CHAPTER XV. THE HUMAN TEMPERAMENTS.

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Organization implies vital energy, since there can be no organization without it. The sperm cell, as we have previously seen, exists before the initiation of the life of every individual organism. The early history of this fertilizing cell, which is composed of infinitesimal molecules which contain the embryo powers of life, is only partially written. It is a fact, authenticated by Faraday, that one drop of water contains, and may be made to evolve, as much electricity as, under a different mode of display, would suffice to produce a lightning-flash. Chemical force is of a higher order than physical, and vital force is of a still higher order. Within the microscopic compass of the sperm cell are a great number of forces acting simultaneously, which require the answering conditions of a germ cell, and are so blended as to occupy a minimum of space. The union of these subtle elements through the agency of their physical, chemical, and vital forces, constitutes the initiation of life. Elementary matter is transformed into chemical and organic compounds, by natural forces, upon the cessation of which, it is liberated by nature's great destroyer, and re-appears in the world of elements. Thus, man is formed out of the very dust by means of energies which reconstruct the crude, inert matter, and to dust he returns when those energies cease.

When we enter upon the consideration of the temperaments, we should bear in mind one peculiarity of life: that it combines, in a small space, many complex powers. In the process of reproduction, there is a complex combination of organic elements. Structures differ as greatly as their functions. So likewise do animals vary in their nature and organization, and individuals of the same species are, in some respects, dissimilar. Yet the characteristics which have distinguished the races of mankind, are fundamental and faithfully maintained. Time does not obliterate them. Within race-limits are found enduring peculiarities, and, although each individual is weaving out some definite pattern of organization, it follows the type of the race, as well as the more immediate, antecedent condition.

What then is a Temperament but a mixing together of these determining forces, a certain blending manifested in the constitution by signs, or traits, which we denominate character. The different races of mankind must have their several standards of temperament, for the peculiarities of one are not fully descriptive of, and applicable to the other.

The term temperament is defined by Dunglison, as being "a name given to the remarkable differences that exist between individuals, in consequence of the variety of relations and proportions between the constituent parts of the body.

For its simplicity and scope, we prefer the following definition, suggested by our friend, Orin Davis, M.D.: A TEMPERAMENT IS A COMBINATION OF ORGANIC ELEMENTS SO ARRANGED AS TO CHARACTERIZE THE CONSTITUTION.

This leads us to consider some of the elements, conditions and forces which give character to the organization. External circumstances supply necessary conditions to inward activity, for without air, food, or sunlight all living animals would perish. Everywhere, life is dependent upon conditions and circumstances; it is not self-generating. But the conditions of reproduction are very complex. External forces are transformed, and, in turn, become vital or formative powers. Development is a transmutation of physical and chemical forces into vital energy. Although unable to compute the ultimate factors of life, yet we may illustrate their reproductive possibilities and results by comparing them with those of a lower order.

Animal structures are mainly composed of four elements: oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon. Other constituents, such as phosphorus, sulphur, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, enter into their composition, but are found in much smaller quantities. From these elements is fabricated an organism which manifests peculiar properties and marvelous functions. If the proportion of these chemical elements be varied, the organic compound will be changed, or, the proportions remaining the same, if the grouping of the elements be altered, different compounds will be produced, showing that the properties of organized substances depend upon the molecular constitution of matter.

Rising in the scale of organization, we observe that every variation of the physical and chemical processes implies a corresponding modification of the vital. This is verified by the peculiarities of the several races of mankind. Individual differences are likewise modifications of these processes. Dynamical or vital differentiation depends upon these modifications for the display of vital energy, and is always associated with molecular changes. But it should be borne in mind that an effect may not resemble its cause in properties, and the qualities of a chemical compound may be quite different from those of its individual constituents. Organic matter, although more complex, may exhibit properties, both like and unlike its constituent elements. Within certain boundaries, the elements seek to satisfy their affinities. We discover that there are limits between the genera of animals, as well as the races of mankind. Not less really, though perhaps not as absolutely, are there individual precincts within the sphere of the human temperaments, which cannot be passed.

If we cannot satisfactorily explain, we can at least discover a reason for temperamental limitation. It is not designed to circumscribe healthful reproduction, but to serve as an effectual hindrance to abnormal deviations. We may state our belief in more positive terms: that the temperamental variations are essential to genesis and fertility, and indispensable to health and normal development.

Every individual is susceptible to impressions which dispose to action. Impressions which excite or increase this disposition, are called stimuli. Vital change implies the existence of stimuli and susceptibility to stimulation. The stimulus may not be furnished because the conditions on which it depends are wanting; again, susceptibility may exist at one time and not at another. Stimuli and susceptibility may be present in different degrees, but for the purpose of healthful reproduction they must not be impaired. No single class of foods, albuminous, starchy, saccharine, or mineral, is sufficient for the nutrition of the body, but the food must contain substances belonging to each of the different classes. If an animal be fed exclusively upon albumen, though this substance constitutes the largest part of the bodily mass, exhaustion will rapidly follow, since the food does not contain all the essential, nutritive elements. Again, when the solids of the body have been wasted, they lose their susceptibility to stimuli, and the food does no good. Thus patients become emaciated during acute attacks of disease, upon the cessation of which they are too feeble to recover, simply because they have lost the power to digest and assimilate their food.

In inanimate bodies, as in crystals, forces come to rest, but the very idea of life implies action and continual change. Hence diversity of constitutions and different temperaments are essential in order that marriage may result in the reproduction of vigorous beings.

VITAL AND NON-VITAL TEMPERAMENTS.

Illustration: Fig. 78.
Fig. 78.

In the preceding chapter, we attempted to illustrate the unique blending of mind and body by means of the nervous system, and we now propose to exemplify the physical conditions of the organism by certain correspondences, observed in the development and conditions of that system. If nature answer to mind in physical correspondences, she will observe the same regularity in physical development. The simplest classification of the temperaments is represented in Fig. 78. Not only is mental activity dependent upon a vital activity in the brain, but the development of the cerebrum is dependent upon the supply of blood. The growth of the intellect requires the same conditions that aided in the development of Vulcan's right arm: waste and supply; disintegration and reparation of tissue. Our modern iron forges produce many an artisan whose great right arm proclaims him to be a son of power as well as of fire. Thus the fervid intellect, while forging out its thoughts, increases in size and strength. The difference between the development of the two is this; that the exercise of the blacksmith's right arm quickens the activities of all the bodily functions, whereas the employment of the intellect does not offer any healthy equivalent. Physical exercise is a hygienic demand, but intellectual employment exerts no salutary influence on the body, while it is constantly expending the nutritive energies of the blood. The emotions, likewise, make exhaustive draughts upon nutrition to supply the waste of brain substance, just as certainly as physical labor causes muscular change, and demands reparation. One expends cerebral, the other, muscular substance. The one is healthful in its general tendencies, the other, comparatively wasteful and destructive.

{ DISINTEGRATING,
The intellectual faculties are EXPENDING,
DERIVING.
{ ENGROSSING,
The emotive faculties are EXHAUSTING,
DEVITALIZING.

These nervous forces are transformed into spiritual products.

The base of the anterior lobes of the brain belong to the atonic region—the source of those languid, deranging influences which coincide with morbidity and disease. A disturbance of the corporeal organs, which especially influence this portion of the brain, naturally tends to the development of insanity or imbecility. Morel has traced, through four generations, the family history of a youth who was admitted to the asylum at Rouen while in a state of stupidity and semi-idiocy. The following summary of his investigations illustrates the natural course of degeneracy as it extends through successive generations: immorality, depravity, alcoholic excess, and moral degradation, in the great-grandfather, who was killed in a tavern brawl; hereditary drunkenness, maniacal attacks, ending in general paralysis, in the grandfather; sobriety, but hypochondriacal tendencies, delusions of persecutions, and homicidal tendencies in the father; defective intelligence in the son. His first attack of mania occurred at sixteen, and was followed by stupidity, and finally ended in complete idiocy. Furthermore, there was probably an extinction of the family, for the son's reproductive organs were as little developed as those of a child of twelve years of age. He had two sisters who were both defective physically and morally, and were classed as imbeciles. To complete the proof of heredity in this case, Morel adds that the mother had a child while the father was confined in the asylum, and that this child exhibited no signs of degeneracy. Statistics show that multitudes of human beings are born with a destiny against which they have neither the will nor the power to contend; they groan under the worst of all tyrannies, the tyranny of a bad organization, which is theirs by inheritance. We may represent the tendencies of the anterior portion of the brain by Fig. 79. The functional exercise of the anterior and superior portions of the cerebrum is disintegrating and devitalizing, while the anterior and inferior portions coincide with mental and physical derangement, unless counteracted by opposing forces. It is therefore evident that in any organization, upon which is entailed a perverted or excessive action of this portion of the cerebrum, the tendencies are NON-VITAL, i.e., unfavorable to fertility and physical health.

If the antagonizing regions are well developed, the tendencies are favorable to life.

{ SANITY,
The volitive organs promote TEMPERANCE,
HARDIHOOD.
{ NUTRITION,
The animal organs tend to RESTORATION,
CONSERVATION.
{ SECRETION,
The basilar faculties instigate CIRCULATION,
VITALITY.
{ ENERGY,
The combined action of these HEALTH,
faculties express REPRODUCTION.

Illustration: Fig. 79
Fig. 79

If this portion of the brain indicates a full development, we say of such a temperament that it is VITAL, because the functions of its nerve-centers are favorable to evolution. As degeneration observes conditions, so endurance and development conform to certain laws, and it is the duty of all truthful inquirers, who believe not only in the progress of human intelligence, but in physical improvement from generation to generation, to ascertain and comply with these essential conditions. When the anterior and middle lobes of the brain are fully developed at their inferior surfaces, it is regarded as an insane temperament, i.e. containing the germs of mental and bodily derangement.How shall we distinguish the combination of organic elements, if not by the manner in which they characterize the constitution? Every human being is distinguished by natural peculiarities, both mental and physical. These are indicated not only by the color of the eyes, hair, and skin, and the mental expressions, but in the conformation and capabilities of the corporeal system. The color, form, size, and texture of a leaf indicate to the expert pomologist the nature of the fruit which the tree will bear, but how much more important is it to understand the harmonies of human development. If Prof. Agassiz could determine the form and size of a fish by seeing its scales, and Prof. Owen outline the skeleton of an unknown animal by viewing a portion of its fossil, why should not the physician understand the language of temperaments, since it opens to him the revelations of human development? The sculptor blends character with form, the artist endows the face with natural expression, the anatomist accurately traces the nerves and arteries, the physiognomist reads character, which the novelist delineates and the actor personates, because there are facts behind all these, the materials wherewith to construct a science. In organization there are permanent forces which operate uniformly, thus revealing the order of nature.

THE TEMPERAMENTS CLASSIFIED.

Illustration: Fig. 80
Fig. 80

We propose to speak of four constitutional variations entitled to separate consideration; the lymphatic, the sanguine, the volitive, and the encephalic. The brain controls all the voluntary, and modifies the involuntary functions of the body. A particular cerebral development modifies the functions of all the bodily organs, and thus tempers the constitution. We shall, therefore, base our classification of temperaments upon the mental and physiological characteristics, which are portrayed by cerebral development. Such an arrangement is illustrated by Fig. 80.

THE LYMPHATIC TEMPERAMENT.

The lymphatic temperament predominates when the anterior base of the brain and the middle lobe are developed so as to exert a preponderating influence over the bodily functions. The character of this influence we have described in cerebral physiology. It is difficult to state precisely the normal influences and nerve-forces which arise from these faculties, but it is evident that they are specially related to nutritive attraction, in opposition to volitive repulsion. It is only their excessive influence which produces worthless, miserable, morbid characters. A constitution marked by this development is indolent, relaxative, and an easy prey to epidemics. This treatment is also characterized by a low grade of vitality or resistance. When life is sustained by the volitive powers, it is distinguished by a softness of the bodily tissues, and the prevalence of lymph. The fact that all the organic functions are performed indolently, indicates lack of vital power. An excellent illustration of this temperament is found in Fig. 81, which represents a Chinese gentleman of distinction. In the lower order of animals, as in sponges, absorption is performed by contiguous cells, which are quite as effortless as in plants. Because of their organic indolence, sponges are often classed as vegetables. A body having an atonic or a lymphatic temperament is abundantly supplied with absorbent organs, which are very sluggish in their operations. In the lymphatic temperament, there seems to be less constructive energy, slower elaboration, and greater frugality. Lymph is a colorless or yellow fluid containing a large proportion of water. It is not so highly organized as the blood, but resembles it, when that fluid is deprived of its red corpuscles. In the sanguine temperament, circulation in the blood-vessels is the most active, in the lacteals next, and in the lymphatics the least so, but in the lymphatic temperament, this order is reversed.

Illustration: Fig. 81.
Fig. 81.

Dr. W.B. Powell has observed that a lymphatic man has a large head, while a fat man has a small one, and also that fat and lymph, are convertible, one following the other, i.e., "a repletion consisting of fat may be removed, and one of lymph may replace it, and vice versa." He could not account for these alternations. The bear goes into his winter quarters sleek and fat, and comes forth in the spring just as plump with lymph, but he loses this fat appearance soon after obtaining food. This simply indicates that, during lymphatic activity, the digestive organs are comparatively quiescent. But when these are functionally employed again, lymphatic economy is not required. It is the duty of the lymphatics to slowly convert the fat by such transformation, that when it reaches the general circulation, it may there unite with other organic compounds, the process being aided by atmospheric nitrogen, introduced during the act of respiration. In this way it may become changed into those chemically indefinite, artificial products, called proteid compounds. This view is supported by the disappearance of fat as an organized product in the lymph of the lymphatic vessels, indicating that such transformation has occurred. In this way, by uniting with other organic compounds, it appears that lymph may serve as a weak basis for blood; that atmospheric nitrogen is also employed in forming these artificial compounds, is indicated by the fact that there is sometimes less detected in arterial than in venous blood.

Illustration: Fig. 82. Judge Green, of the United States Court.
Fig. 82. Judge Green, of the United States Court.

This temperament is indicated by lymphatic repletion, soft flesh, pale complexion, watery blood, slow and soft pulse, oval head, and broad skull, showing breadth at its base. Fig. 82 illustrates this temperament combined with sanguine elements. In all good illustrations of this temperament, there is a breadth of the anterior base of the skull extending forward to the cheek bones. There is likewise a corresponding fullness of the face under the chin, and in the neck, denoting a large development of the anterior base of the cerebrum. The cerebral conformation of the Hon. Judge Green indicates mental activity, and we have no reason to suppose that lymph was particularly abundant in his brain.

Illustration: Fig. 83.
Fig. 83.

