Skip to main content

Full text of "My water cure as tested through more than thirty years and described for the healing of diseases and the preservation of health"

See other formats 


ji  US'2S5 


COLL  C^'n  REGIS  SI 


MY    WATEE-CIJEE 


"  Go,  and  wash  seven  times  in  the  Jordan,  and  thy  flesh  shall 
recover  health,  and  thou  shalt  be  clean." — 4  Kings  v.  10. 


Pfarrer  Kneipp 


ONLY  AUTHORISED  ENGLISH  TRANSLATION 

MY    WATER-CUBE       ^^/5^^ 

AS  TESTED  THROUGH  MORE  THAN  THIRTY  YEARS 

AND    DESCRIBED   FOR   THE   HEALTNOr   OF   DISEASES 
AND   THE   PRESERVATION   OF   HEALTH 


BY 

SEBASTIAN   KNEIPPi 

l^ARISH     PRIEST    OF    WÖRISHOFEN   (baV 


Witfe  lllttstraticriu 

TRANSLATED    FRm^TIlkVinRT^iTIJ  GEmiAN  EDITION  BY 

COLL  CHF^  REGIS  SJ. 


WILLIAM    BLA>GKWOOD    AND    SONS 

EDINBURfe\  AND    LONDON 

M  »  C  (»ß  X  CI 


C  0  N  T  E  N  T  S. 


PAGE 

ilvAN.SLATUli'ö    PliEFACE,  ......  VÜ 

INTRODUCTION,  .......  1 

TART   I.— COLD-WATER   ArPLICATIONS. 

GENERAL    OBSERVATIONS,  .....  15 

APPLIANCES       FOR       HARDENING      AND       DRACING       THE 

SYSTEM,  .......  19 

WATER    APPLICATIONS,        ......  25 

PART   II.— PHARMACY. 

INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS,  .  .  .  .  .71 

MEDICAMENTS,  .......  77 

APPENDIX,       .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .119 

PART   III.— DISEASES. 

INTRODUCTION,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .125 

CASES,  .........        126 

INDEX, 269 


TRANSLATOR'S    PREFACE. 


The  little  Gerinaii  volume,  of  which  this  is  a  transla- 
tion, is  the  record  of  a  system  of  water-cure  practised 
for  over  sixteen  years  by  Sebastian  Kneipp,  the  parish 
priest  of  Worishofen  in  Bavaria,  with  such  remarkable 
success  that  it  has  attracted  notice  all  over  Europe, 
and  drawn  thither  invalids  from  the  remotest  corners 
of  the  Continent  as  well  as  from  England.  In  this 
work  Pfarrer  Kneipp  relates  how  gradually  he  reduced 
his  own  experiences  with  cold  water  to  a  settled  sys- 
tem— the  one  by  means  of  which  he  has  cured  and  is 
daily  curing  thousands  of  patients.  Not  all  at  once 
did  his  knowledge  come ;  for  long  he  groped  about  in 
the  dark,  and  as  he  himself  confesses,  had  to  remodel 
his  system  completely,  no  less  than  three  times.  For 
thirty  years  he  made  of  water  his  study,  verifying 
each  separate  prescription  on  his  own  person  over  and 
over  again,  before  he  presumed  to  set  himself  up  as  a 
healer  of  men ;  and  his  actual  system  has  now  been 
proved  and  vindicated  by  full  fifteen  years'  successful 
practice. 

At  first  he  only  aspired  to  curing  his  own  parish- 
ioners, but  his  fame  grew  apace,  bringing  him  from 


Vill  TRA.NSLATOII  S   PREFACE. 

far  and  wide  patients  of  every  description  and  rank 
of  life,  afHicted  with  every  possible  manner  of  disease. 
His  name  has  become  a  household  word  throughout 
Germany  and  Austria :  his  photograph  is  displayed  in 
every  shop -window;  and  "Pfarrer  Kneipp"  bread, 
coffee,  and  linen  are  everywhere  advertised  by  wide- 
awake speculators  who  seek  to  make  capital  out  of  his 
popularity. 

The  writer's  maxims  and  prescriptions  are  expressed 
with  an  almost  childish  simplicity,  not  to  call  it  rustic- 
ity, of  language,  which  is,  however,  the  book's  greatest 
charm.  You  cannot  help  feeling,  as  you  read  it,  that 
this  man  owes  nothing  to  the  teachings  of  science,  but 
everything  to  an  inborn  gift,  so  strongly  developed  as 
almost  to  deserve  the  name  of  inspiration.  No  tech- 
nical terms,  no  learnedly  incomprehensible  medicinal 
phrases,  are  here  employed  to  illustrate  his  meaning ; 
but  a  simple  child  of  nature  himself,  he  borrows  his 
similes  from  "  the  common  growth  of  mother  earth " 
around  him. 

The  translator  has  sought  as  much  as  possible  to 
preserve  the  simple  and  homely  style  of  the  original 
work,  and  though  some  of  the  terms  do  not  answer 
strictly  to  their  restricted  meanings  in  English  medi- 
cal nomenclature,  they  will  not  the  less  convey  their 
import  with  sufficient  clearness  to  readers  in  general. 
The  author  does  not  write  in  medical  phraseology; 
his  object  is  to  give  a  plain  account  of  his  treatment 
in  popular  language;  and  the  translator  has  en- 
deavoured to  preserve  as  much  as  possible  this  feature 
in  the  English  translation. 

As  the  original  German  work  contains  numerous 
superfluous  repetitions,  occasional  curtailments  have 


translator's  preface.  ix 

been  considered  necessary  in  order  to  adapt  the  book 
to  the  exigencies  of  the  British  public.  This  has 
chiefly  taken  place  when  the  author,  having  described 
several  parallel  instances  of  cure  from  the  identical 
complaint,  the  translator  has  selected  for  exemplifica- 
tion the  case  or  cases  which  seemed  most  deserving  of 
notice. 

Having  the  advantage  of  being  personally  acquainted 
with  the  author  of  this  quaint  volume,  and  having 
derived  much  benefit  from  his  treatment,  some  personal 
impressions  of  himself  and  his  establishment  may  not 
be  inappropriate.  It  is  now  several  years  ago  since  a 
friend  accidentally  mentioned  to  me  that,  somewhere 
in  Bavaria,  there  lived  an  old  country  priest  who  had  ^ 
cured  many  people  by  a  most  simple  mode  of  treatment,  / 
in  which  cold  water  was  chiefly  used,  applied  in  a 
quite  original  manner — very  different  from  the  mode 
adopted  by  Priessnitz  and  his  successors.  Two  or 
three  years  passed  by,  without  my  further  hearing  of 
him.  Meanwhile  I  had  been  a  dreadful  sufferer  from 
that  bane  of  the  present  century — nerves ;  and  though 
I  had  consulted  doctors  innumerable,  the  result  had 
always  been  that  I  was  patched  up  for  a  time ;  and  it 
was  only  latterly,  at  a  moment  when  I  was  particularly 
depressed  by  an  aggravated  return  of  my  old  symptoms,  j 
that  Pfarrer  Kneipp's  name  was  again  brought  before 
me.  By  this  time  it  was  evident  either  that  the 
doctors  had  failed  to  discover  the  real  evil,  or  that 
their  remedies,  strong  as  they  were,  could  not  help  me. 
I  first  sent  an  account  of  my  symptoms,  and  asked 
whether  my  case  was  one  likely  to  be  benefited  by 
his  treatment.  I  received  no  answer.  This  ratlier 
discouraged   me,   and   I   was   nearly  abandoning   my 


X  TRANSLATOR  S    PREFACE. 

newly  formed  project,  when  I  heard  that  the  Pfarrer 
had  been  obHged  to  give  up  even  opening  letters  on 
account  of  the  immense  numbers  which  reached  him. 
My  curiosity  was  now  powerfully  roused,  and  I 
thought  it  worth  while  to  go  out  of  my  way  to  see  for 
myself.  Accordingly,  one  hot  July  forenoon,  after  an 
hour  and  a  half's  journey  from  Munich,  I  found  myself 
at  Buchloe,  one  of  the  stations  for  Wörishofen,  and 
I  started  off  for  the  village  in  the  lumbering  old  car- 
riage which  awaited  me. 

As  I  had  been  warned  that  it  was  very  difficult  to 
procure  accommodation,  I  had  prudently  secured  a 
room  beforehand  through  the  kindness  of  some  friends 
who  had  been  there.  It  was  rather  startling,  however, 
to  find  two  students  already  in  possession,  and  I  had 
yet  to  learn  what  a  precious  thing  a  room  was  in 
this  little  village  of  Wörishofen,  where  hundreds  con- 
gregated, putting  up  cheerfully  with  every  discomfort. 
In  the  meantime  here  I  was  in  the  street  with  my 
boxes,  and  as  I  watclied  the  carriage  disappearing 
in  the  distance,  I  could  not  help  wishing  I  had  fol- 
lowed my  doctor's  advice,  and  that  I  was  now  installed 
in  the  Baierischer  Hof  at  Lindau,  with  the  beautiful 
Lake  of  Constance  before  me. 

Wörishofen,  whose  inhabitants  number  about  1400, 
and  its  houses  180,  is  neither  beautiful  nor  picturesque : 
there  are  fine  pine-woods  with  undergrowth  of  beech 
within  twenty  minutes'  walk  of  the  place ;  but  otlier- 
wise  the  country  round  is  flat  and  uninteresting,  and 
the  village  itself  exceedingly  commonplace,  exactly 
resembling  a  dozen  other  Bavarian  villa^^es  I  had  pre- 
viously seen.  Yet  no  stranger  can  put  foot  in  the 
village  street  without  at  once  being  aware  that  this 


TRANSLATOR  S   PREFACE.  XI 

place  is  not  as  other  places,  being  animated  throughout 
by  some  pervading  spirit,  which  finds  expression  in 
every  detail  of  indoor  and  outdoor  life.  The  whole 
village  appears  to  be  decked  out  with  a  profusion  of 
snowy  pennons,  which  on  a  windy  day  flutter  in  the 
air  as  though  a  universal  truce  had  been  proclaimed 
by  mankind ;  on  the  paling  of  each  little  garden  that 
faces  the  street  may  be  seen  dripping  sheets  and  towels 
hung  there  to  dry  ;  wet  linen  shirts  and  inexpressibles, 
suspended  on  ropes,  dance  gaily  in  the  breeze  like 
rows  of  cheerful  spectres;  and  each  open  window- 
casement  is  stuck  full  to  overflowing  with  bedding  in 
every  stage  of  moisture.  Numerous  town-clad  people 
are  sauntering  about  the  roads,  mostly  without  collar 
or  necktie,  and  often  without  their  boots,  which  they 
carry  in  the  hand  in  as  natural  and  matter-of-fact  a 
manner  as  we  are  wont  to  carry  our  parasols  and 
walking-sticks.  "VVörishofen  is  the  feet's  paradise, 
according  to  Pfarrer  Kneipp,  who  says :  "  How  must 
the  poor  feet  rejoice  to  come  out  at  last  from  their 
cages  and  feel  the  rays  of  the  warm  sunshine !  Fain 
would  they  never  go  back  to  their  dark  prisons  ! " 

Invalid  priests  and  monks  make  up  a  large  pro- 
portion of  the  guests  at  Wörishofen.  Almost  every 
variety  of  religious  attire  may  be  seen  here,  from  the 
purple  robe  of  the  church  dignitary  to  the  coarse 
brown  dress  of  the  mendicant  friar.  They  are  afflicted 
with  every  manner  of  disease,  and  speak  in  every  kind 
of  strange  tongue. 

When  I  had  taken  stock  of  these  immediate  sur- 
roundings, my  next  step  was  naturally  to  seek  an 
interview  with  the  man  on  whose  account  I  had  come 
so  far.      Despite  all  I  had  heard  about  the  press  of 

1) 


Xll  TRANSLATOR  S   PREFACE. 

visitors,  I  was  not  prepared  to  find  this  so  difficult 
a  matter  as  it  proved  to  be ;  and  when  I  saw  the 
numbers  of  people  all  waiting  patiently  around  his 
house,  I  began  for  the  first  time  to  realise  that  here 
was  something  quite  out  of  the  common. 

At  last  he  made  his  appearance,  a  white-haired  old 
man  of  imposing  figure,  and  with  a  powerful  face,  to 
which  specially  dark  bushy  eyebrows  gave  peculiar 
character.  Despite  the  excessive  simplicity  of  his 
attire,  there  was  something  positively  majestic  about 
him.  I  wish  I  could  put  him  before  my  readers  as 
he  stands  vividly  before  my  mind's  eye.  I  am  almost 
at  a  loss  to  explain  or  account  for  the  deep  impression 
which  he  made  upon  me — and  upon  others  as  well,  as 
I  have  frequently  heard — but  I  think  the  secret  of  his 
power  lies  in  the  eyes,  looking  out  at  one  as  they  do 
from  the  shadow  of  those  prominent  brows :  above  all, 
one  is  struck  by  the  upward  look  they  sometimes  have. 
Instead  of  fixing  his  eyes  straight  on  the  patient  as  he 
speaks,  they  are  slightly  upraised,  as  though  he  beheld 
something  unseen  by  us,  and  were  drawing  from  above 
the  inspiration  whicli  would  dictate  his  answer.  Now 
and  again  he  will  turn  his  gaze  full  on  the  patient  in 
a  manner  calculated  to  render  nervous  any  one  who 
does  not  rejoice  in  a  quiet  conscience — for  at  sucli 
times  his  eye  looks  as  though  it  could  penetrate  the 
inmost  working»  of  the  soul. 

Quite  remarkable,  too,  is  the  unerring  rapidity  with 
which  he  forms  his  conclusions.  He  asks  few  ques- 
tions, and  refuses  to  listen  to  any  long-winded  account 
of  symptoms ;  but  gives  liis  instructions  with  a  brief- 
ness and  rapidity  quite  bewildering  to  the  uninitiated. 
In  some  cases  this  seemed  so  striking:  tliat  I  felt  that 


TRANSLATOll  S   TREFACE.  XIU 

a  total  stranger  stepping  in,  and  being  a  witness  of 
one  of  these  semi-public  consultations,  would  say,  here 
must  be  a  great  charlatan  or  a  great  genius.  One 
must,  however,  judge  by  results ;  and  turn  where  you 
may,  you  hear  of  the  marvellous  cures  effected  by 
him.  What  seemed  to  me  so  marvellous  and  admi- 
rable was  the  perfect  and  fearless  confidence  which 
inspired  every  word  he  said,  and  at  the  same  time 
the  utter  absence  of  all  self-consciousness,  as  if  he 
considered  this  wonderful  power  which  lay  in  him  to 
be  something  independent  of  himself, — something  of 
which  he  was  merely  the  keeper  and  dispenser. 

He  specially  prides  himself  on  the  simplicity  of  his 
cure,  which  renders  it  accessible  to  the  poorest — and 
here  lies  his  true  vocation,  helping  the  poor.  While 
he  is  kind  to  every  one,  it  is  easy  to  see  that  his  whole 
lieart  goes  out  to  meet  those  who  are  in  want. 

After  a  much  varied  experience  of  visits  to  cele- 
brated doctors,  and  endless  weary  hours  misspent  in 
stereotyped  waiting-rooms,  turning  over  the  pages  of 
the  inevitable  illustrated  newspapers  and  albums,  de 
.  ign<^ur  at  such  places,  the  surroundings  here  were 
refreshingly  unconventional.  The  Pfarrhof^  stands 
in  the  centre  of  the  village,  within  a  courtyard,  whose 
gate  leading  on  to  the  road  is  locked,  as  protection 
against  the  press  of  visitors,  who  were  thus  supposed 
to  ring  for  admittance :  few  people,  Uowever,  took  the 
trouble  to  do  so,  having  quickly  discovered  that  it 
was  far  simpler  to  go  round  through  the  churchyard 
and  garden,  whence  one  could  enter  the  house  un- 
challenged. A  large  passage  or  lobby  runs  through 
the  Pfarrlwf  from  end  to  end.      Here  the  patients 

^  Parsonage  or  rector}^. 


xiv  translator's  preface. 

used  to  assemble,  even  consultations  often  being  held 
here  with  Arcadian  simplicity  and  publicity— most  of 
the  simple-minded  country  people  seeming  to  experi- 
ence no  embarrassment  in  relating  their  symptoms  and 
receiving  directions  before  the  whole  assembly  of 
mixed  sexes. 

Though,  as  a  rule,  I  preferred  to  take  advantage 
of  the  privilege  accorded  me  of  going  up  to  the 
Pfarrers  private  sitting-room  for  my  consultations,  yet 
I  liked  to  assist  occasionally  at  these  public  assem- 
blies, which  were  often  very  entertaining.  One  day, 
for  instance,  when  describing  to  a  female  patient  the 
appearance  of  a  certain  flower  to  be  used  as  remedy, 
provoked  at  her  ignorance  on  the  subject,  he  ex- 
claimed: "You  women  have  got  your  heads  covered 
up  with  gaudy  flowers ;  but  when  it  is  a  question  of 
recognising  a  useful  one,  you  know  nothing  about  it ! " 
As  this  happened  to  be  in  summer,  when  straw  hats, 
trimmed  profusely  with  flowers,  were  growiug  rank  on 
every  head,  there  was  of  course  a  titter  of  amusement 
from  the  male  portion  of  the  audience. 

Another  time  it  was  a  showy  bracelet  composed  of 
gold  links  which  challenged  his  animosity.  "  Have 
you  a  dog  ? "  he  suddenly  apostrophised  the  lady,  whose 
misfortune  it  was  to  be  thus  decorated.  Then  receiv- 
ing no  answer  but  a  bewildered  stare,  he  proceeded, 
"  If  you  have  no  dog,  then  why  carry  a  chain  about 
with  you  ? — take  it  ofr  at  once." 

The  window-sills  of  this  lobby  were  heaped  with 
huge  bundles  of  herbs,  which  shed  a  faint  aromatic 
perfume  throughout  the  atmosphere,  while  bottles 
containing  liquid  decoctions  of  the  same,  stood  about 
promiscuously;   and  though  I  never  saw  a  label  or 


TKANSLATOll  S   PREFACE.  .XV 

ticket  upon  either  bundle  or  bottle,  yet  the  Pfarrer 
did  not  seem  to  find  the  slightest  difficulty  in  identi- 
fying his  remedies.  Likewise  his  soutane  pockets 
seemed  endless  in  their  resources,  apparently  har- 
bouring the  contents  of  a  whole  apothecary's  shop ; 
for,  frequently  consulted  by  patients  in  the  village 
street  or  the  road,  he  invariably  happened  to  have 
about  his  person  the  precise  remedy  demanded  by 
their  condition. 

Strangers  coming  here  were  apt  at  first  to  be  some- 
what startled  at  the  unconventionality  of  Pfarrer 
Kneipp's  proceedings ;  as  was  the  case  with  a  young 
English  friend  of  mine  with  whom  I  happened  to  be 
walking  on  the  first  evening  of  her  arrival  at  Wöris- 
hofen.  As  we  passed  through  the  main  street  of  the 
village,  we  chanced  to  meet  the  Pfarrer  walking  with 
another  gentleman.  Without  checking  his  pace,  and 
almost  without  glancing  in  our  direction,  he  dived  his 
hand  into  the  pocket  of  his  soutane  and  produced  a 
small  bottle,  which  he  thrust  into  my  hand  as  he 
passed,  merely  muttering  as  he  did  so,  "Fifty  drops 
in  eight  spoonfuls  of  water  twice  daily,"  and  then 
walked  on,  resuming  the  conversation  wdiich  had 
scarcely  been  interrupted  by  his  action. 

My  friend  was  evidently  much  bewildered,  till  I 
explained  that  this  must  probably  refer  to  a  question 
I  had  put  to  the  good  Pfarrer  at  the  very  early  hour 
of  6  A.ivr. ;  and  considering  the  circumstance  that  he 
must  have  seen  some  hundred  and  fifty  patients  in 
llie  interval,  and  that  I  never  saw  him  make  a  note  or 
memorandum  of  any  kind,  it  was  astounding  that 
he  should  have  remembered  my  own  trivial  case 
at  all. 


(' 


XVI  TRANSLATOR  Ö    PREFACE. 

