breakfast for three minutes; then morning and evening packing-sheet and bath; tepid for two minutes; then cold one minute and back to tepid bath for two minutes, instead of an entire tepid bath.

Two months’ continuation of this treatment brought out an eruption around the body, and on the calves of the legs; also a strong fever which lasted nine days, which was succeeded by boils.

Then three packing-sheet a-day were applied, and tepid, cold, and tepid baths; continually changing from one to another for an hour and a half. Douche and rubbing-sheet stopped during the fever.

The eruption continued for three months, discharging whitish brown matter. During all this time the last treatment was persevered in.

The eruption and boils gave great relief. When pain was diminished and the eruption ceased, the body bandage was relinquished and those of the waist and calves retained, and cold bath for one minute, succeeded the packing sheet.

1st April, 1845. Douche, from three to five minutes, substituted for the rubbing-sheet.

May 16th, 1845.—Patient was declared perfectly well. He had gone the whole of the winter without stockings, neckcloth, or waistcoat, wearing only linen coat and trousers, and sleeping with his windows wide open. When I saw him at GrÄfenberg, in May, I thought I never saw a man in such robust rude health in my life.

This case made a great sensation at Hamburg, as the party is well known on the exchange of that city.

Sciatica.—A soldier aged 35, after having been three months in the hospital with Sciatica, without relief, was cured in five days by the following treatment:—

In the morning sweating process and cold bath; noon, two rubbing-sheets; afternoon, the same; much rubbing at other times with wet hands. Bandages to the part were applied, and much water drank.

This case was treated by the author at Limerick; and the following process was adopted:—

Sciatica and Lumbago.—Patient ordered:—Morning, four rubbing-sheets; at noon, the same; afternoon the same, and if necessary, to be repeated on going to bed. The usual interval of time between each sheet to be observed, and parts affected covered in bandages. The treatment to have been repeated next day, had not the first removed the pains.

In all cases of this nature, Rubbing with wet hands is highly beneficial, and sometimes Enemas of cold water should be resorted to. If obstinate, the sweating process must be employed. I knew a very severe acute case of Sciatica and Lumbago relieved in two days, by the application of four rubbing-sheets at four intervals during the day, and the evening bandages were applied, and water drunk in abundance.

Lumbago or Rick in the Back.—A young man woke early in the morning with a most excruciating pain in his loins. He could not determine whether it was simply Lumbago, or a Rick in the back, brought on from playing at skittles or chopping wood the day before.

Priessnitz had him turned on his stomach, his back rubbed for an hour with wet hands, and then covered with a bandage.

The Rubbing was to be repeated every four hours, and the bandage changed every two hours.

The patient was to remain lying on his stomach the whole day and night if not cured. The reason for this must be evident to those who reflect upon it. Cured the same day.

Violent attack of Lumbago, supposed to have been brought on by using the dumb-bells; the party being unaccustomed to their use.

Patient had rubbing with wet hands, and wearing a bandage for two days, when he could hardly rise from a chair; then he commenced the following treatment:—

Saturday.—Morning, packing-sheet for an hour, followed by three rubbing-sheets; noon, two rubbing-sheets and an Enema; night, a rubbing-sheet. This was not renewed at night, as patient’s extremities were cold and prevented his sleeping.

Sunday.—Four rubbing-sheets; after this operation, the improvement was almost miraculous. Patient took a long walk.

Monday.—Treatment as yesterday; could turn in bed with less difficulty.

Tuesday.—Packing-sheet forty minutes, preceded by a tepid-bath sixteen minutes, with great friction; noon, four rubbing-sheets; evening, loins rubbed with wet hands for half-an-hour.

Wednesday.—Slept well and could turn with ease in bed; three rubbing-sheets and friction thrice during the day with wet hands.

Drank fourteen tumblers of water daily, and wore a bandage night and day.

Thursday.—Perfectly well. By the means here described, patient’s bowels were kept in order; his tongue always clean. Had his treatment failed, the sweating process must have been resorted to.

XXXVI.—Tic-Doloureux.

This is another of those complaints that baffle medical skill, and upon which medical men are at issue as to the cause; some alleging it to be a derangement of the nervous system, others think it is in the humours of the body, which contain an acrimony irritating to the nerves.

The result of my observation is, that if under the Water cure, it is not cured in three months, it is extremely doubtful if it will succumb to that treatment. Dr. Munde doubted if purely nervous Tic-doloureux was curable by any process; but speaks more positively as to that which arises from acrimonious humour. He says, “I speak with a perfect knowledge of this disease, having suffered for three years, and having made observations upon several others who suffered severely from this complaint. Eight months’ treatment cured me after trying all other remedies in vain.”

I knew a patient who had laboured under Tic in his head for fourteen or fifteen years, perfectly cured in three months. His treatment was the same as for Rheumatism.

Another patient put a bandage to her face at night, whilst under a paroxysm of Tic; this increased the pain, the reason of which was, her not having prepared the system first. Next day she underwent the sweating process, and could then wear the bandage with great advantage.

A person, whom I knew, suffering from Tic in his legs, made no progress because of the injudicious use of the Douche. The Douche was abandoned, and the packing-sheet and tepid bath twice a day substituted with great advantage.

Another case of severe Tic came under my notice, that resisted all treatment. The paroxysm was only allayed by very long tepid baths 62°, and great friction.

Obstinate case of Tic in the Thigh.—This case is given to shew the way in which Priessnitz meets extraordinary circumstances.

H. from Berlin, aged 54, had a settled pain down one of his thighs; he was treated for it seven years ago at GrÄfenberg. In a few months he thought himself cured. For seven years he felt no inconvenience, and lived as he had formerly done. At the expiration of that period, pain returned; not wishing to devote so much time to the cure as he knew it would require at GrÄfenberg, he went to Carlsbad, where the pain became insupportable. In this state he again had recourse to Priessnitz. He has now been there four months, undergoing a vigorous treatment of packing-sheets, baths, rubbing-sheets, and sitz-baths, varied in an infinity of ways, without experiencing much benefit; his sleep, which has been disturbed the last eighteen months, still continues so.

Nearly all the sleep he obtains is in the packing-sheet. In this he lies from his arm-pits down to his thighs, from 9 to 11 o’clock at night, and again from 2 to 4 o’clock in the morning. At 6 o’clock he commences his usual treatment. The last fortnight before I left GrÄfenberg, pain had ceased, but his sleeping was as disturbed as usual.

XXXVII.—Affection of the Throat and Pain at the Chest.

A delicate lady, aged twenty-five: morning, packing-sheet until warm and tepid bath; noon, rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath; afternoon, rubbing-sheet.

After a few days’ treatment, catamenia came on, notwithstanding which, as patient experienced no inconvenience, the treatment was continued as before. In two days, pain in the abdomen and hips was felt. All the previous treatment was now discontinued, and three rubbing-sheets a day were prescribed, until pain ceased, when it was again resumed.

Throat, and pain at the chest, were cured in six weeks, and patient had gained eight pounds in weight.

This lady thought she had an affection of the heart. Priessnitz enquired if she felt pain there: she answered no. “Then,” said he, “the heart is sound.” Three years ago, catamenia lasted only five days, but latterly it extended to seven. Priessnitz said, with her it ought only to last three or four days. This was effected. Her husband, who had occasional attacks of bile, gained nine pounds in six weeks. I attended the weighing of these parties, and can vouch for the fact.

Two Hundred Years Ago, Dr. Vanderheyden of Ghent wrote a work in which he declared all fevers curable by cold water. Dr. Sir John Floyer, fifty years later, wrote his work, and then came Drs. Hahn, Smith and others, and finally, Dr. Currie of Liverpool, who by their works supported the same theory. It is true that though where medicine saved its hundreds, their practice saved thousands, the Modus Operandi was somewhat speculative. It was reserved until our own time to witness the application of water reduced to a science. Priessnitz by his packing-sheet has produced the great desideratum, which renders his treatment omnipotent over all febrile disorders; and if he had discovered nothing else, this would hand his name down to the latest posterity.

It is often asked what fevers are curable by the Hydropathic processes. To this it may be answered, except where by age or disease patients are not reduced to the last stage of existence, all are curable. I made constant inquiries when at GrÄfenberg—witnessed the treatment of innumerable cases of fever, amongst others Typhus and Brain Fever, and I could not discover that Priessnitz during his long practice had ever lost a patient.

I have frequently treated cases of fever and inflammation myself with the most heartfelt satisfaction; as in every instance on the application of the sheet or the bath, the patient was relieved in the same manner that a plant dying for the want of water, is resuscitated on being supplied with it.

After the number of works published on this subject, all protesting the safety of this mode of treatment, and the total absence of danger, it may be fairly presumed, that the packing-sheet process will ere long take the lead in medical practice.

As almost all complaints trace their origin to fever or inflammation, if these can be allayed on their first symptoms, a host of evils to the human family will be avoided.

It does not require any great sagacity to perceive that when the body is surcharged with heat, if enveloped in a damp sheet, the sheet immediately becomes hot; take it away and you remove with it a certain amount of heat. The oftener this is repeated the more the calorie is diminished, and each sheet requires more time to heat; continue changing the sheet, and the body resumes a normal state. When once the heat is eliminated the patient is cured of the Fever.

The following modes of treatment and cases will enable the practitioner to judge how he should treat his patient as circumstances may arise.

As general rules:—

In the cold fit, use rubbing-sheets well wrung out, with a slight interim between each until the hot stage is produced. In the hot stage packing-sheets should be changed as often as necessary. In Typhus I have known them changed forty or fifty times in a day. The bath which ought at first to be a little tepid and cooled by degrees, should be resorted to at intervals twice or thrice a day, from a quarter of an hour to an hour. Should the heat action be prematurely violent, or likely to end in inflammation, resort to a sitz-bath with or without a foot-bath, instead of the tepid bath, particularly where either the brain, organs of sense, or those within the thorax are at all engaged.

Rubbing-sheets, in certain cases where the vital energies are weak or languid, will be sufficient to suppress a febrile paroxysm. Their renewal and time of application must entirely depend on the age, strength and idiosyncrasy of the case: water should be drunk in small quantities, and frequently.

Where the brain is attacked, water must be constantly applied to that locality, so as not to allow of an increase of temperature.

Where there is no want of bodily strength in the patient, the quickest and surest method of putting an end at once to fever, is as follows. Put him into a bath up to the shoulders, tepid 63° or 64° to begin with, and to be renewed constantly by cold water being poured over the shoulders; two persons rubbing the patient the whole time.

When he is quite fatigued, take him out, dry the body and throw the window open for air; when recovered a little, renew the operation, and so on for the third time if necessary. Then dress and go out to walk. Drink plentifully of water.

If very cold on coming out of the bath, walk without the body bandage, but put a large thick one from the hips to the arm-pits on returning home. Let the patient rest two or three hours; and if fever return repeat the foregoing treatment.

A Mr. B——, who was greatly debilitated, had, for fever, a tepid bath for half an hour to an hour and half; also many rubbing-sheets; on one occasion as many as twenty-nine in a day. If the fever resist the above treatment, then resort to the packing-sheet.

Dr. L——, for fever, ordered, five or six rubbing-sheets in succession. Head bath for a quarter of an hour. Bandage from hips to arm-pits, to be changed often, even in the night; to be much in the open air.

In typhus fever, medical men do not make the distinction between congestion of the venous and arterial systems. They imagine that inflammatory action exists, whereas it is in typhus, venous congestion: therefore, the leeching and severe depletory measures are decidedly wrong; they increase the existing evil, lower and exhaust the vital powers, and if persevered in, lead to death, or a long lingering state of convalescence. On the contrary, Hydropathy acts upon a diametrically opposite system: by the imbibition of water, containing as it does an excess of oxygen, the vital forces are sustained, the blood is decarbonised, the appetite improved, the bowels regulated, etc. etc.

Fever.—An English officer who caught a fever twenty years ago in the West Indies, wrote to Priessnitz that all his prospects in life were blighted, and that existence was almost intolerable. He came to GrÄfenberg and was treated as follows:

Early in the morning packing-sheet and bath; wore heating bandage always. Breakfasted at eight o’clock, when, from nine o’clock until five o’clock in the evening, he was ordered to change the waist bandage every ten minutes. At five o’clock packing-sheet and bath.

If ague appeared, which it did sometimes, then rubbing-sheets, well wrung out were applied with great friction until the fit was over.

This patient was perfectly cured in three months.

Nervousness and slow Fever, and disposition to a Decline.—A lady was treated as follows:—

Morning, five packing-sheets and bath, 62°; noon, douche and sitz-bath; afternoon, rubbing-sheet and two sitz-baths.

At first, she was ordered to have a cold bath prepared by the bed-side at night, and when fever and sweating came on, to go into the bath, and repeat it if necessary. She had a bad cough at the time; her friends thought such a proceeding would end in her death; the patient, however, recovered from her fever and cough, and left much improved in health.

On awaking in the morning with distracting head-ache, parched tongue, and all the concomitants of fever, a lady was put into a packing-sheet; in twelve minutes, head-ache ceased. After remaining enveloped an hour or two, rubbing-sheets were applied, followed by a sitz-bath of twenty minutes: she drank water freely. This one application effected a cure.

A young lady had her foot and ankle much swollen from rheumatic gout. Second day, arose with head-ache and pain in all her limbs; and towards evening, had a slight fever. For this, she was put into a tepid bath 62°, and rubbed for forty minutes, when the arm-pits feeling no warmer than the other parts of her body, she was allowed to leave the bath. This application was sufficient.

Typhus Fever requires the same treatment as other fevers. The packing-sheet must be changed every ten or fifteen minutes: I have known it changed as much as fifty times a day. When the patient is weary of lying in the packing-sheet, he should be put into a tepid bath and well rubbed for a time; and then lie quiet, with a packing-sheet doubled several times from hips to arm-pits. Then packing-sheets should be resorted to again. If the head is attacked, apply the head-bath whilst lying in packing-sheet. Drink abundantly of water.

Packing sheets, tepid baths, and cold baths (the former often repeated), are also the treatment for brain fever. When a patient was in a state of delirium, Priessnitz ordered her into a cold bath for an hour.

Teething fever.—Tepid head-bath—water gradually made colder—applied to the back of the head for half an hour.

If this had not had the desired effect it was to have been repeated after a short interval. Heating-bandages were to have been applied from the hips to the arm-pits.

Gastric Fever.—A young man attacked with gastric fever, was treated as follows:—

Two packing-sheets, one after the other, until warm, followed, by tepid bath, in which he was rubbed fifteen minutes, then put into cold bath for one minute, and from that back again to the tepid bath for fifteen minutes; patient was then dried, waited a few minutes, and then the bathing as above was twice repeated.

The whole of the treatment, i. e. packing sheet and baths, was repeated three times during the day; between which, a sitz-bath of half an hour was prescribed.

Patient was cured in two days, and then declared himself stronger and better than he was previously to the attack.

A gentleman aged thirty-four was thus treated:—

Packing-sheets twice a day until warm, followed by tepid bath.

Two sitz-baths a day, twenty minutes each. Patient’s back, shoulders, abdomen and chest to be rubbed the whole time whilst taking the sitting-baths.

Patient having lost his appetite, Priessnitz recommended him to eat plentifully of common unripe plums: these deranged his stomach, of which he was immediately cured; and afterwards his appetite was better.

My servant was seized with violent pains in the abdomen during the night, and in the morning head-ache and fever. Dr. Farr of Nice, who saw the case, said depletion was requisite, and that the man might be well in four or five days. I declared with Hydropathy he might be made to wait at table the same day. He was put into a packing-sheet for an hour and a half, then a bath; an hour afterwards a sitz-bath; wore the bandage and required no further treatment. Dr. F——, until the next morning could not believe that the fever was subdued.

Capt. D—— ordered, in the morning, two packing-sheets until warm, with head in a basin of cold water all the time; followed by tepid bath, renewed with cold; noon, cold sitz-bath one hour; afternoon, morning treatment repeated.

Bilious Fever.—A female attacked with bilious fever, swelled face, and violent tooth-ache. Patient in the first instance, preferred consulting a medical man, who administered a strong aperient; ordered the feet to be kept in a hot bath for an hour, and said the fever would certainly last seven days, if not longer.

I applied a packing-sheet, and changed it after twenty minutes; then two rubbing-sheets. Head-bath 62° for a quarter of an hour: hot-water poultice to face. This treatment completely subdued the fever the second day.

Patient attacked with bilious fever, swelled face, and violent tooth-ache.

Packing-sheet for twenty, and another for thirty minutes; then two rubbing-sheets, twice a day; head-bath 62°, and sitz-bath 62°; hot water bandage to face.

On a return of the same in the spring of the next year: morning, packing-sheet and rubbing-sheet; noon, sitz-bath 62°; afternoon, sitz-bath and foot-bath 62°; the swollen part of the face put into cold water fifteen minutes, twice a day. This treatment answered admirably.

Nervous Fever.—Commencement of patient’s illness was attended with violent headache and excessive weakness particularly in his legs—unable to stand. Ordered four rubbing-sheets, not wrung out, four times a day; head-baths three or four times a day; fever, notwithstanding, increased, and, patient was unable to bear the rubbing-sheet: upon which the treatment was changed to four packing-sheets, renewed every quarter of an hour, followed by a tepid bath for ten minutes. This process was repeated three times during the day.

Head became feverish. He took for this, a head-bath five minutes at a time. In a fortnight, fever left him completely; when only three packing-sheets a day, and cold bath after each, was ordered. In three weeks, patient was out of doors.

In the second week of his treatment, patient, besides several small eruptions, had five large boils, which opened in the first week, and discharged copiously for a fortnight, when his health improved daily; and before the expiration of the sixth week, he was perfectly well.

Remains of Fever strongly resembling Gout.—An artist caught a fever in Egypt. In Rome, his fingers and feet became enlarged, in appearance resembling gout, when he was treated for that complaint. Priessnitz at once declared this a mistake, and that it was the remains of the fever.

In three or four days after beginning the cure, patient had fever, and in ten days another strong attack: his feet and legs became much inflamed, attended with headache and great debility.

His former treatment was now abandoned for the following:

Three packing-sheets, one after the other, until warm; then the tepid bath for fifteen minutes: from that into the cold bath for two minutes, and return to the tepid again for fifteen or twenty minutes. This was to be repeated in the afternoon. When fever subsided, patient renewed his former treatment, and was perfectly cured in three months. I saw him in Rome the next year, when he was perfectly well; and as an act of gratitude to Mr. Priessnitz, he had caused to be painted a picture of the “eternal city,” to send for his acceptance.

Intermittent Fever.—General R—— was attacked with intermittent fever at the siege of Mantua, in 1798. His complaint resisted all remedies: his liver became hardened and enlarged, exhibiting a tumour extending three fingers’ breadth above his navel. Came to GrÄfenberg thin as a skeleton, complexion nearly livid, unable to walk without the assistance of two persons. Obstinate indigestion and constipation; no motion for fifteen years, without aid; congestion of blood to the head, and threatened apoplexy; insupportable sensitiveness to cold. Arrived at GrÄfenberg in 1839; now restored to health: liver restored to normal size, with merely a slight swelling at epigastric region.

His treatment was:—morning, partial baths (tepid), twenty minutes, with strong friction; no water in the bath when patient first entered it, that being poured over his head and shoulders.

After one month of this treatment, sweating for half an hour, followed by partial bath for five minutes; noon, tepid sitz-bath (70 deg.) for half an hour; repeated in the afternoon.

In two months patient could walk alone. During the third month, sweating for an hour, and partial cold bath for five minutes; and sitz-baths were now cold; eighteen glasses of water, drunk daily; fourth month:—after sweating, the large plunge-bath, and friction by two men; twenty to twenty-four glasses of water, daily. Fifth month:—appetite good; commenced ascending the mountains. The douche found to excite too much: therefore abandoned.