While this description of the lymphatic temperament is correct, when illustrated by the civilized races of men who are accustomed to luxury, ease, and an abundance of food, it does not apply with equal accuracy to the cerebral organization of the American Indian. His skull, though broad at its anterior base, and high and wide at the cheek bones, differs from the European in being broader and longer behind the ears. Fig. 83 is an excellent representation of a noted North American Indian. While a great breadth of the base of the brain indicates morbid susceptibilities, yet these, in the Indian, are opposed by a superior height of the posterior part of the skull. Consequently, he is restless, impulsive, excitable, passionate, a wanderer upon the earth. The basilar faculties, however, are large, and he is noted for instinctive intelligence. His habits alternate from laziness to heroic effort, from idleness and quiet to the fierce excitement of the chase, from vagabondism to war, sometimes indolent and at other times turbulent, but under all circumstances, irregular and unreliable. In this case, lacteal activity is greater than lymphatic, as his nomadic life indicates. Nevertheless, he manifests a morbid sensibility to epidemic diseases, especially those which engender nutritive disorders and corrupt the blood. Figs. 84 and 85 represent the brain of an American Indian, and that of a European, and show the remarkable difference in their anatomical configuration. Evidently it is a race-distinction. Observe the greater breadth of the brain of the Indian, which according to cerebral physiology indicates great alimentiveness, indolence, morbid sensibility, irritability, profligacy, but also note that it differs materially in the proportion of all its parts, from the European brain. Judging the character of the Indian from the aforesaid representation, we should say that he was cunning, excitable, treacherous, fitful, taciturn, or violently demonstrative. His constitution is very susceptible to diseases of the bowels and blood. His appetite is ungovernable, and his love of stimulants is strong. Syphilitic poison, small-pox, and strong drink will annihilate all these tribes sooner than gunpowder. Their physical traits of constitution are no less contradictory than their extremes of habit and character, for while there is evidence of lymphatic elements, yet it is contradicted by the color of the hair, eyes, and skin. This peculiar organization will not blend in healthful harmony with that of the European, and this demonstrates that the race-temperaments require separate and careful analytical consideration.

Illustration: Fig. 84. American Indian.
Fig. 84. American Indian.

Illustration: Fig 85. European.
Fig 85. European. (FROM MORTON'S CRANIA AMERICANA.) In the American Indian, the anterior lobe, lying between AA, and BB, is small, and in the European it is large, in proportion to the middle, lying between BB and CC. In the American Indian, the posterior lobe, lying between C and D Is much smaller than in the European. In the Indian, the cerebral convolutions on the anterior lobe and upper surface of the brain, are smaller than the European. If the anterior lobe manifests the intellectual faculties—the middle lobe the propensities common to man with the lower animals—and the posterior lobe, the conservative energies, the result seems to be, that the intellect of the American Indian is comparatively feeble—the European, strong; the animal propensities of the Indian will be great—in the European, more moderate; while reproduction, vital energy, and conservation of the species in the Indian is not as great as with the European. The relative proportions of the different parts of the brain differ very materially.

By physical culture and regulation of the habits, the excessive tendencies of this temperament may be restrained. Solid food should be substituted for a watery diet. If it be limited in quantity, this change will not only diminish the size, but increase the strength of the body. The body should be disciplined by daily percussion until the imperfectly constructed cells, which are too feeble to resist this treatment, are broken and replaced by those more hardy and enduring. Add to this treatment brisk, dry rubbing, calisthenic exercises, and daily walks, which should be gradually extended. Continue this treatment for three months, and its favorable effects upon the temperament will surprise the most skeptical; if continued for a year, a radical alteration will be effected, and the hardihood, health, and vigor of the constitution will be greatly increased.

This temperament may be improved physiologically, by being blended with the sanguine and volitive. The offspring will be stronger, the structures firmer, the organization more dense. Nutrition, assimilation, and all the constructive functions will be more energetic in weaving together the cellular fabric of the body. The sanguine temperament will add a stimulus to the organic activities, while the volitive will communicate manly, brave, and enduring qualities. When this temperament is united with the encephalic, if such a union does not result in barrenness, it adds expending and exhaustive tendencies to the enfeebling'ones already existing, and, consequently, the offspring lacks both physical power and intellectual activity.

The peculiarities of this temperament are observed in the diseases which characterize it. It is specially liable to derangements of digestion, nutrition, and blood-making. The blood is easily poisoned by morbid products formed within the body, as well as by those derived from the body of another. This is seen in pyÆmia, produced by the introduction of decomposing pus, or "matter," into the blood. This condition is most likely to occur when the vital powers are low and the energies weak, for then the fibrin decreases, the red corpuscles diminish in number, the circulation becomes languid, the pulse grows fluttering and weak, and this increases until death ensues. An individual of this temperament is more easily destroyed than any other by the poison of syphilis, small-pox, and other contagious diseases. If the blood has received any hereditary taint, the lymphatic glands not only reproduce it but often increase the virulency of the original disease. This temperament indicates a necessity for the employment of stimulating, alterative, and antiseptic medicines. The torpid functions need arousing, the blood needs depuration, i.e., the elimination of corrupting matter, and the system requires alteratives to produce these salutary changes. The secretions need the correcting influence of cleansing remedies for the purification of the blood.

Persons of this temperament are more liable to absorption of morbid products within the body, which are in a state of decomposition, producing an infection of the blood, technically termed septicÆmia. The fatal results which so suddenly follow child-bed fever are thus produced. This kind of poisoning sometimes takes place from the absorption of decomposed exudation in diphtheria, and, though rarely, from decomposing organic products collected in the lungs. Whenever the absorption of poison does take place, fatal consequences usually follow.

This passive temperament is more likely to sink under acute attacks of disease, especially alimentary disorders, such as diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera. It quickly succumbs to their prostrating effects, such as depression, congestion, and fatal collapse which rapidly succeed one another. Venesection and harsh purgatives are contra-indicated, and the physician who persists in their employment kills his patient. How grateful are warmth and stimulating medicines! The most powerful, diffusible, and nervous stimulants are required in cholera, when the system is devastated by the disease, as the plain is laid waste by the fierce tornado.

THE SANGUINE TEMPERAMENT.

Lymph is the characteristic of the lymphatic temperament, and its specific gravity, temperature, and standard of vitality are all lower than that of red blood. In the sanguine temperament all the vital functions are more active, the blood itself has a deeper hue, its corpuscles carry more oxygen, the complexion is quite florid, and the arterial currents impart to every faculty a more hopeful vigor. The blood-vessels are the most active absorbents, eagerly appropriating nutritive materials for the general circulation, while the respiration adds to it oxygen, that agent which makes vital manifestation possible. This temperament exhibits greater sensibility, the conceptions are quicker, the imagination more vivid, the appetite stronger, the passions more violent, and there is found every display of animal life and enjoyment.

A full development of the basilar faculties, indicated by an unusual breadth and depth of the base of the brain, accompanies this temperament. Its cerebral area includes the posterior and inferior portions of the cerebrum, the entire cerebellum, and that part of the medulla which connects with the spinal cord, all of which sustain intimate relations to vital conditions. Accordingly, such a development indicates good digestion, active nutrition, vigorous secretion, large heart and lungs, powerful muscles, and surplus vitality. The violent faculties, such as Combativeness, Destructiveness, and Hatred, are natural adjuncts, and their excess tends to sensuality and crime. They are not only secretive, appropriative, selfish, and self-defensive, but when redundant are aggressive and tend to destructiveness, the gratification of animal indulgence, intemperance, and debauchery. The correspondence between the cerebral conformation and the physical development is very obvious. Lower orders of animals possess these faculties, and their spontaneous exhibition is called instinct. They possess the acquisitive, destructive, and propagative propensities, which lead them to provide for their wants and secure to themselves a posterity. The exercise of their bodies causes a continual waste which demands incessant reparation, and they are governed measurably by these animal impulses.

All of these lower psychical faculties have a physiological significance. Acquisitiveness functionally expresses assimilation, accretion, animal growth, and tends to bodily repletion. Secretiveness expresses concealing, separating, withdrawing, and functionally signifies secretive action. Secretion is the separating and withdrawing from the blood some of its constituents, as mucus, bile, saliva, etc. This latter process indicates complex conditions of organization, so that the higher and more complex the tissue, the greater the number of secretory organs. Unrestrained selfishness, while it naturally conserves the individual interests, in its ultimate tendencies, is the very essence of human depravity. Without qualification, clearly, it is crime, for blind devotion to the individual must be in utter disregard for the good of others. The ultimate tendencies of these faculties are, therefore, criminal.

Exaggerate the faculty of acquisitiveness, and it becomes avariciousness. Develop secretiveness and selfishness, and they become cunning and profligacy, desperation and crime. Their functional development tends to produce physical disorder and violent disease. All of these faculties are vehement, contentious, thriving by opposition. Life itself has been called a forced state, because it wars with the elements it appropriates, and transmutes their powers into vitality.

Illustration: Fig. 86.
Fig. 86.

We find men and women of this temperament, who are models of character and organization. George Washington is an excellent illustration. The impression that his presence made upon the Marquis de Chastellux, is given in the following words: "I wish only to express the impression General Washington has left on my mind; the idea of a perfect whole, brave without temerity, laborious without ambition, generous without prodigality, noble without pride, virtuous without severity." Gen. Scott, Lord Cornwallis, Dr. Wistar, Bishop Soule John Bright, Jenny Lind Goldsmidt, and Dr. Gall are good representatives of this temperament. Fig. 86 is an excellent illustration of it, finely blended and well balanced, in the person of Madame de Stael. This temperament requires fewer tonics and stimulants than the lymphatic. This constitution is best able to restore vital losses. It is a vital temperament, in other words, it combines favorably with all the others, and better adapts itself to their various conditions. Some regard it as the best adjusted one in all its organs and tissues, and as the most satisfactory and serviceable.

Illustration: Fig. 87.
Fig. 87.

Excess of nutrition tends to plethora, to animal indulgence, and gross sensuality. Not only do the propensities rouse desire, but they excite the basilar faculties, and portray their wants in the outlines of the face, mould the features to their expression, and flash their significance from the eye. Who can mistake the picture of sensuality represented by Fig. 87? It is enough to shock the sensibility of a dumb animal, and to say that such a face has a beastly look, is an unkind reflection upon the brute creation. A large neck and corresponding development of the occipital half of the brain indicate nervous energy, yet nutrition is not absolutely dependent upon it, for the nutritive processes are active before a nervous system is formed. The lower faculties of the mind exert a remarkable influence over nutrition, secretion, and the molecular changes incident to life. Anger or fear may transmute the mother's nourishing milk into a virulent poison. The following incident, taken from Dr. Carpenter's Physiology, illustrates this statement: "A carpenter fell into a quarrel with a soldier billeted in his house, and was set-upon by the latter with his drawn sword. The wife of the carpenter at first trembled from fear and terror, and then suddenly threw herself between the combatants, wrested the sword from the soldier's hand, broke it in pieces, and threw it away. During the tumult, some neighbors came-in and separated the men. While in this state of strong excitement, the mother took up her child from the cradle, where it lay playing, and in the most perfect health, never having had a moment's illness; she gave it the breast, and in so doing sealed its fate. In a few minutes the infant left-off sucking, became restless, panted, and sank dead upon the mother's bosom. The physician who was instantly called-in, found the child lying in the cradle, as if asleep, and with its features undisturbed; but all resources were fruitless. It was irrecoverably gone. In this interesting case, the milk must have undergone a change, which gave it a powerful sedative action upon the susceptible nervous system of the infant."

Anxiety, irritation, hatred, all tend to the vitiation of the disposition and bodily functions, perverting the character and constitution at the same time. Depravity of thought and secretion go together. Degradation of mind and corruption of the body are concomitants. There is a very close affinity between mental and moral perversion and physical prostitution, of which fact too many are unconscious. Nervous influence preserves the fluidity of the blood and facilitates its circulation, for it appears that simple arrestment of this influence favors the coagulation of the blood in the vessels; clots being found in their trunks within a few minutes after the brain and spinal marrow are broken down. Habitual constipation is the source of many ills. Perversion of the functions of the stomach, and of the circulation of the blood, produce general disaster.

Diseases which characterize this temperament are acute, violent, or inflammatory, indicating repletion and active congestion; intense inflammation, burning fevers, severe rheumatism, a quick, full pulse, great bodily heat, and functional excitement are its morbid accompaniments. These diseases will bear thorough depletion of the alimentary canal, active, hydragogue cathartics being indicated. Sedatives and anodynes are also essential to modify the circulatory forces, and to relieve pain. Violent disturbance must be quelled, and among the remedial agents required for this duty we may include Veratrum, Ipecac, Digitalis, Opium, Conium, and Asclepias. While equalizing the circulatory fluids, restoring the secretions, and thoroughly evacuating the system, and thus endeavoring to remove disturbing causes, we find that the conditions of this temperament are exceedingly favorable for restoration to health. True, many chronic diseases are obstinate, yet a course of restorative medication persistently followed, promises a fortunate issue in this tractile temperament.Hygienic management of the lymphatic and sanguine temperaments consists in the vigorous toning of the former, while restraint of the latter will greatly exempt it from the anxieties, contentions, and vexations which excite the mind, disturb the bodily functions, and end in chronic disease. People of the latter organization love mental and physical stimulants, are easily inflamed by passion, and their excitability degenerates into irritability, succeeded by serious functional derangements, which prematurely break down the individual with inveterate, deep-seated disorder. Serenity, hope, faith, as well as firmness, are natural hygienic elements. It is a duty we owe ourselves to promptly relinquish a business which corrodes with its cares, and depresses with its increasing troubles. Constant solicitude, and the apprehension of financial disaster, frustrate the bodily functions, disconcert the organic processes, and lead to mental aberration as well as physical degeneracy. Melancholy is chronic, while despair is acute mania, whose impulses drive the victim desperately toward self-destruction. The chronic derangement of these organs exerts with less force the same morbid tendency. Hence the necessity for exercising those hygienic and countervailing influences born of resolution, assurance, and confident trust, and the belief which strengthens all of the vital operations.

Doubtless, this temperament is the source of the reproductive powers. It is the corner-stone essential to the foundation of all other temperaments. It has been supposed by some that the cerebellum is the seat of sexual instinct. The fact appears that an ample development of the posterior base of the cerebrum and the cerebellum indicates nutritive activity, which is certainly a condition most favorable to the display of amativeness. In a double sense, then, this temperament is a vital one; both by nutritive repletion, and by reproduction. It is the blood-manufacturing, tissue-generating, and body-constructing temperament, causing growth to exceed waste, and promptly repairing the wear which follows continual labor.

While the sleazy structures of the lymphatic temperament are favorable to the functions of transudation, exhalation, and mutual diffusion of liquids, the sanguine, as its name indicates, is adapted to promote the circulation of the blood, to favor nutrition and reproduction. The former temperament does not move the world by its energies, or impress it vividly with its wisdom, and the latter is more enthusiastic, enjoyable, and quickening. Each temperament, however, possesses salient qualities and advantages.

THE LIFE LINE.