Day  after  day  went  by,  and  still  the  stream  of 
visitors  continued  to  flow  on ;  as  fast  as  a  room  was 
vacated  it  was  again  occupied.  The  two  village  inns 
afforded  but  little  accommodation  for  stram^ers,  so  all 
the  peasant  houses  were  called  into  requisition,  and 
above  six  liundred  people  found  room  in  that  small 
place^i  The  peasants  do  not  venture  to  invest  much 
money  in  furnishing  their  rooms  more  comfortably, 
for,  as  one  of  them  said  to  me,  "  The  moment  our  Herr 
Pfarrer  dies  all  will  come  to  an  end.  He  ought  only 
to  be  forty  years  old.     That  would  be  the  thing." 

Some  enterprising  individual  was  willing  to  run 
the  risk  of  building  a  large  house  in  which  to  lodge 
strangers,  but  I  am  told  that  Pfarrer  Kneipp  laid  his 
veto  on  the  plan,  saying  that  whatever  money  was 
brought  into  the  place  should  benefit  his  parishioners. 
For  in  the  midst  of  all  this  work,  and  his,  I  may  say, 
daily  growing  European  celebrity,  the  good  Pfarrer 
does  not  for  one  moment  lose  sight  of  his  real  work, 
and  is  indefatigable  in  all  the  branches  of  his  min- 
istry. How  he  finds  time  for  everytliing  is  simply  a 
marvel.  I  should  say  he  sees  at  least  two  hundred 
patients  daily.  He  told  me  himself  he  was  obliged 
to  say  his  mass  at  a  very  early  hour,  as  after  daylight 
he  was  never  safe  from  interruption,  and  he  hardly 
knew  when  to  find  time  to  read  his  breviary,  j  My 
conscience  often  smote  me  when,  on  comincf  into  his 
room  early  in  the  morning,  I  would  find  him  occupied 
with  it ;  but,  provoking  as  the  interruption  must  have 
been,  he  never  once  accepted  my  offer  of  post^wning 
the  consultation.  Soon  after  7  A.M.  the  regular  stream 
of  patients  arrived,  and  till  10,  as  a  rule,  there  was 
not  one  moment's  pause  in  the  succession  of  people 


TRANSLx\.T01i  Ö  PllEFACE.  XVll 

vvhoin  he  saw.  At  that  hour  he  would  leave  his 
house  to  go  over  to  the  neighbouring  convent,  an  old 
community  of  Dominican  nuns,  which  is  entirely 
under  his  direction  and  care.  Numbers  of  priests 
congregate  in  Wörishofen.  Some  of  these  whose 
Iiealth  was  very  seriously  impaired,  lodged  in  this 
convent,  and  all  of  them,  monks  and  others,  would 
assemble  there  for  their  meals  and  social  intercourse. 
To  these  the  Pfarrer  would  now  devote  himself,  and 
here  he  was  supposed  to  be  invisible  to  his  other 
patients,  except  during  two  hours  in  the  afternoon. 
His  kind  heart,  however,  cannot  resist  any  appeal 
made  to  it,  and  more  than  one  interview  in  the 
cloisters  count  amongst  my  most  agreeable  recollec- 
tions of  him.  The  priests  dined  at  the  primitive  hour 
of  half-past  eleven,  and  the  Pfarrer  was  supposed  to 
share  their  meal,  but  even  for  this  he  barely  allowed 
himself  a  quarter  of  an  hour.  A  written  notice  was 
put  up  in  the  Pfarrhof  that  after  three  o'clock  no 
more  visitors  were  received.  This  was,  however, 
merely  an  empty  form,  and  till  dusk  one  patient  suc- 
ceeded another,  the  only  interruption  being  when  he 
was  called  away  to  visit  some  sick  parishioner,  or 
when  he  went  to  administer  with  his  own  hands  the 
douche  or  Guss  to  some  patient  whose  case  was  par- 
ticularly critical.  His  only  recreation  seemed  to  be 
his  evening  walk  through  the  village,  when  he  was 
usually  accompanied  by  one  or  two  (doqiors,  with 
whom  he  would  visit  some  of  the  most  interesting 
cases.  His  tail  commanding  figure,  easily  recognis- 
able at  a  distance,  was  like  a  landmark  seen  from  far. 
A  small  white  Pomeranian  dog  called  Spitz  was  his 
inseparable  companion — so  devotedly  attached  to  its 


XVIU  TßANSLATOK  S   PIIEFACE. 

master  that  it  could  with  difficulty  be  restrained  from 
following  him  into  church,  and  taking  active  part  in 
the  service.  Once  or  twice,  during  my  stay  at  Woris- 
hofen,  the  animal  made  its  escape  from  the  Pfarrlwf, 
and  came  galloping  up  the  aisle,  with  a  ludicrous  air 
of  canine  triumph,  just  as  the  Pfarrer  was  about  to 
commence  his  sermon,  to  the  considerable  disturbance 
of  the  congregation. 

Another  companion,  seen  frequently  by  the  Cure's 
side,  was  his  little  niece,  to  whom  he  is  quite  devoted ; 
a  magnificently  healthy  child,  always  barefoot  and 
bareheaded,  and  who,  if  such  had  been  required,  would 
have  acted  as  a  splendid  advertisement  of  Pfarrer 
Kneipp's  system. 

1  There  is  a  marked  difference  between  the  way  in 
Iwhich  Pfarrer  Kneipp  sets  to  work  to  attack  illness 
and  that  to  which  one  is  accustomed  from  doctors  in 
i  general.  In  the  first  jDlace,  his  attention  is  principally 
directed  to  the  state  of  the  circulation,  and  then  he 
seldom  attacks  the  local  _evil,  'BuF~sets  to  work  to 
strengthen  the  whole  system.  \  In  many  cases  he 
presses  nature  into  his  service,  and  forces  the  hitherto 
hidden  evil  to  appear  on  the  surface. 

It  is  evident  that  in  Germany,  at  least,  Pfarrer 
Kneipp's  cure  is  going  to  influence  the  present  state 
of  medicine  to  a  considerable  extent.  The  cures  he 
has  effected  are  too  numerous  and  too  striking  to  pass 
unnoticed.  According  to  Bavarian  law,  nothing  can 
be  done  to  prevent  him  carrying  on  his  treatment  as 
long  as  he  uses  no  secret  remedies — Gchcim-mittcl ; 
and  this,  indeed,  he  Üoes  not,  for  he  is  only  too 
anxious  that  the  public  in  general,  and  doctors  in 
particular,  should  make  themselves  familiar  with  the 


TRANSLATOR  S   PREFACE.  XIX 

wliole  matter.  At  first  doctors  seemed  inclined  to 
pooh-pooh  the  whole  thing,  and  to  smile  compassion- 
ately when  his  name  was  mentioned^  This  era,  how- 
ever, is  past,  and  their  curiosity  is  evidently  aroused. 
Some  men  with  leading  names  have,  I  hear,  been 
honest  and  sensible  enough  to  send  patients  whom 
they  could  not  cure  to  Wörishofen,  whilst  a  good 
many,  especially  younger  men,  come  to  study^-tha 
whole  thing_for  themselves  at^lieadquarters.  \  To  these 
theT^färrer  is  most  courteous,  and  gives  tnem  every 
opportunity  of  studying  his  system  and  profiting  by 
his  experience.^  Whilst  I  was  there  I  frequently 
talked  about  the  whole  process  with  a  very  iiitel- 
ligent  young  doctor,  who  told  me  frankly  that  he 
was  quite  dumfoundered  during  the  first  week  of  his 
stay  at  Wörishofen,  as  the  good  Pfarrer  simply  over- 
threw most  existing  theories ;  "  but,"  said  the  doctor 
^"  he  gives  a  good  reason  for  every  step  he  takes 
after  the  cures  I  see,  I  am  determined  to  go  in  for 
system  myself."  J)  He  added,  that  in  five  weeks 
Wörishofen  he  had  learnt" more   thaiTm'Iirs   whole 


university  career.  The  Pfarrer  himself  says — as  he 
well  inäy,  beingsixty-iiine  years  of  age — that  he 
would  only  be  too  thankful  to  rest  and  to  see  others 
carry  on  his  work.  /  From  all  I  have  seen,  I  think  the 
whole  system  of  this  treatment  would  be  admirably  in 
its  place  in  England,  where  in  country  parts  it  is  often 
a  great  difficulty  and  expense  to  find  a  good  doctor. 
The  putting  together  and  dispensing  of  these  simple 
remedies  would  also,  it  seems  to  me,  be  a  most  wel- 
come and  interesting  occupation  to  numbers  of  ladies 
in  the  country  who  devote  so  great  a  part  of  their  lives 
to  looking  after  the  poor. 


XX  TEANSLATOli  S   PREFACE. 

During  the  nine  weeks  which  at  two  different 
intervals  I  spent  there  in  the  summer  of  1889/  I 
took  care  to  question  many  of  the  other  patients 
about  the  cures  effected,  and  certainly  some  were 
most  striking.  It  was  very  evident  that  a  great  num- 
ber of  the  patients  who  assembled  there  had  sought 
in  vain  for  help  from  doctors,  and  many,  as  I  know, 
came,  having  had  their  death  -  warrant,  so  to  say, 
signed.  Far  from  being  intimidated  by  such  cases,  the 
Pfarrer  openly  said  he  undertook  these  in  preference 
to  others ;  and  if  I  were  to  describe  all  which  came 
directly  under  my  notice,  I  could  write  pages.  On  the 
same  day  on  which  I  reached  the  village,  a  lad  of  ten 
to  twelve  years  was  brought  there  suffering  from  some 
complaint  of  the  knee,  which,  as  the  doctor  declared, 
rendered  amputation  necessary.  Before  I  left,  at  the 
end  of  a  month,  I  saw  this  same  boy  able  to  play 
about  with  the  village  urchins,  the  healthy  colour  in 
his  cheeks  contrasting  vividly  with  the  striking  pallor 
they  had  borne  on  his  arrival.     One  patient,  a  Baron 

S ,  suffering  from  disease  of  the  spinal  marrow 

and  pronounced  incurable,  had  to  be  wheeled  in  a 
bath -chair  when  he  arrived  at  AVörishofen.  The 
/  Pfarrer  at  once  told  him  that  by  the  end  of  a  fortnight 
(^  he  would  be  on  his  feet  again,  and  this  actually  came 
true. "^Naturally,  however,  as  charity  begins  at  home, 
I  was  most  drawn  to  the  whole  thing  by  the  marvellous 
effect  it  had  upon  myself.  Not  only  was  the  root  of 
the  evil  discovered,  but  the  most  distressing  symptoms 

^  It  was  duriug  my  secoud  visit  to  Worishofen  that  Pfarrer  Kneipp 
himself  first  suggested  to  me  the  idea  of  translating  his  book  into 
English,  which  permission  he  subsequently  ratified  and  confirmed  by 
a  signed  document. — Translator's  note. 


translator's  preface.  xxi 

were  removed ;  and  I  was  entirely  restored  to  healtli 
in  the^  course  of  a  few  months — in  fact,  regenerated, 
as  the  Pfarrer  calls  it.     To  return  to  other  cases,  I 
will  only  name  a  few  to  show  how  very  varied  they 
are.     Just  before  I  came,  a  child  of  eleven  had  been 
brought  there,  cased   up   in   an   iron  frame,  with  a 
distorted  liip,  and  utterly  unable  to  walk.     This  child 
had  been  under  the  treatment  of   one  of  the  most 
celebrated  surgeons  in  Germany,  who  had  failed  to 
cure  it.     From  the  first  moment  the  Pfarrer  was  cer- 
tain of  his  success  in  the  case.      He  is  one  of  the 
most  genial  of  men  and  thoroughly  enjoys  a  little 
joke,  so  he  laid  a  wager  with  a  gentleman  who  was 
present  when  the  child  was  brought,  that  in  three 
weeks'  time  it  would  come  on  foot  through  the  village 
to  his  house.     Just  as  he  had  said,  three  weeks  later 
the  child  actually  walked  through  the  village  accom- 
panied by  a  crowd  of  people.     I  repeatedly  visited  it 
myself  and  learnt  the  full  details  of  this  case.     An- 
other cure  which  took  place  whilst  I  was  there,  was 
one  of  a  man  who  had  completely  lost  his  voice,  and 
who  could  only  speak  in  a  hoarse  whisper.     He  had 
(piite  recovered  it  before  I  left.     In  the  railway  car- 
riage I  entered  into  conversation  with  a  priest,  who 
told  me  that  for  a  couple  of  years  he  had  been  such  an 
invalid  that  he  had  had  to  give  up  his  parish.     All  the 
doctors  he  consulted  agreed  that  he  was  suffering  from 
heart-disease,  though  they  differed  as  to  what  name  to 
give  it.     At  the  first  glance  the  Pfarrer  decreed  it  was 
not  heart-disease,  and  at  the  end  of  a  fortnight  the 
patient  was  able  to  leave,  feeling  much  better.     One 
priest  I  heard  of  recovered  his  memory,  which  he  had 
lost  from  overwork,  in  the  course  of  three  weeks.     I 


XXll  TllANSL ATORS   PllEFACE. 

must  here  lay  especial  stress  upon  the  effect  the  treat- 
ment seems  to  have  on  the  mental  powers. 

Whilst  the  cure  itself  lasts,  one  is  almost  unfit  for 
mental  exertion.  Even  the  simple  writing  of  a  letter 
was  to  me  a  thing  to  be  dreaded ;  but  a  certain  stage 
once  past,  and  the  cure  reduced  to  a  much  lighter 
degree,  as  it  always  is  for  home  use,  then  it  is  that  one 
begins  to  feel  its  wonderful  effects.  I  am  perfectly 
sure  that  this  cure,  consistently  carried  out  in  fresh 
surroundings,  might  well  mean  a  new  lease  of  working 
capacity  to  many  a  man  working  hard  and  straining 
his  mental  powers  to  the  utmost. 

r^    Pfarrer  Kneipp— as  he  himself  says — might  be  a 
very  rich  man  by  this  time  if  he  had  chosen  to  accept 
I    what  is  offered  to  him,  instead  of  which  we  find  him 
;    living  in  the  utmost  simplicity  of  surroundings,  de- 
riving no  personal  benefit  from  the  exercise  of  his 
powers.     He  regards  the  matter  from  a  higher  point 
'  of  view,  as  even  his  enemies  are  forced  to  concede, 
considering  his  gift  as  one  which  he  is  bound  to  employ 
to  his  best   ability  for  the  relief  of  humanity.     In 
business  matters  he  is  innocent  as  a  child,  the  fees  he 
accepts  being  barely  sufficient  to  keep  him  from  being 
^n  actual  loser  by  his  charity. 
f      My  own  bill  for  his  medical  advice  during  a  period 
/  of  five  weeks  amounted  to  the  gigantic  sum  of  ten 
f    marks;  while  a  gentleman  of  my  acquaintance  was 
'    charged  only  six  marks  for  a   course   of   treatment 
extending  over  two  months. 

It  is  now  two  years  since  I  last  visited  Wörishofen, 
and  even  this  short  time  has,  I  am  told,  wrought  con- 
siderable changes  there.  The  press  of  visitors  has  now 
become  so  great  that  Pfarrer  Kneipp  has  been  forced 


TRANSLATORS   rREFACE.  XXlll 

to  introduce  a  certain  amount  of  method  into  his  ar- 
rangements in  place  of  the  pleasant  haphazard  manner 
in  which  business  was  formerly  conducted.'  At  his 
mid-day  consultations,  which  take  place  at  The  Domin- 
ican convent,  numbered  tickets  are  now  distributed  to 
establish  the  order  of  precedence,  according  to  which 
people  are  then  admitted  to  his  presence  in  batches 
of  from  five  to  ten  simultaneously^J  It  is  becoming 
more  and  more  difficult,  I  hear,  to  secure  a  Ute-a-Utc 
interview. 

A  further  innovation  is  the  little  recipe-books  now 
sold  at  Worishofen,  containing  accurate  directions 
as  to  the  rules  and  system  of  the  establishment. 
Numerous  selling  booths  are  beginning  to  start  up, 
in  order  to  meet  some  of  the  requirements  of  the 
daily  increasing  visitors,  bearing  such  sign-boards  as 
tlie  following :  "  Honey  and  swimming  trousers," 
"  Pfarrer  Kneipp  coffee  and  cigars,"  "  Pfarrer  Kneipp 
bread  and  linen." 

Nor  is  now  wanting  at  Worishofen  the  inevitable 
photographer,  never  tardy  in  making  his  appearance 
upon  the  scene  of  any  new  Curort ;  and  patients  are 
thus  now  enabled  to  gratify  their  friends  at  a  distance 
by  a  gift  of  their  portrait  taken  in  the  fascinating 
attitude  demanded  by  the  Ohcrguss,  or  else  walking 
barefoot  in  wet  grass  with  a  pair  of  boots  held  care- 
lessly in  the  hand. 

Miniature  facsimiles  of  the  humble  tin  waterinir-can 
with  which  the  ablutions  are  mostly  performed,  are 
now  fabricated  in  gold  or  silver  to  be  worn  as 
brooches  or  suspended  as  hrcloqucs  to  the  watch-chain, 
an  invention  due  to  the  genius  of  an  enterprising 
goldsmith   in  the  nei^hbourinj;?  town  of  N ,  who 


XXIV  TRANSLATORS  TEEFACE. 

not  long  since  led  to  the  altar  a  niece  and  former  as- 
sistant of  Pfarrer  Kneipp. 
f  Over  a  thousand  strangers  have  been  simultaneously 
'  at  Worishofen  throughout  this,sunnner,  many  of  them 
being  forced  to  seek  quarters  at  neighbouring  villages.  ^ 
The  trains  bring  likewise  scores  of  daily  visitors  from 
Munich  or  elsewhere,  come  hither  merely  for  the 
purpose  of  a  few  minutes'  consultation,  to  depart  as 
soon  again^  \ 

The  most  remarkable  of  the  guests  who  have  re- 
cently visited  Worishofen  is  Baron  Nathaniel  Eoths-^ 
child,  who  arrived  tliere  in  the  first  week  of  Octo- 
ber 1890,  accompanied  by  a  cook,  a  secretary,  and 
two  servants.  Not  finding  suitable  quarters  at  Woris- 
hofen, Baron  Eothschild  lived  and  slept  in  his  own 
private  saloon  carriage  at  the  railway  station  of 
Türkheira,  about  four  English  miles  distant  from 
Worishofen.  He  daily  repaired  to  the  village  for  the 
purpose  of  taking  his  Gitsso,  administered  by  Pfarrer 
Kneipp  himself,  who  surely  must  have  reckoned 
among  the  proudest  moments  of  his  sacerdotal  ministry 
these  unprecedented  opportunities  of  pouring  water 
over  such  a  distinguished  son  of  Israel  1 

Barefooted  and  bareheaded.  Baron  Piothschild  was 
seen  promenading  every  evening  in  a  meadow  near 
the  railway  station,  to  the  wondering  admiration  of 
the  gaping  crowd  of  Curgästc  who  daily  enjoyed  tliis 
quite  abnormal  .spectacle  of  Croesus  sans  hottcs  ! 

In  conclusion,  we  shall  only  mention  that  tlie  re- 
sources of  Wörisliofen  having  now  become  wholly 
inadequate  to  receive  and  provide  for  tlie  ever- in- 
creasing conflux  of  visitors,  numerous  otlier  hydro- 
pathic establishments,  organised  upon  Pfarrer  Kneipp's 


TRANSLATOR  S   PREFACE.  XXV 

system,  have  been  recently  formed  both  in  Germany 
and  Austria,  and  that  up  to  the  present  date  (August 
1891)  no  fewer  than  thirty  editions  of  the  German 
work,  *  Meine  Wasserkur,'  have  been  issued.   ^ 

These  figures  and  statistics  require  no  further  com- 
mentary as  to  the  power  of  the  man  who,  without 
effort,  and  almost  against  his  will,  has  thus  rapidly 
achieved  European  fame — a  power  neither  to  be  denied 
by  his  detractors,  nor  explained  away  on  the  score  of 
fashion  or  magnetic  influence.  Pfarrer  Kneipp  is 
neither  a  genius  nor  a  magician,  but  a  simple  man 
of  the  people,  whose  natural  gifts  and  shrewd  insiglit 
into  human  nature  have  been  matured  and  developed 
by  the  patient  toil  of  half  a  century. 