August, 1840:—Left GrÄfenberg: his liver softer, though not sensibly diminished. Recommended, whilst at home, to wear heating bandages always, and use cold ablutions, but not to transpire, unless pain of liver occurs.

In January, 1841, eruptions on the skin, and many ulcers, made their appearance.

August, 1841, returned to GrÄfenberg, and commenced the same treatment as before: sweating one hour; plunge-bath and two partial baths a day; douche for five minutes every other day.

In November, had fever for twenty-five days, and pains in his hands, with open sores on his fingers for nine months; nails dropped off, and were replaced by new ones; fingers always wrapped in heating bandages. For the fever, six packing-sheets, changed every quarter of an hour, except the last: in this the patient remained longer, preparatory to a warm bath.

This was renewed twice a day.

Twenty-four glasses of water daily.

March, 1842.—Left GrÄfenberg: liver reduced to one-half the size it was.

August, 1842.—Returned again to GrÄfenberg, when his treatment was:—packing-sheet every morning one hour, followed by two rubbing-sheets; noon and afternoon, two rubbing-sheets.

October, 1842.—Was seen at his residence in health; pains from many old wounds no longer felt.

Patient aged forty-five. Ten years ago; caught cold, which ended in intermittent fever, which resisted the usual remedies; was cured at GrÄfenberg as follows:—morning, packing-sheet and plunge-bath; noon, rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath; afternoon, as the morning.

Fever and ague returned every fourth day, when treatment was changed. Packing-sheet and tepid bath 62°, ten minutes; then into cold bath two minutes, and back again to tepid, with much friction; at noon, five rubbing-sheets; afternoon, as in the morning. The paroxysm over, resumed the former treatment until perfectly cured.

Fever and Ague.—S—— had fever, attended with ague; took nine packing and six rubbing-sheets, and three tepid baths; two of the tepid baths being followed by cold plunging bath. Cured the same day.

A lady attacked by slight fever and shivering, cured by five rubbing-sheets.

Sudden Fever.—Mrs. H——’s little boy awoke with fever; she kept him in a tepid bath, renewed with cold, until he trembled with cold; then put him to bed, where he immediately fell asleep, and awoke perfectly well. Priessnitz said the mother would have done as well, if she had given him a long sitz-bath.

Catarrh and Fever.—Child restless all night. Tepid bath (nearly cold) for a quarter of an hour; lean back in the bath so that the attendant may well rub the chest and throat. Afternoon, rubbing-sheet and tepid bath for a quarter of an hour.

After each bath, a head-bath for twelve minutes, each side of the head being alternately placed in the water. If this does not succeed, lay the back of the head in water, and well rub the forehead with wet hands. Rub the throat with wet hands three times a day. Eat no meat, and be much out of doors. Child, after first day’s treatment, wretchedly cold; but pain in the head gone, and cough decreased.

Second day, pain in his legs, and weak; which Priessnitz said was the result of the fever. As the cough abated, treatment was moderated. Bath to be tepid. In the middle of the day, throat and chest to be rubbed. In the evening, a tepid bath eight minutes; head-bath as before; these were given in consequence of his feverish state in the night. If the body continued feverish, and the feet and legs cold at night, then heating bandages to the feet and legs, up to the fork, would have been applied all night.

Fever and Diarrhoea.—A Servant of my own, disturbed many times during the night with diarrhoea and fever, and with violent pain in his head and abdomen, was put into a packing-sheet for one hour and a quarter; a rubbing-sheet was then applied, followed by bandage round the waist; at noon, sitz-bath one hour and a quarter. This simple treatment effected a cure in a few hours.

Constipation and Fever.—Patient took tepid-bath, rubbed by three men for one hour and a half, getting out of the bath was dried and walked about the room every half-hour for ten minutes; followed by other treatment.

Second day, the above repeated twice, with the addition of packing-sheets and rubbing-sheets, in the interim.

General laxity of the bowels for several days, rest disturbed for two or three nights; could not rest the last night, diarrhoea and fever, strong pulse (110).

Morning, two packing-sheets, fifteen minutes each. In the first, patient felt (as he said) as though he was in boiling water; on the application of the second he felt cooler, after twenty-five minutes he was put into a cold bath and there remained until heat had left the arm-pits, which required seventeen minutes. Then a large towel was doubled four times and placed round his loins, drank six tumblers of water and went to bed.

At twelve o’clock all fever gone—to put an end to Diarrhoea, I ordered two rubbing sheets three minutes each, to be followed by tepid sitz-bath fifteen minutes, wet bandages and water to be drank as before.

At five o’clock sitz-bath twenty minutes.

Patient passed a good night, and next day found himself well.

P.S. I treated this case myself at Naples.

Cold Shivering by Day, and Feverish Heat when in Bed at Night.—A young man—ordered three rubbing-sheets on rising quite warm from bed in the morning; the same at noon, and in the afternoon drink plentifully of water.

Symptoms continuing—An additional three rubbing-sheets were used previous to going to bed, and when heat commenced in the night, the body bandage, which had been worn from the beginning was changed, and water drunk. If in a state of perspiration early in the morning, a tepid bath. This treatment had the desired effect.

XXXIX.—Congestion of the Lungs.

When the lungs are unsound sitz-baths are liable to cause a pain to be felt in that region, probably from causing congestion to them. I knew a case of this kind, and named it to Priessnitz who said, to have relieved this the patient should have been put into a very shallow tepid-bath, water two inches deep, and there rubbed by two men until the pain was removed.

In a case of Gout treated by an inexperienced person—where fears were entertained that congestion had taken place and castor oil was resorted to—he advised the same bath and friction, until it was removed.

A third case, where after being some time under the treatment a practitioner was embarrassed by his patient having fixed pain in his bowels, Priessnitz said, the bath applied with vigour for a considerable time would have been sure of removing it.

If a patient is ever lost in these cases, it is through the want of knowledge and the timidity of the practitioner.

XL.—Inflammations.

Inflammation of the Lungs.—This complaint originates in some obstruction, and is occasioned by an effort of nature to remove it. By bleeding the symptoms are reduced, but the cause remains, and consequently it frequently happens that under Hydropathic treatment inflammation returns, which then, by producing irritation on the surface, is extracted.

Mr. Priessnitz’ married daughter, this year, returned to GrÄfenberg, with her husband, to be cured of an epidemic which raged in Hungary. The husband was cured. The lady, with an eruption, went for two days into the country; on return the eruption had nearly subsided; it had gone to the lungs and inflammation resulted. She was put into tepid and cold baths thirty or forty times during the day. These positive means put an end to the inflammation in one day, and the next she was about as usual, quite well.

This apparently dangerous complaint, without any apparent cause, when taken quite in its infancy, is generally cured by the following simple means.

Place a cold packing-sheet several times doubled over the shoulders, chest, and back of the patient, whilst he takes a cold sitz-bath, for from half an hour to an hour, during the time use great friction to the feet and legs with hands dipped in water. All medical reasoning will be to the effect that this treatment must cause congestion to the lungs; but every day’s practice at GrÄfenberg proves the contrary.

Between the application of the above treatment, use a rubbing sheet.

If the head is affected, let the patient lay quiet in bed, with his head in a basin once or twice a day, from fifteen to thirty minutes, or much longer if necessary each time.

If fever, then resort to the tepid bath, until heat disappears under the arm-pits; this may require a long time, but must be persevered in.

The water of the bath must be continually renewed or it will become too warm.

I have known the sitz-bath, applied two or three times a day, completely cure an attack of this nature.

A lady, aged forty, attacked with inflammation of the lungs, was put into a tepid bath 62°, and kept there three hours and ten minutes, cold water being constantly poured over the shoulders, to bring down the temperature. Priessnitz frequently felt the chest and arm-pits; and in answer to patient’s request to discontinue, he said if she did so until all parts were cool alike, her life would pay the forfeit.

After this, she took a cold bath twice a day, and wore the heating-bandage. In two months, she was perfectly cured. It should be remarked, that during the greater part of this times she felt a pain and hardness in the side, but this all subsided.

Spitting Blood and Inflammation.—A young man had inflammation of the lungs at Vienna, which ended in great debility and spitting of blood. Shortly after going to GrÄfenberg he had another attack of inflammation of the lungs.

Treatment.—Tepid bath 62°, five minutes, then cold ten minutes, and back to the tepid ten minutes. This change from one bath to the other was repeated for nearly three hours, and ended about nine in the morning; at eleven o’clock, a sitz-bath fifteen minutes; afternoon, packing-sheet and cold bath for five minutes. Next day quite well of the attack; he continued packing-sheet and cold bath, morning and afternoon, and sitz-bath at noon; more heating-bandages on the chest. In ten weeks perfectly cured.

Inflammation in the Wind-pipe.—A lady—Chest, throat, and between the shoulders rubbed for five minutes with hands, and frequently dipped in cold water. During this time water was held in the mouth and changed when warm.

Bandages were applied to throat, shoulders, and waist.

Walked the same afternoon a short time.

Inflammation of the Brain.—Rubbing-sheets, head-baths, and bandages to the nape of the neck, back of the head, and some distance down the back, the rest of the body lightly covered. In an obstinate case, recourse must be had to a tepid bath 64° for a considerable time.

In all cases, whether in fever or not, where the head is attacked, large wet bandages may be applied, and changed every five minutes. Bandages to the whole of the head should not however be applied in general practice. The head ought to be free and the face washed often.

Inflammation of the Gums.—A child suffering indescribable pain, no sleep night or day.

One or two rubbing sheets, two or three times a day. Heating bandages to be applied to the head, as a turban, so that only the face can be seen, and changed every five or ten minutes. The same round the waist, from the hips to the arm-pits, and changed when warm.

If the body is confined, administer a cold water enema; if one is not sufficient, a second should be administered in half an hour; drink plentifully of water. Child out at play the third day.

XLI.—Gripes, Cholic, Diarrhoea, English Cholera, or Cholera Morbus.

All partake more or less of the same character; to describe the symptoms, nature, and medical treatment of these complaints, more volumes have been written than there are days in the year.

My object is not to inquire how such complaints arise, but to show how by the most simple and safe means they are to be cured.

Cholic.—This complaint invariably gives way to sitz-baths, clysters, bandages, and drinking plentifully of cold water.

A patient suffering from pain in the bowels for some days, was ordered injections three times a day, notwithstanding the bowels were perfectly free.

W——, taken with sickness and griping pains, could retain nothing on his stomach, supposed that it arose from eating unripe fruit. An injection of cold water was first resorted to; one not being sufficient, a second in half an hour was administered, and during the day ten others. Then two rubbing sheets, followed by a tepid bath, with great friction, and large bandage, three hours afterwards, a sitz-bath, tepid, fifteen minutes.

Again, after a lapse of three hours, the former process. This put an end to the gripes the same day.

An Austrian officer, attacked with violent pain in the abdomen, which extended through to the back. Great heat and pain in the head, with cold feet.

Priessnitz wetted the body all over with cold water, particularly the feet, and without drying the parts thus wetted, ordered the patient to sit quite naked near to the window, which was open, for one hour in a sitz-bath, his servant rubbing him the whole time. Patient was then covered up well in bed to bring on re-action, the pains of which for a short time were worse than cholic. The attack was put an end to by this one application, or it was to have been renewed in the morning.

The singular part of this treatment is, that the body was thus exposed to the inclemency of a Siberian winter, wet and naked, for one hour. When asked why he adopted such positive treatment, Priessnitz said, because there was a great tendency to intestinal inflammation. The patient was out and well next day.

Dysentery and Diarrhoea.—For the information of the general reader, it may be well to state, that Dysentery is brought on by damp, cold, or unripe fruit, and is attended by the evacuation of bloody glaires, violent pain of the stomach, burning at the arms, and spasms of the bladder, a constant desire to evacuate without being able to render anything but glaires. Diarrhoea is attended with many of these symptoms, but there is no blood in the evacuation. Hereafter it will be shewn how both these complaints are to be treated.

Cold clysters, rubbing-sheets, sitz-baths, and bandage, are the chief agents in the cure of these complaints. When attended with inflammation take three or four sitz-baths a day, and change the body bandages every ten minutes.

In Diarrhoea or Dysentery the patient should take but little exercise.

When Diarrhoea is recent, it is sufficient to drink plentifully of water, wear a bandage round the wrist, eat little, and that of farinaceous food.

Diarrhoea is often the work of nature to carry off prejudicial humours; which ought not to be prevented. At the same time it must not be suffered to continue too long without resorting to measures to check it. A patient came to GrÄfenberg who had suffered six weeks from this complaint, which had reduced him almost to a skeleton. He was cured in a few days.

Where abundant evacuations of glaires are alternate with constipation, cold injections are a great relief. If patients in Cholera, Diarrhoea, Cholic, or Dysentery, cannot sleep, administer a very cold foot-bath, water only half an inch deep, for fifteen minutes. Let the feet, legs, and thighs be rubbed with wet hands the whole time, then the patient should walk bare-footed in the chamber for ten minutes.

Dysentery.—Begin with one or two rubbing-sheets, then cold injections every quarter of an hour for two or three hours.

Then tepid sitz-bath, rather warmer than usual, for half an hour, followed by a large heating bandage doubled three or four times, from before the hips to the arm-pits, leaving the arms free. Change this every ten or fifteen minutes. Let the covering to the bed be light, but keep the feet warm. Drink large quantities of cold water.

When the bandage has been changed three or four times, if the patient is better, let him remain quiet; otherwise repeat the treatment.

Miss B——, attacked with dysentery attended with great pain; ordered four sitz-baths in a day, one hour each large bandage from hips to arm-pits; changed often.

Took them two days, and one in the night. These chilled her exceedingly, which Priessnitz said was as it ought to be.

Diarrhoea.—A delicate lady, ordered not to drink milk for some days, but sixteen to twenty glasses of water; take but little exercise; at noon wash with cold water; at eleven o’clock, cold sitz-bath, twenty minutes, then walk a few times in the room, with only dry sheet over the person; then sitz-bath again for twenty minutes; repeat this a third time to complete the hour.

F——, had diarrhoea two days, when Priessnitz said, “If you are not in pain, do nothing; if the contrary, take a morning rubbing-sheet, and sitz-bath three quarters of an hour; noon, the same; afternoon, sitz-bath three quarters of an hour; change bandages and walk less; drink plentifully of water.”

A—— had Diarrhoea whilst travelling, as he could not procure sitz-bath, he lay in bed, changed bandages every half hour, and drank freely of water. This treatment sufficed.

Chronic Diarrhoea.—Morning, packing-sheet from hips to arm-pits until warm, then cold bath; noon, two rubbing-sheets and sitz-bath half-an-hour; evening, sitz-bath half-an-hour; or in the morning, sitz-bath for half an hour, then walk, return and take cold bath; drink plentifully of water and wear large bandages.

Pain in the Bowels.—Tepid sitz-bath 62° for three quarters of an hour; rubbing the abdomen all the time; in a simple case this puts an end to the pain at once.

Severe Pain in the Bowels.—Tepid sitz-bath, half an hour to an hour; much rubbing with wet hands on the back, stomach, and abdomen when in the bath; no exertion of mind or body; eat only of one thing; drink much water. When constipated, or had pain in the bowels, extended the period of the sitz bath. Patient’s recovery quite marvellous.

The sitz-bath may be resorted to two or three times a day, and also rubbing-sheet, if the case proves obstinate.

Pain in Bowels and Diarrhoea.—Ordered sitz-bath fifteen minutes, walk gently about the room five minutes, then repeat the sitz-bath fifteen minutes, and again walk for five minutes, and after third time take sitz-bath. Put on a large bandage well wrung out, and change it every quarter of an hour. If not cured in three or four hours, repeat the above treatment. If obstinate use cold injections.

Relaxed Bowels.—Three rubbing-sheets and a sitz-bath on rising from bed, for ten minutes in the morning; one rubbing sheet, and sitz-bath twenty minutes at noon; the same repeated in the afternoon. If not better, a clyster of cold water on going to bed; bandage, and drink water as usual.

A young lady, troubled with relaxed bowels for some days—

Morning, three rubbing-sheets, and immediately after, tepid bath for fifteen minutes; large bandage; at two o’clock two rubbing sheets.

These simple means effected a cure; if they had not, the sitz-bath was to have been resorted to again.

English Cholera.—A Russian General attacked with English Cholera, was suffering extreme torture when Priessnitz came. He ordered three rubbing-sheets, five minutes interim between each; patient then to be put to bed for half-an-hour, and well covered up to promote heat; this was followed by a cold sitz-bath of 30 or 40 minutes; drank plentifully of water and wore a large heating bandage.

This one application effected a complete cure; had it not, the General was to have repeated the treatment in the afternoon.

XLII.—Consumption.

Mr. Priessnitz thinks that in the great majority of cases consumption is curable until the age of fourteen or fifteen, when the complaint generally assumes a more serious aspect.

Young people are often considered consumptive when they really are not so. A young lady of my acquaintance, having all the symptoms, was ordered to Italy, where, notwithstanding the climate, the malady seemed to increase. She went to GrÄfenberg, when Mr. Priessnitz at once declared it was not consumption, that it was a contraction of the chest. Two months’ treatment caused the chest to expand and restored the patient to robust health. Dr. Johnson says, “One thing of which I am convinced is, that the true principle of treating consumption is to support the patient’s strength to the utmost;” and it must be remembered that the great aim and principal effect of the Water-cure is to strengthen the system, thereby giving the inherent curative power the fairest opportunity of doing its own work.

It must however be observed, that when consumption has fairly set in, neither water or drugs will arrest its progress. A friend of mine writes me most sensibly on this subject: “I fully believe,” says he, “if all girls were to wash thoroughly every day, more than three-fourths who now go into consumption would be saved.”

XLIII.—Cramps.

Rubbing-sheets, and rubbing powerfully with wet hands, for a considerable time, particularly the feet, are efficient means of cure; after each application let the patient remain quiet. If the hands or feet become cold, apply friction again to them and the parts affected.

Mr. Brown finding patient nearly dead from Cramp, immediately administered an enema, then a rubbing-sheet with great friction, followed by a tepid bath for nearly an hour, the enema took effect whilst under the friction, rubbing-sheets and baths were repeated three times before mid-day with good effect.

In the afternoon, rubbing-sheets were used, and friction with wet hands.

Cramp-Cough.—I knew a case of this nature which was most successfully treated at GrÄfenberg.

Morning, two or three packing-sheets followed by tepid bath; noon, tepid sitz-bath, quarter of an hour; afternoon, morning treatment renewed.

The Crisis was attended with inflammation and ulcers of the throat.

Tepid-baths, were administered twice a day, for ten to fifteen minutes, changing alternately from hot to cold and back to hot. To subdue fever which was very active in the night, the patient took a plunge or two into a cold bath before going to bed.

Bandage on Chest at night, in addition to that round the loins.

Cramps in the Stomach.—Patient’s complaint was cramp in the stomach, weak digestion, great nervous sensibility. Packing-sheet one hour, and tepid-bath in the morning, four minutes, with great friction; then three successive plunges into tepid, cold, and tepid-bath, to remain in the last four minutes; noon, rubbing-sheet five minutes, followed by sitz-bath ten minutes; afternoon, repeat morning treatment, wear bandage day and night, and drink twelve tumblers of water daily.

In a short time, the tepid-bath was relinquished for the cold-bath; and the douche was used for two minutes, as a longer period was found to disagree with the patient. A diarrhoea was cured by the addition of sitz-baths; at which time the douche was not persevered in.

XLIV.—Asthma.

I was astonished at the wonderful effects of the Water-cure treatment, in cases of Asthma. One night, Priessnitz was called up to a patient under the cure, who was almost suffocated.