Dr. W.B. Powell, in his work on "The Human Temperaments," announces the discovery of a measurement which indicates the tenacity of life, and the vital possessions of the individual. He has observed that some persons of very feeble appearance possess remarkable powers of resistance to disease, and continue to live until the machinery of life literally wears out. Others, apparently stronger and more robust, die before the usual term of life is half completed. He also noticed that some families were remarkable for their longevity, while others reached only a certain age, less than the average term of life, and then died. He remarked also that some patients sank under attacks of disease, when, to all appearances, they should recover, and that others recovered, when, according to all reasonable calculations, they ought to die. He, therefore, not only believed that the duration of human life was more definitely fixed by the organization than is supposed, but he set himself to work to discover the line of life, and the measure of its duration. He made a distinction between vital vigor, and vital tenacity. Vital vigor he believed to be equivalent to the condition of vitality, which is indicated by the breadth of the brain found in the sanguine temperament; and vital tenacity to be measured by the depth of the base of the brain. Dr. Powell was an indefatigable student of nature, and followed his theory through years of observation, and measured hundreds of heads of living persons, in order to verify the correctness of the hypothesis. His method of measuring the head may be stated as follows: He drew a line from the occipital protuberance on the back of the head to the junction of the frontal and malar bones, extending it to a point above the center of the external orbit of the eye, near the termination of the brow. Then he measured the distance between this line and the orifice of the ear and thus obtained the measure indicating the vital tenacity or duration of, life. Fig. 88 is a representation of the skull of Loper, who was executed for murder in Mississippi. He might have attained a great age, had not his violent and selfish faculties led him into the commission of crime. In this illustration, B represents the occipital protuberance, and A the junction of the frontal and malar bones at the external angle of the eye. The distance between this line (A B) and the external orifice of the ear, is the measure of the life-force of Loper at the time of his: execution.

Illustration: Fig. 88.
Fig. 88.

Illustration: Fig. 89.
Fig. 89.

The tenacity of an individual's life, Dr. Powell determined by the following scale of measurements: three-fourths of an inch from the orifice of the ear to the life-line, is the average length in the adult, and indicates ordinary tenacity of life. As the distance decreases to five-eighths, one-half, or three-eighths of an inch, vital tenacity diminishes. If the distance is more than three-quarters of an inch, it denotes great vital endurance, excellent recuperative powers, and is indicative of longevity. If it measures less than half an inch, it shows that the constitution has a feeble, uncertain hold upon life, and an acute disease is very likely to sunder the vital relations. Dr. Powell contended that "life force and vital force are not equivalent terms, because much more vital force is expended upon our relations, than upon our organization in the preservation of life. Every muscular contraction, every thought, and every emotion requires an expenditure of vital force." He asserted that we inherit our life force or constitutional power, and that we can determine by this life-line, the amount which we so receive. And he believed that it could be increased by intellectual effort, just as we can increase vital force by physical exercise. Fig. 89 represents the skull of a man who died, at nearly the same age as Loper, of consumption, in the Charity Hospital, at New Orleans. The measurement of the skull in this case gives a space between the life-line and the orifice of the ear of one-sixteenth of an inch, showing that the consumptive had lived the full term of his life. Dr. Powell contended that the depth of a man's brain may be increased after maturity; muscular effort, mental activity, and a sense of responsibility being favorable to longevity, while idleness and dissipation are adverse to it. In justice to the Doctor, we have stated fully his theory and his method of determining the hardihood and endurance of the constitution, and we bespeak for it a candid examination. Without doubt it embodies a great deal of truth. Hereafter we shall endeavor to indicate by cerebral configuration, a better system of judging of the vital tenacity, hardihood, and constitutional energies, both inherited and acquired.

THE VOLITIVE TEMPERAMENT.

By reference to Figs. 72 and 80, the reader will be able to locate the region of the volitive faculties, previously described under the generic term will. This temperament is characterized by ambition, energy, industry, perseverance, decision, vigilance, self-control, arrogance, love of power, firmness, and hardihood. These faculties express concentration of purpose and their functional equivalents are power of elaboration, constructiveness, condensation, firmness of fiber, compactness of frame, and endurance of organization. The pulse is full, firm, and regular, the muscles are strong and well marked, the hair and skin dark, the temporal region is not broadly developed, the face is angular, its lines denoting both power of purpose and strength of constitution, with resolution and hardihood blended in the expression. The volitive temperament is distinguished by height of the posterior, superior occipital region, called the crown of the back head, and by corresponding breadth from side to side. The rule given by Dr. J.R. Buchanan applies not only to the convolutions, but to the general development of the brain; length gives power, or range of action, and breadth gives copiousness, or activity of manifestation. Thus a high, narrow back head indicates firmness and decision, but it is not as constant and copious in its manifestation as when it is associated with breadth. An individual having a narrow, high head, may determine readily enough upon a course of action, but he requires a longer period for its completion than one whose head is both high and broad. Such a cerebral conformation cannot accomplish its objects without enjoying regular rest, and maintaining the best of habits. Breadth of this region of the brain indicates ample resources of energy, both psychical and physical. It denotes greater vigor of constitution, one that continually generates volitive forces, and its persistency of purpose may be interpreted as functional tenacity. Inflexibility of will and purpose impart their tenacious qualities to every bodily function. The will to recover is often far more potent than medicine. We have often witnessed its power in restraining the ravages of disease. The energetic faculties, located at the upper and posterior part of the head, are the invigorating, or tonic elements of the constitution, imparting hardy, firm, steady, and efficient influences, checking excess of secretion, repressing dissipation, and tending to maintain self-possession, as well as healthy conditions of life. Fig. 90 is a portrait of U.S. Grant, which shows a well-balanced organization, with sufficient volitive elements to characterize the constitution.

Illustration: Fig. 90.
Fig. 90.

The old term bilious temperament might possibly be retained in deference to long usage, did it not inculcate a radical error. Bilious is strictly a medical term, relating to bile, or to derangements produced by it, and it was used originally to distinguish a temperament supposed to be characterized by a predominance of the biliary secretion. In the volitive temperament, the firm, tenacious, toning, and restraining faculties repress, rather than encourage biliary secretion, and hence the necessity for administering large doses of cholagogues, remedies which stimulate the secretion of bile. When the system is surcharged with bile, from a congested condition of the liver, we use these agents in order to obtain necessary relief. In this temperament there is moderate hepatic development, lack of biliary activity, deficiency in the secretion of bile, and a sluggish portal circulation. Therefore, to apply the term bilious to this temperament is not only unreasonable, but it is calculated to mislead. The condition of the bowels is generally constipated, the skin dark and sometimes sallow. For these and other obvious reasons, we dismiss the word bilious, and substitute one which is more characteristic.

We will not dwell upon the volitive as psychical organs, except to show that, when their influence is transmitted to the body, they act as physiological organs, and thus demonstrate that all parts of the brain have their physiological, as well as mental functions. When Andrew Jackson uttered with great emphasis the memorable words, "BY THE ETERNAL," the effect was like a shock from a galvanic battery, thrilling the cells in his own body, and paralyzing with fear every one in Calhoun's organization. This is an illustration of the power or range of action of these faculties. Breadth or copiousness is illustrated in Gen. Grant's reply, "I PROPOSE TO FIGHT IT OUT ON THIS LINE, IF IT TAKES ALL SUMMER." Such a temperament has a profusion of constitutional power, great durability of the life-force, and, in our opinion, the combined height and breadth of this region correctly indicate the natural hardihood of the body and its retentiveness of life. No one need doubt its influence upon the sympathetic system, and, through that system, its power over absorption, circulation, assimilation, and secretion, as well as the voluntary processes. Mental hardihood seems wrought into concrete organization. It checks excess of glandular absorption, restrains the impulses of tumultuous passion, tones and regulates the action of the heart, and helps to weave the strands of organization into a more compact fabric. The toning energies of the volitive faculties are better than quinine to fortify the system against miasma or malaria, and they co-operate with all tonic remedies in sustaining organic action. Fig. 91 is a portrait of Prof. Tyndall, the eminent chemist, whose likeness indicates volitive innervation, showing great strength of character and of constitution; he is an earnest, thorough, and intense mental toiler; ambitious, but modest; brilliant, because persevering; diligent in scientific inquiry, and who follows the star of truth, whithersoever it may lead him. The expression of his countenance indicates his honest intentions, and displays strength of conscientious purpose; his physical constitution may be correctly interpreted in all of its general characteristics by the analysis of his energetic temperament, the great secret of his strength and success.

Illustration: Fig. 91.
Fig. 91.

Illustration: Fig. 92.
Fig. 92.

Mr. Davis, of England, having a collection of about eighteen hundred cranial specimens obtained from different quarters of the globe, ascertained the relative volume of brain in different races, by filling the skulls with dry sand. He found that the European averaged 92 cubic inches, the Oceanic 89, the Asiatic 88, the African 86, the Australian 81. Dr. Morton, of Philadelphia, had a collection of over one thousand skulls, and his conclusions were that the Caucasian brain is the largest, the Mongolian next in size, the Malay and American Indian smaller, and the Ethiopian smallest of all. The average weight of brain, in 278 Europeans, was 49.50 oz., in 24 White American soldiers, 52.06 oz., indicating a greater average for the American brain.

OUNCES
The brain of Cuvier, the celebrated naturalist, weighed 64.33
Ruloff, the murderer and linguist, 59.00
Dr. Spurzheim—phrenologist, 55.06
Celebrated philologist, 47.90
Celebrated mineralogist, 43.24
Upholsterer, 40.91

The weight of the human brain varies from 40 to 70 oz.; that of idiots from 12 to 36 40 oz. The average of 273 [pg 140]male European brains was 49½ oz., while that of 191 females was 44 oz. If we compare the weight of the female brain with that of the body, the ratio is found to be as 1:36.46, while that of the male is as 1:36.50; showing that, relatively, the female brain is the larger. It appears that neither the absolute nor relative size of the cerebrum, but the amount of gray matter which it contains, is the criterion of mental power. Although a large cerebrum is generally indicative of more gray matter than a small one, yet it is ascertained that the grey substance depends upon the number, and depth of the convolutions of the brain, and the deeper its fissures, the more abundant is this tissue. It is this substance which is the source of thought, while the white portion only transmits impressions.

We do not wish to underrate any attempt heretofore made to classify the functions of mind and assign to them an appropriate nomenclature. It is not unusual for scientists to give advice to phrenologists and point out the fallacies of their system; but it is hardly worth while to indulge in destructive criticism, unless something better is offered, as the day has passed for ridiculing endeavors to understand and interpret the physiology of the brain. The all important question is, not whether phrenologists have properly located and rightly earned all the faculties of mind, but have their expositions been useful in the development of truth. While endeavoring to connect each mental power with a local habitation in the brain, the system of phrenology may be chargeable with some incongruous classification of the faculties, and yet it has furnished an analysis of the mind which has been of incalculable service to writers upon mental philosophy. Phrenology, in popularizing its views, has interested thousands in their own organizations and powers, who would otherwise have remained indifferent. It has called attention to mental and bodily unities, has served as a guide to explain the physical and psychical characteristics of individuals, and has been instrumental in applying physiological and hygienic principles to the habits of life, thus rendering a service for which the world is greatly indebted. Samuel George Morton, M.D., whose eminent abilities and scholarship are unquestionable, employs the following language:

[pg 141]"The importance of the brain as the seat of the faculties of the mind, is pre-eminent in the animal economy. Hence, the avidity with which its structure and functions have been studied in our time; for, although much remains to be explained, much has certainly been accomplished. We have reason to believe, not only that the brain is the center of the whole series of mental manifestations, but that its several parts are so many organs, each one of which performs its peculiar and distinctive office. But the number, locality, and functions of these several organs are far from being determined; nor should this uncertainty surprise us, when we reflect on the slow and devious process by which mankind has arrived at some of the simplest physiological truths, and the difficulties that environ all inquiries into the nature of the organic functions."

Illustration: Fig. 77. Side view of the brain of a Cat.
Fig. 77. Side view of the brain of a Cat. A. Crucial sulcus dividing anterior convolutions. B. Fissure of Sylvius. C. Olfactory bulb.

We may here allude to the recent experimental researches with reference to the functions of various portions of the brain, prosecuted by Dr. Ferrier, of England. He applied the electric current to different parts of the cortical substance of the cerebrum in lower animals which had been rendered insensible by chloroform, and by it could call forth muscular actions expressive of ideas and emotions. Thus, in a cat, the application of the electrodes at point 2, Fig. 77, caused elevation of the shoulder and adduction of the limb, exactly as when a cat strikes a ball with its paw; at point 4, corrugation of the left eye-brow, and the drawing inward and downward of the left ear; when applied at point 5, the animal exhibited signs of pain, screamed, and kicked with both hind legs, especially the left, at the same time turned its head around and looked behind in an astonished manner; at point 6, clutching movement of the [pg 142]left paw, with protrusion of the claws; at point 13, twitching backward of the left ear, and rotation of the head to the left and slightly upward, as if the animal were listening; at point 17, restlessness, opening of the mouth, and long-continued cries as if of rage or pain; at a point on the under side of the hemisphere, not shown in this figure, the animal started up, threw back its head, opened its eyes widely, lashed its tail, panted, screamed and spit as if in furious rage; and at point 20, sudden contraction of the muscles of the front of the chest and neck, and of the depressors (muscles) of the lower jaw, with panting movements. The movements of the paws were drawn inward by stimulating the region between points 1, 2, and 6; those of the eyelids and face were excited between 7 and 8; the side movements of the head and ear in the region between points 9 and 14; and the movements of the mouth, tongue and jaws, with certain associated movements of the neck, being localized in the convolutions bordering on the fissure of Sylvius (B), which marks the division between the anterior and middle lobes of the cerebrum. Dr. Ferrier made similar experiments on dogs, rabbits, and monkeys. The series of experiments made on the brain of the monkey is said to be the most remarkable and interesting, not only because of the variety of movements and distinctly expressive character of this animal, but on account of the close conformity which the simple arrangement of the convolutions of its brain bears to their more complex disposition in the human cerebrum. It is premature to say what import we shall attach to these experiments, but they have established the correctness of the doctrine, advanced on page 105, that thought, the product of cerebral functions, is a class of reflex actions. The cerebrum is not only the source of ideas but also of those co-ordinate movements which correspond to and accompany these ideas. Certain cerebral changes call forth mental states and muscular movements which are mutually responsive. They indicate that various functions are automatic, or dependent upon the will, and, as we have seen, experiments indicate that the electric current, when applied to the cerebrum, excites involuntary reflex action. We cannot say how far these experimental results justify the phrenological classification of the faculties of mind, by establishing a causative relation [pg 143]between the physical and psychical states. This short and unsatisfactory account furnishes one fact which seems to support the claim of such a relation: the apparent similarity between the motor center of the lips and tongue in lower animals, and that portion of the human cerebrum in which disease is so often found to be associated with Aphasia, or loss of voice. While these experiments are by no means conclusive in establishing a theory, yet they favor it.