/  A.  DE  F. 

Salzburg,  August  1891. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Xo  two  leaves  of  a  tree  are  absolutely  alike ;  still  less 
does  the  fate  of  any  one  human  being  resemble  that  of 
another,  and  were  each  of  us  before  death  to  write 
down  the  history  of  our  life,  there  would  be  as  many 
different  biographies  as  there  are  individuals^  Intri- 
cate and  involved  are  the  paths  which  in  life  cross  and 
recross  each  other,  sometimes  resembling  an  inextrica- 
ble tangle,  of  which  the  threads  are  interwoven  seem- 
ingly without  plan  or  purpose.  So  at  least  it  ap- 
pears to  our  short-sighted  vision,  but  it  is  not  so  in 
reality.  The  beacon  of  faith  throws  its  illuminat- 
ing rays  into  this  dark  chaos,  sliowing  how  all  these 
intricate  paths  have  been  designed  from  the  outset 
by  an  all-wise  Creator  to  lead  us  to  a  fixed  and  de- 
termined goal.  3  Wonderful,  indeed,  are  the  ways  of 
Providence ! 

When,  from  the  watch-tower  of  old  age,  I  look 
down  upon  the  bygone  years,  and  behold  the  intricate 
windings  of  my  paths,  I  observe  how  these  have  some- 
times run  apparently  on  the  very  edge  of  a  precipice, 

A 


^  INTKODUCTIOX. 

only,  however,  to  reissue  thence,  and  conduct  me 
against  all  hope  to  the  sunny  heights  of  my  vocation ; 
and  I  have  every  reason  to  extol  the  wise  and  loving 
dispensation  of  Providence,  the  more  so  as  the  road 
which,  judged  by  human  lights  alone,  seemed  destined 
to  lead  me  to  a  pernicious  and  certain  death,  has 
proved  to  be  a  source  of  renewed  life  to  myself  as  to 
countless  others. 

I  was  over  twenty-one  years  of  age  when,  with  my 
^Yanderbuch  ^  in  my  pocket,  I  left  my  home.  This 
document  described  me  as  a_weaver  apprentice ;  but, 
since  my  childhood,  something  very  different  had  been 
inscribed  on  the  leaves  of  my  heart.  With  unspeak- 
able pain  and  longing  for  the  realisation  of  my  ideal, 
I  had  waited  long,  long  years  for  this  discharge:  I 
wished  to  become  a  priest.  So  I  went  forth  into  the 
world,  not,  as  my  friends  desired  and  hoped,  to  wield 
the  shuttle,  but  to  hurry  from  place  to  place,  seeking 
for  some  one  willing  and  able  to  assist  me  in  my 
studies. 

At  this  juncture  I  was  befriended  by  a  prelate,  now 
deceased,  Mathias  Merkle  by  name,  then  chaplain  at 
Gronenbach.  For  two  years  he  instructed  and  pre- 
pared me  with  such  assiduous  zeal,  that  at  tlie  end  of 
that  time  I  was  able  to  enter  the  Gymnasium,,  The 
work  was  not  easy,  and  to  all  appearance  fruitless. 
After  five  years  of  the  greatest  efforts  and  privations,  I 
w^as  morally  and  physically  broken  down. 

On  one  occasion  when  my  father  came  to  fetch  me 
home  from  the  town  for  my  vacations,  we  halted  at  an 
inn,  and  there  still  ring  in  my  ears  the  words  spoken 
to  him  by  the  landlord :  "  Weaver,"  he  said  to  him, 

^  Police-book  serving  as  passport  to  travelling  journeyuieu. 


INTRODUCTION.  O 

you  are  fetcliiivi^'  the  student  for  tlie  last  time."    Nor 
was  the  landlord  the  only  man  who  spoke  thus. 

At  that  time  we  had  in  our  town  a  military  doctor 
cf  considerable  repute,  and  well  known  for  his  kind- 
ness towards  poor  invalids.  In  the  last  two  years  of 
my  school-time  he  visited  me  about  two  hundred  times. 
Gladly  would  he  have  helped  me,  but  his  medical  arfc 
and  self-sacrificing  charity  were  baffled  by  the  steadily 
increasing  disease.  I  myself  liad  long  since  abandoned 
all  hope,  and  awaited  my  end  with  mute  resignation. 

I  was  fond  of  dipphig  into  books  to  amuse  and 
distract  my  thoughts.  Chance — I  make  use  of  this 
common  expression,  vague  and  unmeaning  though  it 
be,  for  there  is  no  such  thing  as  chance — tlirew  an 
insignificant  little  volume  in  my  way.  I  opened  it :  it 
was  a  treatise  on  coMrwatex  ..cure.  I  turned  over  its 
leaves  and  read  there  incredible  things.  Who  knows 
— shot  through  my  brain — who  knows  whether  you 
will  not  find  your  own  case  within  these  pages  ?  I 
searched  on  and  on,  till  at  last  every  symptom  there 
described  tallied  and  agreed  with  mine.  What  joy ! 
what  consolation  !  New  hope  electrified  the  exhausted 
body  and  the  yet  more  exhausted  mind.  ^' This  little 
book  was  the  first  straw  at  which  I  grasped ;  soon  it 
became  the  staff  on  which  the  patient  could  lean; 
to-day  I  regard  it  as  the  lifeboat  sent  by  a  merciful 
Providence  in  the  hour  of  my  greatest  need. 

This  little  book,  treating  of  the  healing  power  of 
cold  water,  is  written  by  a  doctor :  its  prescriptions 
are  mostly  exceedingly  violent  and  severe.  I  tried 
them  for  a  quarter  of  a  year,  for  half  a  year :  I  ex- 
perienced no  perceptible  improvement,  but  also  no 
bad  effects.     This  gave  me  courage.     Then  came  the 


4  INTRODUCTION. 

winter  of  the  year  1849.  ?  I  was  again  at  Dillingen. 
Two  or  three  times  a-week  I  sought  out  a  lonely  spot, 
and  bathed  for  some  minutes  in  the  Danube.  Rapidly 
I  hurried  to  the  bathing  -  placef^more  rapidly  yet  I 
hurried  home  to  tlie_warm_room.  I  never  derived  any 
harm  from  these  cold  exercises,  but  also,  as  I  deemed, 
small  benefit. ;  In  the  year  185p  I.entered_the_Geor-_ 
ginum^  at  Himich.  There  I  found  a  poor^tudent" 
whose  plight  was  even  worse  than  my  own.  The 
doctor  of  the  establishment  refused  him  the  health- 
certificate  indispensable  for  his  admission  to  holy 
orders,  because — so  ran  the  verdict — he  had  not  much 
longer  to  live.  I  had  now  a  dear  companion.  "^ 
initiated  him  into  the  mysteries  of  my  little  book, 
whose  maxims  we  set  about  practising  with  cheerful 

N  '  rivalry.  Jjefore  long  my  friend  receiv(3d  the  co^etM^^ 
certificate, '^and  is  still  alive.  I  myself  grew  daily 
stronger,  became  a  ^rifest,  and  have  now  exercised  my 
holy  functions  for  over  thirty  years.  My  friends  are 
good  enough  to  flatter  me  by  saying  that  even  now,  at 
the  age  of  over  sixty-eight,  they  admire  the  strength 
of  my  voice  and  the  vigour  of  my  body.     \^ater_re-_ 

^  \  mained  jny  bes^frieiid ;  who  can  wonder,  therefore,  if 
on  my  side  I  feel  for  it  the  truest  friendship  ? 
''   I      Those  only  who  have  been  in  want  and  misery  theia-_-_ 
-  selves  can  appreciate  the  misery  of  others.     The  num- 
ber of  suffering  people  I  met  with,  and  the  yet  greater 
number  and  variety  of  their  complaints,  incited  me  to 

^         extend  my  cold-water  experiments  and  to  perfect  my 

^  fejstem  of  cure.  To  my  first  counsellor  in  the  science 
of  cold-water  cure,  the  aforementioned  little  volume, 
I  owe  much  heartfelt  thanks.    Soon,  however,  I  recog- 

^  A  seminary  for  theological  students. 


INTRODUCTION.  5 

nised  that  the  system,  such  as  it  was  here  recom- 
mended, requked  modification.  The  applications  it 
enjoined  were  often  Joo,  rough,  too  violent,  for  the 
human  constitution.  •  Such  exaggerated  treatment 
only  serves  to  bring  the  cold-water  cure  intgoliscredit, 
and  to  reinforce  tlie  ranks  of  those  wdio  blindly 
condemn  whatever  they  do  not,  or  but  imperfectly, 
understand. 

I  must  here  observe  that  I  do  not  approve  of  all  the      ^ 
modes  of  cold-water  application  at  present  in  use  in      / 
hydropathic  establishments — many  of  them,  in  fact,  I 
decidedly  condemn — partly  on  account  of  their  violence, 
partly  because  of  their  one  -  sidedness.     Patients  are 
too  often  treated  in  a  stereotyped  general  fashion,  and    ^. 
far  too  little  stress  is^aid  'ou  the  peculiarities  of  eacli    - 
separate  case.     To  discriminate,  therefore,  which  ap- 
plications are  adapted  to  the  disease  in  question,  and 
furthermore  to  determine  how  these  are  to  be  varied 
according  to  the  constitution  of  the  patient,  is  the 
touchstoj;ie  of  the  true  physician. 

Most  emphatically  I  warn  all  against  too  violent,  or      \ 
too  _frecjiient,  application  of  cold  water,  which   can 
only   have   the   result  of  transforming   this   healing 
element  into  an  ngeiit_^J^  destruction,  and  changing 
the  patient's  confidence  into  terror  and  disgust. 

During  thirty  years  I  have  studied  and  tested 
every  single  application  upon  my  own  person.  I 
frankly  acknowledge  that  at  three  repeated  intervals 
I  was  obliged  to  remodel  my  system  and  relax  the 
treatment  from  severity  to  mildness,  and  thence  to 
greater  mildness  still. 

The  first  and  third  parts  of  this  little  work  treat  of 
the  form  in  which  I  make  use  of  water  as  a  healing 


6  INTRODUCTION. 

power.  Whilst  the  former  explains  and  describes  the 
different  modes  of  application,  the  latter  details  some 
special  cases  to  serve  as  examples. 

In  the  second  part  (the  introduction  to  which 
should  be  carefully  read)  I  have  endeavoured  to 
collect,  for  the  benefit  of  country  people,  the  directions 
for  forming  a  small  household  pharmac3\ 

To  each  new  patient  who  comes  to  consult  me  I 
address  certain  questions,  in  order  to  avoid  the  danger 
of  prescribing  hastily  and  without  sufficient  know- 
ledge. To  answer  the  following  questions  is  likewise 
the  object  of  this  book : — 

1.  IVhat  is  illness?  and  from  ichat  common  source 
do  all  illnesses  ^jroeced  ? 

The  marvellous  harmony  in  the  construction  of  the 
human  frame  must  be  admitted  by  all.  Even  the 
most  unbelieving  physician,  whose  lancet  and  dis- 
secting-knife  have  failed  to  detect  the  seat  of  the 
soul,  cannot  refuse  his  admiration  to  the  Creator's 
masterpiece.  Man  external  and  internal  sings  but 
one  song  of  glorification.  "  Let  everything  on  me  and 
in  me  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord  ! "  This  beautiful 
harmony  and  order,  which  we  call  health,  may  be  up- 
set and  disturbed  by  vaiious  interruptions,  which  we 
designate  by  the  name  of  illness.  Illnesses,  external 
and  internal,  belong  to  man's  daily  bread,  of  which  he 
must  partake,  whether  he  will  or  no. 

All  these  diseases,  whatever  be  their  name,  have, 
we  maintain,  their  origin,  their  root,  in  the  blood,  or 
rather  in  the  derangement  of  the  blood,  whether  this 
be  owing  to  irregular  and  imperfect^,  circulation, 
or   else    to   the    presence   of   poisonous    and    vicious 


INTRODUCTION.  7 

elements.  The  network  of  veins  traversing  the 
liuiium  frame  can  be  compared  to  a  well  -  organised 
system  of  irrigation.  They  conduct  the  sap  of  life 
thronghourTTie  body,  and  nourish  each  part,  each 
organ,  in  the  manner  most  suitable  to  its  functions. 
Perfect  order,  however,  can  only  lie  in  the  right 
measure  and  pace.  Whatever  is  too  much  or  too 
little  in  the  process  of  circulation  .disturbs  the  equi- 
librium, the  harmony  of  the  whole,  causes  dissension 
in  the  parts,  puts  sickness  in  the  place  of  health. 

2.  IIoio  is  the  cure  effected  ? 

r>y  the  tracks  left  in  the  snow  the  practised  hunter 
recognises  the  nature  of  the 'game  he  follows.  These 
tracks  he  pursues  would  he  hunt  the  stag,  chamois,  or 
fox.  The  experienced  doctor  quickly  perceives  where 
the  illness  lies,  its  origin  and  extension.;  The  disease 
is  recognised  by  its  symptoms,  and  points  out  to  him 
the  course  of  remedies  to  be  selected.  A  simple 
enough  process,  many  will  say.  This  is  sometimes 
so,  but  not  always.  If  a  person  comes  to  me  with 
frost-bitten  ears,  without  difficulty  I  recognise  this 
to  have  been  caused  by  cold  ;  and  if  a  man  sitting 
by  a  millstone  suddenly  cries  out  in  pain  because  of 
his  bruised  finger,  I  shall  not  require  to  ask  him  what 
is  the  matter  ?  A  far  less  easy  question  it  is,  however, 
to  deal  with  an  ordinary  headache  or  with  any  ail- 
ments of  the  heart,  stomach,  or  nerves.  Just  as  a 
tiny  straw  will  suffice  to  impede  a  large  clock  in  its 
progress,  so  the  smallest  trifle  is  capable  of  produc- 
ing painful  disorder  in  the  action  of  the  heart.  To 
discover  this  trifle  is  the  doctor's  task,  frequently  a 
very  difficult  and  laborious  process,  subject  to  mani- 


8  INTRODUCTION. 

fold  errors  and  deceptions.  Examples  of  this  will 
be  found  in  the  third  part  of  this  book. 

If  I  strike  the  stem  of  a  young  oak-tree  with  an  axe, 
or  only  with  my  foot,  it  will  vibrate  throughout ; 
each  branch  will  tremble  and  each  leaf  be  stirred. 
How  false  would  be  my  conclusion  were  I  to  deduce 
that  because  the  leaf  trembles  it  must  be  attacked ! 
No ;  the  leaf  but  trembles  as  a  natural  consequence  of 
the  blow  the  stem  has  received.  Our  nerves  may  be 
likened  to  the  branches  of  a  tree.  How  often  we 
hear  the  expression,  ''  He  is  suffering  from  a  nervous 
complaint — his  nerves  are  affected  "  !  What  does  this 
mean?  Nothing  in  reality:  it  is  the  whole  constitu- 
tion, which,  having  received  a  shock,  has  caused  the 
nerves  to  vibrate  in  sympathy. 

If  with  a  pair  of  scissors  you  carefully  cut  through 
the  outer  rim  of  a  spider's  web,  the  whole  net  collapses, 
and  this  little  work  of  art,  composed  of  such  accu- 
rately executed  circles  and  triangles,  will  present  but 
a  confused  tangle.  How  mistaken  would  I  be  were  I 
thence  to  infer  the  spider  to  have  been  at  fault,  and 
to  have  woven  her  silken  trap  carelessly  and  incorrectly ! 
It  needs  but  to  replace  that  one  little  thread,  and  the 
previous  beautiful  harmony  is  immediately  restored ! 
Thus  to  find  and  replace  the  one  little  thread — here 
lies  the  secret  of  the  doctor's  art. 

3.  In  ivlmt  manner  does  loater  effect  the  cure  ? 

You  can  quickly  remove  an  ink-stain  from  your  hand, 
or  cleanse  a  bleeding  wound,  by  the  application  of 
water.  How  refresliing  it  is  in  summer,  at  the  close 
of  a  hard  day's  labour,  to  wash  the  sweat  from  your 
brow !      You   feel   revived   and   strengthened.      If   a 


INTRODUCTION.  9 

mother  perceives  an  incrustation  of  scurf  on  her 
infant's  head,  she-takes  warm  water  and  washes  it  off. 
To  dissolve,  rfemove,  and  strengthen  :  there,  then,  are 
the  three  principal  attributes  of  water ;  and  we  main- 
tain water  to  be  capable  of  curing  every  curable  disease, 
as  its  various  applications,  properly  applied,  directly 
attack  the  root  of  the  evil  and  have  the  result — 
(a)  Of    dissolving    the    germs   of    diseased   matter 

contained  in  the  blood. 
(6)  Of  withdrawing  the  diseased  matter  from  the 

system. 
(<')  Of  restoring  the  purified  blood  to  its  proper  state 

of  circulation. 
(d)  Of    bracing    the    weakened    constitution,    and 
renderincf  it  fit  for  renewed  exertion. 

o 

4.  Whence  proceeds  the  suscepiibility  of  the  present 
ffeneration  ?  Why  is  it  so  liable  to  he  attacked  hy  every 
p)Ossihle  form  of  disease,  many  of  ivhich  were  formerly 
nnknoicn  to  us  even  hy  name  ? 

Many  persons  will  deem  this  question  superfluous, 
yet  it  seems  to  me  one  of  the  greatest  importance,  and 
I  do  not  hesitate  to  affirm  that  these  evils  mostly 
proceed  from  insufficient  hardening  and  bracing  of  the 
system.  The  effeminacy  and  degeneration  of  men 
have  reached  a  very  high  pitch.  Weakened  and 
weaklings,  bloodless  and  nervous  individuals,  sufferers 
from  the  heart  or  the  digestion,  are  now  almost  the 
rule :  the  strong  and  vigorous  have  become  the  excep- 
tion. We  are  keenly  susceptible  to  every  change  of 
weather :  the  transition  from  one  season  to  another 
cannot  be  accomplished  without  the  accompaniment 
of  colds  and  catarrhs ;  in  many  cases  the  mere  rapid 


10  INTRODUCTIOX. 

passage  from  tlie  open  air  into  a  warm  room  cannot  be 
braved  with  impunity.  Tiie  state  of  things  was  very 
different  forty  or  fifty  years  ago ;  and  what  is  to  be 
the  end  of  all  this,  if,  as  we  hear  daily  repeated  on  all 
sides,  decay  begins  to  set  in  before  the  full  zenith  of 
strength  has  been  reached  ?  It  is  surely  high  time 
to  look  these  facts  in  the  face. 

The  best  means  to  employ  with  a  view  to  hardening 
and  bracing  tlie  general  system  are  briefly  indicated 
further  on.  Equally  important  chapters  might  be 
written  upon  the  subject  of  diet,  dress,  and  ventilation 
— but  of  these  we  shall  treat  perhaps  anotlier  time.^ 
I  am  well  aware  that  my  peculiar  views  will  meet 
with  great  opposition,  yet  I  cling  to  them  steadfastly, 
for  they  liave  been  ripened  and  developed  by  long 
years  of  experience  and  practice.  These  are  no 
mushroom  tlioughts  which  have  sprung  up  overnight 
in  my  brain,  but  true  fruits  whose  savour  may  be  acid 
or  bitter  at  first  taste,  but  whose  beneficial  effects  will 
be  recognised  by  all  who  have  tried  them. 

I  will  merely  liere  indicate,  with  regard  to  food,  that 
what  I  principally  advocate  is  a  dry,  simple,  nourishing 
diet,  free  from  all  spices  and  coudimeuts ;  and  as 
beverage,  the  pure  crystal  element  which  the  Creat-or- 
has  so  lavishly  provided  for  His  creatures. ,,  At  the 
same  time  I  am  no  Puritan,  and  do  not  lay  my  veto 
upon  a  glass  of  wine  or  beer,  but  do  not  attach  much 
importance  to  their  use.  From  a  medicinal  point  of 
view,  as  for  instance  for  convalescents,  these  stimulat- 
ing beverages  may  sometimes  be  usefuP:  for  those  in 
health  I  consider  ripe  fruit  to  be  far  more  advantageous. 