A tepid sitz-bath for thirty minutes with great friction of the abdomen completely relieved him. This patient was perfectly cured in three months.

A patient whose age was thirty-five suffered from chest complaint, asthma, torpid circulation, and stricture. For some time three rubbing-sheets a day only were prescribed, then a tepid sitz-bath; and when he evidenced the cure of the Asthma, by ascending with ease the highest mountains, the general treatment was resorted to.

In three months the stricture was quite cured. Left GrÄfenberg the fourth month.

The following interesting case, came under my especial notice.

Mr. M——, aged 26, afflicted with Asthma for three years, tried all the baths in Germany, and then determined on going to GrÄfenberg: en route, he was confined to an hotel for eight days. When he arrived, which was on the 4th January, 1846, he could with difficulty walk a quarter of a mile.

Inclement as the weather was, Priessnitz, at once ordered him into a tepid bath, and stripped him of all flannels; next day he began the following treatment, until warm.

Morning, packing-sheet, tepid-bath; noon, rubbing-sheet, and tepid sitz-bath; afternoon, the same. In a short time tepid water was discontinued for cold.

In about three weeks, two large boils appeared and broke, when he was so much better, as to ascend the highest mountains, his health improved so fast, that, first in the morning, he was seen up to his middle in snow, always without hat, neckcloth or great coat.

He was cured in about four months.

XLV.—Surgical Operations, Accidents, etc.

Amputation.—The Surgeon’s profession would be a very poor one if Hydropathy were generally understood.

If a finger, hand, or foot, be nearly severed from the body, they should be put into the best possible form, bandaged, and placed between two pieces of wood; over this a large bandage: the former may be wetted often without being removed.

A friend of mine in Italy had the misfortune, whilst botanising, to fall from one rock to another, where he hung by his foot. This caused a compound fracture, and the loss of his foot. I asked Mr. Priessnitz what ought to have been done,—he said his shepherd would have known better than to have cut off the foot; a stiff one being preferable to none at all. The foot should have been healed as above described, a large bandage applied from the toes up to the top of the thighs constantly wetted; this would have kept the limb cold. As fever or inflammation must proceed from the part afflicted, it is evident if the heat is extracted thence, neither can ensue. The splinters would have come away of themselves, and the patient might have been spared the loss of his foot, and several months of severe suffering and loss of health.

Crushed Finger.—A farmer at GrÄfenberg had his finger smashed by a large stone rolling against it; so that it hung by the skin. It was put together, bandaged, and so fixed between two pieces of wood; over this a larger bandage was placed, the under part kept constantly wet. When pain ensued, the elbow was put into cold water for twenty minutes. The finger, though stiffer than the others, was preserved.

Fainting Fit.—Open the window to admit fresh air; unfasten the dress. Sprinkle water on the face and put the feet into a foot pan, with water only up to the instep, and let the attendant rub feet and legs up to the knees.

Effects of Falls.—A young man who came with nervous fever, one day, whilst labouring under violent palpitation, to which he was subject, fell, and so hurt the back of his head, as to be insensible for half an hour. Priessnitz, being sent for, ordered a foot-bath and rubbing with wet hands up to the knee. Opened his waistcoat, rubbed the chest, and threw cold water into his face. The friction and foot-bath continued for an hour, when patient was ordered a sitz-bath for thirty minutes. Bandages to waist and head.

Another party fell and injured his large toe against a stone. Ordered three cold foot-baths a day, fifteen minutes each time, and bandage to be kept continually wet.

Count C. fell down stairs, and afterwards felt pain in his side. Bandaged the part. Next day a tepid bath for one hour. As the Count was not young, this was not persevered in. Sitz-baths were substituted.

A. fell from his horse and injured his elbow and arm.

Arm and elbow placed in a tepid bath for an hour.

Repeated three times a day. Arm bandaged night and day.

Bruised Shin.—Three sitz-baths a day 60°; bandage the leg from ancle to above the knee, and keep it raised. Throw tepid water over foot and leg several times a day.

Foot-baths may be resorted to, if the patient is already under hydropathic treatment: otherwise not, as they draw bad matter downwards, and might prevent the wound from healing.

B. trod upon a nail which entered his foot. His foot was put for an hour twice or thrice a day into tepid water, and he wore a bandage on the part.

In all cases of the kind—either by cutting with sharp instruments or otherwise, put the wounded part into tepid water until it ceases bleeding, then bandage it, and afterwards use cold baths several times a day to the part.

Bandages must extend both ways beyond the wound, to carry off the inflammation from the part. Viz.—If the calf of the leg be wounded, the bandage ought to begin at the ancle, and be continued up to the knee. In all cases take one or two tepid sitz-baths a day. They prevent the head being affected.

Tape Worms.—Rubbing-sheets once or twice a day, bandage always round the waist, cold injections morning and evening, and drink plentifully of water.

For other worms recourse must be had to the general treatment.

Sea Sickness.—Wear a large thick bandage on chest and abdomen; and if it does not prevent, it will mitigate sea-sickness.

Apoplexy and Paralysis.—Instantly put patient into tepid-bath, water about two inches deep, throw cold water over head and shoulders, and use immense friction with wet hands for a very long time. For a wonderful case of cure of Apoplexy, refer to the letter written from GrÄfenberg to the New York Tribune.

Lock Jaw.—The same as for Apoplexy.

A Belgian Doctor had a paralytic stroke two months previous to coming to GrÄfenberg. In a fortnight he had another; when he could neither speak nor eat, and was too feeble to take the bath.

Sixteen rubbing-sheets a day, four at a time, restored him the use of his faculties in two days.

A crochet-needle was, by accident, driven into the side of a young lady; a surgeon lanced the part and extracted it, when Priessnitz simply ordered a bandage to the part, to be changed every quarter of an hour until inflammation subsided, and subsequently, as often as it became dry. After the first day no inconvenience was felt. A green matter exuded from the wound, which P. said was nothing more than usual in such circumstances.

Scalds.—Put the part affected into cold water, or apply a cold affusion for an hour two or three times a day. Wear a bandage continually wet; when the inflammation has subsided, put a dry bandage over the wet one.

Burns.—If a burn be bad, and the patient cannot endure the application of water, in that case use tow or lint; but if possible, wring a bandage well out, apply it to the burn, and put a dry one over it. Change the bandage often; but if this is too painful, let it remain, and wet it often. A cold bath applied as a derivative will afford great relief; i. e. if the leg is burnt take a foot-bath; if the hand, put the elbow in cold water, &c.

Rupture of the Tendon Achilles.—A friend of mine, running across the road, heard the crack of a whip; and supposed at first that some one had struck his leg with a whip, but he soon found he could not put his foot to the ground, that he had met with an accident called coup de fouet, or a rupture of the tendon Achilles in the calf of his leg. The only treatment for this, which effected an immediate cure, was binding it up in a surgeon’s bandage very tight, and keeping that wet night and day.

Accidents to the Head.—A man chopping wood struck a child a back blow on the forehead; the wound was wetted with tepid water for some time, and then a bandage was applied.

Two tepid sitz-baths were administered during the day.

Another child seven years old, fell against a stone and laid his forehead open.

Bandage applied, and wetted occasionally without being taken off; a dry one kept over it.

Another bandage at the back of the neck, renewed often.

Tepid sitz-bath fifteen minutes, three times a day. Feverish symptoms arose during the night; sitz-bath renewed.

Prince Ruspoli, Lord Anson, and another were galloping along a road at the dusk of the evening, not perceiving a drain, two of their horses fell into it. Two of the party were taken up insensible. On being brought into Freywalden, they were instantly put into tepid baths of 65°.

The prince having fallen on his temple was much stunned; four men rubbed him in the bath, in five minutes he became conscious and assisted in rubbing himself; in ten minutes he felt cold. After being in the bath twenty-five minutes he was taken out, well dried and put to bed, with bandages on his head and back of the neck, and but slight covering. After an hour’s repose, a tepid sitz-bath was administered for an hour. During the night patient suffered great pain in his head. Next day he was out of doors, but took three sitz-baths during the day; in the morning for an hour; the others, half an hour each time. Bandages always to the injured part. In a few days he was quite well.

The prince’s friend was threatened with congestion in the head, and had great pain in the stomach; the fÆces were nearly black. He took many injections; three sitz-baths daily, an hour and a half each time, and one during the night. This treatment effected his cure.

Cuts and Wounds.—For a clean cut, it will often be sufficient to close the wound at once, and cover it with a dry bandage, so as to exclude the air.

A bruise, or jagged cut, should be bound up, and covered with a wet bandage; and this, when inflammation has subsided, must be covered with a dry one. Do not remove the under bandage, but pour water on it occasionally, and cover it again with the dry one. Let the bandage extend both ways beyond the wound, to conduct away the heat from it.

Calf of Leg torn off.—Dr. Scontetton, surgeon to the forces at Strasburg, states, “A soldier trying to descend at night from the walls of the barracks, fell, and tore the flesh off the calf of his leg. The doctor put the lacerated flesh together as well as he could, and bound the leg and thigh up in a bandage; a trough was then made in a slanting position in which he placed the leg. Over the man’s head he fixed a cask of water with a tube, from which the man was to keep the bandage constantly wet.6 By this treatment alone a cure was effected in a fortnight, during which time the man suffered no pain, nor was even deprived of his appetite.”

Sprained Shoulder.—A patient fell down an ice-berg and severely bruised his shoulder, so that he could not raise his hand. The bruise was immediately saturated with cold water for an hour, and cold wet cloths applied for a long time. When inflammation had subsided, a heating bandage was applied and renewed when dry. Elbow bath twice a day, fifteen minutes each.

This treatment was repeated two or three times a day.

Accident to the Eye.—A child five years old, ran a knife into the ball of the eye. Cold wet bandages perfected a cure. The blue of the eye ran, but the boy, now fifteen years of age, sees perfectly well.

Swelling of a Vein—Varicose Veins.—A young lady was afflicted with swelled vein just over the large toes of both feet; the swelling in one foot shortly disappeared, the other became more developed, the foot and ancle inflamed.

I wrote to Priessnitz, who advised “a cold foot-bath, three times a day, for twenty minutes; water up to the ancle and not to be changed. After the bath, rub the foot (omitting the affected part) and leg, particularly in front, up to the knee, until heat is restored; then apply a bandage (well wrung out) to the foot and leg up to the knee, always changing before dry. If an eruption or swelling take place on the foot, take a sitz-bath half an hour, twice a day, and the sweating process, followed by cold bath every other day. Do not perspire more than an hour. The foot should be kept a little elevated.”

Patient not getting better, and the medical men declaring the case, in their opinion, incurable, she went to GrÄfenberg. The following is the treatment pursued there:—Packing-sheets for fifteen minutes; changed for another of twenty minutes; and cold plunge-bath morning and evening; between which douched twice a day, and a sitz-bath taken; always wearing foot and leg and waist bandage.

Priessnitz, on seeing the case, declared the complaint was not a local one, that “it was a general derangement of the nervous system”, and so it turned out, as veins in the arms, thighs, and elsewhere enlarged and diminished under the treatment. Both feet and legs now became swollen and inflamed up to the knee, so that patient was obliged to move on crutches. Treatment increased. Length of cold bath and douche extended to five minutes each. To prevent the pain that must have attended the limbs, in so inflamed a state, coming in contact with water, the bandages remained on those parts whilst taking those baths. This crisis continued for two months, when it began to recede, then came again in a more moderate form; receded and again made its appearance a third and last time. Catamenia became regular, appetite good, and patient could walk without assistance. The cure was effected in ten months. It is now upwards of two years since the party left GrÄfenberg, and she is perfectly well.

By this it will be seen, that that which is produced by the treatment, must be made to recede under the treatment. Had Priessnitz relinquished any part of it at the most trying moment, the cure would not have been effected.

Speaking to him of varicose or enlarged veins, he said “they are generally curable. I had a patient with an enlarged vein in his foot, when on the ground the vein became full, measuring nearly two inches; this was cured in eighteen months.”

Sprains.—In all cases of sprains, rub the part, with hands dipped in water, for a long time; the oftener the better, and put on a wet bandage, which when heat has subsided, change for a heating bandage.

If the sprain is a bad one, apply a cold bath or cold affusion to the part for half an hour, then the wet, and afterwards the heating bandage, which change often.

The bath should be repeated thrice a day, and friction used the whole time.

If general treatment is necessary, then packing-sheets. Tepid bath and tepid sitting baths must be resorted to.

Sprained Ankle.—Put the foot immediately into cold water, and rub foot, ankle, and leg up to the knee for an hour, particularly the wounded part. The water of the bath, after the first time, only up to the instep, but repeated three or four times a day. Bandage the foot, ankle, and leg up to the knee; first, with quite wet bandages, and when inflammation has somewhat subsided, then with heating bandage. The foot should not be allowed to remain quiet. If not able to move about, the patient should put a rolling pin under his foot and keep that in movement. By these means a sprained ankle is cured in a few days, that without it might continue for a month or longer.

Wound in the Abdomen.—A lad leaning upon a piece of wood, hurt his abdomen; it was rubbed with cold water for half an hour, followed by sitz-bath half an hour twice a day.

Bleeding at the Nose.—Sprinkle the face with water, bandage the back of the neck and the loins; shallow foot bath, where obstinate. Bandage the genitals and change the bandage often.

Dr. Gibbs states, that whilst at GrÄfenberg, he was greatly troubled with bleeding at the nose. He tried bandages at the back of the neck and foot-bath to no purpose. Priessnitz then ordered him two packing-sheets in succession, the first fifteen minutes, the other twenty-five minutes, followed by cold bath. This treatment had the desired effect.

I knew a case where a man bled profusely at the nose. He put his feet up to the calves of his legs in cold water, and the bleeding stopped in ten minutes.

A child had a blow on the nose, which occasioned it to bleed frequently.

Bandage worn on the forehead for a week or two, and foot baths, completed a cure.

Spitting Blood, Sickness, etc.—This is sometimes occasioned by piles. Sitz-baths (tepid 62°) may be taken; bandages worn on the waist always, and on the chest at night. All irritation should be avoided, and repose of body and mind observed. Water ought to be drunk abundantly. Bleeding of the lungs, the effect of pulmonary consumption, is not curable. To distinguish the difference between cases requires the experience of such a genius as Priessnitz.

XLVI.—Small Pox, Measles, Hooping Cough, Croup, Scarlatina, Colds, Shivering, etc.

All these complaints form the easiest and surest part of Priessnitz’s practice. No child or adult ever died at GrÄfenberg of any of them. This fact, attested as it is by all writers on Hydropathy, leads one to look on the incertitude of medical practice in diseases incidental to children, with wonder and dismay.

Priessnitz considers these complaints wholesome, being the medium chosen by Nature for relieving the system.

On their appearance, his great aim is to strengthen the patient, and eliminate the morbific matters by the pores of the skin. It is frequently asked, “But does not the hydropathic process drive the virus into the system?” No, on the contrary, the packing-sheet acts as a poultice to the whole body; and this, followed by a tepid bath, causes an outward action, and the system is cooled and relieved through miles of drainage (the pores), the true medium through which relief can with certainty be obtained.

A young man with measles, at GrÄfenberg, had as many as 400 packing-sheets applied in about fourteen days.

Small-Pox.—Small-pox, of all diseases, is that which should be treated hydropathically; because by its operation the morbid matters are thrown out by the pores of the skin, upon which it rarely leaves any of those scars so detrimental to the beauty of the person.

In the Water-cure, judiciously treated, the small-pox is under no circumstances attended with danger, nor is the patient reduced in strength as under any other treatment. “Small pox,” Priessnitz says, “instead of being suppressed, ought to be encouraged, as it relieves the system of humours that ought to be carried out of it, and is a healthy process.” At one period the profession were as much at fault in the treatment of small-pox, as they now are in that of cholera. No means were left untried, but they failed in arresting its ravages. Jenner’s discovery was hailed as an intervention of Providence, and he was voted two grants in parliament. If Priessnitz is right, this discovery may be hailed as a curse rather than a blessing. He states that the insertion of poisonous matter into the blood of a healthy subject produces poisonous consequences, is repugnant to our feelings, and at variance with the laws of nature.

In small pox, where there is much eruption on the face, a muslin handkerchief, wetted, may be used as a bandage to the part.

If the head is much affected, head-bath and wet bandages must be resorted to.

Bandage the back and thighs if they require it. In these complaints, as in all others, if the bowels require opening, use injections. Drink plentifully of water.

I treated a young lady in small-pox as follows:—

First day—patient was confined to the sofa with head-ache and general lassitude; next morning, fever and several pustules: two packing-sheets, the first twenty minutes, the other twenty-five minutes; and tepid bath 70° for eight minutes. Afternoon—As the packing-sheet did not heat so soon as that in the morning, it was not changed, but patient remained in it an hour and a quarter—the tepid bath eight minutes—drank sixteen tumblers of water, windows always open. Second day, eruption much increased over the body and face; treatment as before. Third and fourth day, eruption increased; same treatment persevered in. Fifth day, treatment only in the morning. Sixth day, eruption decreasing. Eighth day, catamenia, all treatment suspended; which it should be observed would not have been the case had any fever remained. Tenth day, patient out walking, eruption nearly gone. Twelfth and thirteenth day, one rubbing-sheet on getting out of bed. It should be stated, that the wet bandage was perpetually worn during the treatment.

Patient quite as well and as strong as before the attack. Complexion much clearer.

The most extraordinary thing to be observed is, that the patient was not confined to bed for an hour—felt no disposition to scratch herself. The tongue, after third day, was perfectly clean, and her rest after the first night undisturbed.

The fever was taken out the first day, from which time she was not inconvenienced in the least. This young lady had been twice vaccinated.

The second and third day a smell remained in the room after patient was taken out of the sheet and bath, that was perfectly intolerable; which shows that the virus was taken out, and accounts for the eruption being so mild.

Another friend of mine, 46 years of age, caught the small pox, though he had been vaccinated twice. He was treated much in the same way, and was out of doors quite well the twelfth day, never having been confined to his bed for an hour. Windows open night and day.

In all eruptive complaints, packing-sheets allay the fever. To effect this, where the fever is strong, they should be changed once or twice, or even oftener. When there is much eruption, the heat of the bath which follows the wet sheet must be increased in extraordinary cases even to 80 deg.

The packing-sheet process and the tepid bath must be used twice a-day; patient must drink abundance of water; windows of the room ought to be always open; if constipated, clysters; waist bandages in all cases.

This treatment persevered in, must cure all eruptive and other fevers. No fear need exist as to the eruption by these means being driven in—all experience shows it is the way to bring it to the surface.

Dr. Farr declares himself a convert to the Water-cure in cases of eruption and other fevers, and did me the favour of writing the following letter:—

“Miss —— for two days had a sensation of languor, drowsiness, and pain in the head and loins, with sickness and fever. On the third day there appeared on the face small red spots, and successively on the inferior parts, until the fifth day! these rose into pimples, and then filled with puriform matter; dry hard scales formed, and on these falling off, pits or marks were left on some of them. The cold water cure had been commenced when I first saw her, which had cut the fever, and altered the character of the eruption; but as soon as the pustules began to form, the nature of the disease was no longer a matter of doubt; the pustules were as well developed, and went through their regular changes as well and as perfectly as though no application of cold had been made use of. This was the first case of small-pox I saw this winter at Nice, but shortly after several others occurred, and some of them of the confluent kind. I must confess I was surprised at the complete success of the cold water cure in this case.

“W. Farr.”

“Nice, 13th April, 1848.[”]

Scarlatina and Measles.—These two complaints are treated alike:—

Morning, packing-sheet twenty-five minutes, then change it for another for twenty-five minutes, followed by tepid bath 64° for ten minutes. Bandages. If the eruption is extensive, heat of the bath must be increased.