It is wonderful that nervous matter can be so arranged as not only to connect the various organs of the body, but at the same time to be the agent of sensation, thought, and emotion. It is amazing, that a ray of light, after traversing a distance of 91,000,000 miles, can, by falling upon the retina, and acting as a stimulus, not only produce a contraction of the pupil, but excite thoughts which analyze that ray, instantly spanning the infinitude of trackless space! The same penetrative faculties, with equal facility, can quickly and surely discern the morbid symptoms of body and mind, become familiar with the indications of disease, and classify them scientifically among the phenomena of nature. The symptoms of disease which follow certain conditions as regularly as do the signs of development, and mind itself is no exception to this uniformity of nature. Thoughts result from conditions, and manifest them as evidently as the falling of rain illustrates the effect of gravity. The perceptive and highest emotive faculties of man depend upon this simple, but marvelously endowed nervous substance, which blends the higher spiritual with the lower physical functions. The functions of the body are performed by separate organs, distinguished by peculiar characteristics. To elucidate the distinctions between dissimilar, mental faculties, we have assigned their functions, with characteristic names, to different regions of the head. As they unquestionably influence the bodily organs, we are sustained by physical analogy, in our classification. Our knowledge of the structure and functions of the nervous system is yet elementary, and we are patiently waiting for scientists to develop its facts, and verify them by experimental investigations and such researches as time alone can bring to perfection. While real progress moves with slow and measured [pg 144]foot-steps, the inspirations of consciousness and the inferences of logic prepare the popular mind for cerebral analysis. No true system can contradict the facts of our inner experience; it can only furnish a more complete explanation of their relation to the bodily organs. It should be expected that such careful and pains-taking experiments, as are necessary to establish a science, will be preceded by intuitive judgments and accredited observations, which may be, for a time, the substitutes of those more abstruse in detail.

We have, in accordance with popular usage, treated the organs of thought as having anatomical relations. The views which we have presented in this chapter may seem speculative, but the facts suggesting the theory demand attention, and we have attempted to gather a few of the scattered fragments and arrange them in some order, rather than leave them to uncertainty and greater mystery. It is by method and classification that we are enabled to apply our knowledge to practical purposes. Possibly, to some, especially the non-professional, an allusion to the fact that cerebral physiology contributes to successful results in the practice of medicine, may seem to be an exaggerated pretension. None, however, who are conversant with the facts connected with the author's experience, will so regard this practical reference, for the statement might be greatly amplified without exceeding the bounds of truth. Physicians generally undervalue the nervous functions, and overlook the importance of the brain as an indicator of the conditions of the physical system, because they are not sufficiently familiar with its influence over the bodily functions. Pathological conditions are faithfully represented by the thoughts, and words, when used to describe symptoms, become the symbols of feelings which arise from disease. How few physicians there are who can interpret the thoughts, and glean, from the expressions and sentences of a letter, a correct idea of the morbid conditions which the writer wishes to portray! Each malady, as well as every temperament, has its characteristics, and both require careful and critical analysis before subjecting the patient to the influence of remedial agents.

In a treatise by Dr. J.R. Buchanan, entitled "Outlines of Lectures on the Neurological System of Anthropology," are [pg 145]presented original ideas pre-eminently useful to the physician. His researches, and those of later writers, together with our own investigations, have greatly increased our professional knowledge. It is by such studies and investigations that we have been prepared to interpret, with greater facility, the indications of disease, and diagnose accurately from symptoms, which have acquired a deeper significance by the light of cerebral physiology. We are enabled to adapt remedies to constitutions and their varying conditions, with a fidelity and scientific precision which has rendered our success in treatment widely known and generally acknowledged. We annually treat thousands of invalids whom we have never beheld, and relieve them of their ailments. This has been accomplished chiefly through correspondence. When patients have failed to delineate their symptoms currently, or have given an obscure account of their ailments, we have been materially assisted in ascertaining the character of the disease by photographs of the subjects. The cerebral conformation indicates the predisposition of the patient, and enables us to estimate the strength of his recuperative energies. Thus we have a valuable guide in the selection of remedies particularly suited to different constitutions. In the treatment of chronic diseases, the success attending our efforts has been widely appreciated, not only in this, but in other countries where civilization, refinement, luxurious habits, and effeminating customs, prevail. This fact is mentioned, not only as an illustration of the personal benefits actually derived from a thorough knowledge of the nervous system, but to show how generally and extensively these advantages have been shared by others.

A careful study of cerebral physiology leads us deeper into the mysteries of the human constitution, and to the philosophical contemplation of the relations of mind and body. Self-culture implies not only a knowledge of the powers of the mind, but also how to direct and use them for its own improvement, and he who has the key to self-knowledge, can unlock the mysteries of human nature and be eminently serviceable to the worlds For centuries the mind has been spreading out its treasury of revelations, to be turned to practical account, in ascertaining the constitution, and determining better methods of treating [pg 146]disease. Since comparative anatomists and physiologists have revealed the structure of animals and the functions of their organs, from the lowest protozoan to the highest vertebrate, the physician may avail himself of this knowledge, and thus gain a deeper insight into the structure and physiology of man. An intimate acquaintance with the physical, is a necessary preparation for the study of the psychical life, for it leads to the understanding of their mutual relations and reactions, both in health and disease.

Consciousness, or the knowledge of sensations and mental operations, has been variously defined. It is employed as a collective term to express all the psychical states, and is the power by which the soul knows its own existence. It is the immediate knowledge of any object whatever, and seems to comprise, in its broadest signification, both matter and mind, for all objects are inseparable from the cognizance of them. Hence, the significance of the terms, subjective-consciousness and objective-consciousness. People are better satisfied with their knowledge of matter than with their conceptions of the nature of mind.

THE NATURE OF MIND.

Since this subject is being discussed by our most distinguished scientists, we will conclude this chapter with an extract from a lecture delivered by Prof. Burt G. Wilder, at the American Institute:

"There now remains to be disposed of, in some way, the question as to the nature and reality of mind, which was rather evaded at the commencement of the lecture. The reason was, that I am forced to differ widely from the two great physiologists whom I have so often quoted this evening. Most people, following in part early instruction, in part revelation, in part spiritual manifestations, and in part trusting to their own consciousness, hold that the human mind is a spiritual substance which is associated with the body during the life of the latter in this world, and which remains in existence after the death of the body, and forms the spiritual clothing or embodiment of the immortal soul; and that the individual, therefore, lives after death as a spirit in the human form; that of this spiritual man, [pg 147]the soul is the essential being, of which may be predicted a good or evil nature, while the mind, which clothes it as a body, consists of the spiritual substances, affections, and thoughts, which were cherished and formed during the natural life.

Together with the above convictions respecting themselves, most people, when thinking independently of theological sublimations, feel willing to admit that animals have, in common with man, fewer or more natural affections and thoughts which make up their minds, but that the inner and immortal soul, which would retain them as part of an individual after death of the body, is not possessed by the beasts that perish. In short, the vast majority of mankind, when thinking quietly, and especially in seasons of bereavement, feel well assured of the real and substantial existence of the human mind, independently of its temporary association with the perishable body.

But in antagonism to this simple and comforting faith, stand theological incomprehensibilities on the one hand, and scientific skepticism on the other. The former would have us believe that the soul is a mere vapor, a cloud of something ethereal, of which can be expected nothing more useful than 'loafing around the Throne,' while the latter asks us to recognize the existence of nothing which the eyes cannot see and fingers touch; to cease imagining that there is a soul, and to regard the mind as merely the product of the brain; secreted thereby as the liver secretes bile. Let us hear what the two leading nervous physiologists, of this country, have to say upon this point:

'The brain is not, strictly speaking, the organ of the mind, for this statement would imply that the mind exists as a force, independent of the brain; but the mind is produced by the brain substance; and intellectual force, if we may term the intellect a force, can be produced only by the transmutation of a certain amount of matter; there can be no intelligence without brain substance.'—FLINT.

'The mind may be regarded as a force, the result of nervous action, and characterized by the ability to perceive sensations, to be conscious, to understand, to experience emotions, and to will in accordance therewith. Of these qualities, consciousness resides exclusively in the brain, but the others, as is clearly shown by observation and experiment, cannot be restricted to [pg 148]that organ, but are developed with more or less intensity, in other parts of the nervous system.'—HAMMOND.

Thus do the two extremes of theology and science meet upon a common ground of dreamy emptiness, and we who confess our comparative ignorance are comforted by the thought that some other things have been 'hid from the wise and prudent and revealed unto babes.' Yet, while feeling thus, it must be admitted that the existence of spirit and of a Creator do not yet seem capable of logical demonstration. The denial of their existence is not incompatible with a profound acquaintance with material forms and their operations; and, on the other hand, the belief in their existence and substantial nature, and in their powers as first causes, have never interfered with the recognition of the so-called material forces, and of the organisms through which they are manifested. At present, at least, these are purely matters of faith; but although the Spiritualist (using the term in its broadest sense as indicating a belief in spirits), may feel that his faith discloses a beauty and perfection in the union, otherwise imperceptible by him, there is no reason why this difference in faith should make him despise or quarrel with his materialist co-worker, for the latter may do as good service to science, may be as true a man, and live as holy a life, although from other motives.

The differences between religious sects are mainly of faith, not of works, and the wise of all denominations are gradually coming to the conviction that they will all do God more service by toleration and co-operation than by animosity and disunion. And so I hold that, until the spiritualist feels himself able to demonstrate to the unbeliever the existence of spirit and of God, as convincingly as a mathematical proposition, there should be no hard words or feelings upon these points. For the present they are immaterial in every sense of the word; and so long as he bows to the facts and the laws of Nature, and deals with his fellow men as he would be done by, so long will I work with him, side by side, knowing, even though I cannot tell him so, that whether or not he joins me in this world, we shall meet in the other world to come, where his eyes will be opened, and where his lips will at least acquit me of bigotry and intolerance."

[pg 149]


vise176">Illustration: (Before) C.H. HARRIS, ESQ.
(Before) C.H. HARRIS, ESQ.

Illustration: (After) C.H. HARRIS, ESQ.
(After) C.H. HARRIS, ESQ.

Gentlemen—I wish to say to you that Doctor Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery saved my life and has made me a man; my home-physician says I am good for forty years yet. You will remember that my case was a case just between life and death, and all of my friends were sure it was a case of death, until I commenced taking a second bottle of "Golden Medical Discovery," when I was able to sit up and the cough was very much better, and the bleeding from my lungs stopped, and before I had taken six bottles of the "Golden Medical Discovery" my cough ceased and I was a new man and ready for business.

And now I feel that it is a duty that I owe to my fellow-men to recommend to them the "Golden Medical Discovery" and Dr. Sage's Catarrh Remedy, which saved my life when doctors and all kinds of medicines failed to do me any good.

I will send to you with this letter two of my photographs; one was taken a few weeks before I was taken down sick in bed, and the other was taken after I was well.

Yours respectfully,
C.H. HARRIS,
No. 1622 Second Avenue, Rock Island, Ill.

SEVERE CHRONIC COUGH.

Wilbar, Wilkes Co., N.C.

DR. R.V. PIERCE, 663 Main Street, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Dear Sir—I cannot recommend your "Golden Medical Discovery" too highly. I had a severe chronic cough and I began to use that medicine and took only one bottle, and I have not been sick a day since. When I began to use your "Golden Medical Discovery" my weight was 104 pounds, and now I weigh 125 pounds.

Yours very truly,
Mrs. Anna Parsons

[pg 517]

SPITTING OF BLOOD. LUNG DISEASE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: J.M. Hite, Esq.
J.M. Hite, Esq.

Gentlemen—I can gladly recommend Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery to all suffering from diseases for which you recommend it. In the summer of 1888 I took a severe cold, which settled on my lungs and chest, and I suffered intensely with it. I tried several of our best physicians here and they gave up all hopes of my recovery, and my friends thought I would have to die, and I thought so myself, as the doctors did not know what was the matter with me. In the morning, on rising, I would cough and spit blood for two hours, and I was pale and weak and not able to work any. I then ran across Dr. Pierce's advertisement and I came to the conclusion I would try the "Golden Medical Discovery," as it was so highly recommended. I was greatly discouraged when I began the use of the "Discovery," but after I had taken four or five bottles I then noticed I was getting better, and I could stand it to work some, and kept on taking it till I took about twenty or twenty-five bottles. It has been five years since I took it and have had no return of that trouble since. I gladly recommend your medicine for I know it saved my life.

Yours respectfully,
JOHN M. HITE,
Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa.

LUNG DISEASE.

Illustration: Mrs. McGill.
Mrs. McGill.

Blue Rock, Muskingum Co., Ohio.

DR. R.V. PIERCE, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Dear Sir—I feel like taking you by the hand and saying, "thank God, you have saved my wife," for we had given her up. We had sat by her, when the doctor said she could not live till morning; so bad was her lung disease. Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery cured her.

MR. THOMAS McGILL.

When her case was reported to the specialist of the Invalids' Hotel, Mrs. McGill was suffering from pain in the chest, struggling for breath, hard dry cough; jarring hurt the chest; short breath, backache; uterine disease, leucorrhea, menstruation scanty and painful; feet and ankles swollen; was confined to house most of the time; was given up by her home physician. Her disease began six years before with "lung disease" which was followed by bleeding from lungs.

CURES WHEN COD LIVER OIL FAILS.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Gentlemen—My wife a few years ago had hemorrhages of the lungs, and we summoned our home physician. He checked the hemorrhage but failed to cure her. She had also a terrible cough and expectorated a great deal. She wanted to see another doctor so I called one and he examined her. She asked him whether she had consumption, and his answer was, "Madam, it is very near consumption." He advised her to use cod liver oil, but this gave but little relief. I happened to get hold of one of your little books that comes with each bottle of Dr. Pierce's medicines and I read some cases about like my wife's. I went to the drug store and procured a bottle of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery and my wife commenced using it according to directions. She began to get better right away and her cough has left her. She used about ten bottles. She is in her fifty-fifth year and can walk ten or twelve miles without any trouble. We are satisfied that her life and health have been saved by the use of "Golden Medical Discovery." As soon as she takes any cold she insists upon having a bottle of her medicine, as she calls it, and that is the last we hear of her cold.

Yours respectfully,
Joseph D. Wiles
West Point Street, Frederick, Md.

[pg 518]

MALARIA, CHILLS, AND LUNG DISEASE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: R. Williams, Esq.
R. Williams, Esq.

Gentlemen—It has been about eight months since I quit using Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery. When I commenced using it I only weighed 130 pounds. I had been suffering with malarial fever, chills, and lung disease for four years. I took treatment from many doctors, and tried many different kinds of patent medicines and all seemed to do no good. Since I have used four bottles of "Golden Medical Discovery" and one bottle of Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets I feel well in every respect and weigh 160 pounds instead of only 130, my weight when I began its use.

Yours truly,
ROBERT WILLIAMS,
Hazelton, Barber Co., Kas.

CONSUMPTION.

Almost Raised From the Grave.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: MRS. VANSICKLIN.
MRS. VANSICKLIN.

Gentlemen—I have long felt it my duty to acknowledge to you what your "Golden Medical Discovery" and "Pleasant Pellets" have done for me. They almost raised me from the grave. I had three brothers and one sister die of consumption, and I was speedily following after them. I had severe cough, pain, copious expectoration, and other alarming symptoms, and my friends all thought I had but a few months to live. At this time I was persuaded to try your "Discovery," and the first bottle acted like magic. Of course I continued on with the medicine, and as a result I gained rapidly in strength. My friends were astonished. When I commenced the use of your medicines, six years ago, I weighed but 120 and was sinking rapidly. I now weigh 135, and my health continues perfect. I have a copy of your "People's Common Sense Medical Adviser," and neither money nor friends could ever induce me to part with it.

Twelve years later, Mrs. Vansicklin writes: "My health still continues perfect. I now weigh 148 pounds. Your book—the Common Sense Medical Adviser is a treasure in our home." Yours truly,

MRS. H.H. VANSICKLIN,
Brighton, Ont.