^  See  the  author's  second  work,  entitled  'So  sollt  Ihr  leben.'  Josef 
Kösel,  Kempten,  Bayern. 


INTRODUCTION.  11 

With  regard  to  dress  I  cling  to  the  old  adage — 

"  Home  made  and  home  spun 
Is  the  best  for  every  one." 

I  am  particularly  opposed  to  the  unequal  mode  of  dress 
which  generally  prevails,  more  especially  in  winter. 
The  head  has  its  fur  cap,  the  throat  a  tight  collar  over 
which  is  wrapped  a  heavy  comforter,  the  shoulders 
bear  a  three  or  four  fold  covering,  to  which  is  added  a 
further  wrap,  sometimes  a  fur,  for  going  out  of  doors. 
The  poor  neglected  feet  alone  are  covered  as  in  summer 
by  socks  or  stockings,  shoes  or  boots.  What  is  the 
result  of  this  senseless  partiality  ?  As  a  pump  draws 
up  the  water,  so  the  blood  rises  to  the  head,  the  lower 
extremities  become  bloodless  and  cold.  Headaches, 
congestions,  distensions  of  the  head  veins  are  the  un- 
avoidable consequences.  I  furthermore  disapprove  of 
flannel  or  w^ool  in  any  shape  coming  in  direct  contact 
with  the  skin,  and  recommend  in  preference  a  firm  dry 
simple  make  of  pure  home-spun  linen.  Wool,  in  my 
opinion,  only  tends  to  absorb  heat  and  sap  from  the 
body,  aggravating  the  ppverty  of  blood  of  our  weak 
nerveless  generation.     / 

I  will  now  speak  of  ventilation.  We  give  the  pref- 
erence to  fish  which  have  their  origin  in  pure  springs, 
or,  better  still,  in  mountain  torrents.  The  inhabitants 
of  lowland  streams  and  rivers  have  already  less  value, 
and  those  found  in  bogs  and  swamps  are  utterly  to  be 
rejected.  In  like  manner  we  may  speak  of  a  bog-like 
or  swampy  atmosphere,  and  those  who  breathe  it  are 
nourishing  their  lungs  with  a  pestilential  element.  The 
air  inhaled  for  the  third  time  is  directly  poisonous,  has 
said  a  celebrated  doctor.     How  many  illnesses  might 


1  2  INTRODUCTION. 

be  avoided  if  people  would  only  comprehend  of  what 
importance  it  is  to  provide  for  good  healthy  un- 
adulterated air  in  their  rooms,  more  especially  in  their 
sleeping  apartments ! 

Too  great  a  degree  of  warmth  is  likewise  injurious 
to  the  health.  In  an  overheated  room  the  air  is 
deteriorated,  the  pure  oxygen  being  thereby  destroyed^ 
and  the  atmosphere  rendered  unfit  for  the  use  of  human 
lungs.  12°  to  14°  of  Eeaumur  (59°  to  64''  Fahr.)  are- 
amply  sufficient,  and  no  room  should  ever  be  heated 
beyond  15°  R.  (66°  Fahr.).  Let  every  one  daily  see 
to  the  thorough  and  consistent  ventilation  of  all  dwell- 
ing and  sleeping  apartments.  Of  special  importance 
it  is  that  the  beds  should  be  thoroughly  aired. 

I  have  now  said  what  I  had  to  say  at  this  stage. 
The  preceding  will  have  sufficed  to  show  the  portrait 
of  this  stranger,  who  knocks  at  your  door,  dear  reader ; 
for  you  it  is  to  decide  whether  you  will  say  "  Come 
in,"  or  bid  him  go  further.  I  am  prepared  for  both 
modes  of  reception,  and  declare  myself  to  be  satisfied 
with  either. 


TART    I. 
COLD-WATER    APPLICATIONS. 


"  Aqua' oiiincs    .    .     .    laudcnt  noracn  Dornlni." 


GEXERAL   OBSERVATIOXS. 

►Starting  from  the  presumption  that  all  diseases  hav- 
ing their  seat  in  the  blood  are  to  be  traced  either  to 
the  presence  therein  of  unwholesome  matter,  or  else 
to  defective  or  irregular  circulation,  our  cold-water 
applications  pursue  a  threefold  object,  viz. : — 

1.  To  dissolve  the  poisonous  germs  contained  in  the 
blood. 

2.  To  withdraw  all  unhealthy  matter  from  the  system. 

3.  To  strengthen  and  brace  the  constitution. 

In  a  general  way  it  may  be  assumed  that  the  first 
result  is  to  be  achieved  by  means  of  fomentations  and 
warm  baths  infused  with  herbs.  For  the  second,  it 
will  be  necessary  chiefly  to  employ  various  wrappers, 
assisted  according  to  expediency  by  compresses  and 
aflusions ;  while  the  third  condition  of  hardening  and 
bracing  the  system  will  best  be  accomplished  by 
means  of^colj^aths,  afiusions,  lavatious,  and  other 
means  to  be  indicated  hereafter. 

The  true  and  rational  water-lover — such  as  I  under- 
stand him  to  be — will  never  fall  into  the  error  of 
seeking  for  personal  satisfaction  in  the  choice  of  his 


16  GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

remedies.  Neitlier  will  he  make  a  boast  of  liaving 
undergone  a  certain  number  of  fomentations,  affusions, 
and  compresses,  nor  obstinately  cling  to  any  particular 
application  which  happens  to  be  congenial.  When- 
ever a  result  can  be  obtained  with  slight  means,  it 
were  folly  to  employ  stronger  ones.  This  remark  is 
no  casual  one ;  for  nothing  brings  cold  water  into  such 
discredit,  as  a  sanitary  and  healing  power,  as  the  in- 
discreet, exaggerated,  and  senseless  manipulation  of 
some  people. 

A  few  more  general  observations  with  regard  to  the 
manner  in  which  the  cold-water  applications  are  to  be 
employed,  may  here  find  place. 

Most  of  these  are  accomplished  by  means  of  cold 
water,  and  unless  it  be  directly  specified  to  the  con- 
trary, the  expression  "  water  "  throughout  this  w^ork  is 
to  be  taken  to  signify  "  cold  water."  The  colder  the 
better  is  the  motto  which  experience  has  taught  me  to 
cling  to ;  and  for  healthy  persons,  an  admixture  of 
snow  in  the  water  employed  for  their  affiisions  in 
winter  is  highly  to  be  recommended. 

To  beginners  in  the  water-cure,  more  especially  the 
aged  and  the  very  young,  weak  and  nervous  persons 
who  shrink  from  the  cold,  as  well  as  those  who  from 
nature  possess  but  little  latent  heat,  I  frequently  per- 
mit the  use  of  water  which  has  been  warmed  to  64° 
to  66°  Fahr.,  until  they  can  be  gradually  accustöTlTecl 
to'  a  lower  temperature. 

The  warm  applications  are  in  each  case  minutely 
described,  accurate  direction  being  given  with  regard 
to  temperature  and  duration. 

With  regard  to  the  cold-water  applications,  we  have 
still   a  few  words   to  say  in  order   to   regulate   the 


GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS.  17 

patient's  conduct  before,  during,  and  after  these  ex- 
ercises. 

No  one  who  feels  cliilly  should  attempt  to  make  use 
of  a  cold-water  application,  unless  this  be  directly 
specified.  The  application  must  be  performed  as 
rapidly  as  possible  (though  without  anxiety  or  slov- 
enly haste),  and  no  unnecessary  time  should  be  lost 
in  dressing  and  undressing.  Practical  persons  will 
understand  so  to  arrange  their  costume  as  to  dispense 
as  much  as  possible  with  buttons,  strings,  &c.  A 
cold  plunge-bath,  for  instance,  may  be  accomplished 
— inclusive  of  undressing  and  dressing — in  the  space 

t'  five  minutes.  A  very  little  practice  will  enable 
any  one  to  do  this.  Whenever  an  application  is 
directed  to  be  used  for  the  space  of  one  minute,  this 
indicates  the  shortest  term.  When,  however,  it  is 
marked  from  two  to  three  minutes,  the  latter  space 
should  never  be  exceeded.  To  country  people,  who 
either  possess  no  pocket- watch,  or  else  are  upon  dis- 
tant terms  with  their  timepieces,  I  usually  prescribe 
the  simpler  method  of  counting  each  minute  by  means 
of  reciting  two  Paternosters. 

In  no  case,  the  head  and  hands  alone  excepted,  is 
it  permissible  to  dry  the  body  after  an  application. 
The  dry  clothes  are  to  be  replaced  on  the  wet  body 
as  quickly  as  possible,  after  which  the  patient  is  to 
walk  or  take  other  active  exercise  until  the  body  be 

ompletely  dry,  and  has  regained  its  normal  tempera- 
ture. The  movement  should  at  first  be  faster,  then 
slackened  gradually.  Overheating  should,  however, 
be  avoided,  and  those  persons  whose  nature  inclines 
to  profuse  perspiration  should  walk  slower  and  for  a 
longer  period  than  less  plethoric  ones. 

B 


18  GENERAL   OBSERVATIONS. 

As  a  general  rule,  it  may  be  assumed  that  a  quarter 
of  an  hour's  exercise  after  each  application  is  the 
minimum,  which  should  never  be  curtailed. 

Neither  friction  nor  rubbing  has  any  place  in  my 
system ;  their  first  object — that  of  restoring  warmth  to 
the  body — being  far  better  and  more  equally  acliieved 
by  the  simpler  plan  of  not  drying ;  while  the  action  of 
the  coarse  linen  sliirt  upon  the  damp  skin  fulfils  the 
second  condition  of  opening  the  pores  and  restoring 
activity  to  the  epidermis — having,  moreover,  the  fur- 
ther advantage  of  keeping  up  a  constant  gentle  fric- 
tion by  night  and  by  day,  without  waste  of  time  or 
trouble. 

As  a  final  observation,  I  must  call  attention  to  the 
fact  that  cold-water  applications  taken  in  the  evening 
are  apt  to  disagree  with  some  people,  by  unduly  ex- 
citing the  nervous  system  and  causing  restless  or  dis- 
turbed sleep ;  with  others,  on  the  contrary,  the  efiect 
is  a  diametrically  opposite  one.  It  is  therefore  of 
great  importance  that  each  person  should  carefully 
study  and  ascertain  tlieir  individualities  on  this  as 
on  other  points. 


19 


APPLIANCES   FOR  HAPvDENING   AXD  BRACING 
THE  SYSTEJil. 

Thksk  may  l)e  enumerated  as  follows: — 

1.  AValking  barefoot — 

(a)  111  wet  grass. 

(b)  On  wet  stones. 

(c)  In  fresh-fallen  snow. 

(d)  In  cold  w\ater. 

2.  Foot-baths  and  arm-baths. 

3.  Knee  aflusions — either  with  or  without  the  ac- 

companiment of  upper  and  lower  affusions. 

1.  Tlie  simplest  and  most  natural  practice  for 
bracing  the  system  is  walking  harcfoot. 

This  can  be  practised  and  varied  in  manifold  ways, 
so  as  to  meet  the  recj^uirements  of  age,  sex,  and 
condition. 

Quite  little  children,  who  are  still  dependent  on  the 
help  of  others  and  mostly  confined  to  the  room  or  to 
swaddling-clothes,  sliould  never  wear  any  foot-covering 
of  whatever  kind.  If  only  I  could  sufiiciently  impress 
lliis  important  rule  on  tlie  minds  of  all  parents ! 

Instinct  usually  comes  to  the  help  of  those  children 


20  APPLIANCES   FOR   HARDENING  THE   SYSTEM. 

who  are  able  to  stand  or  move  about.  Gleefully  they 
tear  off  their  heavy  uncomfortable  feet-coverings,  happy 
to  be  able  to  disport  themselves  unshackled  and  free. 
The  children  of  the  poor  are  rarely  interfered  with 
in  this  self-assertion  of  nature,  but  the  offspring  of 
wealthy  parents  are  less  fortunate ;  and  even  when  the 
parents  are  sufficiently  sensible  to  perceive  the  ad- 
vantages of  this  mode  of  bringing  up,  there  are  many 
impediments.  In  large  towns  people  cannot  walk 
about  barefoot  without  attracting  attention,  and  not 
every  one  is  lucky  enough  to  possess  a  secluded  garden, 
where  such  exercises  may  be  practised  unnoticed.  In 
default  of  this,  however,  it  will  not  be  difficult  for 
parents  to  organise  that  at  certain  hours  of  the  day 
the  children  should  be  made  to  take  regular  barefooted 
exercise  in  a  room  or  corridor. 

(a)  Particularly  effective  is  the  barefooted  lücdking 
in  ivet  grass,  whether  the  moisture  be  produced  by 
dew,  rain,  or  artificial  means. 

The  wetter  the  grass,  and  the  more  this  exercise  be 
prolonged  and  repeated,  the  greater  will  be  its  results. 
As  a  rule,  the  grass-walking  may  extend  from  one  to 
three  quarters  of  an  hour.  Attention  must  be  paid  to 
keeping  shoes  and  stockings  dry ;  for  if,  as  imprudent 
young  persons  are  sometimes  apt  to  do,  these  have 
been  carelessly  tossed  aside  in  the  wet  grass  and 
allowed  to  absorb  moisture,  the  beneficial  effects  of 
the  exercise  will  be  counteracted. 

(h)  Where  grass  is  not  available,  icalhing  barefooted 
on  tvet  stones  may  be  made  to  serve  the  same  purpose. 
There  are  few  houses  where  a  stone-Hagged  corridor  or 
brick-laid  kitchen -floor  is  not  to  be  found,  a  portion 
of  which  can  be  moistened  by  means  of  a  watering- 


AVALKING  BAREFOOT.  21 

can,  which  proceeding  is  to  be  repeated  as  soon  as 
the  moisture  begins  to  evaporate.  For  persons  who 
practise  this  exercise  as  a  remedy,  a  period  of  from 
three  to  fifteen  minutes  should  not  be  exceeded. 
Healthy  people,  who  practise  it  simply  with  a  view  to 
bracing  the  system,  may,  however,  extend  their  walk 
to  half  an  hour  and  even  longer. 

Whoever  is  subject  to  cold  feet,  throat  affections, 
catarrhs,  headaches,  and  congestions,  should  often 
employ  this  remedy.  A  little  vinegar  mixed  with 
the  water  will  render  it  still  more  efficacious. 

(c)  Of  more  powerful  effect  than  the  two  afore- 
named practices,  is  the  loalking  larcfootecl  in  new-fallen 
snow,  which  is  soft  and  powdery,  or  else  in  snow  which, 
beginning  to  thaw,  is  in  a  soft  slushy  state.  Old  con- 
gealed snow,  which  has  lain  for  several  days  and 
become  stiff  and  hard,  is,  however,  unfit  for  this 
purpose.  It  is  likewise  undesirable  to  perform  this 
exercise  when  there  is  a  cold  wind.  A  little  self- 
control  will  be  required  to  take  the  first  few  steps, 
but  a  pleasant  reaction  will  quickly  follow.  I  am 
acquainted  with  persons  who  are  accustomed  to  pro- 
long these  snowy  walks  for  an  hour,  and  even  beyond 
that,  with  the  best  results  ;  but  as  a  general  rule,  from 
three  to  four  minutes  will  be  sufficient. 

So  much  with  regard  to  snow  -  walking  for  the 
healthy.  The  following  two  cases  will  show  how  it 
is  often  a  direct  means  of  cure  in  certain  illnesses. 

A  person  who  had  suffered  from  chilblains,  which 
used  to  suppurate  and  cause  much  pain  during  many 
years,  was  advised  by  me  to  try  snow-walking  as  a 
cure.  She  followed  my  advice,  and  was  soon  perfectly 
cured  of  her  distressing  complaint. 


22 


APPLIANCES   FOPt   IIAPDENING  THE   SYSTEM. 


Quite  recently  a  young  girl  came  to  me  complaining 
of  violent  toothache.  "If  you  walk  five  minutes  in 
the  fresh-fallen  snow,  your  toothache  will  speedily 
disappear,"  I  said  to  her.  She  ran  out  into  the  gar- 
den and  did  so,  whence  she  returned  some  ten  minutes 
later  with  the  joyful  announcement  that  her  toothache 
was  completely  gone. 

{d)  Walking  in  ivater. — Simple  as  it  sounds  to  walk 
about  in  water  which  reaches  up  to  the  calf  of  the 


Fig.  1. 

leg,  this  practice  is  most  efficacious,  and  of  direct  in- 
fluence in  many  diseases  which  have  their  seat  in  the 
bowels,  bladder,  and  kidneys.  It  relieves  the  lungs, 
expels  noxious  gas  from  the  stomach,  and  removes 
headache.     It  can  be  practised  in  any  sort  of  bath  or 


KNEE  AFFUSION.  23 

tub,  which  sliould  at  first  contain  only  sufficient  water 
to  reach  to  the  ankle  (see  fig.  1),  the  quantity  to  be 
increased  by  degrees,  until  after  a  time  the  whole  calf 
up  to  the  knee  is  covered :  one  minute  to  begin  with, 
which,  later  on,  may  be  extended  to  five  or  six  minutes. 
Weak  or  nervous  persons  may  employ  lukewarm  w^ater 
at  first ;  but  for  those  who  can  stand  it,  the  colder  it 
is  the  better,  and  a  slight  admixture  of  snow  in  winter 
will  render  it  still  more  efficacious. 

.  2.  A  special  means  of  hardening  the  extremities  is 
the  following :  After  having  stood  in  cold  water  up  to 
the  knees  for  one  minute,  shoes  and  stockings  are  to 
be  replaced,  and  the  arms,  bared  to  the  shoulder,  are 
likewise  to  be  held  in  water  for  a  similar  space  of 
time.  Still  better  it  is  to  perform  both  these  acts 
simultaneously,  which  can  either  be  done  in  one  large 
bath  or  in  two  smaller  ones.  The  tub  for  the  arms 
to  be  placed  on  a  chair  to  facilitate  the  process. 

This  proceeding  is  of  great  use  for  convalescents 
after  certain  illnesses,  where  it  is  necessary  to  increase 
the  circulation  of  blood  at  the  extremities. 

The  arms  alone  may  be  bathed  with  advantage  by 
persons  suffering  from  chilblains  and  cold  hands. 

3.  A  last  recipe  for  bracing  the  system  is  the  knee 
affusion,  of  which  a  description  will  be  found  later  on  in 
this  work.  The  knee  affusion  is  the  feet's  best  friend, 
as  it  lures  and  entices  the  reluctant  blood  down  into 
the  imperfectly  filled  veins.  This  practice  may  be 
varied  and  modified  in  manifold  ways,  to  be  explained 
hereafter. 

The  knee  affusion  sliould  never  be  employed  when 


24  APPLIANCES   FOR  HARDENING   THE  SYSTEM. 

the  body  is  cold  or  shivering ;  but  cold  feet  only  (if 
the  rest  of  the  body  be  warm)  are  no  impediment  to 
its  use.  I  must  also  premise  that  the  knee  affusion 
alone — that  is,  when  not  made  use  of  in  conjunction 
with  other  cold-water  applications — should  never  be 
continued  for  more  than  three  to  four  consecutive  days 
at  a  time.  Those  who  employ  it  for  a  longer  period 
do  so  mostly  in  combination  and  alternation  with  the 
upper  affusion,  or  with  the  arm-bath  just  described. 

All  these  various  practices  for  strengthening  and 
bracing  the  system  may,  with  slight  variations  and 
modifications,  be  made  use  of  at  any  season ;  in  winter 
some  of  these  may  require  to  be  shortened,  in  contra- 
distinction to  which  the  span  of  exercise  to  be  taken 
after  each  application  may  be  proportionally  increased. 
Novices  would  do  well  not  to  begin  their  course  of 
hardening  in  winter,  but  should  rather  defer  it  to  a 
more  genial  season. 


WATER   APPLICATION'S. 

The  cold-water  applications  of  which  I  make  use  may 
be  catalogued  under  the  following  heads : — 

(A)  Compresses. 

(B)  Baths. 

(C)  Vapour  baths  or  steamings. 

(D)  Affusions. 

(E)  Lavations. 