Repeat the treatment in the afternoon. If there is much heat between the hours of treatment, take as many rubbing-sheets one after the other as are necessary to subdue it. Much water should be drunk.

Scarlatina.—This complaint, on its first indication, is often subdued by the following simple means:—

Two or three packing-sheets. Large bandage round the waist. Drink water and walk out. A few hours afterwards repeat the same.

If obstinate, two or three packing-sheets, changed when warm, followed by tepid bath 64°.

If in scarlatina, or measles, the throat is affected, drink often in small quantities. Renew the packing-sheet frequently. When fever is diminished, slight perspiration in packing-sheet for half an hour; then tepid bath twenty minutes, with friction. Bread and milk diet.

A child, eleven years old, exhibited symptoms of scarlatina. Dry and hot all over the body. Stitch from chest to back. Was put into a tepid bath 64° and rubbed for an hour, cold water being continually thrown over its shoulders; child extremely cold; walked out. The same operation performed again in the afternoon and twice the next day put an end to the attack.

Hooping Cough.—Rub the child well all over, particularly the chest and back of the neck with hands continually dipped in cold water; or use a rubbing sheet. Bandage the chest, breast, and loins. If sufficiently strong, let the child lie in bed until quite hot, then tepid bath 64° and use great friction until quite chilled. If fever be present, a packing-sheet should precede the tepid bath, and afterwards a bandage round the waist.

Hooping cough may also be treated thus:—

Tepid bath, with great friction, for ten minutes in the morning; two rubbing-sheets at mid-day; the same in the afternoon: head-bath before going to bed; chest and body bandaged and changed often; drink much water.

Mumps.—Begin with rubbing-sheets; then packing-sheets and tepid-bath.

Bandage the throat, loins, and side of the head affected.

Change the bandages often, keep the mouth full of water, and change it when warm.

Croup with Sore Throat and Cough.—A child, on awaking in the morning, had face very red and found much difficulty in breathing. Treatment:—

A cold water injection, then two rubbing-sheets, and bandage all round the body from the throat to the hips.

An enema did not act, but appeared to cool the body; it remained in the body eight minutes. When discharged, another rubbing-sheet and wet bandage were applied. Breathing free, and child slept until morning. Then well rubbed in bath 62° for ten minutes.

Ate little breakfast. Dined on rice pudding.

Afternoon. Flushed and feverish.

Priessnitz, who now saw the patient, approved of what had been done, and said if the croup had continued, eight or ten rubbing-sheets ought to have been administered; allowing ten to twenty minutes between each; depending upon the violence of attack and strength of patient.

Evening. Patient was feverish, when the following was ordered:—

Body, but not the feet, to be enveloped in packing-sheet, and there remain until feet were warm: then tepid-bath 64° ten minutes. If the feet are cold in the bath, rub them with wet hands until a good circulation is produced.

In the night, fever abated and the child slept soundly.

Next day croup nearly gone and appetite good.

Another child with croup was treated in the same way on the first day. At nine o’clock at night, chest, windpipe, and between the shoulders, were rubbed for some time with wet hands; then the waist, throat, and chest were bandaged.

Slept well, but flushed and feverish in the morning; complained of sore throat. Packing-sheet until hot, and tepid-bath 64°.

Still feverish.

At noon, rubbing-sheet, not wrung out. If no fever and appetite, to go out.

Repeat rubbing-sheet in the afternoon.

Should fever continue, packing-sheet followed by rubbing-sheets. This was not necessary.

Second day. Tepid bath in the morning, and rubbing-sheets at twelve and five o’clock. Both children cured in three days.

A child seven years old, subject all his life to severe attacks of croup, on being seized with one at GrÄfenberg, was treated as follows:—

Rubbed between the shoulders, and on the chest, for some minutes with wet hands; then lifted out of bed, and well rubbed all over, especially in the legs, in a very wet sheet from five to eight minutes.

A wet handkerchief was then put on as a shawl, and a bandage round the waist; when the patient was allowed to return to bed for ten minutes; after which the same treatment was repeated. This induced sleep, and he awoke free from all signs of croup.

At twelve o’clock there was a relapse, when the rubbing was renewed, and bandage applied to the waist.

At five o’clock in the afternoon, tepid-bath 64° for some minutes, and patient slept all night in bandage and wet shawl.

The treatment was renewed second day.

A child three years old, also liable to attacks of croup, on being attacked one evening about nine o’clock, was instantly rubbed on the chest, windpipe, and between the shoulders, followed by a general rubbing in rubbing-sheet for five minutes; then bandages were applied to throat, chest, and round the waist.

This apparently gave great relief, but in the morning he awoke flushed and feverish, complaining of his throat. A rubbing-sheet followed by a tepid-bath for some minutes, was resorted to; and at twelve o’clock another rubbing-sheet followed. Fever having subsided, he was allowed to go out.

At five o’clock the rubbing-sheet was repeated. He wore the bandage on his throat down to his chest day and night, changing it when dry. Had fever continued, he was to have lain in packing-sheet at five o’clock until warm, instead of the rubbing-sheet. Since this time both children have been perfectly well.—August, 1845.

Ophthalmia.—Inflammation of the eyes is generally catarrhal or rheumatic, and requires the same treatment as rheumatism and gout. I never saw it acute, but always chronic.

To the rheumatic treatment, Priessnitz adds eye-baths, and the douche. The latter must be received in the joined hands; from which, water coming from a height will rebound as high as the eyes. Head-baths are equally indispensable, as well as fomentations, to these organs. Chronic ophthalmia, even at GrÄfenberg, is most obstinate, and requires a long course of treatment.

A captain thus attacked, felt, after several head-baths which he continued for three quarters of an hour, a pungent pain in the head, accompanied by swelling of the ears. An abscess was expected in one of these organs, when the pain gave way to a virulent deposit, formed in the thick part of the cheek; after this, the eyes were re-established.

Another sufferer came to GrÄfenberg, with an exfoliation in the corner of the eye. To the whole of the treatment, Priessnitz added eye-baths; after each of which, the invalid was to look fixedly at the light, and immediately re-plunge the eyes into cold water. This man, who was perfectly blind on coming, was, on leaving GrÄfenberg, able to read with spectacles.

A third patient presented a very remarkable case of blindness, the result of a cold caught during hunting, by which he lost his sight. He had been nine months blind, when he arrived at GrÄfenberg; after each process of perspiration, which he submitted to twice a day, the bath and the head-bath, matter mixed with blood came from the eyes. One might say that some pounds exuded from the eyes in the course of three weeks. I did not see the termination of this cure, before leaving GrÄfenberg; but I can affirm, that the last time I spoke to the invalid, he could distinguish colours, and also objects at a certain distance.

Itch and Ringworm.—These diseases are more easily cured by cold water, than by any other means. The process of perspiration in the wet sheet, leads to success; but ringworm is frequently more difficult to cure than the itch. It requires longer time, and a more energetic use of cold water.—The douche is also indispensable in cases of ringworm, in order to bring the morbid humours to the skin. The most difficult ringworms to cure, are those which have been driven in by bad treatment. This disease is really equal to the gout, in point of obstinacy, for it re-appears upon the skin after the use of the douche a long time. After the process of perspiration, and cold baths too, it again shows itself under forms much more serious in their aspect, than in the beginning.

Cold, Cough, with Inflammation.—A lady was ordered—

Packing-sheet, half or three quarters of an hour, then tepid bath 64° for an hour, twice a day. After first day much better. Third day cured. If patient is fatigued by staying in bath so long, let him come out and walk about the room for a few minutes, then enter the bath again.

Major——, a strong man, pursued the following treatment and was cured the third day.

Morning—Packing-sheet, two and a half hours, and tepid bath 64°, ten minutes. Took a long walk.

At noon—Packing-sheet, one hour, and bath ten minutes.

Afternoon—The same.

Bandaged throat and chest day and night.

Chronic Sore Throat.—Child two and a half years old. Morning—Packing-sheet one hour and then cold bath; noon, tepid sitz-bath, fifteen minutes. Bandage round the throat at night, but not by day; rub the throat often with wet hands.

Sore Throat, Pain in the Limbs, and Prostration of Strength.—A young lady so attacked was ordered not to eat any dinner that day; to run up and down stairs and about the room until warm.

Then a blanket, warmed by the fire and the patient enveloped in it, covered by many others, patient to keep in movement in the blanket the first quarter of an hour, to promote perspiration (the sweating process). Bandage throat, chest, and waist. Hold water in the mouth, and rub the throat often with wet hands (requisites in all cases where the throat is engaged). Patient being under the general treatment at the usual time, packing sheet and tepid bath, etc., were used.

Cure effected the second day.

Cold and Cough.—A child six years old. Tepid bath 64° twice a day, fifteen minutes each time, and waist bandage. Cured the second day.

For an adult the above is also good treatment, with the addition of holding water constantly in the mouth when walking, and wearing bandages on chest and legs up to the fork at night; morning, two rubbing sheets; the same at mid-day and in the afternoon. Two foot-baths during the day of ten minutes each; feet to be rubbed well the whole time. Bandages as in former case.

Cold, and Sore Throat.—Bandage the throat at night, expose it by day, even in winter.

Pain in the Bowels.—Packing-sheet until hot, then tepid bath 66° morning and afternoon; at mid-day, sitz-bath 64° twenty minutes. It was truly astonishing to witness the result of one day’s treatment.

In a case of great swelling in the throat, bandages were applied to it always, and changed every twenty minutes. To this were added rubbing-sheets three times a day, and a sitz-bath 64° for twenty minutes.

Cold.—In a severe cold, suspend packing-sheet in the morning and substitute rubbing sheet; at noon, packing-sheet for an hour, followed by tepid-bath 64°.

If not soon well, sweating process for an hour and half, followed by tepid bath 64°.

In a common cold, Priessnitz ordered three rubbing-sheets, with great friction, on going to bed. For children, he finds a tepid bath, for ten minutes twice a day, is sufficient; dining on farinaceous food and going out as usual.

Cold with Head Ache.—Two rubbing-sheets and tepid sitz-bath for twenty minutes before dinner, and the same in the afternoon. After each operation a cold-head bath for ten minutes.

Cold, Sore Throat, and enlarged Tonsils.—Packing-sheets and tepid-bath twice a day. Tepid sitz-bath and bandages are generally ordered.

Cold settled in the Knee.—One day rising from kneeling, a patient, aged 50, felt great pain in her knee, which swelled so as to prevent her going out. Despite medical skill, it increased in size, and the foot lost all sensation; this took place twelve months previous to going to GrÄfenberg.

The patient for the first seven or eight weeks was confined entirely to her room. In the morning, packing-sheet and tepid bath; noon, stood on the leg up to the top of the thigh in cold water half an hour; afternoon, repeated the same; drank ten glasses of water daily; and kept the leg and foot constantly bandaged. At length she began to walk with two sticks; then she took a cold bath in the morning, and after ten weeks the douche twice a day, ten minutes each time. Digestion good.

The bone resumed its position and the swelling began to diminish; when, the foot having gained its action, she could walk with a stick without other assistance. This lady was an excellent example of the benefit of the Water-cure.

Cough, Sore Throat, and pain in the Chest.—Heating bandage to the throat at night; expose it by day.

Morning, packing-sheet until quite hot; then tepid bath 64° for fifteen minutes twice a day.

In the middle of the day tepid sitz-bath, twenty minutes. It was astonishing to witness the change for the better, after the first day’s treatment.

Cold and Cough.—An infant aged six years. Tepid bath 64° twice a day, for fifteen minutes each time.

Heating bandage round the waist. Cured in two days.

Severe Swelling in the Throat.—A gentleman resident in my house was ordered three rubbing-sheets, three times a day, and bandages, changed every twenty minutes.

A friend of mine was constantly annoyed by relaxed and sore throat, without any assignable cause. At length it was found that he slept with his mouth open. An Indian-rubber band to go under the chin and over the head, so as to keep his mouth shut was used at nights and from that time he was no more annoyed with the complaint.

Flatulency.—Injection and sitz-baths.

Drowsiness.—Foot-bath, and rub the head with wet hands. If these means are not sufficient, use the packing-sheet, followed by friction in tepid bath for an hour.

A patient complaining to Priessnitz of feeling heavy in the head after dinner, was ordered to pour a bottle of water on his head, and take head-baths occasionally.

Hysteria.—Rubbing-sheets every five minutes, until every appearance of hysteria is gone. The patient should lie in bed between each packing-sheet to get warm.

Ague.—Tepid bath 62° with great friction until fever is reduced; then packing-sheets, changed on becoming warm; followed by tepid bath, bandage, drinking water, etc. The sweating stage is much relieved by packing-sheets.

Shivering.—For a shivering fit, a patient was ordered five rubbing-sheets, with an interval of five minutes between them—patient to walk about the room during that time: first application effected a cure.

A young lady strong and robust, always cold, sleepy, and indisposed to leave the house, was ordered to use the packing-sheet until warm; then a tepid bath for an hour and upwards, three times a day. In three days she was perfectly well.

Weakness of Chest and Short Breathing.—A delicate lady was ordered two packing-sheets, from the arm-pits to knees, and tepid bath 64°. Feet being cold were rubbed in shallow foot-bath for a quarter of an hour, then dried, and she walked about her chamber for a quarter of an hour before going to bed.

Itching of the Fingers, like the approach of Chilblains.—Wash hands in tepid water, 64°, three times a day for five minutes; wear heating-bandage from the wrist to the elbow.

XLVII.—Sore Mouth—Inflamed Gums.

For this complaint, sweating twice a day, long tepid baths, head-baths, and sitz-baths, were ordered. Tepid water, 68°, should be held in the mouth.

XLVIII.—Tooth-ache, Preservation of the Teeth, etc.

If the tooth is unsound, it must be stopped or extracted. Sometimes when a tooth is plugged, the pressure on the nerve renders it insupportable. At Geneva, a clever dentist avoided this painful result by first cleaning out the tooth, then placing a small plate of metal very flat and thin as a sort of shelf in the tooth, so as to leave a hollow below it. By this means, he avoided the pressure upon the nerve, and the stopping was not felt. This is foreign to our purpose; but I insert it as a useful hint. In ordinary cases of tooth-ache, or inflammation of the gums, fill the mouth with warm water; then with the hand dipped frequently in cold water, rub the cheeks until it can be borne no longer; then rub the gums even to bleeding, and bandage the face: if pain returns in the night, repeat the rubbing. Long and often-repeated tepid foot-baths are also useful.

A patient at GrÄfenberg writes as follows:—“Priessnitz ordered me, for tooth-ache and pain in my gums, to rub the back of my head and down my neck often and for a long time. The first application afforded me relief. After ten or fifteen minutes’ rubbing, the pain would leave for hours, and then return. Soon there was a longer interval between the attacks: at last, the pain ceased altogether.” The theory of this mode of curing such an ailment is based upon true philosophical principles. Who does not know that the nerves of the teeth centre in the back of the head? It is evident, then, that by friction to that part, the inflammation will be drawn from the gums.

A friend of mine, suffering intensely from pain in the gums, found relief from a tepid sitz-bath of thirty minutes. As a preservative for the teeth, there is nothing like water. It is related in a useful little pamphlet, entitled “Facts, proving Water to be the only beverage fitted to give health and Strength to Man,” that General Norton, the Mohawk Chief, who was in this country some years ago, said that when the Indians are in their own settlements, living upon the produce of the chase, and drinking water, their teeth always look clean and white; but when they go into the United States, and get spirituous liquors, their teeth look dirty and yellow, and then they are frequently afflicted with tooth-ache, and are obliged to have their teeth drawn. For cleaning the teeth and preserving them, there is nothing so good as cold water; warm or tepid water exposes us to catch cold in the gums, whilst those who are in the constant habit of using cold water are seldom troubled in this way.

XLIX.—Watery or Inflamed Eyes.

For watery eyes, an eye-bath three times a day for five minutes will draw blood to, and strengthen, them. For inflamed eyes, throw water with the hand into them three times a day for five minutes each time, and wear a bandage on the forehead at night.

Sore Eyes.—Place the back part of the head in cold water three times a day, ten minutes each time; then use an eye-bath for five minutes, twice a day: for this purpose, glasses are to be procured of the form of the eye. After the eyes are closed in the water for about a minute, they should be opened for the other four minutes. At night, a bandage should be placed at the back of the neck: this and the head-bath have the effect of drawing inflammation from the front. In most cases, foot-baths twice a day are beneficial. Where there is great inflammation; a very wet bandage may be applied to the eyes for an hour occasionally. As a preservative to the eyes, open them in the wash-hand basin of a morning for two minutes, or throw water [i]nto them occasionally, for two or three minutes at a time.

L.—Deafness.

Rubbing-Sheet three times a day, wear bandage over the ears at night, and drink plentifully of water; tepid sitz-baths. This treatment will often relieve deafness: where it is ineffectual, the general treatment must be resorted to.

LI.—Ear-Ache.

Linen wetted should be introduced into the ear; all round the ear often rubbed with wet hands for a quarter of an hour each time, and a bandage worn round the head; also tepid foot-bath for half an hour.

In obstinate cases, perspiration and tepid baths, sitz and foot-baths, must be resorted to. For an obstinate pain in the ear in a strong man, two packing-sheets and tepid bath for two hours were prescribed; next day, sweating for five or six hours, and cold bath.

LII.—Ringworm, Itch, etc.

These diseases are more easily conquered by Hydropathy than by any other means. The most difficult ringworms to cure, are those driven in by bad treatment. This disease is equal to gout in obstinacy. We shall here warn the sufferer that the diet prescribed must be rigorously observed. Dr. Munde states that “three men, attacked with this disease, arrived at GrÄfenberg, at the same time as himself; the first, following the treatment with energy for two months, returned home resolved to continue through the winter, and then return to GrÄfenberg to finish the cure, which, at the time of his departure, was more than half effected. The two others remained at GrÄfenberg, one for eight months, the other six; both left radically cured. The treatment of one of these cases was attended by an acidity in the throat, and by the vomiting of matter containing chalky substances. The acidity of the throat was such, that it caused the tongue to be ulcerated.[”]

LIII.—Psoriasis.

The following extraordinary case is as stated by the patient, an English gentleman, himself. An eruption made its appearance on his head when twenty-three years of age; cause unknown. Underwent medical treatment six years, and tried every remedy five physicians could suggest. Thrice salivated, tried all sorts of ointments, some so powerful as to burn the flesh. Visited Harrowgate the third time, when the eruption spread all over his body. Stomach and bowels a continual source of annoyance. Arrived at GrÄfenberg 27th July, 1843; next morning, went into tepid, from that to cold, and back to tepid bath; and afterwards pursued the following treatment:—

Morning, two packing-sheets, the first for a quarter of an hour, the second for an hour, followed by tepid bath for half a minute, then cold, and back to tepid bath; noon, packing-sheet one hour, and rubbing-sheet; afternoon, packing-sheet one hour, and rubbing-sheet. At the expiration of first bath, the bowels acted regularly. Morning and afternoon treatment the same; noon, douche three minutes, and sitz-bath half an hour.

Sept. 5.—Considerable pain felt in thighs and legs; ordered after douching to walk a few minutes, with legs exposed to the air.

Sept. 20.—Diarrhoea. For this, the patient was put into packing-sheet doubled, from the arm-pits to the hips till warm; this was renewed seven times every quarter of an hour. Patient free from pain, but weak. Cramp returned in the evening, when a tepid sitz-bath was ordered, if that did not succeed, a clyster was to be administered.