CONSUMPTION.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: J.A. Henson, Esq.
J.A. Henson, Esq.

Gentlemen—Two years ago I thought I had consumption, and was continually coughing day and night, and not able to work. I bought six bottles of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery and it did me more good than all the other medicine I ever took, and now I am feeling all O.K., and I weigh 165 pounds. Two years ago I weighed 145 pounds. I can fully recommend Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery to any person that has consumption. I remain, Yours truly,

JOHN A. HENSON,
South Bosque,
McLennan Co., Texas.

[pg 519]

IT "FILLS THE BILL." LUNG DISEASE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: A.D. Simmons, Esq.
A.D. Simmons, Esq.

Gentlemen—In 1872, when living in New York State, my health was very poor. I was clear "run down." Pain in my lungs, right side and in my bowels; had been ailing for nearly two years; my feet swelled during the day so I could hardly stand it till night, as I was on my feet the most of the time.

I wrote you and you sent me special medicines, which brought me around all right. I have weak lungs, and when I get run down I usually take a few bottles of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery, which always builds me up. We have used your "Discovery" in our family with the best results.

When living at Blue Mound I was very sick with inflammation of the lungs from taking cold. When I took cold I was at Clinton, Missouri. Was confined to my bed for a few days. I said to the doctor that I must go home; he advised me to stay where I was, but I started for Blue Mound with my pulse at 140. When I arrived home I was glad to get in bed, and called in Dr. ——. He said my lungs were in a bad condition. Well, I was very sick for three weeks or more, and when I got around I was not well, and at that time Dr. —— came to Blue Mound, stopped there two weeks, gave free lectures and had lots of patients. He examined me and said I needed treatment, and he could cure me.

I was suffering all the time with pain in my right lung. He wanted $50.00 for treatment, and would cure. So I let him pass along and wrote to your Association for advice, which was to take the "Discovery," and I took one-half dozen bottles which "filled the bill." Yours respectfully,

A.D. SIMMONS,
Emporia, Lyon Co., Kansas.

CONSUMPTION.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. Smith.
Mrs. Smith.

Gentlemen—It is my pleasant duty to you and to suffering humanity to acknowledge the benefit I received from Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery. About seven years ago I became troubled with my lungs—consumption in its first stage. Some of my friends in Ontario had been using your medicine before I knew anything of it; and after coming to this country, I commenced taking it, and I think it has done wonders for me. I am positive, that if any one will persist in taking it, it will do all you say. It has done so much for me that I feel it my duty to testify to its wonderful curative properties. Respectfully,

MRS. JESSE K. SMITH,
Baldur, Selkirk Co., Manitoba.

DYSPEPSIA AND NASAL CATARRH.

DR. PIERCE, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: J. Larson, Esq.
J. Larson, Esq.

Dear Sir—I had been very badly troubled for many years with dyspepsia, also nasal catarrh, and got so bad and weak that I could not work. I could hardly eat anything without vomiting; had a pain in the stomach and a burning sensation coming into the throat. I took Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery and "Pleasant Pellets," and can truly say these medicines have helped me wonderfully. I improved right along from the very beginning. I stopped taking medicine in the latter part of May and then felt as well as ever in my life. I am pretty well now, for a man of sixty-three years. I can eat all kinds of food and it doesn't cause me any pain in the stomach as it always did before I took Dr. Pierce's medicines. I can cheerfully say to the public that they need not hesitate in taking Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery for dyspepsia; it will eradicate and cure the disease if anything will.

Yours truly,
JOHN LARSON, Ashby, Grant Co., Minn.

[pg 520]

LUNG DISEASE.

Dr. R.V. PIERCE, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: J.J. Hume, Esq.
J.J. Hume, Esq.

Dear Sir—I cheerfully make the following statement: In February, 1893, I was attacked with a severe illness. It came on very gradually, and was attended with a severe cough and expectoration; also had pain in the lungs; had chills and night-sweats; was much reduced in strength. After trying for relief in different directions without success, I was induced to apply to your eminent Staff of Physicians at 603 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y., and I am happy to say that my improvement began as soon as I began the use of the medicines which were prescribed for me at that time. The improvement has been continuous, until I now feel my lungs are entirely cured; have no cough, no expectoration in the last month, and my usual weight of 183 pounds has been restored. Have been able to do a fair day's work any time during the past two mouths without unusual fatigue. I can cheerfully recommend your Institution to persons similarly affected, and will authorize you to refer any one making inquiry to me.

Yours respectfully,
J.J. HUME, Corfu, Genesee Co., N.Y.

A BAD COUGH.

Vanburen, Kalkaska Co., Mich.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Gentlemen—Your medicine is the best I have ever taken, I was not able to do hardly any work at all; had pain in my left side and back, and had headache all the time. I tried your medicine and it helped me. Last spring I had a bad cough; got so bad I had to be in bed all the time. My husband thought I had consumption. He wanted me to get a doctor, but I told him if it was consumption they could not help me. We thought we would try Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery and before I had taken one bottle the cough was stopped and I have had no more of it returning.

Respectfully yours,
Jennie Dingman

SEVERE COUGH.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. Jewell.
Mrs. Jewell.

Gentlemen—I want to say a word in favor of your medicine. I can not do it justice by mere words.

I was taken sick the 5th of July; I called a doctor but did not receive any benefit from him. I was going into quick consumption. Had a terrible cough, raised a great deal of phlegm; had pain through chest, was very weak and "all run-down." I told my husband to get a bottle of "Golden Medical Discovery;" he did so; I commenced taking it and I began to get better. I was not outside of the door yard, from July 5th, until August 22d. I only took two bottles, and the first of September I was able to do the work for boarders, and have had boarders ever since. It is the grandest medicine ever invented.

Respectfully, Mrs. CHARLES JEWELL,
(P.O. Box 89), Rockford, Kent Co., Mich.

SPITTING OF BLOOD.

Olanta, Clearfield Co., Pa.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Gentlemen—I can truly say that your "Golden Medical Discovery" and "Pleasant Pellets" have been the means of saving my life. When I began taking your medicines I thought my time was short. I have not spit up blood now for about four months, and am feeling much better. Our home doctor says my temperature and pulse are all right now; and that I do not need further medicine, and that I will get all right again. I feel that your medicine has done wonders for me. I would have written sooner, but I was waiting to see if the improvement Would be permanent.

Yours truly,
D.Y. Rowles

[pg 521]

DESPONDENCY.

Nervous Prostration—Threatened with Consumption.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL, ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: H. Cummins, Esq.
H. Cummins, Esq.

Gentlemen—I have felt inclined to say to you, and your whole staff of physicians, and now do convey to you, my heart-felt gratitude for your able and skillful assistance rendered me in my afflictions. I had been for years a sufferer, and at times nearly despondent. I had been treated by the most able and skillful physicians that this north-western country could provide. I had paid them large sums of money and was finally given to understand that there was no hope for my cure. Your advertisements fell into my hands, which treated upon my case. I read and compared my case with the insight you so ably explained, so I was satisfied you understood your profession well. I started full of hope and as I reached Buffalo, after three days' travel by rail, some 1,500 miles, there was something that cheered me on. I made my way to your Invalids' Hotel. I was examined and pronounced curable. I was operated upon for a local affection that caused much of my suffering, the same day I arrived, and in ten days was discharged permanently cured. I have felt perfectly well ever since. I was nicely treated by the able nurses and attendants who were always gentle and kind.

I can cheerfully say to the public, that they need not hesitate in throwing themselves into your kind care in every case that is curable by the hand of man, and you will treat them honestly.

Hoping this may be of some benefit to some afflicted persons who may feel some diffidence in trusting themselves in your hands.

Yours respectfully, H. CUMMINS,
Eagle Lake, Blue Earth Co., Minn.

LUNG DISEASE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. Fisher.
Mrs. Fisher.

Gentlemen—I am much better, and believe it was through your medicine and advice that I am as well as I am. I might have been entirely well if I had been able to have kept the medicine to take as directed. I have taken only four bottles, and it would be four or five months from the time I would take one bottle till I could get another one. I can talk better, and feel almost like a new person to what I did two years ago. I weigh more and can do any kind of work. Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery is the only medicine that did me any good.

Your friend,
MRS. RACHEL D. FISHER,
Silver Point,
Putnam Co., Tenn.

CHILLS AND LINGERING COUGH

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: H. Dietzel, P.M.
H. Dietzel, P.M.

Gentlemen—In 1879 I wrote you after suffering eighteen months. I had tried three doctors—took over one dozen bottles of patent medicines, without relief.

I had chills with hacking cough; my friends said I had consumption; was reduced in flesh and nerve till the least work or exercise would exhaust me completely.

Thanks for the day I wrote you, for I sent you ten dollars, and received four bottles of medicine which I took, and have been able to do hard work. I have never had any symptoms of those dreaded chills since. My weight got as low as 135 pounds; now I weigh 175 pounds. I would advise any one affected with chronic disease to consult you, as your treatment is genuine.

Yours truly,
HENRY DIETZEL, P.M.
Ernst, Clark Co., Ill.

[pg 522]

HEREDITARY CONSUMPTION.

Home Doctors Opposed His Coming to Us (they often do) Although Unable to Help Him Themselves.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: J.F. Jones, Esq.
J.F. Jones, Esq.

Gentlemen—For the benefit of the afflicted, I wish to say, that I visited your Institution in 1889, completely broken down in health and suffering, as I thought, from heart disease and consumption. I had spent money with many of our home physicians, but they only gave me partial relief and I would soon be worse than ever. When I spoke of coming to you, the doctors here cried "humbug," but I told them I had been humbugged at home and if I staid I would surely die, and if I went could do no worse. I spent thirty days at your Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, and came away like a new man, comparatively speaking. I found the Institution all it had been represented, and I may truthfully say, that the time spent there was to me as an oasis in a desert to a weary and thirsty traveler; for those were among the happiest days of my life. No pains were spared to make each patient comfortable and at home. I cannot recommend your Institution too highly, for I feel that to your treatment I owe my life. I have sold a great deal of your medicines, and recommend them with the same faith I would water to the thirsty. They, the "Pellets," "Golden Medical Discovery" and "Favorite Prescription," give universal satisfaction. You are at liberty to use this as you desire, for my only motive in writing is to benefit the afflicted, by pointing out to them a place of cure; for, no matter what their disease, I am confident that if medical skill can avail, they can be cured at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.

Yours truly,
J.F. JONES,
Raleigh C.H., Raleigh Co., W. Va.

ABSCESS OF LUNG. REDUCED ALMOST TO A SKELETON.

Bisbee, Cochise Co., Ariz.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Gentlemen—I had been confined to my bed four months, had tried the skill of four doctors and all the patent medicines that were recommended for my case, which was an abscess on the lung. My physicians and friends had given me up to die; I was reduced to a perfect skeleton; my strength was gone; my eyesight was so dim I could scarcely see at all, and I had no appetite—could not eat anything at all when I commenced using Doctor Pierce's Family Medicines. I have taken sixteen bottles of the "Golden Medical Discovery," twelve bottles of "Pellets" and three bottles of "Favorite Prescription," and to-day I am well and strong and weigh 128 pounds—two pounds more than I ever before weighed in my life.

Your true friend,
Mrs. Sarah A. Kelly

LUNG DISEASE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. Sickles.
Mrs. Sickles.

Gentlemen—My daughter had pneumonia and it left her with a horrible cough and one lung was almost gone; our doctor seemed to think there could be nothing more done, and said to go South; but not having the means at that time, I began giving her Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery, which she took steadily for two years. During that time she gained rapidly in strength; the lungs became normal, the cough leaving her entirely. We are never without this medicine in the house, and have recommended it to all our friends, and I am positively certain that if Dr. Pierce's medicine is used in time, it will cure in other cases as well as in this one.

Yours respectfully,
MRS. RUTH A. SICKLES,
Ocean Port, Monmouth Co., N.J. (Box 33.)

[pg 523]

REDUCED TO A SKELETON.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. Mills.
Mrs. Mills.

Gentlemen—Having felt it a duty to write of the good I received by taking your medicine, I now would say, that one year ago I was given up by my family physician and friends; all said I must die. My lungs were badly affected, and body reduced to a skeleton. My people commenced to give me your "Medical Discovery" and I soon began to mend. It was not long before I became well enough to take charge of my household duties again. I owe my recovery to Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery.

Respectfully yours,
MRS. MIRA MILLS,
Sardis, Big Stone Co., Minn.

COUGH AND NIGHT SWEATS.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: H.M. Detels and Wife.
H.M. Detels and Wife.

Gentlemen—In regard to your medicines I will say that they are always in the house. I shall never forget those nights when I was down with pneumonia. Had it not been for Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery I would not be a well man to-day. One bottle stopped the cough and night sweats.

My wife was troubled with leucorrhea so bad that we did not know what to do until Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription was brought into the house and gave her rest.

Yours truly,
H.M. DETELS,
Traver, Tulare Co., Cal.

PULMONARY DISEASE. A WONDERFUL CURE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Chas. E. Lees, Esq.
Chas. E. Lees, Esq.

Gentlemen—I am 29 years old. During the winter of '84 I contracted a severe cold, which settled on my lungs. Each succeeding winter my cough grew worse, and in the winter of '85 I had chicken-pox, and taking cold, drove them in causing me a severe spell of sickness. The following summer I had congestion of the lungs and hemorrhage and a severe spell of fever. My physician advised me to go West in search of health. My friends thought I had consumption of the lungs, I coughed so much. In September, 1889, I left Carthage, Mo. (where I then lived), for Phoenix, Ariz. After I had been there about four months I had a severe attack of "La Grippe" and with this I coughed myself almost (I thought), to death; and to add to my distress I had an almost intolerable attack of pleurisy. A doctor was summoned and after an examination said I had Empyemia, and said he could do me but very little good until he removed the pus. He and his partner came and by the use of an aspirator drew off nine pints of pus; after about a week he drew off two pints. After a few days I told my doctor I could hear the pus gurgle as I had before he drew it off. Strange to say, but nevertheless true, my heart was crowded over on the opposite side for three months. I knew it was there for I could feel the pulsations there, and I was so short of breath for a long time I could not stoop down to tie my shoes.

The doctor told me it would be useless again to use the aspirator, but that he would be obliged to make an incision in my side and treat it till I got well. [pg 524]On the 28th day of March. 1890, my doctor and his partner and three other doctors undertook the operation, and, after removing about two inches of one of my ribs, withdrew 16 pints of pus. This came near being too much for me though I slowly recovered and in three months the doctors thought I was able to come home. I arrived home in June and was very poorly all summer, and did not sit up but very little, and had fever every day. In the latter part of the summer of '90 I commenced to take "Golden Medical Discovery" and although my side had been discharging for TWENTY-THREE MONTHS it healed up sound and well. I am now able to do considerable hard work. I would advise all who are afflicted as I was, to give your medicine a trial. I am glad I have out-lived my friends' expectations.

Yours truly,
CHARLES E. LEES,
P.O. Box 2, Winslow, Washington Co., Ark.

THROAT AND LUNG DISEASE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. White.
Mrs. White.