(F)  Swathings. 

(G)  Water-drinking. 

{Ä)  COMPRESSES. 

1.  The  Upper  Compress. 

A  large  piece  of  coarse  linen  (sackcloth  is  best  for 
the  purpose) — which,  when  laid  together  from  three  to 
ten  fold,  should  be  long  and  broad  enough  to  cover  the 
entire  body  from  the  throat  to  below  the  abdomen — 
is  steeped  in  cold  water,  well  wrung  out,  and  applied 
to  the  reclining  patient.  Over  this  is  drawn  a  second 
three  or  four  fold  piece  of  dry  linen,  or  else  a  woollen 
blanket,  which  has  the  object  of  excluding  the  outer 
air.  A  cloth  or  woollen  scarf  should  likewise  be  placed 
round  the  neck. 


26  WATER   APPLICATIONS. 

The  compress,  which  is  to  be  applied  from  forty-five 
minutes  to  an  hour,  must  in  many  cases  be  renewed 
from  time  to  time — that  is  to  say,  the  linen  is  to  be 
taken  off  and  dipped  again  in  fresh  cold  water. 

When  the  prescribed  time  has  elapsed  and  the  com- 
press been  removed,  the  patient  should  either  rise 
from  bed,  and,  quickly  dressing,  take  exercise,  or  else 
remain  lying  until  the  body  has  regained  its  normal 
temperature. 

The  upper  compress  has  specially  the  effect  of 
expelling  unwholesome  gases  from  the  stomach  and 
bowels. 

2.  The  Lower  Compress. 

The  lower  compress  is  often  used  alternately  with 
the  upper  one,  and,  like  it,  is  to  be  taken  in  bed.  To 
avoid  wetting  the  mattress,  a  thick  woollen  rug  or 
blanket  should  first  be  spread,  and  above  this  the  three 
or  four  fold  wet  linen  sheet,  long  enough  to  cover  tlie 
whole  back  from  the  nape  of  the  neck  to  the  end  of 
the  spine.  The  woollen  rug  should  then  be  folded 
upwards  over  the  patient,  who  is  furthermore  covered 
with  other  blankets  or  quilts.  Like  the  upper  com- 
press, the  lower  one  may  also  be  applied  for  three- 
quarters  of  an  hour  to  an  hour,  and  is  to  be  renewed 
in  like  fashion. 

Its  functions  are  to  strengthen  the  spine  and  spine 
marrow,  to  cure  pains  in  the  back  and  acute  rheu- 
matic affections.  Also  in  cases  of  fever  it  is  highly 
efficacious. 


BATHS.  27 

3.   Upper  and  Lower  Compress  conjointly 
employed. 

The  two  compresses  can  be  applied  not  only  alter- 
nately (in  which  case  the  lower  compress  always  takes 
precedence  of  the  upper  one),  but  likewise  simultane- 
ously and  for  the  same  length  of  time  as  previously 
indicated.  In  cases  of  high  fever,  gases,  congestion, 
and  hypochondriasis,  these  two  compresses  taken  to- 
gether will  be  found  useful. 

4.    COMPKESS   ON  THE  ABDOMEN. 

A  four  to  six  fold  linen  cloth,  previously  dipped  in 
water,  and  well  wrung  out,  is  applied  to  the  lower 
part  of  the  patient's  body,  which  must  be  carefully 
covered  up  as  in  the  foregoing  applications.  It  may 
remain  from  three-quarters  of  an  hour  to  two  hours,  but 
should  be  renewed  at  the  end  of  an  hour.  This  com- 
press will  render  good  service  in  cases  of  indigestion, 
stomach  cramp,  and  whenever  it  is  desirable  to  draw 
away  the  blood  from  heart  or  chest. 

According  to  expediency,  as  hereafter  indicated,  the 
water  may  be  mixed  with  vinegar  or  various  herb 
decoctions. 

(J5)  BATHS. 
I.   Foot-baths. 
Foot-baths  may  be  taken  cold  or  warm. 

1.   Tlie  Cold  Foot-bath 

consists  in  putting  the  feet  up  to  or  above  the  calves 
from  one  to  three  minutes. 


28  WATER   APPLICATIONS. 

Its  chief  effect  is  to  draw  down  the  blood  from  head 
and  chest.  It  is,  however,  mostly  employed  in  com- 
bination with  other  water  applications,  as  in  cases 
where  the  patient  for  some  reason  or  other  is  unable 
to  stand  whole  or  semi  baths. 

For  healthy  people  it  achieves  the  result  of  curing 
fatigue  and  producing  sound  wholesome  sleep.  It 
cannot  be  too  strongly  recommended  to  country  peo- 
ple, especially  in  summer  after  a  hard  day's  work. 

2.  The  Warm  Foot-hath 

can'be  taken  in  various  ways. 

(«)  Put  a  handful  of  salt  and  twice  that  quantity  of 
wood-ashes  into  a  pail  of  water,  whose  temperature 
should  be  from  86°  to  91"  F.  Duration  of  foot-bath 
from  twelve  to  fifteen  minutes. 

Occasionally  I  prescribe  a  foot-batli  with  a  tempera- 
ture as  high  as  100°  F.,  in  which  case,  however,  the 
warm  foot-bath  is  invariably  followed  by  a  cold  one 
of  half  a  minute. 

Warm  foot-baths  are  chiefly  to  be  recommended 
to  weak,  nervous,  bloodless  individuals,  to  the  very 
young  or  very  old,  and  to  those  of  the  weaker  sex. 
They  will  be  found  effective  in  case  of  congestion, 
head  and  throat  affections,  cramps,  &c. 

ih)  The  hay-flower  foot-hath  is  specially  strengthening 
in  its  effects. 

Pour  boiling  water  over  a  small  apronful  (three  to 
five  handfuls)  of  hay-flowers — viz.,  refuse  of  hay, 
containing  leaves,  flowers,  grass  seed,  &c. — cover  up 
the  jar  or  pot,  and  use  as  foot-bath  as  soon  as  it  has 
sunk  to  a  temperature  of  88°  to  91°  F.  It  is  a  matter 
of  indifference  whether  the  flowers  are  allowed  to  re- 


BATHS.  29 

main  in  the  water,  or  have  been  previously  strained 
away. 

These  foot-baths  arc  of  great  and  valuable  service  in 
many  foot-complaints — open  wounds,  bruises,  boils, 
putrefaction  of  the  toes  and  suppuration  of  the  nails — 
likewise  in  cases  where  the  feet  have  suffered  from 
tight  shoes. 

(c)  The  oat-strcnu  foot -hath  is  closely  related  to  the 
foregoing  one. 

The  straw  is  boiled  for  half  an  hour,  and  then  used 
as  a  foot-batli  from  twenty  to  tliirty  minutes,  at  a 
temperature  of  from  88°  to  91°  F. 

Experience  has  taught  me  that  these  foot-baths  are 
invaluable  for  corns,  scirrhous  tumours,  and  suchlike 
growths.  Sometimes  they  are  to  be  employed  in 
combination  with  cold  foot-baths. 

(d)  Foot-hath  of  malt-husks. 

The  feet  to  be  placed  in  a  pail  containing  warm 
malt-husks  without  admixture  of  water,  and  kept  there 
from  fifteen  to  thirty  minutes.  Very  efficacious  in  all 
cases  of  gout  and  rheumatism. 

An  observation  to  which  special  importance  must  be 
attached  is  that  persons  suffering  from  varicose  veins 
sliould  never  take  a  foot-bath  in  which  the  water  rises 
above  the  ankles:  they  should  also  never  go  beyond  a 
temperature  of  88°  E. 

Foot-baths  of  simple  warm  water — that  is  to  say, 
without  other  admixture — I  never  employ  nor  pre- 
scribe. 


30  WATER   APPLICATIONS. 

II.   Semi-baths. 

By  semi-bath  I  understand  those  in  which  the  water 

reaches  only  to  the  centre  or  lower  part  of  tlie  abdomen. 

They  can  be  made  use  of  in  threefold  fashion,  viz. : — 

(«)  By  standing  in  the  water,  so  that  this  reaches 

above  the  calves  or  above  the  knees. 

(b)  By  kneeling  in  the  water,  so  that  the  thighs  are 

likewise  covered. 

(c)  Sitting  in  the  water,  which  reaches  to  the  pit  of 

the  stomach. 

All  three  modes  of  semi-baths,  which  are  invariably 
taken  with  cold  water,  are  chiefly  to  be  classified 
among  the  means  for  hardening  and  bracing  the  system, 
and  are  therefore  more  often  to  be  used  by  the  healthy 
than  by  invalids.  When  made  use  of  as  a  remedy  for 
certain  diseases,  their  application  must  always  be 
directly  specified  and  explained ;  made  use  of  at  hazard, 
they  frequently  do  more  harm  than  good.  AVhether 
for  the  healtliy  or  the  sick,  they  never  are  used  except 
in  conjunction  with  other  applications,  nor  should 
their  duration  ever  exceed  the  space  of  tliree  minutes. 

The  two  first  modes  of  semi-baths — namely,  standing 
and  kneeling  in  the  water — are  of  great  use  in  cases  of 
debility,  especially  when  the  patient  from  various 
causes  is  unable  to  endure  the  pressure  of  a  complete 
bath.  Taken  in  combination  with  the  arm-bath,  they 
are  most  valuable  for  strengthening  and  bracing  the 
system. 

The  third  semi-bath  is  to  be  recommended  to  all 
healthy  people  without  exception,  as  well  as  in  the 
manifold  diseases  of  the  lower  part  of  the  body,  whose 
name  is  legion. 


BATHS. 


31 


III.   Sitz  baths. 

The  sitz-bailis  arc  to  be  employed  either  cold  or 
warm. 

{(()  TJic  cold  sitz- 
halh  is  taken  in  the 
following  manner  : 
In  defanlt  of  the  reg- 
ular sitz-bath,  whose 
shape  is  familiar  to 
us  {a,  fig.  2),  a 
common  low  wooden  ' 
tub  {h,  fig.  2)  can 
be    employed. 

In  this  bath  or 
tub  the  patient  is 
seated  in  such  man-  ^' 
uer  that  the  w^ater 
covers  the  upper 
]>art  of  the  thigh, 
and  reaches  to  the  middle  of  the  abdomen,  tlie  legs 
from  tlie  thigh  downwards  remaining  free  (fig.  3). 

The  duration  of 
tlie  cold  sitz-bath  is 
from  half  a  minute 
to  three  minutes. 

The  sitz-bath,  like 

the  semi-bath,  is  one 

if  the  most  valuable 

and     useful     among 

the    water     applica- 

>ns,  second  to  none 


Fig.  3. 


its  eflects  upon  the  digestion  and  intestines.     It 


32  WATER   APPLICATIONS. 

serves  to  regulate  tlie  circulation,  to  expel  unhealthy 
gases,  and  is  particularly  efficacious  in  cases  of  chloro- 
sis, bloody  flux,  and  many  other  like  complaints. 

To  ward  off  catarrhs  and  render  the  system  impervi- 
ous to  catching  cold,  this  bath  should  be  frequently 
employed  by  all :  it  is  best  taken  at  night,  direct  from 
bed,  to  which  the  patient  then  returns  without  having 
dried  himself.  It  will  not  even  be  necessary  to 
remove  the  shirt  for  this  operation. 

It  is  an  invaluable  cure  for  sleeplessness ;  and  may 
also  be  taken  with  advantage  after  a  bad  night's  rest 
when  we  awake  feeling  tired  and  unrefreshed. 

(b)  The  ivarm  sitz-hatJi  is  never  prepared  of  warm 
water  alone,  but  according  to  my  system  is  always 
mixed  with  some  other  ingredient.  The  following 
three  are  the  principal  preparations  of  wdiicli  I  make 
use  in  this  form,  viz. : — 

The  shave-grass  sitz-bath. 
The  oat- straw  sitz-bath. 
The  hay -flower  sitz-bath. 

The  preparation  of  these  three  baths  is  identical. 
The  herb  is  infused  in  boiling  water,  after  which  it  is 
allowed  to  cool  down  to  a  temperature  of  86°  to  91° 
(in  some  cases  lOO"")  F.,  and  then,  without  straining, 
employed  as  sitz-batli.  Fifteen  minutes  is  the  usual 
duration  of  such  a  bath.  In  order  not  to  waste  the 
infusion,  I  sometimes  permit  it  to  be  made  use  of 
again  cold,  for  one  or  two  minutes,  three  or  four  hours 
after  the  first  bath. 

I  seldom  prescribe  these  baths  oftener  than  from 
two  to  tliree  times  weekly,  and  mostly  in  conjunction 
with  other  aj »plications. 

The   slmve  -  grass  sitz -hath   is   of   great   service   in 


BATHS.  33 

diseases  of  the  bladder  and  kidneys,  in  gravel  and 
lone  complaints. 

The  oat-straw  sitz-hath  is  excellent  for  all  gouty  and 
rheumatic  affections. 

The  hay-flower  sitz-hath  is  more  of  general  effect, 
and  may  be  used  instead  of  the  two  foregoing  when 
these  are  not  to  be  procured.  It  has  always  rendered 
me  good  service  in  cases  of  boils,  constipation,  piles, 
and  colic. 

lY.  Full  Baths. 

These  baths  may  also  be  divided  into  warm  and  cold 
baths.  Both  kinds  are  made  use  of  for  the  healthy  as 
well  as  the  sick. 

1.  The  Cold  Full  Bath 

can  be  used  in  twofold  fashion.  Either  you  recline 
in  the  bath  in  such  manner  that  the  whole  body  is 
covered  by  the  water,  or  else — in  order  to  avoid  the 
pressure  on  the  lungs  for  those  who  dislike  it — you 
sit  in  the  bath  with  the  water  reaching  only  to  the  arm- 
pits. In  this  latter  case  the  upper  chest  and  neck 
must  be  rapidly  washed  over  with  a  rough  towel. 

The  shortest  duration  of  this  bath  is  half  a  minute ; 
the  longest  three  minutes.  In  general,  the  shorter  the 
bath  the  more  etticacious  are  its  results,  and  whoever 
stays  one  minute  only  in  the  full  bath  is  wiser  than 
he  who  stays  five  minutes. 

(«)  Cold  Full  Baths  for  the  Healthy. 

With  regard  to  these  baths  the  principal  questions 
to  be  answered  are  the  following:— 


34  WATER   APPLICATIONS. 

Ill  what  condition  must  be  the  healtliy  body  in 
order  to  derive  benefit  from  these  cold  baths  ? 

How  long  is  it  permissible  to  remain  in  the  cold 
bath  ? 

In  what  season  is  it  advisable  to  begin  this  course 
of  hardening  the  system  ? 

The  first  condition  to  be  observed  is  that  the  entire 
body  be  warm  before  entering  the  cold  water.  AVlio- 
ever  feels  cold  or  chilly  will  be  unwise  in  taking  a 
cold  bath ;  but  profuse  perspiration  is  no  objection  to 
its  use,  provided  it  be  employed  with  sense  and  dis- 
crimination. 

This  leads  us  to  the  second  question — namely,  the 
duration  of  such  baths.  To  take  a  cold  full  bath, 
undress  quickly  and  lie  down  in  the  water  for  one 
minute.  If  you  are  in  perspiration,  then  sit  in  the 
water  till  the  middle  of  the  chest  and  rapidly  wash 
over  the  upper  body  with  a  towel  or  sponge.  Hav- 
ing quickly  dressed  again,  take  exercise  till  the  body 
has  regained  its  normal  temperature  —  at  least  a 
quarter  of  an  hour.  Workmen  may  return  to  their 
occupation  if  it  be  of  a  kind  calculated  to  restore  the 
circulation. 

The  important  task  of  hardening  and  bracing  the 
system  cannot  be  begun  too  soon  with  a  view  to  ward- 
ing off  disease.  It  would,  however,  be  highly  im- 
prudent to  begin  at  once  with  extreme  measures,  and 
many  persons  will  do  well  to  go  through  some  little 
course  of  preparation  before  embarking  in  our  full 
baths.  (See  means  of  hardening  and  bracing  the 
system.) 

I  do  not  advise  any  one  to  take  more  than  three 
such  baths  weekly. 


BATHS.  35 

(h)  Cold  Fall  Bath  for  Invalids. 

Under  the  head  of  diseases  I  have  specified  how 
and  when  these  baths  are  to  be  applied  in  each 
separate  case.  A  few  general  remarks  may,  however, 
find  place  here. 

X  healthy  robust  constitution  is  enabled  to  cast 
off  the  germ  of  illness  by  its  own  unaided  strength. 
In  sick  and  weakly  bodies  this  process  must  be 
assisted  and  promoted  by  carefully  selected  means. 

The  cold  full  bath  is  one  of  these  means,  and  may 
be  used  with  great  advantage  in  all  cases  of  violent 
fever.  More  harmless  and  efficacious  by  far  than  the 
expensive  quinine,  the  cheap  antipyrin,  the  poisonous 
digitalis,  and  the  many  other  intoxicating  and  stupefy- 
ing drugs,  is  pure  cold  water  intelligently  applied.  We 
liave  no  other  means  of  putting  out  a  fire  but  by  water ; 
and  what  is  fever  but  an  internal  conflagration  which 
water  alone  can  cure  ? 

Quite  recently,  in  Austria,  the  treatment  of  typhus 
patients  with  cold  water  has  been  advocated  and 
introduced  in  some  of  the  military  hospitals.  This 
is  a  step  in  the  right  direction ;  but  why  should 
typhus  alone  be  treated  in  this  fashion  ?  Who  says 
A  must  also  be  prepared  to  say  B ;  and  the  same 
course  equally  applies  to  all  diseases  in  which  the 
temperature  is  raised  to  fever-heat. 

2.  The  Warm  Full  Bath, 

like  the  cold,  may  be  used  by  sick  and  healthy. 

It  can  be  used  in  twofold  fashion :  the  bather  re- 
clines in  a  bath  or  tub  sufficiently  filled  with  water 
to  cover  the  entire  body  (see  A,  fig.  4),  from  twenty- 


3G 


WATEK  APPLICATIONS. 


five  to  thirty  minutes.  Alongside  is  a  second  bath 
filled  with  cold  water  (b,  fig.  4),  into  which  he  then 
rapidly  plunges  for  one  minute  only,  before  resuming 
his  clothes.  In  default  of  this  second  bath,  quickly 
washing  over  the  body  with  cold  water  may  serve 
the  same  purpose.  Without  drying,  the  bather  re- 
sumes his  clothes  and  takes  exercise,  at  least  half 
an  hour,  until  he  is  thoroughly  warm  and  dry.     Tlie 


Fig.  4. 

temperature  of  the  first  bath  may  be  from  91°  to  95" 
F.,  for  the  aged  from  95°  to  100°  F. 

The  second  mode  of  taking  this  bath  is  as  follows : 
As  in  the  first  instance,  the  bath  is  filled  with  warm 
water,  which,  however,  must  have  a  temperature  of 
from  100'^  to  111°  F. 

This  bath  is  taken  not  once,  but  thrice,  each  time 
with  transition  into  the  cold  water.  The  whole  pro- 
ceeding lasts  exactly  thirty -three  minutes,  and  is 
divided  as  follows: — 


BATHS.  37 

Ten  minutes  in  the  warm  water ; 

One  minute  in  tlie  cold  water. 

Ten  minutes  in  the  warm  water ; 

One  minute  in  the  cold  water. 

Ten  minutes  in  the  warm  water ; 

One  minute  in  the  cold  water. 
The  cold  plunge  or  washing  invariably  forms  the 
conclusion  of  the  process. 

I  never  order  warm  baths  alone  witliout  the  sequel 
of  cold-water  bath  or  sponging.  Likewise  I  seldom 
make  use  of  simple  warm  baths  without  the  admix- 
ture of  some  herb  or  grass  infusion. 

(a)  The  JFarm  Full  Bath  for  the  Healthy. 

Under  this  designation  I  understand  merely  the 
relatively  healthy,  for  thoroughly  healthy  persons  re- 
quire no  warm  bath,  but  should  keep  to  cold  water. 