The sitz-bath removed the pain. About this time pain in his side, which patient had felt from his youth, left him and has not returned. Patient observed that the smell of the packing-sheets, after his having lain in them, was offensive. Eruption at this time evidently worse. Third month, packing-sheet and cold bath instead of tepid bath, and in the afternoon cold bath instead of rubbing-sheet.

Reaction after every operation improved. Eruption so bad that skin cracked in various places, and discharged yellow gummy matter.

Fourth month.—Eruption caused head to feel quite sore; wore bandage to head and changed it four times a day.

Fifth month.—Rheumatic pains in shoulder, which had been felt at intervals for years. Rubbed well on coming out of cold bath; pain ceased in eight or ten days. After some time the pain returned again in both shoulders; this was subdued by rubbing-sheets as follows:—three the same night on going to bed; next day at noon, four afternoon, packing-sheet, followed by three rubbing-sheets, and on going to bed five more. Never felt rheumatic pain since. Eruption worse, covering the entire surface of head and ears, and spots on the body as before.

Jan. 8.—Ceased sweating from weakness; eruption improved in appearance.

Seventh month.—Commenced sweating again; eruption improved.

Eighth month.—Eruption still improving, leaving the skin inflamed and contracted; the spot on left leg gone, and lumps on neck decreasing in size.

Ninth month.—Head and ears better, left off venturing to expose them to the air; washed them frequently with cold water; eruption began to peel off when rubbed. Towards the end of the month, body quite free from all eruption. Patient winds up by saying, “I have gradually left off the various operations, preparatory to my departure, and am happy to say, that now every particle and sign of the eruption has disappeared.”

June 17, 1844.—In a letter written some time afterwards to a friend, he stated that he was perfectly cured of the disease.

Fistula.—Patient three years previously had been cured of stricture, to the treatment for which he attributes his present complaint. Morning, packing-sheet till warm, and cold bath; noon, rubbing-sheet and tepid sitz-bath ten minutes; afternoon, packing-sheet and cold bath. Bandages to the fork and arms, and round the waist always.

In three months, douche for three or four minutes. Sitz-bath to be cold instead of tepid, and alternate days foot-bath and tepid half bath, without rubbing-sheet. Cured in five months.

In three months, douche for three or four months; sitz-bath to be cold instead of tepid; and alternate days foot-bath and tepid half bath, without rubbing-sheet. Cured in five months.

Another patient stated that, he suffered from piles; for these he was drugged and leeched at the anus; treatment which was no doubt the cause of the fistula.

Nose Frost-bitten.—Chafe it with tepid-water 62°, and wear bandage continually.

Leprosy.—Patient ordered three packing-sheets and tepid-baths daily, wet linen drawers and waistcoat, with dry ones over them at night. Another patient wore two pairs of wet drawers for the same disease by day.

In another case, patient was ordered packing-sheets and long cold baths, and slept in a wet dress that fitted him, with a dry one over it; the whole being covered with a thick blanket. The patient described that his dress very soon became dry, whilst the blanket was wet and he was cold. To obviate this, Priessnitz told him to put on a second blanket, and in two hours take it off.

LIV.—Fistula.

Where parties are otherwise in tolerable health, this complaint is always curable in about eight or nine months. When health is established, contractility takes place. In cases where patients have been long under medical treatment, the cure of fistula requires great patience and perseverance.

Morning, packing-sheet and bath; noon, rubbing-sheet, douche; afternoon, four o’clock, douche; five o’clock, packing-sheet and bath.

Bandage to waist and part affected. The latter made of old linen.

Cold food is better for this complaint than hot. No sitz-baths.

LV.—HÆmorrhage, Irregular Menstruation, Pains in the Womb, &c.

All these diseases are successfully combated by hydropathy.

Away from Priessnitz, excessive menstruation requires cautious treatment. Persons so afflicted may, however, adopt the following means of relief.

At the period, wear a large bandage round the waist, wash the body with cold water on rising in the morning.

Drink plentifully of cold water.

When discharge has ceased, use a sitz-bath for fifteen minutes, once or twice a day.

If patient is very ill she must remain in bed lightly covered, wearing a very broad bandage, which must be changed every five minutes, or at most, every ten minutes, until better.

In cases of flooding, equally broad bandage, very wet, and changed often; also bandage the calves of the legs, and change it every five or ten minutes.

In case of great weakness, a tepid bath of 64° for eight or ten minutes, with much friction, must be resorted to, fresh water being constantly added, and fresh air admitted into the room.

At the period when menstruation is coming on, if in great pain, let the abdomen, feet, and legs, be well rubbed for a long time by hands dipped often in cold water.

Too frequent Menstruation.—This frequently arises from weakness; in that case, the general treatment to fortify the system is requisite.

Three rubbing-sheets a day, drink plentifully of cold water, eat everything cold.

On rising in the morning, wash internal parts well with a sponge. If this is not sufficient, add packing-sheet and cold bath in the morning, and during the week, take two tepid sitz-baths fifteen minutes, 62°, rubbing the abdomen all the time. Change waist bandage often.

Irregular Menstruation.—A lady, apparently in good health, came to GrÄfenberg in 1840. She suffered greatly from head-aches, occasioned by irregular menstruation; when she arrived, though catamenia was strong, she was ordered a sitz-bath, when it ceased and returned in fourteen days. During the patient’s stay, it returned three times, notwithstanding which the treatment was continued.

Sweating morning and evening two hours, followed by first tepid and then cold bath.

During the day two tepid sitz-baths, followed immediately by tepid foot-baths, fifteen minutes each.

Douche three minutes. Head-bath, five minutes each side, making fifteen minutes.

Ten to twelve glasses of water, used waist bandages, and took much exercise. Cured in six weeks.

Suppressed Menstruation.—When catamenia comes on, except in extraordinary cases, all the operations of the Water-cure are suspended, but when patients are in a crisis or fever, they are continued. When menstruation, from any cause, is suppressed, the following treatment is prescribed.

Three or four times a day, three or four rubbing-sheets, not much wrung out, with great friction. These are each time to be followed by tepid foot-baths of fifteen minutes each.

A lady at GrÄfenberg, for this complaint, took packing-sheet and tepid bath in the morning, four rubbing-sheets at noon, four in the afternoon, and four at night; between each rubbing-sheet, she walked or ran naked about the room, with the windows open, though in the depth of a Silesian winter. This treatment brought on catemenia the third day. No bandage was used. If blood had gone to the head, then foot-baths were to have been applied, and the feet and legs rubbed with hands dipped in water the whole time. If these means had failed, then the sitz-bath and douche were to have been added to the treatment. After every operation, patient must go out of doors and take much exercise, and drink not less than twelve glasses of water a day. In some cases, cold foot-baths are more active than tepid ones; and in obstinate complaints of this kind, the sweating process is useful.

Pains in the Womb.—Tepid sitz-bath from forty minutes to an hour, rubbing the abdomen well whilst in the bath with wet hands. Sweating in cold weather beneficial; in hot weather the contrary. To effect a cure, the general health must be established.

HÆmorrhage, Irregular Menstruation, &c.—A patient aged 42, was cured of hÆmorrhage in six minutes.

Packing-sheet followed by rubbing-sheet, were first resorted to. After three weeks it became necessary to increase the packing-sheets to fifty a day. They were applied from the arm-pits down to the hips. Patient kept in a perfect state of repose.

In five days this treatment stopped the hÆmorrhage; then packing-sheets and cold baths twice a day, were had recourse to, until patient was cured. No sitz-baths. Large bandage, often renewed, was always worn round the waist.

An English lady of title, nearly exhausted from violent hÆmorrhage, arrived at GrÄfenberg in October. She was ordered not to put her foot to the ground for two months, to sleep with her window open, and to be covered with one sheet only. After the packing-sheets, she was carried to the cold bath and back to bed. She felt as in an ice-house. In two months, great improvement: then, though winter, and the ground was covered with snow, she was ordered to go out without bonnet or umbrella, and as lightly clad as possible; and to douche twice a day for ten minutes. Everything being done to cause contraction. In May she was declared perfectly cured. The husband, on coming to her, was in ecstasies at her healthy appearance, and was at a loss to find words to express his gratitude to Priessnitz.

Head-ache, Pain in the Limbs, and great uneasiness.—A child taken in the night with the above symptoms accompanied with fever, was ordered immediately—

Rubbing-sheet, sitz-bath, and head-bath; at noon, rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath; afternoon, packing-sheet twenty minutes, and tepid-bath.

If the packing-sheet heated soon, then to be changed for twenty minutes.

If symptoms continued, renew the rubbing-sheets, sitz, and head-baths, in the night.

Patient well in the afternoon.

Pain in the Breast.—A lady, two days after her confinement, had her breast hardened by milk, so that she could not endure the infant’s attempt to draw it. She applied the bandage, covered with a dry one; it was immediately soothing, and in less than an hour, the milk began to flow.

The Whites.—These find a certain cure in hydropathy. Very often sitz-bath, beginning with tepid water and afterwards using cold and injections, effect the object. When they do not, rubbing sheet and the douche are resorted to.

A case within my knowledge was cured by the following treatment:

Three tepid sitz-baths 60° daily; morning, two packing sheets; one fifteen minutes, the other twenty-five minutes, followed by cold bath, with cold water thrown over the body; afternoon, the sheets were repeated, and either a rubbing sheet or cold bath. When patient did not feel well the tepid bath was used. Body bandage worn always.

LVI.—Change of Life in Females.

Health would be re-established by a few months’ treatment—such as rubbing-sheets and douche; drinking water and wearing the bandage. Those who cannot devote time to go to GrÄfenberg, should take a rubbing sheet every morning, wear a waist bandage, and drink seven or eight tumblers of water a-day.

LVII.—Treatment of Ladies.

Pain at the Chest, Dry Cough, Weak Digestion, Pain and Pressure at the Nape of the Neck, Cold Feet, Great Emaciation and Suppression of Catemenia for three months, Skin dry and hard, Unable to Walk.—A lady, 38 years of age, for the above symptoms, was treated as follows:—

Morning, packing-sheet and tepid-bath; noon, rubbing-sheet; afternoon, as in the morning.

Bandages on chest and abdomen day and night.

Ten glasses of water drank daily.

In ten days able to walk a little, cough eased, better spirits.

In a month, skin softer; and shortly after, a cold plunge-bath was ordered instead of tepid.

Accouchement.—Experience has demonstrated the utility of cold ablutions, sitz-baths, simple diet, and exercise in the air, to females enceinte; water should be substituted for all stimulants. Madame Priessnitz, for her easy and prompt accouchements, is indebted to cold water and sitz-baths, which she took daily for six weeks previous.

The following statement to me in writing, by an American gentleman, shews the value that ought to be set on hydropathy by ladies.

“From 1837 to 1844 inclusive, Mrs. —— was, to all appearance, very healthy, but had an abortive accouchement every year, sometimes twice a year. After the second accident of this nature, she took advice; when, on one occasion, she was subjected to depletion; another, she was advised to pass her time entirely in a recumbent position; she had the best advice that could be procured in Boston, Florence, and Liverpool. These mishaps caused her many distressing and alarming symptoms. She now went to a hydropathic establishment for a few weeks, and derived great benefit from the treatment; this determined her on going to GrÄfenberg, when Priessnitz assured her, if confined there, no doubt need be entertained of a favourable result, or the life of the infant. In April, 1845, she arrived at GrÄfenberg; after six weeks she became unwell, and continued so for some time; she, however, persevered in the full treatment until April, 1846, when she gave birth to a male child weighing twelve pounds, six ounces.

“Her treatment had been packing-sheet and cold bath in the morning, rubbing-sheets, douche, and sitz-baths in the after part of the day, all the winter. The latter she took the very morning of her accouchement.

“During labour, the bandages round the waist were quite wet, and changed every ten minutes. She was also ordered to walk and use her arms as much as possible.

“After the birth, she was washed twice a day with tepid water 15°, with wet towels.

“The child, immediately on entering the world, was put into water as it came from the fountain; afterwards warm water was mixed with it until it reached 15°. The child’s baths were afterwards tepid 15°, and gradually reduced to 12°. After two months he had two of these baths a day.

“In case of pain in the bowels bandages were applied; if not attended with immediate relief, a cold clyster. He is now three years old, strong and cheerful; his mother free from all those symptoms hitherto so obstinate, mysterious, and apparently fatal. I leave GrÄfenberg with the highest sense of gratitude towards the wonderful man, whose intuitive genius has proved such a blessing to thousands. I regard hydropathy a thousand times more as a science of life than a remedial agent. I have seen enough to convince me that he who lives according to its precepts, must, barring accidents and pestilence, live to a good old age; it will teach all to make their passions harmonise with their organisation, and then it will be, not only a medicine, but a religion.”

If fever of any kind supervenes upon accouchements, wet sheets and tepid-baths are resorted to.

Pregnancy.—A delicate lady, who accompanied her husband to GrÄfenberg, became in the family-way; she had long suffered from derangement of the stomach, which now became much worse: she wasted away and became weakly.

Ordered two rubbing-sheets daily, one in the morning, the other in the afternoon. A sitz-bath occasionally.

Bandage round the waist, always drank plentifully of water.

Under this treatment, she became stout and plump. She walked until the day before her accouchement. When she felt the pains of labour coming on, Priessnitz caused her to sit up until the last moment, with a bandage round the abdomen, which, during labour, was changed every six minutes. The delivery was quick and easy.

Experience shews the utility of cold ablutions and exercise in the open air, to females who are in the family-way. To this add simple diet, and drinking plentifully of cold water. All stimulants should be avoided. A sitz-bath occasionally, and a bandage when sensations of pain are felt, will also be beneficial.

Sterility.—I could enumerate instances out of number, of parties (who had often deplored the absence of children) having families, after undergoing the cleansing and fortifying process of the Water-cure.

A gentleman, now an M.P., and his lady, were travelling for their health in Italy. A friend of mine at Venice, advised them to go to GrÄfenberg. They did so, and after five months, the lady became enceinte. She wrote afterwards, that she had been married eleven years without having had a child; that since her trip to GrÄfenberg she had three. Her meeting with that gentleman at Venice, she said she looked upon as an act of divine Providence.

Difficulty in passing Urine.—Wash the parts with cold water often; the body twice a-day; bandage the parts; drink plentifully of water and eat grapes.

LVIII.—Giddiness, Dizziness, etc.

Bandage (wet) round the head; lie in bed and change body-bandage often. Tepid sitz-bath 62° for forty minutes. If after a few hours, patient is not better, resort to packing-sheet and tepid bath; or three or four rubbing-sheets twice or thrice a-day, followed by tepid foot-baths.

LIX.—Head-Aches.

When they proceed from nervousness, rubbing-sheet for three or four minutes, well wetting the head first, followed by sitz-bath for fifteen minutes. When these fail, resort to packing-sheet and tepid bath. Head-bandage.

It frequently happens that well washing the head, rubbing the temples for a long time with wet hands, and wearing a wet bandage as a turban, the head-ache is relieved.

Head-ache and Flushing from anxiety.—A lad was ordered:

Foot-bath twenty minutes; feet very much rubbed during that time. Body bandaged and bandage often changed.

Tepid sitz-bath 62° quarter of an hour; head-bath for ten minutes, and afterwards bandage round it very often terminates head-ache at once.

When head-ache is obstinate, the duration of the sitz-bath must be extended, and a perpetual bandage from the ankle to the knee. This, though it may produce an eruption, may be continued for months. Bandage the head night and day.

Head-ache.—For a violent head-ache, Priessnitz ordered the body bandage to be changed every ten minutes. This did not answer—when patient was relieved by the following treatment; a rubbing-sheet for five minutes, and sitz-bath for an hour, the head being bandaged all the time.

A lady of a fine strong constitution, suffering from intense nervous head-ache, was treated as follows:—

Morning, packing-sheet and bath, followed by head-bath, three minutes to each side, and the same to the back, making nine minutes; noon, rubbing-sheet, sitz-bath; afternoon as in the morning. Patient always went without stockings and bonnet. In three months health much improved and headache less frequent.

Head-ache.—Some head-aches are relieved by fomenting the forehead and temples with towels wetted with hot water for half an hour, occasionally washing and rubbing those parts with cold water; when, if not cured, the treatment should be repeated, and afterwards a bandage may be applied.

LX.—Acute Inflammation in the Head, Chest and Abdomen.

Frequent rubbing-sheets; packing-sheets, and sitz-bath, cut short the premonitory stage of the disease. In the event of increase of pain and fever, tepid bath 62 to 64 deg. should be used, and patient kept in it until the axillÆ are cold. Packing-sheet, after the lapse of twenty-four, thirty-six, or forty-eight hours, when all inflammatory symptoms have ceased, may be had recourse to. Should these symptoms return, the tepid bath must be repeated, and its duration regulated by circumstances.

LXI.—Chilblains.

Put the part affected in tepid water three times a day for twenty minutes; if the fingers are attacked, apply a bandage from the wrist to the elbow; if the toes, from the ankle to the knee, and wear it night and day.

LXII.—Cold Feet.

When cold, to be well rubbed with wet hands, but never put into a bath. To cure cold feet, rubbing-sheet to the whole body, and friction to the feet two or three times a day; after which, walk about room, or passage, or cold wet stones, for ten or fifteen minutes, or until heat has returned. Persons suffering from cold feet, on going to bed at night may use the bandage as follows: first bring heat to the feet by exercise or friction; then put a bandage into cold water, wring it out well, envelope the feet in it, and over that place a thick dry bandage.

LXIII.—Cold Hands And Whitlow.

Rub the hands with snow or cold water and let them dry of themselves; when they are wounded, keep the snow or water away from them. To draw heat or bad matter from the hands, bandage from the wrist to elbow and use elbow-bath, fifteen minutes each time. In ordinary cases of whitlow, rub the finger, hand and wrist often with wet hand, and bandage the finger at night. If obstinate, resort to the same treatment as for cold hands.

LXIV.—Bunnion and Enlarged Glands of Foot and Instep.

A lady aged 45 was ordered—morning, packing-sheet twenty minutes and tepid bath 62°; noon, sitz-bath fifteen minutes; afternoon, rubbing-sheet. Bandage to feet and legs up to the knees at night, and from ankles to knees only by day If the feet are wounded by tight boots, take foot-baths twice a-day and wear a bandage on the feet at night.

LXV.—Depression of Spirits, Head-Ache, etc.

A patient derived immediate relief from the following treatment: morning, packing-sheet half an hour, then tepid bath two minutes, cold three or four minutes, and back to the tepid; noon, rubbing-sheet, sitz-bath fifteen minutes and head-bath ten minutes; afternoon, morning treatment repeated. When better, the packing-sheet in the afternoon was abandoned for a sitz-bath ten minutes. On dreary wet days the packing-sheet was to be resorted to again. After the sitz-bath, the feet were to be put into water for two or three minutes and well rubbed.

LXVI.—Deafness.

Away from GrÄfenberg, persons are recommended to use the rubbing-sheet twice a-day, take a foot-bath ten minutes, and wear a bandage round the ears at night.

A young man from Hambro’, suffering from deafness, followed up the general treatment for three or four months, when a boil appeared on his abdomen and increased to the size of an egg; this burst whilst patient was taking the douche: from that time he heard as well as ever.

LXVII.—Hernia and Constipation.

Both these complaints, which are so completely out of the reach of drugs, are always cured by hydropathy.

Don——, late minister from a foreign court to England, through my interpretation, inquired of Priessnitz how long he should be before he was cured of constipation? A twelvemonth. How long of my hernia? Four months. His treatment was as follows:—

Morning, packing-sheet and tepid bath, afterwards changed to cold bath; noon, rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath; afternoon, as in the morning; bandage to the hernia and round the waist always.

In about four months hernia was perfectly cured and patient declared that as he eat, slept, and walked well, he considered himself in health, and consequently left GrÄfenberg. I heard from him in Rome afterwards, when he continued perfectly satisfied.