Gentlemen—I was troubled with throat and lung disease for about two years and lost strength so that I was unable to do much work. I took four bottles of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery, and can say that it did more good than any other medicine that I ever took. I am now able to do my work, and enjoy good health.

Yours truly,
MRS. JULIA WHITE,
Willow Creek,
Blue Earth Co., Minn.

WEAK LUNGS, COUGH, PROFUSE EXPECTORATION AND CATARRH.

Illustration: A. Kratz, Esq.
A. Kratz, Esq.

MR. ANTON KRATZ, of Crawford, Dawes Co., Neb., had weak lungs, cough and catarrh, with profuse expectoration; difficult breathing, lasting from one to eight hours. He writes:

"I took sick and went to the doctors. They gave me medicine, but it did not help me, so I got two or three bottles of "Golden Medical Discovery' and some 'Pellets.' After awhile I got better, until three winters ago I got sick again so I could not do anything, and I wrote to you giving my symptoms on one of your question blanks, and asked you about my case. You told me to take your 'Golden Medical Discovery.' I took four bottles and got well and have been well ever since."

LUNG DISEASE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. Lincoln.
Mrs. Lincoln.

Gentlemen—Before taking the "Discovery" I would have four or five bad coughing spells every day and would cough up mouthfuls of solid white froth, and before I took one bottle it stopped it. I could not walk across the room with the pain in my back and sides; but soon the pain was all gone, and I could sleep well at night. My general health is much better since I have taken the "Golden Medical Discovery" although I have been obliged to work hard on a farm.

Respectfully yours,
MRS. JOHN LINCOLN,
Glen Annan, Huron Co., Ont.

[pg 525]

CONSUMPTION AND GENERAL DEBILITY.

Cured by Special Home Treatment.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. F. Nienhuis.
Mrs. F. Nienhuis.

Gentlemen—I had pain in lungs and across the chest; had been spitting blood for the past six years. Menstruation was scant and caused great prostration. Suffered from constipation; cutting pains about the stomach and rumbling in the bowels; exceedingly nervous; indigestion. She writes as follows: "I wish to inform you that I am well. I never can praise you or your ways of treatment enough. I shall bring you all the patients that I can. I feel so rich to get my health back. I can eat well and sleep well, and work all day. I suppose you will think it took a long time to pull me up, but I was very low, much worse than I ever told you of at the time. I was not able even to feed myself any more. My husband had to undress me. I could not wash my own face, or stand alone. I did not lie down to sleep for eleven months; I always had to sit up, because I would choke if I laid my head down. I have not raised a drop of blood since your treatment, and I did it always for five years before. Our minister said this spring that he had never thought I could live, and says that he advises every one that is sick to go to you. He was so surprised to see how strong and well I was. My relatives all think that you ought to write my case up for the papers in Chicago. I can never repay you for what you have done for me. A thousand thanks is but empty words. My husband was telling a man just last week, "do not spend all your money in Chicago, as we did, and then write to Buffalo, but go and write now, and your wife will soon be well." My father was saying that he wished the doctors that gave me up could see me now. I think they could not believe their own eyes. I am astonished when I think back how I was six years ago; I could not walk across the room alone for three years, and after taking your treatment for eighteen months, I am completely well. I can hardly believe it myself when I read over those letters that I received from you. I work hard every day. There is never a day that you are not remembered. I hope that you may live many years to do for others what you have done for me. I had this taken so that you might have my picture as I am now; I wish you could have seen me as I was then, and I wish to thank you for those little notes of inquiry that you used to send to find out how I was getting along, which showed that I was remembered not only while the money lasted, but that you cared for me after that."

Respectfully yours,
MRS. F. NIENHUIS, Crawford, Cook Co., Ill.

"COMPLETELY WRECKED."

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. Lindsey.
Mrs. Lindsey.

Gentlemen—Last August I was taken sick of a fever and was confined to bed for nearly six months. I had four doctors to see me, but it just seemed to me that they could relieve me for only a short while. I had a bad cough and all thought I was going into consumption. After being sick for so long, my nerves were nearly exhausted and my stomach, liver and bowels refused to act, in fact, my whole system was completely wrecked. I could not rest nor sleep, unless influenced by some drug and at last, mother concluded to try your medicines on me. She had taken them about a year before and had been greatly benefited by their use, so she said I will try the last resort—for I had been given up to die.

I began taking your "Golden Medical Discovery" and "Pleasant Pellets." I improved rapidly—was soon able to be up in my room, and to my surprise, I could eat a little of nearly everything I desired. Before I began the use of your medicines, I could eat nothing in peace; I would almost cramp to death, even when I took a little cold water.

But after the use of four and a half bottles of your "Golden Medical Discovery," and two vials of "Pellets," with God's help, I have almost risen from the dead.

I will cheerfully recommend your remedies to my afflicted friends, for I am to-day, well and strong as ever. You can use this among your testimonials, if you choose, with my greatest approval.

Very Respectfully yours,
Miss LOULA LINDSEY, Ringgold, Pittsylvania Co., Va.

[pg 526]

BRONCHITIS OF TWENTY YEARS' STANDING.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: B.F. Wiley, Esq.
B.F. Wiley, Esq.

Gentlemen—I had bronchitis for twenty years and over, and I could not work without coughing so hard as to take all my strength away. I took five bottles of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery, and give you my word and honor that I can do any work that there is to do on my "ranch" without coughing. Sometimes in the winter when exposed to the change in the weather, I have a slight attack of coughing. Remember, I have not taken any of the "Golden Medical Discovery" for a year.

Yours,
B.F. WILEY,
Box Elder, Converse Co., Wyo.

BRONCHITIS.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: M.M. Alexander, Esq.
M.M. Alexander, Esq.

Gentlemen—I was troubled with bronchitis for over two years, had severe cough and great difficulty in breathing; appetite was poor and suffered from indigestion, became very weak and despondent. My age (I am now 71) was against me. I was treated by two physicians but they did me no good. I then used four bottles of your "Golden Medical Discovery" and was entirely cured, for which I am very thankful.

Yours truly,
M.M. ALEXANDER,
Hedrick, Alexander Co., N.C.

LUNG DISEASE.

Schuylersville, Saratoga Co., N.Y. (P.O. Box 396).

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Gentlemen—Something over a year ago I wrote to you about my lungs. I used Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery besides using Iodine and mustard paste.

That pain in my lung entirely left me, and I have not felt it at all since last August. The doctor who lives here and who has always treated me thinks it is a great cure. Words cannot express my gratitude to you. I am now able to do a good day's work.

Yours gratefully,
Lulu E. Baugs

CHRONIC SORE THROAT, COUGH HOARSENESS.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. Traphagen.
Mrs. Traphagen.

Gentlemen—I am feeling well at the present time; I took fourteen bottles of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery. I had chronic sore throat, hoarseness, sore chest, rheumatism in my arms, and was very much run down. The doctor here at home said one lung was affected and that I had symptoms of consumption. I know that your "Golden Medical Discovery" was the cause of regaining my health. I remain,

Respectfully yours,
MRS. MARY TRAPHAGEN,
NO. 6 Front Street, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

[pg 527]

CONSUMPTION. BAD COUGH, SPIT UP BLOOD.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: K.C. McLin, Esq.
K.C. McLin, Esq.

Gentlemen—When I commenced taking your "Discovery" I was very low with a cough, and at times spit up much blood. I was not able to do the least work, but most of the time was in bed. I was all run-down, very weak, my head was dizzy, and I was extremely despondent. The first bottle I took did not seem to do me much good, but I had faith in it and continued using it until I had taken fifteen bottles, and now I do not look nor feel like the same man I was one year ago. People are astonished, and say, "well, last year this time I would not have thought that you would be living now." I can thankfully say I am entirely cured of a disease which, but for your wonderful "Discovery," would have resulted in my death.

Yours truly,
K.C. McLIN,
Kempsville, Princess Anne Co., Va.

LUNG DISEASE.

Coughed Day and Night.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. Steinmann.
Mrs. Steinmann.

Gentlemen—Three years ago I was so sick I could not eat, sleep or walk, for I coughed all day and night. My weight was reduced from 150 to 127 pounds. The first night that I slept four hours at one time, was after I had taken three doses of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery. The offensive matter expectorated grew less every day and when I had taken the whole of one bottle I could sleep all night without coughing, and have been well ever since and weigh 178 pounds.

Respectfully yours,
MRS. LOUISA STEINMANN,
67th St., near 15th Ave., Lefferts Park, Brooklyn, N.Y.

BILIOUSNESS, CONSTIPATION, BAD COUGH.

Illustration: G.I. Wilder, Esq.
G.I. Wilder, Esq.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Gentlemen—Some twenty-five years since I was feeling very miserable all summer; I was very bilious; sometimes my bowels would not move once in sixty or seventy hours, and then almost impossible. I would take some bitters, which would help to move the matter, but as soon as the bitters were gone, I had to buy more or I would be as bad as before, and sometimes worse; but none of them appeared to do me any good except to move the bowels, until thirty years since a druggist called my attention to Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery, and before I had taken half a bottle of the "Golden Medical Discovery" I felt much better and by the time I had taken all, I could eat three hearty meals per day and had not felt so well for a long time. Soon after I was called to do a job some miles from home, and one night the old lady there was speaking about her daughter, (Mrs. Brooks) who had been under the doctor's care for five months and did not get any better, and I learned by asking a few questions that she had no appetite, and no ambition to do anything. Then I told her what the "Golden Medical Discovery" had done for me. The next day the old lady drove down to her daughter's, and got Mr. Brooks to send to Rutland—ten miles away—for two bottles of the "Golden Medical Discovery," and the next day the doctor came, and when about to take leave, Mr. Brooks told the doctor he did not want him any more at present and would send for him if necessary. I saw the old lady about ten days later and her daughter was improving, and Mr. Brooks had great faith in the "Golden Medical [pg 528]Discovery," and had not sent for the doctor, but had gone to Rutland for more of the "G.M.D."

When I commenced taking the "Golden Medical Discovery." I thought I was going into consumption as had a cough for three years or more and my weight decreasing. My weight before taking the "G.M.D." was 133 pounds; last March it was 147 pounds, and I give the credit to the "Discovery."

Yours respectfully,
GEORGE I. WILDER,
East Wallingford, Rutland Co., Vt.

THROAT AND LUNG DISEASE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. Bringer.
Mrs. Bringer.

Gentlemen—I had complicated chronic disease for several years—throat and lung and other affections, which almost resulted in consumption. Our doctors could do me no good. I happened to get hold of some of Doctor Pierce's books, and was induced to try his treatment. To the surprise of myself and family, I was, in a short time, changed almost to a new person—from pale sallow complexion to the bloom of health again. Many thanks for restoring me from an untimely grave. I will say to the public it is not always necessary to go to the Institute; I was treated at home with success. I cannot speak in too high praise of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery, "Pellets" and "Favorite Prescription." I think they will do all that is claimed for them.

Respectfully,
MRS. ALMEDA BRIGNER,
Oxford, Furnas Co. Neb,.

SEVERE LUNG AND BRONCHIAL DISEASE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: E. Campbell, Esq.
E. Campbell, Esq.

Gentlemen—For some time I have been troubled with a severe lung and bronchial disease, following a severe attack of pneumonia. Was raising a great amount of pus, had severe night-sweats and was very much prostrated, when I was induced to visit Dr. Pierce's Invalid's Hotel and Surgical Institute for examination. After having a full statement of my case, I paid for one month's treatment in the Sanitarium and during that time was fully restored to health. I can not speak too highly of the physicians, and this famous Institution.

I take great pleasure in making my cure public and in highly recommending this Institution to all afflicted. The Staff of Physicians and Surgeons is skillful and of large experience, and I feel confident that all the benefit that can possibly be obtained from medical treatment, can be obtained at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.

Yours truly,
EUGENE CAMPBELL,
New Cumberland, Hancock Co., W. Va.

DYSPEPSIA AND CONSUMPTION.

DR. R.V. PIERCE, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Illustration: Mrs. Ferguson.
Mrs. Ferguson.

Dear Sir—I was not able to do my work for nearly two years, and I tried four different doctors and grew worse all the time. Then I began on your medicine and took twelve bottles of "Golden Medical Discovery" and one of "Favorite Prescription," and am able to do my work and feel as well as I have felt in years. Physicians called my disease Dyspepsia and Consumption.

Respectfully yours,
MRS. R. FERGUSON,
Ink, Shannon Co., Mo.

[pg 529]

LUNG DISEASE CURED.

Illustration: Miss M.H. Snead.
Miss M.H. Snead.

Will you please accept a few lines from me thanking you for your skill in preparing your medicines and placing them within reach of the suffering. I have a daughter, Miss M.H. Snead, who has been very low, was almost given up by two physicians, who treated her with their best skill, and did not receive much benefit. She was first attacked with pneumonia and pleurisy in very bad form and was then taken with a very bad cough, which kept growing worse and worse, until finally it seemed as though she had consumption very bad. The physicians prescribed Cod liver oil, but to no benefit. Mrs. Miller, a neighbor of ours, recommended Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery to me with very strong faith, as she had been in the same condition and was cured by its use. I procured two bottles and she grew better. She hasn't felt any return of lung disease in over twelve months. She was nothing but a skeleton when she took the first dose, and to-day she weighs 135 pounds. I thought it my duty to write to you in regard to her case, as so many other medicines had failed, and it has acted like a charm.

Respectfully yours,
MRS. SARAH E. SNEAD.
Clio, Iredell Co., N.C.

DISEASE OF LUNGS AND STOMACH.

Locust Lane, Scott County, Va.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

Gentlemen—I am happy to inform you that after consulting you by letter and two months' trial of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery, I am enjoying a better state of health than I have for some time. I have had weak lungs for several years—at times spit up blood. In January, 1893, I took a severe cold, which settled on my lungs—had a very bad cough, it seemed as if my lungs were swollen; could not expectorate much at a time, very hard to get up; suffered much with pains in my chest; was reduced in flesh and became very weak.

Physicians prescribed for me but I found no relief until I consulted you. It seemed I was going into consumption very fast. I have as good health now as could be expected. I am fifty-seven years of age and able to work on my farm, and feel under many obligations for your kind advice. Also my stomach was out of order, suffered with burning in my stomach and chest. I have no burning nor pains in my stomach and chest now.

Yours truly,
Milton Ramry

DOCTORS ENDORSE IT.

An Eminent Physician of Arkansas Tells of Some Remarkable Cures of Consumption.

Illustration: Mrs. Rogers.
Mrs. Rogers.

Dr. PIERCE:—I will say this to you, that Consumption is hereditary in my wife's family; some have already died with the disease. My wife has a sister, Mrs. E.A. Cleary, that was taken with consumption. She used your "Golden Medical Discovery," and, to the surprise of her many friends, she got well. My wife has also had hemorrhages from the lungs, and her sister insisted on her using the 'Golden Medical Discovery." I consented to her using it, and it relieved her. She has had no symptoms of consumption for the past six years. People having this disease can take no better remedy.

Yours truly.
W.C. Rogers, M.D.
Stamps, La Fayette Co., Ark.