Young,  weak,  and  nervous  persons  may,  however, 
be  permitted  to  take  warm  baths;  likewise  women 
whose  strength  has  been  exhausted  by  their  domestic 
and  maternal  duties.  Such  a  bath,  with  a  tempera- 
ture of-  95°  F.,  may  be  taken  once  a-month,  from 
twenty-five  to  thirty  minutes,  always  succeeded,  how- 
ever, by  a  cold  plunge  or  lavation. 

{h)  The  Warm  Full  Bath  for  the  Sick 

These  warm  baths  may  be  divided  into — 

Hay-flower  baths. 

Oat-straw  baths. 

Pine-needle  baths. 

Mixed  baths.  • 
The  preparation  of  the  two  first  baths  has  already 
been   explained   under   the   head   of   Sitz -baths.     A 


38  WATER  APPLICATIONS. 

few  words  may,  however,  be  added  by  way  of  pre- 
caution. 

The  Hay-floiüer  Bath. — A  little  bag  filled  with  hay- 
flowers  is  thrown  into  a  pot  of  boiling  water,  and  left 
there  to  infuse  for  ät  least  fifteen  minutes.  Tlie  in- 
fusion is  then  to  be  mixed  with  warm  or  cold  water, 
according  to  the  temperature  of  the  bath  to  be  taken. 
This  bath,  the  simplest  and  easiest  to  prepare,  is  like- 
wise the  most  natural  and  innocent  one  for  restoring 
warmth  to  the  body.  The  coffee-hued  liquid  tends  to 
open  the  pores  and  dissolve  unwholesome  secretions. 

The  Oat-straio  Bath. — When  a  good  bunch  of  oat- 
straw  has  been  boiled  in  a  kettle  for  half  an  hour,  the 
infusion  is  to  be  employed  as  above. 

This  bath  is  more  powerful  in  its  workings  than  the 
hay-flower  bath,  and  is  of  great  service  in  all  com- 
plaints of  the  bladder  and  kidneys,  as  well  as  in  cases 
of  gout,  gravel,  and  stone. 

The  Pine-tree  Bath. — To  prepare  this,  take  pine- 
needles —  the  fresher  the  better  —  small  broken -up 
twigs  of  the  pine-tree,  and  resinous  cones  chopped  up 
in  small  pieces ;  boil  all  together  half  an  liour,  and 
use  as  above.  This  bath  is  likewise  of  much  effect 
on  kidneys  and  bladder,  though  weaker  in  its  effects 
than  the  oat-straw  bath.  It  principally  acts  upon  the 
skin  by  restoring  activity  to  the  epidermis.  It  is 
specially  to  be  recommended  to  tlie  aged. 

Mixed  baths  is  tlie  title  I  have  given  to  those 
prepared  out  of  more  than  one  sort  of  herb.  When, 
for  instance,  there  is  not  a  sufficient  quantity  of  one  or 
other  herb  at  hand,  two  or  three  may  be  mixed.  I 
frequently  mix  oat-straw  with  hay-flowers,  by  boiling 
these  two  together. 


BATHS. 


39 


3.  Mineral  Baths. 

A  word  here  as  to  mineral  baths  in  answer  to  the 
many  questions  which  have  been  addressed  to  me  on 
the  subject. 

All  mineral  baths  are  directly  opposed  to  my  system, 
because  I  am  a  sworn  enemy  of  extreme  measures ; 
and  just  as  I  never  advocate  the  use  of  Turkish  towels, 
wire  tlesh-brushes,  and  other  like  drastic  measures,  so, 
too,  am  I  no  friend  of  mineral  baths.  All  these  waters, 
whatever  be  their  name,  contain  more  or  less  pungent 
salts  and  acids.  We  do  not  employ  coarse  sand  in 
order  to  clean  delicate  gold  or  silver  vessels ;  and  our 
internal  organs  are  surely  not  less  delicate  and  precious 
than  these  ? 


V.  Partial  Baths. 

1.  Hand  and  Arm  Baths. 

The  title  sufficiently  indicates  the  nature  of  these 
baths,  whose  application  will  be  found  in  the  third 
part  of  this  work. 

2.  The  Head-hath. 

This  bath  is  one  of  the 
most  important.  It  can  be 
taken  warm  or  cold,  in  the 
followincj  manner : — 

Place  a  small  tub  or  deep 
basin  on  a  chair,  and  plunge 
the  upper  head  in  water  (see 
fig.  5)  for  one  minute  if  the 
water  be  cold,  from  five  to  seven  if  warm.  Wet 
the  back  of  the  head  witli  tlie  hand,  so  tliat  all  hair 


Fig.  5. 


40  WATER  APPLICATIONS. 

down  to  the  nape  of  the  neck  be  moistened.  The  hair 
to  be  carefully  dried  after  the  bath.  This  is  the  only 
case  in  which  drying  is  permitted,  wet  hair  being 
conducive  to  rheumatism. 

I  frequently  prescribe  tlie  head-bath  in  cases  of 
ringworm,  dry  scab,  &c. 

3.  The  Eye-hath, 

which  can  be  taken  warm  or  cold,  consists  merely  in 
dipping  the  face  with  open  eyes  in  a  basin  of  water 
during  half  a  minute.  The  process  may  be  repeated 
as  often  as  four  or  five  times,  always  with  half  a 
minute  or  a  minute's  interval  between  two  plunges. 
The  warm  eye-bath  (86°  to  91°  E.),  which  must  always 
terminate  with  a  cold  bath,  is  never  prepared  of  warm 
water  alone,  but  has  invariably  an  admixture  of  some 
herb  infusion  such  as  fennel  or  eyebright. 

(«)  The  cold  eye-bath  is  excellent  for  weak  but 
healthy  eyes.  It  strengthens  and  revives  the  inner 
and  outer  vessels. 

(h)  The  warm  eye-bath  (lukewarm)  is  employed 
when  the  eye  is  inflamed  or  otherwise  diseased. 

(C)  VAPOUR  BATHS. 

The  experience  of  many  years  has  taught  me  to 
discard  whole  vapour  batlis,  and  only  to  employ  steam 
on  isolated  portions  of  the  body.  The  applications  I 
make  use  of  are  as  follows : — 

1.  The  Head  Vapour  Bath. 

For  this  are  requisite  a  small  wooden  tub  with  a 
tight-fitting  lid  and  two  handles  on  which  the  arms 


VAPOUR  BATIIS. 


41 


can  lean  (fig.  6),  two  cliairs,  and  a  thick  woollen  blanket. 

Of  the  two  chairs  or  stools,  the  higher  one  serves  to  sit 

upon ;   on  the   lower  one  is 

placed   the    tub    filled   with 

boiling  water.     The  patient, 

stripped  to  the  waist,  takes 

his  place  on  the  higher  chair,    |- 

and  having  covered  himself 

tent-fashion  with  the  blanket 

(fig.  7)  and  removed  the  lid  of  the  tub,  he  leans  over  it 

in  such  a  manner  that  the  ascending  steam  completely 

envelops  his  head  and  upper  body. 


Fig.  6. 


Til  is  application  may  last  from  twenty  to  twenty-four 
minutes,  at  the  end  of  which  time  the  blanket  is  re- 
moved and  the  whole  upper  body  vigorously  sponged 
with  cold  water,  to  be  succeeded  by  exercise  either  in 
or  out  of  doors,  according  to  the  season. 

It  must  here  be  remarked  that,  as  pure  steam  has 
sometimes  an  unfavourable  effect  on  the  eyes,  I  never 


42  WATER   APPLICATIONS. 

employ  it  except  in  combination  with  some  herb  in- 
fusions. I  give  the  preference  to  fennel  over  all  others 
for  this  purpose,  but  also  mint,  sage,  elder  and  lime 
flowers,  may  be  employed  with  advantage.  If  these 
cannot  be  had,  then  take  a  handful  of  hay-flowers 
or  common  nettle :  despised  though  the  latter  plant 
may  be,  it  will  render  good  service.  One  spoonful  of 
ground  fennel  will  suffice  for  a  single  application. 

For  those  to  whom  perspiration  does  not  come 
easily,  a  piece  of  brick  made  red-hot  on  the  kitchen 
fire  may  be  introduced  into  the  tub  about  ten  minutes 
after  the  beginning  of  the  vapour  bath.  This  will 
serve  to  intensify  and  renew  the  steam. 

Every  vapour  bath  should  conclude  with  a  cold 
lavation  or  bath ;  and  for  at  least  half  an  hour  after  it, 
in  winter,  the  outer  air  is  to  be  avoided. 

The  effects  of  this  bath  are  considerable,  for  it 
not  only  tends  to  open  and  cleanse  the  pores,  but 
it  also  reacts  upon  the  internal  organs,  as  windpipe, 
lungs,  &c.  In  cases  of  rheumatism,  cramps,  diffi- 
culty in  breathing,  headaches,  and  in  tlie  first  stages 
of  slime -fever,  it  renders  great  service;  likewise  a 
single  vapour  bath  will  often  suffice  to  arrest  a  be- 
ginning cold  or  catarrh. 


2.  The  VapouPv  Foot-bath. 

As  with  the  upper  body,  tliis 
process  may  be  applied  to  tlie 
h)wer  members. 

The  application  is  as  follows : — 
A  thick  woollen  blanket  is  spread 
over  tlie  chair,  on  whicli  the  patient,  having  bared  feet 


Fig.  8. 


VAPOUR  BATHS. 


43 


FiK.  9. 


and  legs,  takes  his  place ;  before  him  the  foot-bath  or 
tub  half  filled  with  boiling  water  (fig.  8),  and  placed 
across  it  from  side  to  side  a  narrow  board  on  which  to 
rest  the  feet.     A  little  contrivance  (fig.  9)  will  readily 

enable  him  to  fasten  this  board  secure-  

ly  to  avoid  the  disagreeable  feeling  of  "^^^ 
its  slipping  to  and  fro.  When  every- 
thing is  thus  prepared,  the  blanket  is  to  be  wrapped 
over  the  front  of  the  legs  so  as  completely  to  ex- 
clude the  air  (fig.  10). 
For  the  vapour  foot- 
bath I  usually  employ 
a  light  infusion  of  hay- 
flowers,  and,  as  with  the 
upper  vapour  bath,  its 
effect  may  be  increased 
after  the  lapse  of  ten 
minutes  by  the  intro- 
duction of  a  piece  of 
red-hot  brick  into  the 
water.  The  duration  of 
the  foot-bath  depends 
entirely  upon  the  na- 
ture of  the  complaint 
and  the  result  to  be 
achieved.  From  fifteen  to  twenty  minutes  with  one 
piece  of  red-hot  brick  is  the  mildest  form  of  foot- 
bath, which  may,  however,  be  extended  from  twenty- 
five  to  thirty  minutes,  while  the  red-hot  brick  may  be 
renewed  at  intervals  of  from  five  to  ten  minutes. 

As  in  the  foregoing,  the  vapour  foot-bath  must  in- 
N  ariably  be  concluded  with  a  cold  ablution. 

This  bath  is  employed  in  many  foot  complaints,  as 


Fig.  10. 


44  WATER  APPLICATIONS. 

also  in  case  of  profuse  and  offensive  perspiration. 
Where  there  is  a  threatening  of  blood-poisoning  it  is 
likewise  useful,  as  well  as  for  cramps  and  congestions 
of  blood  to  the  head. 

Weak,  bloodless  individuals  who  are  not  yet  suffi- 
ciently braced  to  make  use  of  cold-water  applications, 
have  often  derived  great  benefit  from  these  foot-baths. 

The  vapour  foot-bath  must  not  be  employed  too  fre- 
quently. One  or  two  weekly  of  these  will  usually  be  suf- 
ficient, and  I  seldom  prescribe  them  as  often  as  thrice. 

3.  The  Close-stool  Vapour  Bath. 

This  vapour  bath  is  easy  to  prepare  and  excellent  in 
its  effects. 

The  patient  seats  himself  on  the  chair  or  metal 
vase  which  the  stool  contains.  The  ascending  steam 
rapidly  envelops  the  whole  body,  so  as  often  to  pro- 
duce a  general  perspiration.  The  duration  of  this 
bath  is  from  fifteen  to  twenty  minutes.  If  it  be  de- 
sirable to  prolong  the  process  of  perspiration,  the 
patient  may  then  be  brought  to  bed  and  warmly 
covered  up  for  a  time  before  tlie  cold  ablution  be 
performed. 

The  action  of  this  bath  is  pre-eminently  to  dissolve 
and  secrete  unhealtliy  matter,  which  is  thus  removed 
by  sweating.  As  in  other  cases,  I  never  here  use 
warm  water  alone,  but  always  the  aforementioned 
admixtures  of  oat-straw,  hay-flower,  or,  best  of  all, 
shave-grass. 

Oat-straw  vapour  is  employed  for  diseases  of  the 
kidneys  and  for  stone. 

For  rheumatism  and  for  cramps  in  the  abdomen,  I 


VAPOUR   BATIIS.  45 

make  use  of  liay-Howers,  as  also  for  complaints  of  the 
bladder,  and  in  Llie  first  stages  of  dropsy. 

4.  Special  Vapour  Applications  on  Isolated  Spots, 

such  as  on  the  eyes,  ears,  mouth,  fingers,  are  useful 
in  many  cases.     A  few  examples  will  explain  this : — 

A  venomous  insect  stings  us  in  the  hand ;  straiglit- 
way  the  place  swells  up,  and  the  intiammation 
tlireatens  to  spread.  In  conjunction  with  compresses, 
a  vapour  application  to  the  affected  spot  will  bring 
help  and  relief. 

Whenever  there  is  danger  of  blood-poisoning  from 
a  neglected  wound  or  other  cause,  a  vapour  application 
speedily  applied  will  often  arrest  the  evil. 

Sometimes  we  are  attacked  with  violent  cramp  at 
some  particular  spot  of  the  hand  or  foot,  which  may 
be  instantaneously  relieved  by  a  vapour  application. 

Or  else  you  have  been  bitten  by  a  suspicious-looking 
dog.  Before  you  have  had  time  to  procure  a  doctor 
it  will  be  wise  to  apply  vapour  to  the  wound. 

Hay-llower  infusion  is  the  one  I  most  frequently 
make  use  of  for  outward  applications. 

For  the  eyes,  an  infusion  of  fennel  powder,  or  else 
eyebright  or  milfoil,  is  serviceable. 

For  the  ears,  nettle  or  milfoil. 

For  gathering  in  the  throat,  decoction  of  milfoil, 
riljwort,  or  nettle. 

The  duration  of  these  applications  is  from  ten  to 
twenty  minutes.  All  such  vapour  applications  as  are 
made  use  of  for  the  internal  organs,  or  for  eyes  and 
ears,  must  be  employed  with  caution,  and  never  too 
hot. 


46 


WATER  APPLICATIONS. 


{D)  AFFUSIONS. 

1.  The  Knee  Affusion. 

The  leQS  beiiiGf  bared  to  the  knee,  and  the  trousers 
rolled  back  as  far  as  possible,  the  patient,  seated  on  a 

chair,  puts  his  feet 
into  the  tub  or 
foot -pail  (fig.  11). 
The  affusion  is  per- 
formed by  means  of 
a  small  watering- 
can  from  which 
the  rose  has  been 
removed,  and  is 
light  enough  to  be 
easily  managed 
with  one  hand. 
The  contents  of  the 
first  watering-can, 
which  must  be 
poured  faster  and  stronger  than  the  succeeding  ones, 
moisten  both  feet  from  the  toes  to  above  the  knee. 
The  following  cans,  which  are  held  alternately  high 
and  low,  must  be  directed  in  such  manner  as  to 
administer  gentle  gushes  to  particular  spots ;  especially 
the  knee-pans  and  the  calves  must  be  watered  until 
the  water  ilows  down  equally  over  both  feet.  The 
contents  of  the  last  watering-can  are  not  poured 
through  the  spout,  but  simply  emptied  over  the  feet 
by  way  of  ablution. 

For  a  knee  afTusion,  from  two  to  ten  watering-cans 
full  of  water  may  be  employed. 


Fi-.  II, 


AFFUSIONS.  47 

Invalids  and  weak  persons  can  seldom  stand  the 
shock  of  the  first  affusion,  and  to  no  beginner  is  the 
sensation  a  pleasant  one.  I  have  seen  strong  men, 
who  beforehand  had  treated  the  idea  with  derision, 
turn  pale  and  tremble  like  aspen  -  leaves  in  vain 
endeavour  to  disguise  the  pain  occasioned  by  the 
cold-water  gush.  This  potent  effect  speaks  volumes 
in  favour  of  its  inviü^oratino-  and  bracincj  effects. 

Convalescents,  and,  in  general,  all  such  persons  as 
suffer  from  weakness  and  poverty  of  blood,  should 
never  attempt  more  than  two  to  three  watering-cans 
at  a  time.  Novices  should  begin  with  two,  and  then 
day  by  day  increase  the  number  by  two  cans  more, 
until  they  have  reached  the  number  of  ten.  By  the 
eighth  watering-can,  all  sense  of  pain  or  discomfort 
will  have  disappeared. 

The  knee  afiusion  is  invariably  employed  in  con- 
junction with  the  upper  affusion,  whose  description 
here  follows. 

2.  The  Upper  Affusion. 

The  patient  strips  to  the  waist,  and  in  order  to 
hinder  the  w^ater  from  moistening  his  under  garments, 
lie  will  do  well  to  protect  himself  with  a  towel  or 
sheet  wound  about  the  body.  The  tub  or  basin  which 
is  to  receive  the  down-pouring  water  is  placed  on  a 
stool  or  low  chair.  The  patient  leans  both  hands  on 
the  floor  of  the  tub  in  such  manner  that  the  body 
assumes  a  horizontal  position,  and  that  the  water  in 
descending  may  flow  over  the  body  into  the  vessel 
(fig.  12). 

The  contents  of  the  first  can,  starting  from  the 
right  arm  and  right  shoulder,  descend  alongside  of  the 


48 


WATER  APPLICATIONS. 


spine  to  the  right,  ascending  again  to  the  left  as  far  as 
the  shoulder  and  arm.     This  first  affusion  serves  to 

moisten  the  whole 
line  of  action.  The 
contents  of  the 
second  and  of  the 
third  are  intended 
to  come  in  contact 
with  the  whole  net- 
work of  nerves 
which  extend  to 
both  sides  of  the 
spine,  and,  like  tlie 
first  afifusion,  they 
must  invariably 
terminate  at  the 
left  slioulder.  The 
whole  line  must  be  affused  three  or  four  times,  as 
equally  as  possible,  so  that  the  water  pours  down 
over  the  chest  into  the  basin.  Let 
the  head  be  spared,  especially  if  the 
patient  have  long  hair ;  the  neck,  on 
the  contrary,  to  be  well  affused.  With 
nervous  persons  great  care  must  be 
taken  not  to  affuse  the  spine  itself  for 
long  or  with  too  great  violence,  as 
the  contact  of  water  sometimes  causes 
a  pain  like  that  of  a  sharp  stab. 

The  more  rapidly  and  equally  this 
affusion   is   performed,  the   easier   it 
will  be  to  endure,  and  the  faster  will 
warmth  be  restored  to  the  svstem. 

With  corpulent  persons  and  those  who  are  inclined 


AFFUSIONS. 


49 


to  stoutness,  reaction  is  sometimes  slow.  In  such 
cases  I  frequently  assist  the  process  by  rubbing  the 
back  gently  with  the  hand  after  the  first  affusion  :  this 
accelerates  the  circulation  and  restores  activity  to  the 
epidermis. 

For  the  weak,  the  contents  of  one  watering-can  will 


Fig.  14. 


be  sufficient.  For  novices  one  or  two,  adepts  may 
indulge  in  from  two  to  three,  and  the  very  strong  and 
healthy  from  five  to  six  watering-cans. 

After  the  affusion  let  the  chest  be  rapidly  washed 
D 


50  WATER  APPLICATIONS. 

over  and  the  clothes  resumed  without  drying  the  body, 
whereupon  active  exercise  or  work  till  heat  is  restored. 

The  upper  affusion  must  invariably  succeed  the 
head  vapour  bath,  but  is  oftenest  used  in  combination 
with  the  knee  affusion. 

Both  affusions  take  a  pre-eminent  place  among  the 
means  of  hardening  and  bracing  the  system,  and  may 
be  used  with  advantage  by  both  sexes. 