Hernia.—A German baron, thirty-five years of age, assured me that nine months before I made his acquaintance, he came to GrÄfenberg for hernia: that he had been cured the last two months, but he was waiting to be assured of it.

He was induced to come, from a captain in his regiment having been cured of a double rupture two years before.

Cases ad infinitum might be quoted to show the certainty of the Water-cure effecting cures of this nature.

LXVIII.—Liver Complaint, Congestion of Blood in the Head, Enlarged Vein in the Leg.

An English M.D., 70 years of age, was attacked with yellow fever in the tropics, which affected his liver, when indigestion and dyspepsia resulted.

At Rome, being seized with pain in the heart and congestion of blood in the head, he was bled: finding himself no better, he proceeded for the best advice to Paris, where depletion was again recommended. This determined him to go to GrÄfenberg.

The doctor told me Priessnitz took a most accurate view of his case: he began by packing-sheets and tepid-bath, morning and evening; rubbing-sheets, sitz and foot-baths at noon.

The treatment caused him varied sensations, but generally a tendency to healthy action. One day he felt unusual pain about the region of the heart, and congestion in the head. Having a gouty tendency in his system, he became alarmed, and sent for Priessnitz, who put a large wet bandage doubled in the form of a shawl over his shoulders, and over the region of the heart, and then requested him to put his feet up to the knees in cold water for half an hour.

The doctor declared to me, that if asked a question as to the danger of such a proceeding, he should have said that he thought death would immediately ensue, and that but for the confidence Priessnitz’ success, as witnessed by himself, had created, no power on earth could have induced him in such a complaint to follow the orders thus given. As it was, however, he plunged his feet into the water at once in presence of Priessnitz, who stood with him the whole time. By degrees the symptoms decreased; in an hour after the operation he was completely relieved, and that night slept remarkably well.

For a slight attack of fever, the doctor was prescribed five or six rubbing-sheets and a head-bath, to walk in the open air, and change his body-bandage in the night. At another time, for blood to the head and great nervousness, he bathed the head after dinner, bandaged the neck and dispensed with neck handkerchief.

When the doctor first came to GrÄfenberg, his walks were limited to the piazza in front of his rooms; these were extended by degrees, until even during the inclemency of the winter and the depth of snow everywhere encountered, he extended his walks thrice a day up into the woods, and was always the first to be seen out in the morning. In about nine months, the gentleman was completely cured of all his ailments.

LXIX.—Deformity.

An artisan kept his bed for a long time, his illness is supposed to have originated in a cold. He was almost bent double. In this state he went to Carlsbad, where the waters rendered him so weak that he moved about with great difficulty. In this state he came to GrÄfenberg.

Morning, packing-sheet one hour, bath three minutes; noon, two rubbing-sheets and sitz-bath; afternoon as the morning.

Large bandage round the loins, drank twenty tumblers of water before breakfast; and twenty more during the day.

In about three months this patient was able to ascend the highest hills, then he was ordered to carry loads of wood on his head, and put a stick behind his back through his arms at all times, to assist in bringing him straight. He staid all the winter: in the spring his health was perfect, and he was nearly upright when I left him at GrÄfenberg.

LXX.—Spinal Complaints.

Priessnitz says it is difficult to prescribe for these complaints at a distance; and that except in young people, or where the disease is in its infancy, a cure is seldom effected. It is however always safe to adopt the following treatment, which will refresh and strengthen the patient.

Three rubbing-sheets, at intervals during the day.

One or two foot-baths, but NO sitz-baths without advice.

If the feet swell, continue the treatment, all the same, rub with wet hands, and bandage the legs, from the ankle to the knee, this will reduce the swelling.

Spine complaint and general debility.—A lady.

Morning, packing-sheet until warm, followed by plunge-bath one minute; noon, douche three minutes, return home and then take a rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath, twenty minutes; afternoon, as in the morning.

Rubbed the back and nape of the neck with wet hands, twice a day.

Patient staid all the winter; during which time symptoms were combated as they arose, she gained strength and flesh.

Spinal affection.—A young lady, after submitting to all sorts of medical treatment for three or four years, came to GrÄfenberg. She was clothed in flannel, suffered greatly from indigestion, constipation, and languid circulation, feet always cold, walking a short distance brought on pain in the back.

Second day after her arrival, Priessnitz ordered,—

“Put aside all flannel, go as lightly clad as possible, keep bed-room window open day and night, and sleep with only a single sheet as a covering, leave off stockings and run bare-footed on the wet grass near the house, or on the cold stones of the passage for half an hour before breakfast in the morning.

“Eat black bread and drink sour milk, lie on the stomach and have the spine rubbed several times a day with wet hands.”

First four days, patient had cold feet in and after the packing-sheet, this was then followed by tepid, then cold, and back to tepid-bath, feet well rubbed, previous to going into packing-sheet, and last thing at night; by this treatment head-ache was relieved and the feet became warmer.

In ten days began the douche for one minute; digestion improved; no longer constipated. Bandages always round the body, and to feet and legs at night.

Patient was at GrÄfenberg nine months, during which time the treatment was often changed to meet circumstances. One time, suppressed catamenia was relieved in two days by sixteen rubbing-sheets a day. At another, patient met with an accident in the leg; Priessnitz to keep this to the surface, ordered more water to be drunk. This patient left GrÄfenberg in excellent health, though not entirely cured of the affection of the spine, that being out of its perpendicular position.

Pain in the Shoulder and Chest.—A lady in the treatment complained of pain in the shoulder and left breast, and down the side.

Ordered, when in sitz-bath the upper part of the body to be well rubbed.

Body bandage to be more wrung out than usual, and extra covering over it.

Pain in the side, Chronic cold in the head.—A German officer aged 50, afflicted as above, and with continued stoppage in the nose, and frequent head-aches, was told by his medical man that he had no chance of being cured, was completely relieved at GrÄfenberg, in three or four months.

Packing-sheets and tepid baths twice a day. Rubbing-sheet and sitz-baths were resorted to for a short time, the cold bath substituted for the tepid bath, and to this treatment the douche was added.

Weak Chest and Worms.—A child three years old. Wash with tepid water, 12° once, and after some time twice a day.

Wear body bandage always, and drink water.

Pain in the Chest.—A gentleman had pain in his chest, like the hurt from a blow, about the size of a crown-piece.

Ordered sixteen rubbing-sheets a day, four at each time.

LXXI.—Constipation.

This complaint is always relieved, and if sufficient time is devoted to the treatment, finally overcome by Hydropathy; space forbids my going into details, or numerous cases might be given in proof of this assertion. The reader’s attention may however be called to the letter addressed to a newspaper, and signed by upwards of one hundred patients, giving the case of the son of Prince Leichtenstein, who was cured in a few days of Constipation, which had endured twenty-eight days in defiance of all medical aid. To effect a permanent cure, the treatment must be persevered in for a long time, very often a twelvemonth.

In a recent case. Rubbing-sheets until feverish heat ceases: sometimes four or three suffice; at others the number must be increased to sixteen or twenty, to be immediately followed by a clyster. Then take a walk, and on returning, a sitz-bath fifteen to twenty minutes, the abdomen to be well rubbed the whole time.

Body bandage to be worn always and often changed. This treatment to be resorted to twice a day. Great exercise to be used, and cold light food to be partaken of.

A delicate lady who had suffered from this complaint for upwards of twenty years, was relieved in a fortnight, and had no return of it during her stay at GrÄfenberg. Her principal treatment was:—

Packing-sheet and bath twice a day. Rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath at noon.

A second case, which came under my observation, was that of a Russian, who for many years had only been relieved by medicine or enemas. He went to an establishment at Moscow for six months, where he derived great benefit, though he still used enemas. At GrÄfenberg he abandoned the latter, his bowels were relaxed and have continued so ever since.

LXXII.—Indigestion.

Foul tongue and pain at the pit of the stomach; a lady having tried all other remedies, was ordered the following, which answered admirably.

Three cold sitz-baths a day, for an hour each time, rubbing the abdomen the whole time, eat nothing but brown bread and drink sour milk during three days.

Loss of Appetite, Foul Tongue, etc.—Patient had foul tongue, and loss of appetite.

Morning.—Sweating and tepid bath, stomach to be well rubbed in the bath. Sitz-bath thirty minutes in the afternoon.

It is very essential to drink abundantly of water, and take great exercise.

A child five years old. Pale, foul tongue, loss of appetite, thirsty and awaking with screams. Ablution in the morning, and three tepid sitz-baths daily four minutes each; chest, back, and abdomen to [be] well rubbed all the time; waist bandage day night. Drink as much water as possible. Cured in three months.

LXXIII.—Stomach Complaint.

Patient’s stomach deranged, food used to return to his mouth: difficult of cure. His second visit to GrÄfenberg, cured in nine months. Packing-sheets and rubbing-sheets. Noon, douche, rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath; afternoon, packing-sheet and bath.

LXXIV.—Throwing Food off the Stomach.

Morning, rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath fifteen minutes. Noon, the same repeated. Afternoon, sitz-bath.

A gentleman of my acquaintance pursued three or four months’ treatment for this complaint, and left GrÄfenberg without being cured.

LXXV.—Heartburn.

Drink large quantit[i]es of water fasting, rub the part with wet hands and wear a large bandage, changed often, round the waist. If this does not effect a cure, take a rubbing-sheet or two and a tepid sitz-bath twice a day. Nausea and sickness are to be treated in the same manner; if, however, the latter become chronic, then packing-sheets, tepid baths, and sitz-baths must be resorted to. The diet should be brown bread and milk only. The milk should be boiled, if it otherwise disagrees with the patient.

LXXVI.—Sea Sickness.

To avoid sea-sickness or relieve it. The traveller should lay on his back, and place a large wet towel on his abdomen, changing it when dry. After a sea voyage take a few rubbing-sheets and sitz-baths. Wear a waist bandage, and if constipated resort to cold water clysters.

LXXVII.—Palpitation of the Heart.

Many rubbing-sheets; rub the whole, side for a long time and often. Large bandage. Two sitz-baths a day, fifteen minutes each; rubbing the afflicted side the whole time. A lady afflicted as above was relieved in ten minutes by the rubbing-sheets, and dabbling her feet well in cold water.

LXXVIII.—Want of Sleep.

Before going to bed, take a shallow foot-bath (only to cover the soles of the foot) for seven to ten minutes, rubbing the feet to above the ankles all the time, then walk about the room bare-footed until the feet are quite warm.

A lady, in the treatment, complained of want of sleep.

Two packing-sheets in the afternoon, the first changed as soon as hot, followed by tepid bath.

Two foot-baths for one hour each, the water only to cover the soles of the feet. Feet to be well rubbed the whole time. When the servant is tired of rubbing, patient should walk about the room with bare feet for a few minutes and then resume the foot-bath.

LXXIX.—Languid Circulation.

I attended many cases of this kind with Mr. Priessnitz, where the languid circulation arose from using the head more than the body. In a general way he began with rubbing-sheets in the morning and afternoon for a few days, and then in the morning packing-sheet until warm, and tepid bath, cold bath, and back to tepid bath. Noon, rubbing-sheet and tepid sitz-bath fifteen minutes; afternoon, packing-sheet and tepid baths as in the morning; or a rubbing-sheet. Bandaged always.

LXXX.—Ring Worm.

A boy aged seven years had ring worm over the eye and behind his knees. Cured in six weeks. Two packing-sheets and tepid baths daily. Bandage to the knees. Child could not endure the douche.

LXXXI.—Hands Frost-bitten or Suffering from a Boil.

Rub the hands well with tepid water, and particularly the wrist. Put the elbow into cold water for twenty minutes, three times a day. Bandage the whole arm from the arm-pits down to the wrist.

A child two years old had weak eyes, from which there was a constant discharge and an eruption on the face and head; it was treated as follow:—

Packing-sheet one hour and sometimes longer, followed by tepid bath. Large bandage from hips to arm-pits night and day. Dabbed the face often with cold water and bandaged the head at night. In three weeks eyes quite well and the eruption diminished.

LXXXIII.—Weak Ankles.

If an infant, ablution every morning and bandage the ankles night and day. If an older person, ablution and foot-baths twenty minutes. Morning and afternoon, bandage always.

LXXXIV.—Treatment of Infants.

Immediately after birth bathe the infant in warm water 82°, put a wet bandage on navel, bound on with a dry one, change it morning and evening only. Continue this until the navel is healed. The temperature of the bath to be reduced two degrees every fortnight, until 68°, which is to be used until child can run alone. It may be washed with cold water at three months of age.

If an Infant is uneasy or restless and cries.—Put on a body bandage; if this is not sufficient, give it an extra tepid-bath.

The child of an Hungarian commissioner was born weak and sickly, with great difficulty in breathing. The physicians treated the mother to improve the milk, when the child refused the breast. From three days old it was spoon-fed. On the fifth or sixth day, the father put the child into a packing-sheet until it was warm, when he changed it, and then applied the tepid-bath.

After four day’s treatment a lump appeared on the chest, which increased until it became as large as a man’s fist. On the eighth day it broke, and half a tumbler of matter was discharged. From this moment the child gradually improved and is now the healthiest of his children.

Child-teething, Pain in the Head, and Diarrhoea.—Tepid bath for about five minutes three times a day.

Two head-baths from ten to fifteen minutes each, and one clyster.

A body bandage, and change it often.

LXXXV.—Epilepsy.

This complaint in a general way is not to be cured by Hydropathy; but Priessnitz thinks persons subject to it should use cold baths, and cold water as a beverage. I know a young man who was six months at GrÄfenberg, it is now twelve-months since, and as he has not had an attack, he considers himself cured.

LXXXVI.—Hypochondria and Hysteria.

A disarrangement of the system, and inaction of the abdomen, cause much uneasiness and discontent. This disease being moral as well as physical, requires pure air, scenery, society, and a complete change in the manner of living. What is so calculated to combat this complaint as Hydropathy?

A patient became hypochondriac, in consequence of chronic derangement of bowels, struck with rush of blood to the head, face became crimson, lost speech and consciousness, had convulsions and spasmodic movement of the arms.

First operation was to put him into a cold bath, and use strong friction for an hour. He was put into a packing-sheet, in which he became delirious; he was then rubbed by four men in a tepid bath, 64°. He was still unconscious and yet winced on being pinched; water thrown on his head caused a slight cry; great heat on the head. On ceasing the cold affusion, pulse though oppressed began to be felt—eyes fixed—conjunctiva inflamed.

Friction continued two hours, then ceased for one hour and a half, and begun again: in an hour spasms ceased, eyes began to move, without seeing. Patient apparently exhausted, pulse gained its power, though still often intermittent, upper part of the body hot, lower extremities could not be warmed all night, consciousness had not returned in the morning, pulse better, but sleep interrupted,—patient groaning. All night wet bandage applied to the head. At 6 o’clock next morning, sweating process, perspiration preceded consciousness, up to which moment patient was insensible to all that had occurred. After half an hour’s sweating, he was well rubbed in tepid bath 66°, and put to bed, when he slept. On awaking he partook of bread and milk.

At 2 o’clock p.m., awoke covered with perspiration, and from that time until next morning, slept at intervals, pulse regular, talked calmly and rationally, bowels in a normal state.

In the morning, packing-sheet; and later, sweating process; both followed by tepid bath 64°—temperature of the body still high. After good night’s rest, appetite returned, and so much better as to renew the treatment to effect a cure of that which brought him to GrÄfenberg.

LXXXVII.—Foetid Perspiration of the Feet.

This is relieved by foot-baths, and wearing a bandage on the feet at night; but it cannot be cured without the sweating process.

LXXXVIII.—Stricture.

Sweating and tepid bath, and cold sitz-baths, are generally resorted to in this complaint. If cold water is found too severe, tepid is used for a time; a bandage is always applied to parts affected.

For stoppage of the water, three to six rubbing-sheets; if they fail, resort to sweating process until water comes, then a tepid bath, or rubbing-sheet.

Medical men, to effect this object, put the patient first into a warm bath, and then bleed him until he faints: by these means, the prostate gland becomes relaxed, and water flows; or water is passed by the use of catheters, which at GrÄfenberg are always dispensed with.

LXXXIX.—Inflammation of the Kidneys And Urethra.

The treatment must be regulated by circumstances: sometimes sweating, at other times the packing-sheet, tepid bath, and bandage.

XC.—Hydrocephalus.

A child one year and a-half old had water on the brain, and a large protuberance in the middle of the forehead. Ordered, a tepid bath morning and evening; a rubbing-sheet after an hour’s sleep at noon, and repeated before going to bed at night. Drank water only at meals, and then but little. Bandage from arm-pits down to the knees; was much in the open air. After twelve months, the protuberance went down, leaving a ridge like a pigeon’s breast down the centre; shape of head completely changed, and the boy was perfectly well.

XCI.—Syphilis.

This complaint always succumbs to the treatment; and a cure effected by it leaves none of those lamentable consequences which attend the exhibition of drugs. By Hydropathic means, the virus is completely thrown out of the system through the pores; whilst the administration of mercury is attended with secondary symptoms, which are more fatal than the disease itself. If taken in time, secondary symptoms are also cured at GrÄfenberg. It frequently happens, that patients treated for another complaint, find syphilis return, though they imagined themselves cured of it years before. Recent cases of syphilis in otherwise healthy persons, are generally cured in less than two months; but the cure of secondary symptoms is a work of time. There are many sufferers from this undermining malady, who have been at GrÄfenberg one, two, and even three years. In health, they, are much improved; but the malady is too deeply seated to be eradicated. One gentleman, when I was there, was refused admittance; he died in a few days, when it was found that mercury had eaten part of his wind-pipe away—a result that never could have been brought about by water. The following is another deplorable case, the result of bad treatment:—Patient aged thirty-five, tall, thin, and bent when walking; supports his head by pressing his hands on each side of it; part of the cranium destroyed. The brain covered over by a skin; the parietal bones destroyed, and thick pus exudes between the skin and bone, and smells horribly. Inside of the left eye is an ulceration with raised borders, which allows a portion of the orbital arch to be seen surrounded with pus; pulse weak and irregular; constant pain. Treated for secondary symptoms, with mercury in 1841; came to GrÄfenberg with three ulcers the size of a shilling on his forehead, with burning pains. Packing-sheets and tepid baths morning and evening, with other intermediate treatment. This case is introduced to show the sort of cases Mr. Priessnitz will undertake: of course, a cure will require a considerable time.

XCII.—Chancre.

Case of a very strong young man:—

For five days—sweating (after perspiration broke out) morning, one hour; afternoon, half an hour; then tepid bath, followed by cold bath and back to tepid. After five days—from sweating went into plunging cold bath; in another week, douched from two to five minutes at eleven o’clock; bandage round the body and on the sores, which were bathed and had water thrown on them frequently; wore suspending bandages; eat sparingly; no meat or butter, and took but little exercise. Perfectly cured in six weeks.

XCIII.—Gonorrhoea and Chancres.

Sweating, followed by bath in the morning; douche at eleven; at twelve, rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath; afternoon, packing-sheet and bath; chancres increased to the size of a sixpence then, and in two days cicatrised. Patient cured in twenty-five days.

Gonorrhoea, &c.—Packing-sheet, tepid bath, and sitz-baths were the means used. The complaint continuing, Priessnitz supposed it arose from debility of the parts, and ordered:—

Six sitz-baths of ten minutes, allowing five minutes to elapse between each, twice a-day; packing-sheets to be changed as soon as warm, followed by cold bath.

A young man, immediately on discovering this complaint, who took sitz-baths as above described, injected cold water into the urethra, bandaged the parts and drank plentifully of cold water and lived low; was cured in two days.