[pg 792]CASE 142,842. Spermatorrhea cured.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.: Gentlemen—it is with great thankfulness to you that I pen these few lines. I am to-day a strong and healthy man, which I never would have been but for your kind and skillful attention. My health was completely broken down by the effects of self-abuse, and I doctored with other physicians for two years, but with no success. However, after a few months of your treatment I find my health fully restored. I am now in a condition to enjoy the world and take comfort wherever I am; in a word, I am "a man among men." I most cordially invite all persons requiring skillful medical treatment to apply to the World's Dispensary.

M., Fredericville, Mich.

CASE 174,937. Spermatozoa. Threatened with Impotency.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I finished your three months' course of treatment some weeks ago, and am glad to say that I am a well man. A thousand thanks to you.

K., Warm Springs, Mont. Ter.

CASE 52,272. Seminal Debility. Loss of Manhood. General weakness from excesses.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Dear Sirs—I took your medicines according to directions, and I feel that I am fully restored to health and the enjoyment of my manly powers. My health is better than it has been for years, and is improving all the time. The headache and dizziness have entirely left me. You have my honest recommendations to all sufferers.

Thankfully yours, M., Hudson, N.Y.

CASE 44,573. Impotency.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Dear Sirs—As a result of your three months' treatment, I am feeling better than I have for twenty years,—more of a man in every way.

S., Prairie Star, Neb.

CASE 56,811. Nervous Debility. Affection of several years' standing, permanently cured by one month's treatment.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Dear Sirs—Five years have elapsed since my case was cured by you with one month's treatment. Since that time I have not had the first symptom of the disease. I know I am cured.

Yours with thanks, C., Kalamazoo, Mich.

CASE 175,579. Emissions, Yellow Complexion, Black Heads and Eruptions on the face.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION:, Gentlemen—I am happy to say that I have not used all of the last month's medicine. The five months' treatment that I have had from you has effected my entire cure. I have had no losses for many weeks, and my complexion is restored to its natural clearness and purity. The black heads and pimples have all disappeared.

K., Neillsville, Wis.

CASE 21,437. Impotency.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Dear Sirs—I have, as a result of your treatment, been more of a man than before in six years. I have felt, worked, and eaten better than ever before. My strength is in every way fully restored.

C., Jordanville, N.Y.

CASE 38,005. Impotency.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Dear Sirs—When I first wrote you I had given up all hope of ever getting well. I had not worked for two years. I had not been under your treatment three months before I went to work, and have been at it ever since. I gain every day.

C., Hinsdale, N.H.

CASE 53,578. Spermatorrhea. Great loss of strength and flesh, appetite regular, sometimes ravenous and then very poor. Intellect and memory much enfeebled, the result of losses through the urine.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—The condition of my health is highly satisfactory, thank Heaven and you as the instrument. It has often been a cause of astonishment to me, to think now admirably your medicines controlled my cage; it seems wonderful even now. I say, with all my heart, God bless your noble work, for the cure of my disease and perfect restoration of my health and strength.

A., Shongo, Allegany Co., N.Y.

[pg 793]CASE 52,920. Spermatorrhea, resulting in Dyspepsia and Heart Disease.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I am gratified to be able to report my cure. My case was a severe one, the insidious drain upon my system producing general debility, attacks of severe palpitation of the heart, and obstinate dyspepsia. Since using your medicines, I have been cured of these troubles. I have no palpitation, digestion good, not easily worried, able to work hard without undue fatigue, strength greatly increased. My weight is now 163. I am thankful to God and to you for the evidence of my final cure.

Yours devotedly,
R.

CASE 51,002. Spermatorrhea. Rheumatic pains, general loss of memory, strength, manliness, and intellectual power.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Dear Sirs—When I sent to you for medicines, I little expected the remarkable benefit that has resulted. The rheumatic pains that have so long troubled me, ceased within a week. I am now able to attend to my business with my former ability and energy. You have my gratitude for the cure effected in my case.

Very respectfully,
P., Bloomington, Ill.

CASE 146,406. Spermatorrhea, with Dyspepsia, Catarrh, and Backache.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I am happy to say that as a result of five months' treatment, the weakness of my urinary and generative organs has been entirely relieved. My catarrh is so much better. The difficulty in the head is now gone, and I have no discomfort. The weakness in the back, and pain in the kidneys, has all left me, and I rest well at night. There are now no unnatural discharges, and I am happy to say that your medicines have effected such a change in my condition that now I continue to improve all the time.

D.,
Medusa, N.Y.

CASE 52,121. Spermatorrhea. Symptoms: Diurnal and nocturnal emissions, loss of sexual power and wasting of the organs, general depression and emaciation. Most severe form of the disease. Cure with three months' treatment.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Dear Sirs—I have waited several months and find my cure perfect and permanent. Thanks to you my health and manhood have been perfectly restored, and I am as fat as a bullock.

S.,
Millbrook, Ont.

CASE 4,100. Spermatorrhea. Entirely broken down.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—Over eight years ago I visited you at your office this present month, very melancholy and thinking perhaps that in six months I would be lying in my cold and silent grave, and now I am strong and healthy. I never was so healthy in my life. Am married, and we have two of the nicest children you ever saw. I am the happiest man in town, and hope to ever be so. My sickness was contracted through ignorance and self-abuse. I am glad to say that I have had a permanent cure, and thank God. I feel grateful to you and thank you kindly.

Yours very truly,
L., Barnes' Corners, N.Y.

CASE 52,004. Emissions. Loss of weight, strength, and mental power.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL, ASSOCIATION: Dear Sirs—I received the month's treatment sent for, and took it. It worked like a charm. I have no more emissions, and my weight, energy and strength, are fully restored.

R.,
Fort Collins, Colo.

CASE 53,859. Spermatorrhea. Five years' standing. Symptoms: Frequent nocturnal emissions, loss of memory, nervous, no energy or strength.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Dear Sirs—Pardon me for not sending you a report of my condition before this. Have been waiting to see if there would be any relapse. I am assured that my cure is complete and perfect. None of the symptoms of the disease remain. Your medicines I can recommend as the most powerful and direct to accomplish good I have ever taken. I feel it my duty now to give you my heart-felt acknowledgment for the good done me.

Respectfully,
H. Goshen N.Y.

[pg 794]CASE 38,973. Spermatorrhea. Extremely bad case.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—You have cured me sound and well of the terrible effects of early indiscretion. My case was worse than any I have ever read, and I never expected to get well. With eight months treatment taken at my home, I have been fully restored. You have my sincere and hearty thanks. C., Halifax, N.S.

CASE 70,648. Spermatorrhea and Threatened Impotency.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: My Dear Benefactors—Please accept my sincere thanks. Words at my command are inadequate to express my feelings when I realize the great beneficial features of your most excellent remedy. I have spoken to several of my most intimate friends who are similarly affected, and after I took the first dose I was completely relieved, and the flesh I gained was in such abundance that I was scarcely identified by them. I gave part of your par excellence medicine to a bosom companion of mine, named ——. He became convalescent, but desires another bottle. Write to him at once. Your name will be held in the highest esteem by these invalids, and by

Yours respectfully, H., Cincinnati, Ohio.

CASE 143,838. Spermatorrhea, with Paralysis and Dyspepsia.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Sirs—Your treatment worked like a charm with me. Before I sent to you I consulted my family doctor, and asked him what he thought of my case. To give you his own words, he said. "J., I think you will be an entire cripple." I then thought I would write to you. I had not taken more than three months' medicine when I was out in the harvest field. I sleep all night, have a good appetite, my back has got well, and I can lay all night. My limbs are stronger, and my nerves are again all right. Upon the whole I am a new man, and my mental powers are much relieved. In eighteen months from the time I placed my case under your treatment, I was better than I had been in ten years, and feel like myself.

Yours truly, J., Peru Mills, Pa.

CASE 93,264. Seminal Weakness.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.: Gentlemen—Allow me most sincerely to thank you for the great benefit I have derived from your two months' treatment. When I first wrote to you I felt as if my life on earth was short, indeed; but, thank God, through His help and yours, I have been saved from filling an early grave as the results of self-abuse. Before I began treatment I was pale and sickly; I had palpitation of the heart so bad that I often expected to drop dead in the street; I had loss of voice; always felt tired; I had involuntary emissions of semen in the night, which always made me feel weak through the next day; whilst quite often my mind was filled with suicidal thoughts. Such was the price I was compelled to pay for violating the laws of God and nature. Now every thing is changed. I thank you a thousand times, Doctor, for the great good you nave done me. May God bless you. I shall always be pleased to recommend your treatment to everybody, and I will cheerfully answer any communication that I may receive in relation to this. W., Lynn, Mass.

CASE 140,948. Spermatorrhea.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.: Dear Sirs—I believe myself to be free of the trouble for which you have been treating me. It seems too good to be true, yet I feel satisfied that I am more of a man than ever before in my life. I have not the time nor ability to thank you in the high-flown language peculiar to testimonial writers, but suffice it to say that I am.

Most gratefully yours, S.

CASE 44,464. Nervous Prostration.

This gentleman, engaged as the head of a large academy, suffered severely from mental depression, weakened memory, nervous exhaustion, and lack of intellectual power, the result of the delicate drain upon the nervous system and his severe labors. We append his letter after four months' treatment:

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—My friends all notice and speak of my decided improvement. My health and faculties are again as they were years ago. Yours, H., Philadelphia, Penn'a.

CASE 33,928. Spermatorrhea, resulting in Consumption.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Dear Sirs—I would have been beyond the reach of aid now but for your treatment. I am now enjoying perfect health. Yours gratefully. H., Gillie's Hill Ont.

[pg 795]CASE 42,921. Spermatorrhea, resulting in Dyspepsia and decided loss of strength.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I am deeply indebted to you. The disagreeable head symptoms, dyspepsia and weakness are all gone. I can now eat and digest as hearty a meal as any one, and feel well, healthful and energetic. Never have any losses. I was very sick when I commenced treatment, but was speedily relieved.

Yours truly,
S., Charles River Village, Mass.

CASE 44,866. Spermatorrhea, with marked loss of memory, health, and tone of system.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I took treatment of you last summer. The improvement was marked, and I have continued to grow healthier and stronger, notwithstanding I have been busy all the time and nave studied very hard. Do not get fatigued as before. I read six orations of CICERO in seven weeks and passed with honor a very close examination. My limbs are solid and strong, whereas before I was weak, and my flesh cold, soft, and clammy. I am in college working hard. Truly, P.

CASE 147,411. Approaching Impotency. Renewed health after five months' treatment.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I can gratefully say I am feeling like a new man since taking your prescription for seminal weakness. While I was in the West two months, my wife received two months' treatment from you, and on my return home, to my greatest satisfaction, her cheeks were as red as roses and her health greatly improved, for which accept our profound thanks. May your honored President live long and do good unto the sons and daughters of afflicted humanity, is our prayer. W., Aral, Va.

CASE 44,198. Nervous Prostration, caused by Self-abuse.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—Your kindness to me I can never forget. I cannot express half my feelings of gratefulness to you. I had despaired of ever getting well. Thanks to your skill I am now a new being. Yours very truly, B., Steuben County, N.Y.

CASE 53,816. Nervous Debility, caused by Self-abuse.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—My health has improved so that I no longer need treatment. You have my heart-felt thanks for the good you have done me, and may you have as good success in treating the hundreds of others as you have had in mine. I remain yours very truly, K., Hartford, Conn.

CASE 53,913. Nervous Debility and Impotency.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I shall ever remember you with gratitude. My relief is perfect and permanent. I feel so much better. I remain yours truly, J., Jacksonville, Ill.

CASE 254,484. Spermatorrhea; General Debility.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I am happy to say that your medicines and treatment are always ahead of what they are represented, and I hope you will accept my deep and sincere thanks for the good you have done me. My weakness and debility have entirely disappeared, and I can say that the expense of the six months' treatment I received from you, has been repaid a hundredfold, by the benefits it has effected in my condition. F., Starkey, N.Y.

CASE 54,803. Nervous Debility and Impotency.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I have taken the last of the medicine which you sent me, and feel satisfied it has entirely cured me. I return my thanks to you for the good you have done me. F., East Liverpool, Ohio.

CASE 69,116. Seminal Weakness, with Cancerous Testicle.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—It has now been over two years since you treated me and found it necessary to remove one testicle on account of cancerous disease, that must soon have destroyed life had the operation not been performed. T feel myself a strong, healthy man, having had no symptoms of the seminal weakness for months past. Yours, P., Pittsburgh. Penn's.

[pg 796]CASE 51,417. Impotency.

I am getting along so well with the medicine that I am a standing wonder to my friends, and I shall not cease, while life lasts, to praise the skill that has brought about such miraculous results.

Yours truly,
K., Chillicothe, Ohio.

CASE 67,004. Impotency.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I am only too happy to say that I have fully recovered my powers in every particular since placing myself under your treatment. I would not take $5,000 for the good you have done me. I am only sorry that I did not go to you before wasting time and money on the quacks connected with that "Museum of Anatomy" in New York.

T., Philadelphia, Penn'a.

CASE 67,208. Spermatorrhea.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—When placing myself under your treatment, I was told that my case being an exceedingly bad one, it would probably require six months in which to effect a perfect cure. After taking your remedies four months I found myself in perfect health, and have remained so ever since. I cannot express the gratitude I feel for you, and can never half repay the debt of gratitude I owe you. I have given your pamphlet,-"Abuse of the Male Generative Organs and the Diseases to which it Gives Rise," to quite a number of young men whom I had reason to suspect it might benefit.

Gratefully yours, T., Norfolk, Virginia.

CASE 67,070. Spermatorrhea.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I have now returned home a now man, after four months' treatment from you. I need no more medicines now. I would urge all suffering to go to you for help. Thanking you for your services,

I remain yours truly,
R., Bunch, Iowa.

CASE 431,637. Impotency, with Nervous Debility and Liver Disease.

This gentleman applied for the relief of the following symptoms: Exhausting and frequent seminal emissions, losses in the urine, want of manly strength, nervous prostration, indigestion, torpid condition of the liver, headache, nausea, and constipation. After a course of five months' treatment he writes:

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I am very grateful to you for the good you have done me, and I feel like a man now. It is sometime since I left off medicine. I have continued to improve, and I feel better than I have for years before treatment. I am happy at the restoration of my health and vigor. I shall recommend you to all sufferers. Hoping you will continue to be successful.

I remain,
Yours truly,
P., Canaan, Conn.

CASE 111,489. Seminal Emissions, Loss of Memory and General Decline.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.: Gentlemen—Inclosed please find money for my last supply of medicines. You seem to understand my condition thoroughly. My color, appetite, and strength have improved wonderfully, and my sleep is sound, undisturbed and refreshing. Under the influence of your medicines I have completely recovered my mental and physical powers, and I feel that I am able to discontinue further treatment. The emissions have become less and less frequent until now they do not trouble me at all.

I remain, yours truly, H., Eagle Springs, Coryell Co., Tex.

CASE 51,203. Spermatorrhea. Perfect Cure. His letter before treatment, and after.

(First letter.)