I  know  persons  who,  having  no  one  to  perform  these 
offices  for  them,  are  accustomed  to  administer  to 
themselves  every  morning  the  two  applications.  They 
first  undertake  the  upper  affusion,  either  by  means  of 
a  little  watering-can,  or  better  still,  by  simply  placing 
themselves  beneath  an  open  water  cock  or  pump,  and 
then  allowing  the  gush  to  descend  on  the  back  (fig.  14). 
A  little  practice  will  enable  the  performer  to  shift  his 
position  to  and  fro  in  order  to  let  the  water  play 
where  most  desirable.  This  process  once  accomplished 
the  knees  can  have  their  turn. 

3.  The  Back  Affusion 

is  the  continuation  of  tlie  upper  affusion,  and  is  applied 
whenever  it  is  desirable  to  act  directly  on  the  spine. 
Its  influence  on  the  circulation  is  likewise  very 
favourable,  and  of  stronger  effect  than  the  foregoing. 

As  with  the  upper  affusion,  the  gush  here  is  applied, 
stronger  or  weaker,  higher  or  lower,  from  one  shoulder- 
blade  to  the  other,  most  particularly,  liowever,  on  the 
spine  itself,  from  the  cervical  vertebraB  to  the  rump- 
bone  or  coccyx. 

Rapid  lavation  of  chest  and  under  body,  as  of  arms 
and  legs,  must  always  conclude  the  back  affusion. 


AFFUSIONS.  51 

The  simplest  method  is  undoubtedly  for  the  patient 
to  seat  himself  above  a  tub  or  bath  in  the  manner 
here  indicated  (fig.  15). 

4.  The  Lower  Affusion 

is  tlie  continuation  of  the  knee  affusion,  and  is  so 
applied,  that  besides  calves  and  knees,  the  thighs  like- 
wise are  to  be  subjected  to  the  treatment.  Its  effects 
are  the  same  as  those  of  the  knee  affusion,  in  a  more 


Fig.  15.  Fig.  16. 

potent  degree.  Tlie  lower  affusion  must  invariably 
succeed  the  vapour  foot-bath,  unless  preference  be 
given  to  a  semi-bath  or  to  kneeling  in  water. 

This  form  of  affusion  is  one  which  any  one  can 
apply  to  himself  unassisted  (fig.  16). 

5.  The  Complete  Affusion 

extends  to  the  whole  body,  as  is  sufficiently  indicated 
by  the  title,  from  the  throat  to  the  point  of  the  toes. 


52 


WATER   APPLICATIONS. 


Fig.  17. 


It  is  administered  in  the  following  fashion : — 
The  patient,  attired  in  bathing  trousers  or  shirt,  sits 

in  a  bath  or  tub  on  a 
narrow  board  placed 
across  it  (fig.  17). 
The  affusions  are  ap- 
plied alternately  to 
the  chest  and  the 
back  with  the  con- 
tents of  about  four 
watering-cans.  The 
office  of  the  first  can 
is  to  wet  the  entire 
person,  the  other 
three  are  to  be  directed  in  such  manner  that  the  gush 
attacks  every  portion  of  the  body,  giving,  however, 
special  importance  to  the  spine  and  stomach. 

To  healthy  persons  inclined  to  corpulence  this  af- 
fusion is  strongly  to  be  recommended.  It  braces  the 
system,  promotes  circulation,  and  strengthens  weak 
and  over-sensitive  individuals. 

For  the  weak  and  sickly  the  water  may  be  tempered 
to  about  66°  to  73°  F. 

One  last  observation  before  concluding  tlie  chapter 
on  affusions.  I  am  directly  opposed  to  the  ultra-violent 
douches  employed  in  some  establishments,  not  seeing 
what  advantage  is  to  be  reaped  from  such  excessive 
measures.  For  cleansing  the  body  why  should  a  fire- 
engine  be  required  ?  Healthy  persons  do  not  require 
it,  and  still  less  the  sick. 


LA.VATIONS.  53 


(E)  LAVATIONS. 


These  are  divided  into  whole  and  partial  lavations. 

The  principal  point  to  be  observed  with  regard  to 
these  is,  that  the  water  should  be  applied  uniformly 
and  as  much  as  possible  equally  over  the  surface  of 
the  body  or  member  to  be  treated.  Drying  and  rub- 
bing are  alike  prohibited,  as  in  the  foregoing  applica- 
tions, and  when  in  describing  some  particular  process 
I  make  use  of  the  term  "  a  vigorous  lavation,"  this 
expression  is  to  be  taken  as  signifying  rapidity,  not 
violence  of  action. 

1.   Complete  Lavation. 
(a)  Complete  Lavation  for  the  Healthy. 

The  complete  lavation  is  a  rapid  ablution  applied  to 
the  entire  body. 

The  simplest  manner  of  performing  it  is  to  dip  a 
coarse  linen  towel  in  water,  and  to  begin  operations 
on  chest  and  lower  body,  proceeding  to  the  back, 
which  each  one  must  approach  in  the  manner  he 
finds  most  convenient.  Arms  and  legs  come  last  on 
the  programme. 

Care  should  be  taken  not  to  perform  this  operation 
in  a  cold  or  draughty  spot,  and  the  general  oft-re- 
peated rule  of  quickly  dressing  and  taking  exercise 
after  the  application  holds  likewise  good  here. 

The  whole  process  should  not  occupy  above  two 
minutes. 

The  early  morning  is  the  most  favourable  time  for 
this  lavation.     It  should  be  undertaken  straight  away 


54  WATER  APPLICATIONS. 

from  the  warm  bed  on  rising,  and,  if  possible,  be  suc- 
ceeded by  a  walk  in  the  fresh  morning  air.  Those 
who  have  tried  it  cannot  fail  to  recognise  its  bracing 
and  inviooratinGj  effect. 

It  is  not  every  one  who  can  with  impunity  indulge 
in  a  cold  lavation  at  night,  for  with  many  it  has  the 
effect  of  unduly  exciting  the  nervous  system.  Those, 
however,  who  are  able  to  stand  it,  will  probably  find 
bedtime  the  most  convenient  for  the  process. 

Persons  suffering  from  sleeplessness  have  frequently 
been  relieved  by  this  means. 

(h)    Complete  Lavation  for  Invalids. 

The  principal  point  to  be  observed  with  regard  to 
the  washing  of  sick  people  is,  that  no  portion  of  the 
body,  not  even  the  foot-soles,  should  remain  untouched 
by  the  water,  which  must  be  rapidly  and  equally  ap- 
plied over  the  whole  surface. 

The  patient  sits  up  in  bed,  or  is  supported,  wdiile 
back  and  shoulders  are  quickly  sponged  over.  Having 
resumed  a  horizontal  position,  chest  and  body  are  next 
attacked,  then  the  arms,  and  lastly  the  legs.  From 
three  to  four  minutes  at  the  outside  will  suffice  for 
the  whole  operation,  which  affords  speedy  and  inex- 
pressible relief.  Should,  however,  this  complete  lava- 
tion be  too  lengthy  and  fatiguing  for  very  sick  persons 
it  may  be  divided  into  two  or  even  three  partial  lava- 
tions.  Thus  chest,  body,  and  arms  may  be  washed  in 
the  morning,  the  back  and  legs  in  the  afternoon. 

The  individual  application  of  these  lavations  is  in- 
dicated under  the  chapter  of  diseases.  Let  me  only 
here   observe   tliat   these   complete   ablutions   are  of 


S\V  ATHINGS.  55 

paramount  importance  in  all  cases  of  high  fever,  more 
particularly  typhus  and  smallpox. 

For  the  weakly  I  often  prescribe  an  admixture  of 
vinegar  and  water,  which  tends  to  open  and  strengthen 
the  pores,  and  more  perfectly  to  cleanse  the  body. 

2.  The  Partial  Lavatiox, 

as  indicated  by  its  name,  is  applied  to  one  portion 
merely  of  the  body,  and  is  performed  with  a  coarse 
linen  towel  dipped  in  water.  All  previous  remarks 
concerning  the  complete  lavation  apply  equally  to  the 
partial  lavation. 

(F)  SWATHINGS. 
The  first  of  these  is  termed 

1.  The  Head-swathing. 

It  can  be  applied  in  twofold  fashion : — 

The  whole  head,  face,  and  hair  included,  are  washed 
over  so  that  the  water  penetrates  everywhere,  without, 
liowever,  causing  the  hair  to  drip  with  moisture. 

Over  the  whole  head  then  tie  a  dry  linen  cloth,  in 
>iuch  manner  that  it  adlieres  closely  and  excludes  the 
outer  air,  leaving  only  the  eyes  and  half  the  forehead 
visible. 

Half  an  hour  will  usually  suffice  completely  to  dry 
the  hair. 

The  washing  and  swathing  may  be  repeated  as  often 
as  three  to  four  times.  After  the  last  swathing,  the 
head  and  neck  should  be  once  more  quickly  washed 
over. 


56  WATER  APPLICATIONS. 

A  still  more  effective  manner  of  performing  this 
operation,  in  cases  where  it  is  desirable  to  promote 
secretion  of  unhealthy  matter,  is  to  wrap  a  light  flan- 
nel or  woollen  shawl  above  the  linen  cloth.  Likewise, 
if  the  head  be  very  hot,  it  will  be  advantageous  to 
moisten  the  linen  cloth. 

Eheumatic  headaches,  scurf,  and  various  dry  erup- 
tions are  readily  cured  by  this  swathing. 

2.  The  Throat-swathing. 

The  milder  form  of  throat  -  swathing  consists  in 
sponging  over  the  whole  throat  and  neck,  and  then 
enveloping  it  in  a  long  narrow^  linen  strip  which  must 
be  wound  three  to  four  times  round  the  neck. 

A  second  and  more  effective  mode  is  to  dip  a  soft 
linen  towel  in  water  and  wind  it  round  the  neck ; 
over  this  a  dry  towel,  and  both  together  to  be  en- 
veloped in  a  strip  of  flannel  or  a  woollen  comforter. 

My  whole  experience  leads  me  to  reject  the  over- 
prolonged  application  of  such  swathings  and  com- 
presses, which  mostly  defeat  their  own  end  by  in- 
tensifying the  heat  and  disturbing  the  circulation 
instead  of  relieving  it. 

An  hour  and  a  half  is  the  utmost  stretch  I  ever 
prescribe  for  the  application  of  a  swathing,  which 
must  always  be  renewed  at  intervals  of  from  twenty 
minutes  to  half  an  hour. 

For  inflammation  of  the  throat,  dißiculty  in  swal- 
lowing, &c.,  this  swathing  is  employed,  mostly,  how- 
ever, in  conjunction  with  some  other  water  applica- 
tion, as  complete  lavation  or  wet  socks. 


SWATHINGS. 


57 


3.  The  Shawl. 

The  shawl  is  a  special  form  of  application  for  the 
chest  and  upper  back.  It  consists  in  a  piece  of  coarse 
linen  about  a  yard  and  a  half  square  (fig.  18),  which, 


Fig.  IS. 


Fig.  19. 


dipped  in  cold  water  and  well  wrung  out,  is  folded 
together  to  form  a  triangle  (fig.  19),  and  applied  to 
the  patient  in  guise  of  a  shawl  or  fichu  (figs.  20,  21). 
A  second  dry  linen  cloth,  or  better  still,  a  flannel  or 


Fig.  21. 

woollen  shawl,  is  secured  above  this  in  order  to  ex- 
clude the  air. 

An  agreeable  sense  of  warmth  will  soon  be  felt  by 
the  patient. 

The  application  of  the  shawl  lasts  from  half  an  hour 
to  an  hour  and  a  half,  and  may  in  some  special  cases  be 


58  WATER  APPLICATIONS. 

extended  to  two  hours.  It  should  be  renewed  every 
half-hour,  or  whenever  the  swathing  is  hot. 

For  congestions,  feverish  catarrhs,  and  in  the  first 
stages  of  inflammation  in  the  head,  for  gathering  in 
the  throat  and  windpipe  obstructions,  the  shawl  will 
be  found  useful. 

With  it  I  have  achieved  the  most  noteworthy  results 
in  cures  of  mental  diseases,  especially  in  the  weaker 
sex.  In  conjunction  with  a  second  equally  simple 
application  the  wet  shawl  sufficed  to  withdraw  all 
superfluous  blood  from  the  head  vessels  and  to  relieve 
the  brain. 

This  second  application  just  mentioned  consisted 
usually  in  wet  socks  or  foot-swathings,  or  else  in  warm 
foot-baths  with  salt  and  ashes. 


4.  The  Foot- swathing. 

This  swathing  is  an  important  auxiliary,  to  be  used 
in  combination  with  other  applications.  We  distinguish 
between  two  sorts  of  foot-swathing,  viz. — 

(a)  The  Simple  Foot-sivathing. 

Country  people  who  have  little  time  and  means 
will  perform  this  operation  in  the  simplest  and  least 
troublesome  manner  by  putting  on  at  night  a  pair  of 
wet  socks,  and  over  these  again  a  pair  of  dry  woollen 
socks  or  stockings. 

Those  who  object  to  this  proceeding  may  swaddle 
their  feet  in  wet  linen,  above  it  dry  flannel  or  woollen 
swatliings. 

The  water  in  which  socks  or  linen  are  dipped  may 
be  mixed  with   vinegar,  and  tlie   application,    which 


SW  ATHINGS.  59 

should  invariably  be  taken  in  bed,  may  last  from  one 
to  two  hours. 

Should  great  heat  result  from  this  operation,  then 
I  lie  swathing  should  be  renewed  at  suitable  intervals. 

In  all  cases  where  it  is  desirable  to  draw  unhealthy 
secretions  from  the  feet,  to  reduce  inflammation  and 
draw  the  blood  downwards,  this  swathing  will  render 
good  service. 

Let  no  one,  however,  be  in  danger  of  confusing  the 
effects  of  this  application  with  those  of  the  foot-bath, 
which  are  of  an  essentially  different  nature.  The  foot- 
bath is  more  rapid  and  transitory  in  its  effects ;  it 
serves  to  draw  down  the  blood  from  the  head,  but  is 
powerless  to  cleanse  or  secrete  unhealthy  matter  from 
the  body. 

Country  people  returning  home  at  night  after  a 
hard  day's  labour  will  do  well  to  sleep  in  wet  socks 
(not  forgetting  of  course  to  cover  these  by  a  pair  of  dry 
ones).  The  wet  socks  will  promote  sleep  and  restore 
freshness  and  elasticity  to  the  wearied  nerves  and 
muscles.  Should  you  chance,  however,  to  wake  up 
during  the  night,  tlie  socks  must  be  instantly  removed  ; 
if  not,  they  should  be  taken  off  the  first  thing  in  the 
morning. 

The  foot-swathing  may  also  be  used  with  advantage 
hy  those  who  suffer  from  cold  feet.  For  profuse 
perspiration  of  the  feet  it  is  likewise  to  be  recom- 
mended, but  only  in  conjunction  with  the  vapour  foot- 
l»atli. 

(b)  Swathing  above  the  knee  is  of  stronger  effect  than 
the  preceding,  and  is  applied  in  the  same  fashion,  with 
the  difference  that  the  wrapping  is  prolonged  to  above 
the  knee. 


60 


WATER   APPLICATIONS. 


For  the  length  of  this  application  and  all  other 
instructions  regarding  it,  the  remarks  regarding  simple 
foot-swathing  hold  good. 

For  withdrawing  the  heat  from  the  upper  hody  in 
cases  of  great  fatigue,  and  removing  unliealthy  winds 
and  gases,  I  can  warmly  recommend  this  swathing. 


5.  The  Lower  Swathing 

is  thus  called  because  it  is  chiefly  employed  for  diseases 
of  tlie  legs  and  lower  body.  It  begins  under  the  arms, 
and  reaches  till  over  the  toes.  The  upper  chest, 
shoulders,  and  arms  remaining  free,  must  be  carefully 
covered  over  to  secure  the  patient  from  cold. 

The  lower  swathing  is  prepared  in  the  following 
manner : — 

A  large  thick  woollen  blanket  is  spread  over  the 
mattress ;  above  it  the  wet  sheet  well  wrung  out,  and 
which  must  be  large  enough  to  envelop  the  body  in 


t^^z^^m^^ 


Fig.  22. 

two  to  three  fold  fashion.  The  patient  lies  down  on 
the  spread-out  sheet,  which  is  then  closely  folded  over 
liim  to  the  right  and  left  until  every  portion  of  the 
lower  body  comes  in  contact  with  the  wet  linen  (fig.  22). 


SWATHINGS.  6 1 

The  blanket  is  then  wrapped  over  so  as  to  form  a 
complete  protection  against  the  outer  air.  The  whole 
person  is  then  covered  with  a  feather  quilt,  in  addition 
to  which  an  extra  rug  or  blanket  may  be  placed  over 
the  feet. 

The  duration  of  this  application  is  from  one  to  two 
hours.  Persons  who  have  an  insurmountable  dislike 
to  cold  water,  as  well  as  the  aged  and  weak,  may 
employ  lukewarm  water  for  this  purpose. 

Country  people  and  peasants  often  simplify  the  pro- 
cess by  taking  an  old  sack,  which,  having  dipped  in 
water  and  well  wrung  out,  they  draw  on  over  the 
whole  person  up  to  the  arm-pits.  Thus  attired  they 
lie  down  and  are  covered  up  with  blankets  or  feather 
quilts. 

The  action  of  this  swathing,  which  is  always  made 
use  of  in  conjunction  with  other  applications,  is  three- 
fold: it  promotes  heat,  dissolves  and  secretes  the 
germs  of  unhealtliy  matter  contained  in  the  system. 
For  tumours  on  the  legs,  rheumatic  and  gouty  affec- 
tions, flatulency,  cramps,  &c.,  it  is  a  valuable  auxiliary. 

Instead  of  simple  cold  or  warm  water  I  often  make 
use  of  an  infusion  of  hay-flowers,  sour  hay,  oat-straw, 
or  pine-needles.  The  sour  hay  is  a  substitute  for  hay- 
flowers,  and  both  are  efficient  in  cases  of  difficult 
urination  ;  also,  in  a  minor  degree,  they  have  a  favour- 
able influence  on  gravel  and  stone  complaints. 

The  infusion  of  oat-straw  has  done  good  service  in 
cases  of  gout,  gravel,  and  stone. 

The  pine-tree  infusion  is  chiefly  for  the  w^eakly ;  it 
is  useful  for  flatulency  and  cramps  of  the  abdomen. 


62 


WATEli   APPLICATIONS. 


6.  The  ShopvT  Swathing 


is  the  one  most  universally  employed,  and  the  most 
independent  of  all  cold-water  applications,  inasmuch 
as  it  depends  upon  the  assistance  of 
no  other.  Being  easily  applied  and 
of  excellent  effect,  it  well  deserves  to 
be  a  general  favourite. 

A  coarse  linen  sheet  folded  to- 
gether four  to  six  fold  is  dipped 
in  water  and  wound  closely  round 
the  body  from  the  armpits  to  the 
centre  of  the  thighs  (fig.  23) ;  above 
it  a  piece  of  flannel  or  woollen  stufJ', 
and  the  patient  is  covered  up  in  bed 
as  in  the  foregoing  applications. 

For  the  aged  and  weak,  warm 
water  may  be  employed. 

An  old  sack  folded  together  to  the 
requisite  width  may  be  made  to  serve  the  purpose 
of  poor  country  people. 

If  healthy  people  would  but  make  use  of  tliis  short 
swathing  once  a-week,  or  even  once  a-fortnight,  how 
many  illnesses  might  not  thereby  be  averted!  It 
acts  favourably  on  liver  and  kidneys,  and  brings  relie 
in  heart,  stomach,  and  drppsical  complaints,  by  dispel- 
ling superfluous  gases. 

Whenever  I  am  in  doubt  as  to  the  nature  of  a  com- 
plaint and  wish  to  ascertain  the  exact  seat  of  the 
evil,  I  always  find  the  short  swathing  to  be  my  best 
and  truest  counsellor. 

Patients  who  suffer  from  weakness  of  the  abdomen 


Fig.  23. 


SWATHINGS.  63 

should   rub    their   body,   either  before    or    after   tlie 
application,  with  oil  of  camphor,  or  lard. 