Another person was subject to involuntary emissions, by which his strength was wasting away. In a month after he began the cure, he found an old gonorrhoea return (which had evidently been driven into the system and was the cause of his malady); he was now treated for this and restored to perfect health.

A Russian officer, declared cured of chancre three years before, found the complaint return, when he was again treated by mercury. His throat continued to trouble him, his voice was husky, and piles began to make their appearance. After pursuing the Water-cure for a short time, as described in a former case, he had a crisis in his foot, and diarrhoea for a fortnight, when he passed a considerable quantity of blood. After this, the piles disappeared entirely, and his voice became sound and clear. It should be observed that he sweated alternate mornings only; the other mornings, packing-sheets and bath.

A young man aged 23, attacked with secondary symptoms: sore throat, etc., was ordered three packing-sheets and cold baths a-day; rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath.

I knew another strong young man suffering under secondary symptoms, so that he could hardly walk with the use of a stick; he went to GrÄfenberg, staid there two months, and returned to England the picture of health.

As there are always at GrÄfenberg a large number of individuals labouring under these complaints, cases of cure might be adduced ad infinitum: suffice it to say, that hydropathy in their cure is omnipotent. Buboes and chancres, when taken in their infancy, are eradicated from the system in a few weeks, sometimes days, without the debilitating effects attendant upon other deceitful remedies.

XCIV.—Scrofula and Vaccination.

Priessnitz, when asked what he conceived to be the cause of such an increase of scrofula as is said to have taken place of late years, said, he attributed it to vaccination, syphilis and drugs.

When vaccination is performed without producing its desired effect, the virus remains in the system, and when it proceeds favourably, it is a question if it is ever thoroughly ejected.

Every practitioner knows the difficulty that exists of finding children from which to take matter where no taint is in the blood. The child subjected to vaccination is not only exposed to the sins of his own forefathers, but also to those of the stranger.

The consequences attendant upon syphilis, and the evil results of mineral poisons, are such as to lead us to believe that Priessnitz’ opinion is not without foundation. I am doubtful whether scrofula is ever cured,7 though whilst at GrÄfenberg I saw many obstinate cases relieved. Children who arrived there perfect cripples, were enabled to use their limbs like other people. I think I may in great truth say, that in all cases the enemy received a check, and the general health of the patient was improved.

A patient states, that previous to inoculation his family were well; but since that operation they have been scrofulous. He came to GrÄfenberg some years ago from Dartres, when Priessnitz told him to go home, give up all beverages but water, use cold baths daily, and he would be well; though incredulous, he followed the advice, and in two years was perfectly cured.

For scrofula, the whole treatment must be persevered in for a long time.

XCV.—Piles.

Piles are caused by an accumulation of blood in the vessels which merge into the large intestines; they either discharge blood, or are confined to a swelling of the veins, in otherwise healthy subjects. Hydropathy effects a radical cure of this complaint, whilst medical remedies are only temporary, and often lead to serious consequences.

Treatment.—Morning, three rubbing-sheets and sitz-bath, twenty minutes; noon, the same; afternoon, the same, and an additional sitz-bath, making four sitz-baths during the day. At night, a rubbing-sheet but no sitz-bath, as it is too late to walk after it. Body bandage; much water to be drunk; douche four to eight minutes in the middle of the day, if possible.

Out of the general treatment, persons troubled with piles may take sitz-baths and wear a bandage on the part affected.

A patient having piles and sore eyes, was advised neither to take sitz-baths or eye-baths. When Priessnitz was asked the reason, he said, “Because you have too much bad matter in your system, which I am afraid of attracting to those parts.”

In a common attack of piles, two or three sitz-baths a-day, fifteen minutes each, and wearing a bandage upon the part at night, will afford relief.

Persons subject to piles should especially avoid all heating and stimulating drinks.

XCVI.—Rupture.

I knew of a case of double rupture, in an officer 34 years of age, which was perfectly cured at GrÄfenberg in three years. Another case of single rupture was cured in nine months, and a recent one cured in four months.

There can be no doubt of the complete omnipotence of Hydropathy over this malady; its cure is only a matter of time. It is difficult to lay down any prescribed treatment, as the chief aim of the practitioner must be to bring his patient into fine health. All organic action is contraction; all strength depends upon the power of the different parts of the body to contract, and nothing will aid the operation so much as the different appliances here made use of. As a rule, I observed that when rupture exudes, the sweating process should be resorted to; when perspiration has broken out, gently rub the part with the hand until the rupture is gone in again. Bandages are worn continually.

XCVII.—Chilblains.

Rub the feet or hands affected for a quarter of an hour in tepid water three times a-day, and bandage the leg from ankle to knee if in the feet. If in the hand, the arm from wrist to elbow.

XCVIII.—Cold Feet.

Take a shallow foot-bath, cold, one inch deep, before going to bed, for fifteen minutes; let the feet be well rubbed the whole time, then walk about the room bare-footed for half an hour, so that re-action may take place, or they will be colder than before.

XCIX.—Eruption, Scabs, and Sores on the Arms.

A child had tried sulphur bandages and all other conceivable means:—

Morning, noon, and afternoon, packing-sheet and tepid-bath; the latter after a few days changed to the cold-bath; bandages night and day; cure effected in a few weeks.

C.—Consumption.

Until the age of fifteen or sixteen Priessnitz conceives this complaint to be always curable. Very often when parties are supposed to be consumptive, they are not so. A young lady arrived at GrÄfenberg during my stay there. I thought she had delayed it too long; she appeared in the last stage of consumption. Priessnitz however took the case—and, principally with rubbing-sheets, administered three times a-day, effected an extraordinary cure in two months. I saw this lady afterwards at Florence, and was quite surprised to see what an extremely fine woman she had become.

There was also a young lady suffering under the following symptoms:—great debility, very thin, weak eyes, little or no appetite, and a short cough, which would awaken her about four o’clock in the morning, and trouble her the whole day. She was considered by M.D.’s as consumptive. Priessnitz took a different view of the case, and as she was cured in two months he was right. Her treatment was as follows:—

Morning, packing-sheet and plunge bath, the tepid-bath having been used only for a short time; at ten o’clock, douche; at eleven, rubbing-sheet and eye-bath; at five, packing-sheet and bath; chest, waist, and forehead bandaged every night; waist bandaged always.

Consumption of the Nerves.—A gentleman aged 30, came to GrÄfenberg in a most deplorable state, supported on one side by his wife, on the other by his servant. Second night he was taken alarmingly ill, with a fever and a stoppage in his bowels. He was too weak for a packing-sheet or tepid-bath, therefore twelve rubbing-sheets were administered within three hours; and two head-baths during the intermediate times. When a change for the better took place, enemas were applied and relief afforded. The next day patient was out of doors. I left GrÄfenberg about this time, therefore do not know if he recovered.

Spitting Blood.—A young lady was subjected to spitting blood, pain at the chest, and general debility. Priessnitz doubted if the lungs were affected, and tried packing-sheet and tepid-bath, which patient was found too weak to support. Then rubbing-sheets twice a day; patient still too weak. Then rubbing-sheet, and tepid sitz-bath ten minutes. Feverish excitement and loss of appetite came on. Back of head put into cold water for quarter of an hour; to be repeated several times a day. Bandage at all times down the middle of the breast and round the waist. When spitting of blood came on, then cold foot-baths were resorted to. Patient tried the treatment for a month, but was not much improved by it.

On leaving, Priessnitz advised her to spend the winter in Italy, to eat nothing but bread and grapes, and to use cold ablutions.

CI.—Insanity.

This disease, Priessnitz says is curable, when it proceeds from bodily suffering or disease; but when caused by mental suffering or misfortune, is generally incurable. I witnessed the treatment of a case of aberration of mind at GrÄfenberg; the patient was put into a tepid-bath, held there, and rubbed for nine hours and a half; he was then put to bed, and next morning awoke perfectly composed.

Hydrophobia.—Dr. Short in 1656, published a work, in which he stated, that with cold water, he had cured the bite of mad dogs and dropsy. Priessnitz says he never treated the human subject for this complaint, but that he had cured a dog, by tying him up and throwing a large number of pails of water over him. At first it caused him to shiver a great deal, proving the absence of fever to any extent. When dry the aspersion was repeated; the shivering diminished at each successive aspersion, until it was entirely allayed. If, on throwing a dog, thus treated, bread, and he will eat it, it is a sign he is cured. Dr. Sully, of Wivelscombe, in a work published some years ago, states, that he dropped water constantly on the wounded part, and that it invariably acted as a preventive. My impression is, that hydropathy is adapted to the cure of this complaint.

CII.—Cholera.

Spasmodic or pestilential cholera first appeared in England in 1831, and in France in 1832; great difference of opinion exists as to its cause, and hardly two practitioners agree as to the best way to effect a cure. Some persons think, as many would get well without medical aid as with it; and this conjecture is supported by what took place on its visitation in Dublin. The numbers attacked were so great, that for the humble class, large tents were erected outside the city, and the medical men were so harassed by their own connexions within it, that the poor were left very much to fate. On comparing notes of the mortality that took place, it was found, that the number of deaths of those who received medical aid, and those who were deprived of it, were about equal. Pages might be employed in enumerating instances related, in which the cholera was cured by cold water, though administered without reference to any hydropathic rules. In 1832, Cholera made great ravages in Silesia, when numbers at Freywaldau and the neighbourhood, fell victims. Priessnitz’s patients did not escape, though they avoided its fatal consequences. A friend of mine, who was at GrÄfenberg at the time, assures me that in cholera, Priessnitz never lost a case, though seventeen of his patients, and many persons in the neighbourhood, were treated by him. My landlord at Freywaldau, confirmed the last of these statements, and said that his daughter fell a victim, who, he felt persuaded, would have recovered, had she been treated with water instead of drugs.

To ward off this disease, and place the system, if attacked, in the best condition to resist it, we ask the dispassionate reader, are not hydropathic rules in accordance with reason and common sense?

There are three different stages in cholera; the first is that of a common diarrhoea, accompanied with oppression of the chest, anxiety, and collapse of the face; if neglected, it assumes a more serious form, the pulse becomes weak, and there is a difficulty of respiration.

The second stage is ushered in by giddiness, great depression of pulse and of the vital energies, with spasms, accompanied by purging and vomitings.

In the third stage, the patient is suddenly laid prostrate, serous fluid, in large quantities, is discharged from the bowels and stomach, with cramps and spasms, hardly any pulse, and difficult respiration. Under ordinary treatment, this frequently terminates life in a few hours.

To those who have witnessed the wonderful results of the Water-cure treatment in cholic, diarrhoea, &c., it must be evident, that in the primary stages of this malady, the treatment resorted to in those complaints, would be perfectly effectual; and that cholera, in its worst and most fearful form, is to be successfully combated by no other than hydropathic means.

If, after visiting a contagious case, Mr. Priessnitz feels at all uncomfortable, he takes a packing-sheet and tepid-bath.

Asiatic Cholera.—On the first appearance of Cholera symptoms, which are generally those of languor and chilliness, do not wait for a development, but apply most vigorously a rubbing-sheet; then dry the body, and administer a clyster of cold water. In two or three minutes repeat the rubbing-sheet and clyster, wait five minutes and repeat the same a third time. Then a cold sitz-bath, letting two attendants rub the patient with hands dipped in water, particularly on the abdomen, the whole time; water should be drunk whilst in the sitz-bath, until patient vomits; when cramps in the stomach and vomiting have subsided, place a large bandage round the body, and put him to bed well covered up. After sleeping, apply a tepid-bath with friction for some time. If not cured, renew the whole operation.

If, after the sitz-bath, cholera appears on the advance, warm a blanket, and pack the patient as in the sweating process; if he remains therein several hours, and the symptoms do not decrease, renew the whole proceedings, and again try to produce perspiration; when effected, keep it up two or three hours. After this a tepid-bath 62° with friction. The success of the treatment very much depends upon drinking abundantly of water. The bandages used, should be doubled or trebled, and changed often. If patient is unable to stand or sit upright, lay him on a bed, and let several attendants rub him all over with wet hands.

Extract from a letter from Dr. Gibbs to the editor of the “Water-cure Journal.”

“You cannot have forgotten the consternation of the profession when this fearful disease invaded us in 1832. Neither can you be ignorant that the faculty, generally, are as ill prepared to contend with it now as they were in former years; but for the information of those who may not be as well acquainted with such matters as you must be, I beg to make an extract from the minutes of the proceedings at a meeting of the Western Medical and Surgical Association, as reported in the Lancet of September 19, 1846. In the course of a discussion on the treatment of cholera, Dr. Cahill said, that he ‘positively felt a creeping of the skin at the relation of the enormities which had been perpetrated by practitioners upon their patients. When he listened to the recital of practitioners who described the extravagant cases of mercury and of opium which they administered, he could not refrain from fancying that he was witnessing the orgies of so many Indian savages, whilst counting the scalps of their victims. He thought it a pity that the invention of such a system of torture should not experience the fate of the inventor of the brazen bull, and illustrate upon his own person the efficacy of his infernal ingenuity. He believed that in the majority of persons who died of Asiatic cholera, death was the consequence of the treatment rather than of the disease. He had seen above a thousand cases of Asiatic cholera; and in no instance had he seen any benefit from any mode of treatment. On the contrary, he had seen persons die of narcotism, who would have survived if left to the vis medicatrix naturÆ. He had seen others die of absorption of air through the veins when the saline fluid was ejected; and he knew many who had had the extraordinary luck to escape both the doctor and the disease, yet rendered miserable for the remainder of life by the effects of the immense doses of mercury which had been given to them during the cholera paroxysms. In fact, it was afflicting to contemplate the sufferings which the rash and empirical practice of the profession in the management of this epidemic had created.’The learned gentleman likewise said ‘With respect to cholera, since nothing was known of its nature, and no treatment had any influence over it, the best plan was to do as little as possible: give carrara, soda, or pump-water, with a little laudanum, perhaps in the diarrhoeal stage, and the patient would not be deprived of the chance which nature had given him.’

“It is to be presumed that the doctor had not seen this disease treated by the Water-cure, under the operation of which, if I am correctly informed, and as I can readily believe, results very different from those, which he witnessed, were obtained. It is stated that more than twenty cases were successfully treated by Priessnitz, and between thirty and forty at Breslau, by a clergyman, whose name I regret that I have forgotten; and it is added that neither practitioner lost a patient by death. The treatment adopted by each of them was nearly the same; the principal difference between them being, that the one employed the sitz-bath, and the other the shallow tepid-bath.

[“]If on the appearance of the premonitory symptoms, judicious treatment be promptly adopted, it seems not improbable that the disease may be cut short. Those symptoms may be any combination of the following:—shivering, dizziness, a ringing noise in the ears, a small quick pulse, accelerated respiration, languor, prÆcordial anxiety, a cold white tongue, nausea, vomiting, severe gripings, and watery diarrhoea. If it be not checked, the disease quickly passes into the second or algid stage; the circulation becomes feeble, the blood is drained of its fluid, the muscles are contracted and cramped, the tongue is colder and whiter, the thirst becomes burning, the lips livid; the features contracted, the extremities shrivelled, and the skin cold, clammy, and discoloured.

“Little is known respecting the nature of this disease; but the most rational opinion seems to be, that it owes its origin to a poison pervading the blood; deranging the balance between the arterial and venous circulation, impairing the nervous energy, and impeding all the functions of the various organs, excepting the secretions from the stomach and bowels; the preternatural excitement of which would seem to indicate an effort of nature to expel the disturbing causes from the system. This opinion obtains additional probability from the fact, which often has been observed, that the more profuse is the diarrhoea, the less fatal is the disease.

“Cholera may suddenly appear without manifesting any, or at least with very slight, premonitory symptoms; especially where the patient is labouring under any serious affection of the brain, lungs, or air-passages, when it will sometimes graft itself on the primary disease, and aggravate all its most various symptoms.

“On the first manifestation of premonitory symptoms, immediate recourse should be had to repeated friction in a wrung-out sheet, as in the earlier stages of fever. This will tend to stimulate the nervous energy, and to maintain or re-establish the balance of circulation between the arterial and venous systems; will counteract the disposition to internal congestion by promoting cuticular circulation; will aid the lungs by freeing the exhalants of the skin, and will forward the elimination of the virus through the same channels.

“But it will not be sufficient merely to attempt to resist the encroachments of the disease; the efforts of nature to expel the cause of it, also claim assistance. To this end cold or tepid water should be freely drunk to facilitate the vomiting, to dilute and weaken the action of the poison, to stimulate the kidneys, and to supply the waste of fluid in the blood. Dr. Rutty, in his synopsis, says, ‘It [the drinking of water] has also frequently been found efficacious in stopping violent vomitings and purgings, partly as a diluent, and partly as a bracer to the fibres; and in violent, deplorable choleras, cold water is recommended by the ancients, and at this time is ordered by Spanish physicians with good success, though Celsus orders it warm.’

“Enemata of pure water, tepid or cold, should likewise be freely administered; the quantity administered to an infant at one time should not exceed two ounces; four ounces would be sufficient for a child six years old; eight ounces for a youth of fifteen, and fifteen or sixteen ounces for an adult.

“But the principal process is long and entire friction, either in the shallow tepid-bath or in the sitz-bath. The latter seems to deserve the preference, inasmuch as it will more directly and powerfully aid nature in her efforts; its primary action being that of a purgative, while a less body of water will suffice, than could be made to fulfil the same intention in a vessel of the shape and size of the half bath; but, if the sitz-bath be employed, then friction with wet hands should be applied to the extremities. Cold water may be used in the sitz-bath, provided that there is nothing in the previous state of the patient to contra-indicate its use; in which case tepid water must be employed. Tepid water about 70° Fahr. may likewise be employed in the shallow bath, as the body of water therein must be greater than the sitz-bath; but warm applications are never indicated. Vapour-baths have been tried to recall the circulation to the surface, but without effect. On this point, Dr. Daun in his ‘Medical Reports on Cholera,’ says, ‘O’Brien lay on the steam couch for three hours before he expired, in a heat that I am convinced would have raised a lifeless body to a temperature nearly, if not equal, to that of a person in health; but his body preserved an icy coldness to the last.’ In this case friction in wrung-out sheets, or in the shallow bath, or perhaps the stimulus of the cold dash, would seem to be indicated.

“Cramps, in the extremities, should be combated with brisk friction, with wet hands to the parts affected. It is often necessary to draw off the urine with a catheter. Before the algid stage sets in, the heating bandage round the body may be very beneficial; but during the algid stage it should be omitted.

“The third stage or that of re-action, is marked by the following, among other symptoms; the pulse becomes fuller and harder, the skin becomes warm, and its livid discoloration disappears; the tongue becomes red and warm, the cramps cease, diarrhoea decreases and stops, and the kidneys begin to act. In this case it is well to encourage moderate diaphoresis in the dry blanket.

“The predisposing causes to cholera are any excess in eating or drinking, the habitual use of alcoholic liquors, unwholesome food, sitting with wet feet, a neglected cold, uncleanliness, impure air, deficient light or ventilation, and violent indulgence of the passions.”

CIII.—Colds, Sore Throats, etc.

Influenza.—This complaint which commits such ravages, is always easy of cure.

When a person feels heaviness in the head, sore throat, pain in bowels, and lassitude, he should immediately be put in the packing-sheet until quite hot, then a tepid bath for five or six minutes, and be well rubbed all the time. This treatment to be repeated during the day. Drink plentifully of water, wear a bandage round the waist and throat; if cold and chilly, take two or three rubbing-sheets. To relieve the heaviness of the head, resort to a foot-bath 62° for fifteen minutes. Influenza generally succumbs to this treatment in two or three days.