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Dear Sirs—It was my pleasant privilege to read concerning your skill in the treatment of all kinds of diseases, and concerning your reputation, which is most justly merited. Encouraged by these facts to place explicit confidence in you. I beg leave to state my own case as clearly as I may be able. It is as sad as it is fatal if no thorough cure can be effected. I have from my twelfth year onward been practicing, though not excessively, the evil, self-abuse. Although I have been led to abandon the pernicious habit for several years, my age being twenty-four, the horrible effects have not disappeared. The serious result is that I am suffering from spermatorrhea. An involuntary discharge of the seminal fluid occurs invariably once, not infrequently twice, every week during sleep. The genital organs have become diminished in [pg 797]size. I will proceed to state the symptoms which I have been able to observe. They are—disposition to solitude, inaptitude for study, indolence, forgetfulness, melancholy, weakness in the back (especially perceptible after standing), a lack of confidence in my own ability, want of energy, sometimes pain in the chest, elbow, arm, knees, and loins. Uneasy nights, disturbed and highly disagreeable dreams becoming more and more irritating as the time for the discharge of the seminal fluid draws nearer, also a desire to lie longer in bed in the morning.

Now, dear Doctors, permit me to ask your kind advice as to what means are to be taken. I have tried numerous remedies for more than a year, but to no effect. My suffering grows severer. Please reply as speedily as you may be able. If you be so kind as to honor me with an answer, please state the amount of money needed for your services, which shall be forwarded at once. Please find inclosed one dollar, remuneration for your kind services.

Very respectfully,
M., Wheeling, Cook Co., Ill.

(At the close of treatment.)

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—I have finished the eight months' treatment; had I been able to follow the directions more closely, three months' treatment would have effected a permanent cure of my case. Now I am well, body strengthened, mind invigorated, memory revived, energy to work restored, cheerfulness and bright hopes, once altogether lost, are now fully regained. Indeed, I feel like a new being. And now, dear Doctors, in closing our important correspondence, permit me to render my heart-felt thanks for your kindness to me, and for the benefit received from your invaluable treatment. Adieu; may God grant you a long life, that you may benefit many an afflicted one.

Very truly yours, M., Wheeling, Cook Co., Ill

CASE 464,255. Masturbation. Loss of flesh and mental power.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—After three months of your treatment, I find myself cured of one of the worst habits that it has ever been the lot of man to fall into. My whole system is invigorated; I have no more weak back nor legs; no more emissions; my strength is greatly increased, and my weight is more than it has ever been before. The dull, heavy feeling in my head is entirely past, and I can truly say that I feel like a new man. Hoping you will do as much good in the future as you have in the past, is the wish of, Yours truly, B., Holyoke, Mass.

CASE 91,656. Spermatorrhea. Obstinate case of eight years' standing.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.: Gentlemen—I have taken seven months' treatment from you, and to-day I am a well man. My friends are surprised at the great change which has taken place in me. The emissions have ceased entirely, and I am strong and well. I am a thousand times obliged to you for the good your treatment has done for me.

Respectfully yours, U., Topeka, Kansas.

CASE 461,306. Onanism. Melancholia; contemplated suicide.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—Having waited several weeks after finishing the last medicine, to see if there would be any relapse, I now send you a report of treatment. I believe I am thoroughly cured, not only of poor health, but of all desire to abuse myself. I have regained health, spirits, and confidence. Am married, something I have long desired, but never before dared to attempt. Please accept my sincere thanks, gentlemen. Your medicine has saved me from a suicide's grave.

H., Denver, Col.

CASE 110,838. Seminal Weakness and Fistula in Ano.

A case of anal fistula that had been unsuccessfully treated by Prof. ——, of Nashville, who had operated with the knife. He had also been unsuccessfully treated by several home physicians who stated that his symptoms of spermatorrhea were all that could be described, and more too. The sensations of crawling and itching in the rectum were very severe, and as a result of weakness there was a serious palpitation of the heart, and general debility. The generative organs were unduly excitable and weak. He complained of weakness in the rectum and loins, with irregularity of the bowels, trembling and weakness of the entire system. There was profuse discharge from the fistula and also from the urethra. We undertook his case without making any promises of a radical cure, as it seemed that the disease had progressed so that it would be impossible to effect more than satisfactory improvement in his general condition, and a palliation of the symptoms of disease. At the end of seven months' treatment he writes as follows:

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Gentlemen—The result of the [pg 798]treatment you have sent me is a permanent cure of the fistula beyond a doubt, and in a magical manner. My heart is very much improved, so that it does not trouble me in the least. My health is perfect in every way. It is unnecessary for me to order any more medicines, but should I think at any time that a little is required to keep me in good health, I will order at once. I think that I am entirely through with the fistula and sympathetic weakness, and I can truly say that your remedies delivered me from the jaws of death. With sincere thanks to you, I am, yours for ever. D.

CASE 140,056. Spermatorrhea.

The following long-standing and aggravated case of seminal debility began to yield at once under the specific influence of our medicines. Frequent nocturnal emissions were present, and the semen also passed off, unobserved and unsuspected, in the urine; of course a ceaseless vital drain of this character began quickly and profoundly to impress the constitution, so that when the patient under consideration applied to us for relief, the most unmistakable symptoms of commencing organic disease of the heart and lungs had plainly declared themselves to be present. Like many hundreds, of similar cases which we cure annually, the disease yielded promptly and perfectly to the well-directed efforts of our specialist in this important branch of practice; indeed, so easy, swift and perfect was the cure that the patient failed to realize the necessity of continuing the treatment a few weeks in order to insure himself against the possibility of a relapse, and discontinued his correspondence with us, whereas it is in precisely such cases that we recommend the treatment to be not too abruptly discontinued.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.: Gentlemen—Your kind favor, thoughtfully inquiring after my health, came duly to hand. In answer, permit me to say that it was not my intention to take further treatment as I considered my cure to be perfect, all local and general symptoms having wholly subsided before I had finished the month's course, and thus far manifesting no disposition to return. However, in the light of your wisdom and experience, I have reconsidered the matter and now believe with you that another month's course of treatment is advisable, in order effectually to guard against the possibility of a relapse. I accordingly inclose you the price of the additional month's course. The second morning after commencing the use of your medicines I awoke refreshed in body and mind, and this experience has been repeated every morning since. The emissions were arrested at once, and I have not had a single unnatural discharge since, except once when I experienced a slight nocturnal emission, which, however, was followed by no depressing after-effects, but altogether the reverse. I feel so much stronger and better in all respects that It is a positive pleasure for me to do a hard day's work now.

Respectfully, B., Crystal Lake, Wis.

CASE 86,291.

This gentleman had suffered during eleven years from seminal weakness as the result of indiscretions in youth; nocturnal emissions were present, and there was also a seminal loss with the urine, and at stool; the patient's memory was greatly impaired and his mind otherwise affected from the vital drain; he was dyspeptic, his bowels were costive, and threatening symptoms of consumption had already begun to manifest themselves when he came under our care. Two months of our special treatment, at the patient's home, effected a perfect and permanent cure, and completely arrested all abnormal seminal losses. The following grateful letter is from the gentleman in question:

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.: Gentlemen—Permit me to say that, six months after having discontinued your treatment, my cure remains perfect. This great permanent and enduring benefit was secured to me through only two months of your skillful treatment and careful management of my case. Your medicines had a wonderful control over my disease, driving away its terrible symptoms as if by magic; they imparted to me a new power, filled my body and mind with unusual vigor, and transformed me from one racked with pain and living death or worse, to a full measure of health and happiness. I feel that if I had not been opportunely and successfully treated by you, that my life would have been permanently blighted, and that the happy and contented mind that now inspires these lines would ere this have been dethroned of reason. I feel that you have been my savior. I have not had a single nocturnal emission since leaving your treatment, six months ago. Thanking you, gentlemen, from the depths of a grateful heart, I remain.

Your obedient servant, G., Cayuta, Schuyler Co., N.Y.

Did the interest of our readers demand it, we could add to the preceding list an almost endless number of extracts from letters written by grateful patients, expressing their heart-felt thanks for having been [pg 799]cured of spermatorrhea and impotency by our treatment. But we have we trust given sufficient to illustrate our great success in dealing with these maladies.

A Caution to the Afflicted. We are daily consulted by persons suffering from spermatorrhea and impotency who have been victimized by ignorant charlatans. Some seek to dupe and swindle the unwary by claiming to have themselves been cured of spermatorrhea or impotency by some prescription, which they offer to send free to any sufferer. When the prescription is obtained it is found to consist of a few articles well-known to every druggist, coupled with certain arbitrary and fictitious terms, unknown to everybody and not to be found in any medical work extant. Following the prescription is a modest suggestion that if it cannot be filled by the home druggist, the benevolently-disposed party furnishing the prescription will be pleased to send the medicine, already prepared, for from three to five dollars. Of course, the whole scheme from beginning to end being a swindle, when the "medicine" is obtained and taken it proves entirely useless. Skill and genuine merit do not go begging. Men who spend hundreds of dollars for the publication of advertisements offering to give away valuable information can always be safely set down as swindlers.

In the public prints will be found advertised various ready prepared, "put-up," or proprietary, so-called "remedies," "Specifics," "Boluses," "Pastiles," "Rectal Pearls," "Urethral Crayons," "Voltaic Belts," "Galvanic Belts," "Batteries," and "Pads," all recommended as infallible remedies for spermatorrhea and impotency.

A vast experience in the treatment of these affections has satisfied us that each case must be studied and treated according to the symptoms manifested, and that medicines that are adapted to one stage of the disease are entirely unsuited to other stages of the same case. No "Pad" or "Battery and Pad," "Galvanic" or "Voltaic Belts," "Battery," "Bolus," or "Soluble Crayon," ever did or can help a case of this disease, except it be in the imagination. Although the proprietors of the most popular proprietary medicines in the market, medicines carefully adapted to the cure of the diseases for which they are recommended, yet, should we attempt to get up a general remedy to cure spermatorrhea and kindred maladies, we are certain it would be an utter failure, and this is entirely true of all such preparations now and heretofore offered for sale, and, from the very nature of the diseases they are recommended to cure, ever must be. Each case must have medicines carefully prepared to meet the conditions present, and when these conditions, from the effects of treatment or other causes, change, the treatment must be varied accordingly.

Positive Injury instead of benefit often results from the employment of some of the nostrums advertised for the cure of spermatorrhea, impotency and kindred affections. Especially have we found that the use of "Soluble Urethral Crayons," "Boluses," "Pastiles", [pg 800]and kindred contrivances, which are so extensively advertised, are exceedingly injurious, and often render otherwise moderate and simple cases, complicated and incurable.

Although of pretended French origin, they are evidently the invention of an ignoramus, who knows nothing of the delicate anatomy of the generative organs or of the proper treatment of the diseases incident thereto, for none other would have thought of such a preposterous plan of treatment. No man should insert such absurdly devised and mischief breeding contrivances into his urethra (urinary canal), for thereby he is almost sure to do himself a permanent injury. So far from having been invented by an eminent French surgeon, as claimed, such treatment is entirely unknown in France, and ever has been, as the writer well knows from personal observation and enquiry while sojourning in that country and visiting its most noted hospitals and medical institutions.

All the various "Troches," "Boluses," "Wafers," "Suppositories," "Pearls," "Rectal Pearls," "Rectal Capsules," and other contrivances which are recommended for the cure of Spermatorrhea and kindred weaknesses, and which are designed to be employed by inserting them into the lower bowel (rectum), and there permitting them to dissolve, are only so many irrational and filthy devices for duping the ignorant and innocent sufferers from these maladies.

An Alluring Swindle. A still more enticing, and hence more dangerous, device for swindling unfortunate sufferers, is the widely advertised "Vacuum Treatment" or "appliance" so loudly and plausibly recommended for "Developing weak and wasted organs." A simple, little, brass air pump, connected with a glass tube, or cylinder, fitted with a valve at one end, which costs not to exceed one dollar and a half, is the worthless device palmed off on the confiding ones at from fifteen to thirty dollars. This is done under the false pretense that its daily use to pump blood into the weak or wasted organs, will cause their development and growth.

Thousands have invested their hard earned cash in this worse than worthless, injurious, contrivance. In fact the head of the concern putting out this alluring device is said to have amassed a fortune out of the nefarious business.

So far from benefiting any one, out of several hundreds of cases that have come under our personal observation, in which this apparatus has been faithfully used for a long period of time, we have never met with a single case that had derived the slightest benefit therefrom. On the contrary, we have been called upon to examine many who had been seriously injured by its use.

The sudden congestion or filling and over-distention of the delicate blood-vessels of the organ operated upon, caused by placing it in a vacuum, is liable to rupture these minute vessels, causing the infiltration of blood into the tissues and giving rise to inflammation, and in some cases, to suppuration, mortification, sloughing and death.

[pg 801]In other cases, the blood-vessels of the organ and adjacent parts are so weakened by the strain put upon them as to induce varicocele and other diseased conditions. In spermatorrhea, it is the worst possible thing that can be applied, for by forcing an undue amount of blood into the part the sensitiveness of the organ is increased, irritation is set up in the deep urethra, and the emissions are increased in frequency. In this, and other ways, hundreds of men but slightly out of health have been permanently injured.

But this is only a small part of the story connected with the reprehensible business of palming off "The Vacuum Developing and Strengthening Appliance." The precious rascals, not content with making from a thousand to fifteen hundred per cent. profit on the miserable device furnished, while advertising fifteen dollars ($15.00) as the price of the "appliance" and "accompanying preparations," for "ordinary cases," make a general practice, when they have secured the fifteen dollars ($15.00), of sending it by express with a bill to be collected on delivery FOR FIFTEEN DOLLARS ($15.00) MORE. With this bill they send an explanation, that "on re-examining the case" they "found it necessary, or thought it advisable, to send their stronger and more expensive preparations and appliances for the worst cases AND SO HAVE CHARGED FIFTEEN DOLLARS ($15.00) MORE TO COVER THE EXTRA EXPENSE."

It is astonishing that there are those who can be induced to part with their money for such claptrap devices, and still more so that having been duped and swindled out of their hard earned money through false pretenses and promises of benefit held out to them, they should submit quietly to such extortion and not have the swindlers arrested and prosecuted for obtaining money under false pretenses as they richly deserve. For what crime can be more deserving of punishment than the holding out of false hopes and pretenses to the unfortunate? Employing the United States mails for swindling is a pretty dangerous business, and sooner or later these rascals will, we predict, find it out to their sorrow. They are pretty sure to get hold of some men, ere long, who will invoke the aid of the United States District Attorney to bring them to justice.

Young Man, if you have, through ignorance, fallen into practices that have arrested your physical growth and development in any of your organs or parts, shun all such unscientific and worse than worthless contrivances as you would shun a pestilence. No matter how plausible the web of arguments woven to entrap you, be assured, they are the utterance of knaves who care not what false hopes they encourage so they secure your money.

Consult only those whose well known skill, experience and integrity will insure honest dealings and the most scientific treatment known to the "healing art," and who supply the latter at reasonable cost.

Be assured also, that when, through proper treatment, your weakness and functional derangements are overcome, the parts that have suffered [pg 802]therefrom, will regain all the strength and development possible to impart to them through the aid of the physician's skill. Nature often accomplishes wonders in this direction, when aided by the skillful practitioner.

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