Sore Throat or Quinzy.—On the slightest symptoms of sore throat, rub it well for five minutes with wet hands two or three times a day; hold cold water constantly in the mouth, and with it gargle the throat, and wear a bandage, this generally prevents the complaint proceeding further; if it does not, more vigorous measures, such as those pointed out for a cold, must be pursued. For Quinzy, the sweating process and tepid-bath twice a day also, or two rubbing-sheets in the intermediate time must be used, a bandage several times doubled and often changed, applied round the throat and waist, and much water drank, gargled, and held in the mouth.

Heaviness after dinner.—Pour a bottle of water on the head, and take head-baths occasionally.

Bronchitis.—In all old affections of the throat a cure is doubtful, it requires the discrimination of Priessnitz to determine which will and which will not be benefited by the Water-cure.

I should say the majority of cases of bronchitis are beyond remedy. At the same time, it cannot be denied that very extraordinary throat affections are cured, especially when they arise from secondary symptoms.

Palpitation of the Heart, stitches in the side, etc.—A young lady felt violent palpitation of the heart, and numbness of the whole side of the body. Three-rubbing sheets and a foot-bath with friction, allayed the palpitation, then a body umschlag was applied. Next night the same symptoms returned, and were combated in the like manner, afterwards the patient was treated with packing-sheets, tepid-bath, foot-bath, and douche. Whenever any obstructions of this nature occur, it is always safe to resort to rubbing-sheets two or three times a day.

Erysipelas.—This disease is an effort of nature to relieve itself by the skin; the packing-sheet process in this case is resorted to, followed by a rubbing-sheet or tepid-bath: when the head is overcharged, sometimes the body is placed in a packing-sheet (previously put into tepid water instead of cold) from the arm-pits to the knees, and then a tepid-bath or a bath with very little water in it. Much water should be drunk, and bandages applied to parts affected.

To refresh and invigorate.—A gentleman with no decided complaint, but generally feeling a degree of languor, and want of nervous energy was ordered, a rubbing-sheet in the morning and afternoon, and a sitz-bath in the middle of the day, followed by much exercise.

Another party felt somewhat below his usual standard of health and activity. For years there had been an accumulation of matter in his nose, from which at times there was a free discharge. Priessnitz said it was a sort of safety valve, and had better not be stopped: the patient derived great advantage from pursuing the following treatment for six weeks:—

In the morning, a packing-sheet for twenty minutes, then changed for another for fifteen minutes; this was followed, first by tepid, and afterwards by cold bath; at noon, a rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath for fifteen minutes; head-bath three minutes each side, making in all nine minutes; in the afternoon, rubbing-sheet, sitz and head-bath.

CIV.—Cancer, etc.

When taken in the commencement, this disease is generally curable; later, a cure admits of doubt.

Princess Esterhazy, who was so long in England, consulted all the leading medical men in Vienna for a cancer in the breast: they could afford her no relief. She went to GrÄfenberg and was perfectly cured in seven months. Six years afterwards, one of the family informed me she still continued in perfect health.

A neighbour of Priessnitz had a cancer in his hip; he advised him not to allow of an operation, as it would grow again. The man disregarded this advice, it did grow again, and his life paid the forfeit. A general treatment is required for this complaint.

Our opinion that water, even without Priessnitz’s valuable modes of applying it, is the best remedy—is supported by Dr. Abernethy, who, in his book entitled “Surgical Observations”, mentions a case of a lady (page 200), who had gone up to town for the removal of a diseased breast, who was cured without amputation, the only local application being linen moistened with water. Dr. Abernethy applied water poultices also for glandular swellings, which had the effect of removing the swelling without suppuration—see pages 189 and 192. I know a French lady who cured herself of a hard swelling on the breast: she took a rubbing-sheet every morning, a sitz-bath at mid-day, drank ten tumblers of water daily, and wore a wet bandage, with a dry one over it, on the breast always, until the hardness was removed.

A case of White Swelling.—A letter from Dr. Gibbs to the Editor of the Water-cure Journal.

“My dear Sir, “March, 17th, 1848.

“I have heard even friends of the Water-cure express doubts of its efficacy in the treatment of white swelling. For the benefit of such unbelievers I transcribe the case at foot, from a letter which I received from the mother of the youthful patient.

“The enemies of the system frequently assert that it cures only imaginary diseases; how many would rejoice if it could be proved that white swelling properly came under this category!

“From the details of this case, it appears that, by the advice of Priessnitz, an operation was performed by the late very eminent surgeon, Dieffenbach; and this affords occasion to observe, that Dieffenbach several times remarked, that patients sent to him from Water-cure establishments were in a healthier condition for the knife than others, and more speedily recovered from the effects of an operation.

“‘Until the age of four years my daughter was perfectly healthy, when, at the commencement of winter, she was attacked by cough and wheezing on her chest, which gave the idea that her lungs were affected. Leeches were applied, and medicine given with little effect. She continued to look very ill, and became extremely peevish and inactive. In the spring she was suddenly seized by a pain in her left knee, which rendered her quite lame. The complaint was pronounced to be white swelling. One of our first surgeons assured me the attack was of a most acute nature, the joint of the knee being considerably enlarged, and the suffering very great. By steam-baths and leeching the inflammation was in some degree subdued, and mercury was used in various ways, internally, and externally. In a week or ten days the violent pain subsided, but she could not bear the limb to be moved in the slightest manner. In that state the child continued for eighteen months, during which she had three acute attacks similar to the first, which were got under in the same manner, after each attack the limb became more contracted, and the constitution was evidently sinking, although wine, porter, and fresh meat, etc. etc., were allowed, in order to keep up her strength, but they did not succeed. She was at the sea-side for the benefit of the bathing, which appeared to strengthen her more than anything else, when I learned something of the water system from Captain Claridge’s book, and subsequently from himself. At first, I must confess, I was rather startled at the idea of trying such an experiment on my child, but, as every thing else had failed, I made up my mind to go to GrÄfenberg and put her into the hands of Mr. Priessnitz. In the beginning of September he commenced with her, giving her at first two packings up and a tepid bath, and one knee-bath during the day, and compresses on the knee and body. He desired that she should have crutches, and try to move about as much as she could without hurting herself. She continued the same treatment during the ensuing winter, during which she had a constant rash on her entire leg, and subsequently several gatherings on and round the knee, none on any other part of her body. In the spring she commenced the cold bath after the packing up, and the douche bath. Her strength increased rapidly, her looks became quite healthy, and her appetite excellent. The appearance of the knee was very variable until the end of the summer, when it diminished considerably in size, and she could bear to have it moved without any annoyance; but about Christmas it became suddenly nearly as bad as ever it had been. All cure was then stopped, except one packing up and tepid bath, and the knee compresses were changed every quarter of an hour. The inflammation and pain were soon got under, but she continued the slight cure until the spring, when she commenced the packing up and cold bathing twice a day—douche-bath twice, and knee-bath twice, with rubbing with the wet hand, and compresses changed after every operation. During this summer she made a wonderful improvement, and the limb became so strong that she could bear to have it pulled so as to drag her about by it. Mr. Priessnitz said he thought the child was now quite free from all disease, and that I might have an operation performed to straighten the limb, in which opinion several English medical men quite agreed with him. I then took her to Berlin, having been two years at GrÄfenberg; the leg was made quite straight by Dr. Dieffenbach, and since then the child enjoys perfect health, being quite strong on her limbs, though still somewhat lame. She continues the use of the cold bath and douche every day. It is generally thought that she will outgrow the lameness. I forgot to mention that from the time the knee was attacked, the chest and cough quite recovered.’”

Swallowing Glass.—A cure effected in the house of the Princess Sophia, by her priest, the Rev. Mr. Klose:—

June 1st, 1843.

A married woman, 26 years of age, in eating, swallowed a piece of glass, which stuck in her throat; after many unavailing efforts, either to force it up or down, she sent for a surgeon, who gave her an emetic, which also proved unavailing; then he tried to extract it with instruments, and applied a number of leeches to the throat, to no effect. The second day, the surgeon declared he could do no more, and she was attacked with inflammatory fever. As a dernier ressort, Mr. Klose determined on trying hydropathy.

She was enveloped and kept in the wet sheet, with bandages round the throat, day and night, both being changed as soon as they became warm.

At the beginning of this treatment, the invalid was unable to swallow even a drop of water, could scarcely breathe, and a horrid smell came from the mouth. Her medical attendant said that mortification had set in, and gave it as his opinion, that she could not live through the next day.

Third and fourth days, the same treatment was continued, with the addition of three enemas, which operated slightly. The packing-sheet, instead of being changed, was wetted with a sponge: moving the body occasioned pain. She threw up a great deal of phlegm and matter, which stank so horribly, that no person could remain near her bed-side.

Fifth day.—Vomiting increased, also the heat of the whole body; the increase of heat rendered it necessary (notwithstanding the pain she felt on being moved) to administer a tepid-bath 18°. Whilst in the bath, her head, throat, and chest, were frequently wetted with cold water, and the abdomen and feet were well rubbed. This bath afforded her great relief, and whilst in it, she threw up much matter with ease and without coughing. She remained in the bath thirty-five minutes, the same temperature of the water being maintained throughout. At the expiration of this time, the body was considerably cooled, but the pulse was still very high; for which reason, recourse was again had to the packing-sheet, which produced a regularity of the pulse. She was now enabled to swallow the first drop of water.

Sixth day.—Mortification pronounced to be subdued, but as she could not take anything in the way of nourishment, four injections of milk were administered, and when fever returned, water injections instead of milk were given.

Seventh day.—Besides the former treatment, a tepid-bath was administered, with the same effect as on the fifth day, viz. much vomiting and decrease of cough.

Eighth day.—Patient much better, treatment in consequence changed, only large bandages being applied to the chest, throat, and neck, and in the afternoon she could swallow some cold thin soup.

Ninth day.—Heat and fever returned, large quantities of matter vomited, and inflammation of windpipe. Treatment changed back again to packing-sheet and bandage and one tepid-bath.

Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth days, same treatment.

Thirteenth day.—Fever ceased, vomiting diminished, and patient able to swallow some milk and water.

Fourteenth and Fifteenth days.—Great improvement, could eat a little apple sauce.

Sixteenth day.—Some fever, but she could swallow some spoonfuls of milk without coughing.

Seventeenth day.—After a tolerably quiet night, there was found in the bed a piece of glass, which must have been thrown up by coughing.

Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twentieth, and Twenty-first days.—Great improvement, and diminution of vomiting, also of bad smell. She drank, and ate some light food very slowly, but without coughing.

Twenty-second day to 8th July.—Every day improvement, recovering strength, and walking a little in the garden.

9th July.—Went to church.

10th.—Resumed her occupations, quite well, except when working she suffered some slight pain, which ceased when she rested.

Mr. Wright’s case.—(Extract from a letter)—“Diseased lungs, breathing organs generally impaired, chest, formerly full and prominent, fallen in, breathing difficult, sleep disturbed, dry cough, sometimes painful, for more than a year; a short walk caused perspiration, 46 years old, formerly robust, healthy, and strong.

“Cold water my only beverage for fifteen years, no alcohols.

“Three years ago began flannels, fur muffles round neck. Used every possible precaution to keep the fresh air from throat, chest, body, and lungs.

“Habituated to cold ablutions, it never occurred to me, that if the body could stand these ablutions, no ill consequences could result from admitting the air freely to it.

“Began hydropathic treatment at GrÄfenberg, 10th January, 1843, thermometer at zero. At once abandoned all flannels, and superfluous covering. Linen shirts substituted for cotton ones.

“Treatment:—two packing-sheets, followed by tepid-bath, a day; at eleven o’clock sitz-bath. Waist bandages always. Drank ten tumblers of water before breakfast. Hail, rain, or snow, always walked before breakfast; soon commenced the douche and two rubbing-sheets of an afternoon, instead of the packing-sheets.

“From the first, found the treatment, the exercise and pure air, exceedingly stimulating.

“Neck, throat, and chest, exposed in all weathers. In three months a rash was produced; appetite voracious, breathing improved, cough ceased.

“About 1st April, joints, especially knees, began to grow stiff, sore, and weak—pain in walking, and difficulty of straightening knees after sitting. Low and gloomy in spirits, and altogether disheartened; told by people around it was a good sign; the treatment was taking effect, and so indeed I found it, affecting body and soul.

“Whole body became very sensitive to the touch of cold water; it seemed as if the nerves were laid bare; in fact, had a perfect horror of the treatment, which became more intolerable as the season advanced and became damp. Damp weather of April worse than the cold of January and February. Now became afflicted with throbbing pains in teeth, jaws, and face, attended with sickness, for which I rubbed the back of my head, neck, and face with cold water, and also my knees frequently.

“This,” says Mr. Wright, “was the crisis of my misery. The most enthusiastic hydropathist could not have wished me more wretched than I was. It appears to me, the only way to a cold water heaven, is through a cold water purgatory. I was frequently congratulated on my sufferings, as one making a speedy and radical cure.

“Latter end of April, boils made their appearance on arms, hands, fingers, and other parts of the body. All came to a head, and healed during the month of May, and more succeeded them.

“Continued treatment vigorously, exposing myself to atmospheric changes as much as possible. I now feel, that all disease of my lungs is removed. My chest has resumed its natural fulness, my cough is entirely gone, and my voice is as strong and as deep-toned as it ever was. Altogether my physical nature has experienced a great renovation. I can now walk six or eight miles before breakfast without fatigue. I have walked, on an average, about ten miles a-day since at GrÄfenberg. What of life, of usefulness, of health and comfort that remains to me in this world, I owe to the Water-cure under Providence, and to the kind friends who, much against my will, compelled me to come to GrÄfenberg. Nothing surprised me so much, as the perfect safety with which I cast off my warm comfortable flannels, mufflers, neckcloth, hat, etc. Inflamed lungs, and an increase of my cough, were the least that I expected; but I was most agreeably disappointed, for although frequently wet through, and my neck, chest, and the hair of my head (as I always went bare-headed) constantly covered with snow, my lungs have always escaped, nor have I had a cold, that a packing-sheet, or one night’s bandage has not removed. I frequently, on arriving at my room drenched with rain, wet, and fatigued, took a rubbing-sheet, which prevented all evil consequences, and invigorated me.

“From what I have experienced and seen in others, I can never again fear cold, influenza, or fevers of any kind, as I feel sufficient confidence to treat myself. The most malignant acute diseases are here speedily and easily subdued, and that by a remedy which leaves no sting behind, whilst drugs often leave an enemy in the system more difficult to expel, than that they were intended to eject.

“It is surprising what confidence all exhibit in the cure and its practitioners. We have just had a case of small-pox, of the most malignant kind. Persons passed through the passage into which the patient’s room opened all day long. The same bath-servant that attended him attended other patients. The latter went into his room constantly to see him. His wife attended him, and yet no one thought of taking the disease; or if he did, had any fear of it, knowing from what we had previously witnessed, that it was entirely under the control of this treatment.

“The patient was confined to his room fourteen days, the disease broke out from head to foot.

“After the fourteen days, he walked out amongst the other patients, and the wonder is, that nearly every trace of disease is passing from his face.

“Treatment.—Packing-sheets, tepid-bath, rubbing-sheets and fresh air were the only remedies.”

“June 20th.

“Before closing, I wish to add, I suffered much from tooth-ache and pain in my jaws. Priessnitz ordered me to rub the back of my head and down my neck often and long. From the first application I found relief, after fourteen or fifteen minutes rubbing. The pain would leave for hours and then return; soon the pain returned at longer intervals, until it ceased altogether.

“The theory of this mode of curing tooth-ache, is based upon true philosophical principles. Who does not know, that all the nerves of the teeth centre in the back of the head? It is evident then, that by rubbing there, the pain will be drawn from the teeth.

“I have now been three months out of the treatment, only continuing the bath and rubbing-sheet; neither of which shall I ever abandon, as I consider them luxuries, and preventives of disease. I would rather be deprived of one of my daily meals, than of either of them. I am now well, and about to return to the field of my labours.

“Whoever is ill and not passed recovery, may, I believe, find health by the treatment administered by Priessnitz, provided he is willing to labour for it, but if any one expects to find it whilst wrapped up in flannels, lounging in easy chairs or on sofas, in confined rooms, or without great self-denial, personal activity and exertion, he will, most certainly, be disappointed.

“Henry C. Wright,
“Philadelphia, U. S.
“June 21st, 1844.”

“To Jno. Gibbs, Esq.”

The Countess of Jennison’s case.—The Countess, who had only been married seven weeks, went to visit the Princess Tour and Taseis, when she joined in skating, dancing, and playing at various games. On her return home, she was seized with a violent head-ache, when a blister was administered to the back of her neck. The pain continuing, a blister was applied to the chest, and subsequently to other parts, all without avail. Several doctors were consulted, whose measures weakened her nerves. A severe nervous fever ensued, which deprived her entirely of the use of her limbs. After seven months’ extreme suffering, and the speculative operations of various medical men, the case was declared a hopeless one.

She made her will, received the sacrament, and was at times quite unconscious of what was passing around. Her debility may be judged of by the fact that she could neither move joint nor limb, nor even close her mouth or eyes. She was mere skin and bones, and her knuckles became black.

Her husband, as a dernier ressort, went to GrÄfenberg to consult Priessnitz, the result of which was, Mrs. Browne, a bath-woman, going to BrÜnn to bring the Countess to GrÄfenberg, Priessnitz persisting in it, that by management she could be brought. When Mrs. Browne stated her intention to the M.D.’s in attendance, nothing could exceed their astonishment. The first thing this bath-woman did, preparatory to the journey, was to wash the body with tepid water, and it is heart-rending to hear her account of the manner in which tow had been allowed to fix itself in the hips, elbows, and other parts exposed to pressure; however, little by little she succeeded in cleansing the body of all these medical applications. She then ordered an upholsterer to make a soft, narrow, mattress, with a number of tapes attached to it, and the Count arranged the carriage so that the body might be extended in it.

The next morning, all being ready, Mrs. Browne bound up the arms, the legs, and the whole of the body, in a number of wet bandages, with dry ones over them, by this means there was more pliancy to the whole frame than if it had been confined in one sheet, and it was much easier to exchange the different bandages when they became dry en route.

The Countess was now fixed on the mattrass by means of the tapes, and then placed into the carriage: in this manner she proceeded, night and day, stopping occasionally to change the bandages. Had these bandages become dry, they would not have been endurable. In this way the patient arrived at the Hygeian Temple.

It would be impossible to give a detailed account of the Countess’s treatment during the time she was attaining to convalescence. As a general outline, it may be stated, that when first brought to GrÄfenberg, she was constantly kept in a packing-sheet from the arm-pits downwards. Her feet were kept in water, with but slight intervals, day and night for months; even when somewhat better, and able to go out in a carriage, her feet were in cold water. Priessnitz did not wish this, but her feet burned so dreadfully when out of water, that there was no alternative. During the first four months of the treatment, enemas were administered, nature being too weak to assist itself. When she had gained a little strength, her hands were put on the table and pushed on a few inches by her attendant, and the same with her feet. She could not move them herself. After four months she was strong enough for the douche and cold-bath.

The packing-sheets were changed when dry—at times in fever they were hot in ten minutes, at other times two packing-sheets a day were sufficient.

At the end of forty-nine weeks she left strong and healthy, able to walk without sticks, and was three months advanced in pregnancy.

1845.

Four years after I met the Countess again, at GrÄfenberg, and was astonished to behold her such a fine, fat, healthy woman. Since being cured she has had three children, one died almost immediately after its birth, the second is a fine child, and for her accouchement of the third, she came to place herself under the care of Priessnitz. She did remarkably well, and left GrÄfenberg in perfect health.

I consider this one of the most wonderful cures effected by Priessnitz. Those who saw the complete anatomie vivante, which she was, declared that nothing but a miracle could save her from her early tomb.

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