For  cramps  I  sometimes  make  use  of  a  cloth  dipped 
in  pure  vinegar  and  placed  single-fold  against  the 
body  under  the  wet  wrapper. 

7.  The  Wet  Shikt. 

I  have  selected  this  application  as  being  sufhciently 
self-evident  to  be  grasped  by  the  meanest  intelligence. 

A  common  linen  shirt  is  dipped  in  water,  well 
wrung  out,  and  put  on  by  the  patient,  who  goes  to 
bed,  having  wrapped  himself  in  a  thick  woollen 
blanket  and  sufficiently  covered  himself  with  rugs 
or  quilts. 

The  wet  shirt  may  be  kept  on  from  one  to  two 
hours.  It  acts  like  a  very  mild  form  of  blister,  and 
has  the  effect  of  opening  the  pores,  relieving  cramps 
and  congestion,  and  soothing  the  nervous  system.  I 
have  employed  it  with  great  effect  in  mental  diseases, 
and  on  children  attacked  with  St  Vitus's  dance.  In 
many  skin-diseases  it  is  eminently  valuable;  and  in 
cases  of  scarlet  fever,  measles,  &c.,  when  it  is  an 
object  to  promote  the  eruption  and  bring  it  to  the 
surface,  I  make  use  of  a  shirt  dipped  in  salt  water  or 
an  admixture  of  vinegar. 

8.  The  Spanish  Mantle. 

This  pompous  appellation  is  not  of  my  invention, 
but,  being  in  common  use,  it  may  as  w^ell  serve  my 
purpose  here. 

The  Spanish  mantle,  likewise  called  "  large  swath- 


64 


WATEH  APPLICATIONS. 


ing,"  is  a  sort  of  long  cloak  with  sleeves  made  of 
coarse  linen,  cut  very  wide  and  long,  and  open  up  the 
front.  Perhaps  it  would  be  more  cor- 
rect to  designate  it  as  a  coarse  linen 
dressing-gown  (fig.  24).  This  cloak, 
dipped  in  water, — which  can  be  warm 
or  cold  according  to  the  particular 
case, — is  put  on  by  the  patient,  who 
wraps  it  tightly  about  him  and 
goes  to  bed  as  previously  described 
(fig.  25). 

The  duration  of  this  application  is 
from  one  to  two  hours,  and  must  be 
regulated  by  the  patient's  strength — 
more  particularly,  however,  by  his 
size  and  weight.  For  a  thin  gaunt 
peasant  one  hour  will  suffice ;  a  bur- 
gomaster or  an  alderman  may  unhesi- 
tatingly indulge  in  two  hours. 
Whoever  wishes  to  ascertain  how  potent  are  the 
effects  of  the  Spanish  mantle  neec^  only  examine  the 


Fig.  24. 


Fiir.  25. 


water  in  which  the  cloak  has  been  rinsed  out  after  the 
application.     The  water  will  be  found  to  be  dull  and 


WATER-DKINKING.  65 

discoloured ;  and  I  have  known  cases  where  the  linen 
cloak  itself  was  dyed  throughout  of  a  yellow  hue, 
which  could  only  be  removed  by  bleaching. 

I  specially  make  use  of  the  Spanish  mantle  in  cases 
of  general  catarrh  (where  it  extends  over  the  whole 
system),  for  slime-fever,  gout,  smallpox,  typhus,  and 
as  a  preventive  against  apoplexy.  In  Part  III.  of 
this  work  we  shall  frequently  meet  the  Spanish 
mantle. 

Dipped  in  an  infusion  of  hay-flowers,  oat-straw,  or 
pine-needles,  it  is  of  excellent  effect  in  various  dis- 
eases, such  as  gravel,  stone,  &c.,  according  to  the  in- 
dividual effects  of  each  of  these  plants. 


(G)  WATER-DRINKING. 

This  paragraph  may  be  a  brief  one.  I  warn  every- 
body against  the  two  extremes — that  of  drinking  too 
much  and  of  not  drinking  at  all.  Some  years  ago  it 
was  the  fashion  to  imbibe  large  quantities  of  water 
by  way  of  cure — a  daily  allowance  of  four,  six,  eight, 
and  even  ten  pints  being  of  common  practice ;  and 
even  now  there  are  many  who  entertain  an  un- 
defined notion  that  much  water -drinking  must  be 
conducive  to  health. 

Those  of  the  second  category  hold  a  diametrically 
opposite  opinion,  and  pass  days,  weeks,  and  even 
months  without  anything  in  the  shape  of  fluid  cross- 
ing their  lips. 

Are  not  both  these  proceedings  equally  senseless  ? 

Before  the  clock  strikes  it  gives  us  warning,  and 
does  not  the  greatest  of  all  mechanicians,  the  Creator, 

E 


66  WATER  APPLICATIONS. 

do  the  same  by  all  His  creatures  ?  He  gives  us 
hunger  as  a  sign  that  it  is  time  to  eat,  and  thirst  to 
tell  us  when  we  should  drink.  The  human  system, 
that  living  clock  of  exquisitely  accurate  construction, 
would  ever  move  and  strike  with  unfailing  punctual- 
ity were  it  not  for  the  blindness  of  mankind,  which 
soils  the  works,  and  obstructs  their  rotation  by  dust 
and  dirt. 

Wild  and  tame  animals  eat  and  drink  whenever 
they  experience  thirst  or  hunger,  and  desist  when 
they  are  satisfied ;  and  a  rational  unvitiated  human 
being  will  act  in  like  manner. 

Drink,  therefore,  whenever  thou  art  thirsty,  and 
never  drink  much  at  a  time ! 

I  know  persons  who  hardly  ever  drink  from  week's 
end  to  week's  end;  others  to  whom  a  glass  of  water 
at  breakfast  is  sufficient  for  the  whole  day.  This  msry 
easily  be  explained  by  the  fact  that  in  every  dish  of 
which  we  partake  a  certain  amount  of  liquid  is  con- 
tained. Except  during  the  great  heat  in  midsummer, 
or  a  feverish  state  of  the  system,  thirst  is  an  element 
foreign  to  many  people;  and  it  always  is  to  me  a 
mystery  wherefore  so  many  persons,  without  the 
sliglitest  necessity,  choose  to  flood  their  poor  stomachs 
with  whole  deluges  of  liquid  1  Such  a  course  cannot 
fail  to  bring  its  revenge  in  time. 

At  this  place  I  wish  to  say  a  few  words  about 
drinking  during  meals.  Tliis  applies  to  those  in  the 
more  civilised  walks  of  life,  for  with  peasants  and 
country  people  drinking  at  table  is  not  a  general 
habit. 

Our  food,  as  we  chew  it  in  the  mouth,  sliould  be 
penetrated    throughout   with   the   saliva,   whicli   has 


WATER-DKINKING.  67 

specially  been  given  to  us  for  tlie  puq^ose  of  assist- 
ing digestion. 

If,  therefore,  we  dilute  this  valuable  sap  with  an- 
other fluid,  such  as  water,  beer,  or  wine,  we  neces- 
sarily weaken  its  effects. 

AVhen  and  how  should  we  therefore  drink  ? 

Let  him  drink  who  is  thirsty  before  meals,  for  the 
thirst  is  then  a  sure  indication  of  scanty  or  thick 
saliva,  which  requires  to  be  diluted  and  renewed. 

During  meals  we  should  as  much  as  possible, 
refrain  from  drinking,  in  order  that  everything  we 
eat  may  be  thoroughly  amalgamat(3d  with  the  pure 
saliva. 

"When  a  certain  time  has  elapsed  after  a  meal, 
digestion  again  demands  a  renewal  of  the  stomach 
saps.  In  other  words,  if  in  one,  two,  or  three  hours 
after  eating  we  feel  thirsty,  it  is  permissible  to  drink 
in  moderation. 

Drink  as  often  as  thou  art  thirsty,  and  never  drink 
to  excess ! 

The  peasants  do  not  care  for  violent  sudden  showers 
of  rain,  for  they  declare  that  such  do  more  harm  than 
good,  and  render  the  land  unfruitful.  Those  .heavy 
morning  mists,  on  tlie  contrary,  which  wet  the  hat  till 
it  drips  with  moisture,  are  the  peasants'  best  friends, 
for  tliey  promote  fertility. 

It  has  lately  become  the  fashion  to  praise  the  effects 
of  warm  water  imbibed  at  the  temperature  of  100°  to 
111°  F.  for  certain  chronic  diseases.  I  have  myself 
employed  this  remedy  in  former  years,  and  not  with- 
out success.  Let  honour  be  given  to  whomsoever 
honour  is  due,  and  far  be  it  from  me  to  condemn 
those  who  prefer  hot  water  to  the  pure  cold  element. 


68  WATER  APPLICATIONS. 

My  experience,  however,  is  all  in  favour  of  cold  water, 
which  I  consider  to  be  capable  of  achieving  equal,  if 
not  superior,  results  to  those  obtainable  with  warm. 
This  question  is  entirely  one  of  individual  taste ;  let 
each  person,  therefore,  select  that  which  he  finds  most 
congenial. 


PART    II. 


P  H  A  E  M  A  C  Y 


Bencdicitc  universa  gcrminantia  in  terra  Domino  !' 


IXTRODUCTOKY   REMAEKS. 

I  AM  a  sworn  enemy  of  all  secret  remedies  and  patent 
medicines,  whose  composition  and  ingredients  are 
enveloped  in  mystery. 

This  reproach  cannot  be  addressed  to  me.  I  will- 
ingly throw  open  the  drawers  of  my  pharmacy  and 
invite  every  one  to  analyse  their  contents.  No  ex- 
pensive stock-in-trade  will  be  found  here,  for  most  of 
my  medicines,  infusions,  extracts,  oils,  and  powders 
are  drawn  from  simple  weeds  and  herbs,  well  known 
and  much  prized  by  our  ancestors,  but  mostly  now 
forgotten  and  despised.  These  may  be  found  in  almost 
every  field  and  garden,  on  the  common,  and  by  the 
wayside ;  and  as  this  little  work  is  chiefly  written  for 
the  poor,  the  greatest  merit  of  my  remedies  lies  in 
their  very  cheapness  and  vulgarity. 

It  is  for  the  sake  of  the  poor  that  I  have  devoted 
long  years  to  this  study,  seeking  out  and  renewing 
acquaintance  with  each  obscure  and  insignificant 
herb,  with  a  view  to  raising  it  anew  to  well-deserved 
honour  and  consideration.  I  have  examined  and  an- 
alysed, dried  and  dissected,  boiled  and  tasted  each 
over  and  over  again.     There  is  no  herb,  no  powder, 


72  PHAEMACY. 

whose  effects  have  not  been  previously  tried  on  myself 
before  giving  it  to  the  world. 

I  was  long  in  doubt  as  to  whether  or  not  I  should 
publish  the  result  of  these  botanical  experiments  as 
appendix  to  my  cold-water  cure,  being,  as  I  am, 
fully  persuaded  that  cold  water  alone  is  sufficient  to 
cure  all  complaints.  There  are,  however,  many  per- 
sons who  shrink  from  the  prospect  of  a  prolonged 
cold-water  cure,  and  for  these  this  portion  of  tlie 
book  is  written.  By  help  of  the  remedies  here  in- 
dicated the  water  applications  may  be  curtailed  and 
simplified. 

To  those  plants  whose  action  appeared  to  me  doubt- 
ful, such  as  marsh-mallow  or  liquorice,  I  have  accorded 
little  attention.  Poisonous  plants  liave  been  com- 
pletely omitted  from  my  pharmacy. 

How  good  is  God  towards  us  !  my  heart  impels  me 
to  exclaim  here.  Not  only  that  which  we  require  for 
sustaining  life,  our  daily  bread,  does  He  cause  to  grow 
for  us.  In  unerring  wisdom  He  has  created  everything 
in  perfect  measure  and  harmony,  and  His  paternal 
love  makes  countless  little  herbs  spring  up  from  the 
earth  in  order  to  bring  solace  and  consolation  to  suf- 
fering mankind. 

How  good  is  God !  If  only  we  had  sense  to  recog- 
nise it !  Let  us  pursue  attentively  the  little  plants  to 
which  the  Creator  has  given  scent,  as  a  tiny  perfume- 
liask,  by  which  to  proclaim  their  qualities  and  attract 
our  attention ;  and  as  we  pluck  them,  let  us  render 
thanks  to  our  Father  in  heaven,  who  provides  so 
bountifully  for  His  children. 

Our  household  pharmacy  should  contain  four  prin- 
cipal partitions,  and  several  smaller  side  partitions. 


INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS.  73 

The  four  principal  partitions  consist  of — 

Tinctures  or  extracts. 

Tea-infusions. 

Powders. 

Oils. 
Into  the.  side  partitions,  properly  sorted  and  ar- 
ranged, comes  everything  else  which  cannot  be  clas- 
sified under  the  foregoing  four  heads.  Also  linen 
rags  and  cotton  wool  for  dressing  wounds  should  find 
here  a  place. 

The  tinctures  and  oils  must  be  kept  in  glasses  or 
bottles;  teas  and  powders  in  close  paper  bags,  or, 
better  still,  in  wooden  boxes.  If  these  are  ordered 
new  for  this  purpose,  they  should  be  oval-shaped,  and 
of  difierent  sizes.  If  they  are  all  made  of  a  uniform 
pattern,  this  will  give  the  household  pharmacy  a 
business-like,  neat  appearance,  and  it  will  be  a  pleas- 
ure to  look  at  them  ranged  upon  the  shelves  like  a 
well-disciplined  army  of  soldiers.^  Everything  to  be 
kept  in  a  dry,  cool,  and  easily  accessible  place. 

The  contents  of  each  glass  bottle,  bag,  or  box  sliould 
be  distinctly  marked  on  a  label  affixed  to  it,  and  it 
will  save  both  time  and  trouble  if  these  are  arrancred 
alphabetically. 

Great  order,  method,  and  cleanliness  are  the  prin- 
cipal conditions  for  organising  and  keeping  up  this 
household  pliarmacy.  It  should  be  presided  over  by 
the  mother  of  the  family,  or  else  by  her  most  tidy  and 
industrious  son  or  daughter.  Well  governed  and  ad- 
ministered, this  little  pharmacy  will  be  a  source  of 
blessing  and  consolation  to  the  whole  household ;  and 

^  Old  toy-boxes  may,  however,  very  well  serve  the  purpose. — Trans- 
lator's note. 


74  PHARMACY. 

its  faithful  dispenser  may  joyfully  remember  the  words 
of  our  blessed  Saviour,  "  Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it 
unto  one  of  the  least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have 
done  it  unto  me  "  (Matt.  xxv.  40). 

At  the  end  of  this  part  I  have  given  a  list  of  tlie 
contents  of  the  pharmacy,  from  which  I  have  banislied 
everything  of  a  superfluous  nature. 

A  word  more  here  as  to  the  preparation  of  tinctures, 
teas,  powders,  and  oils. 


TiNCTUEES   OK  EXTRACTS. 

The  healing  virtues  of  a  plant,  its  inward  sap,  may 
be  extracted  in  various  ways.  The  best  and  most 
potent  extraction  may  be  obtained  as  follows: — 

Among  the  herbs,  berries,  or  flow^ers  from  which 
the  medicine  is  to  be  made,  seek  out  th.e  most  per- 
fect specimens,  ripe  and  undecayed;  these  are  to  be 
well  dried  in  the  open  air  upon  a  w^ooden  board  or  tray 
— placed,  however,  in  the  shade,  never  in  the  sun. 

When  everything  is  well  dried,  cut  up  or  pull 
asunder  those  that  require  to  be  diminished  in  size, 
and  place  everything  in  a  clean,  easily  corked  glass 
bottle.  Over  this  pour  pure  corn-brandy  or  some  other 
kind  of  unadulterated  spirit.  AYell  close  the  bottle 
and  place  for  a  time  in  a  moderately  warm  spot.  The 
longer  the  extract  is  kept,  the  stronger  it  will  be,  and 
I  often  make  use  of  a  tincture  after  it  has  stood  a  year 
undisturbed.  In  case  of  necessity,  however,  it  may  be 
used  after  a  few  days. 

The  tinctures  are  to  be  administered  in  drops ;  some- 
times (when  expressly  indicated)  in  tea-  or  even  table- 
spoonfuls. 


INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS.  75 

The  qualities  of  all  berries,  herbs,  and  flowers  which 
are  employed  as  tinctures  may  also  be  expressed  in 
wine.  This  wine,  however,  is  not  intended  to  be  kept 
any  lengtli  of  time,  but  is  mostly  employed  for  imme- 
diate use. 

Teas. 

In  dry  weather,  wlien  you  are  coming  back  from 
the  fields,  or  when  going  out  to  view  the  state  of  the 
crops,  turn  aside  occasionally  from  your  path  to  pluck 
here  and  there  one  of  tlie  healing  herbs.  Give  the 
preference  to  tliose  that  grow  on  dry  soil — best  of  all, 
on  sunny  hillsides ;  and  those  flowers  and  berries 
which  are  most  perfectly  expanded  and  developed, 
will  bring  you  the  best  fruits  in  time  of  sickness. 
Many  of  the  plants  and  herbs  will  be  found  growing 
in  your  own  kitchen-garden,  near  the  house  or  farm 
buildings.  Teach  your  ten-year-old  little  girl  or  boy 
liow  to  seek  for  the  plants  ;  this  will  give  them  pleasure 
and  save  your  own  time. 

The  plants  should  every  year  be  renewed — that  is 
to  say,  a  new  stock  gathered  in  and  the  old  ones 
tlirown  away. 

Each  housewife  knows  how  to  prepare  tea :  for  one 
cupful,  she  takes  of  the  dried  herbs  as  flow^ers  as  much 
IS  she  can  grasp  in  three  fingers,  pours  over  it  boil- 
ing water,  and  lets  it  boil  up  once  or  twice.  After 
straining,  it  will  then  be  ready  for  use. 

Made  in  this  fashion,  the  tea  will  have  the  most 
delicate  pleasing  taste,  but  it  will  not  be  of  the 
strongest  kind. 

My  method  of  making  it  is  different.  I  let  it  boil 
for  long,  until  every  particle  of  strength  is  extracted 


76  PHARMACY. 

from   the   plant,  in  order   that   none   of   its   healing 
virtues  may  be  wasted. 

How  and  when  these  teas  are  to  be  administered, 
I  have  indicated  at  the  proper  place. 

Powders. 

A  powder  is  obtained  by  scraping  or  pounding  in 
a  mortar  the  dry  roots,  leaves,  berries,  or  seeds. 

Many  sick  people  prefer  to  take  medicine  in  this 
shape  to  swallowing  cupfuls  of  fluid.  It  may  be 
strewn  over  their  food  or  mixed  with  their  drink  in 
such  fashion  that  they  never  suspect  its  presence. 

The  glasses  or  boxes  where  these  powders  are  kept 
should  be  air-tight. 

Oils. 

The  different  oils  appertaining  to  the  pharmacy 
can  be  bought  ready-made  of  the  apothecary  in  every 
country  town  or  village. 

As  with  the  other  medicines,  the  oil-bottles  should 
be  kept  clean  and  in  good  order. 


77 


MEDICAMENTS. 


Almond-oil. 


The  oil  of  sweet  almonds  should  rank  first  among  tlie 
oils  contained  in  the  household  pharmacy. 

It  is  useful  in  cases  of  conglutination  of  the  stomach 
and  windpipe,  dissolving  the  slime  and  restoring  ap- 
petite. 

It  cools  inflammation,  especially  the  redoubtable  in- 
flammation of  the  lungs.  Patients  attacked  with  this 
illness  should  daily  take  three  to  four  teaspoonfuls  of 
the  oil  internally. 

For  earache,  cramp,  or  wind  in  the  ear,  and  other 
like  complaints,  six  to  eight  drops  may  be  poured  into 
the  suffering  ear,  which  must  then  be  carefully  closed 
with  cotton  wool. 

Those  who  suffer  from  deafness  in  consequence  of 
catching  cold,  or  from  a  rheumatic  affection,  should 
employ  seven  to  eight  drops  daily  on  each  ear  in 
alternation.  After  continuing  tliis  practice  for  several 
days,  the  ear  should  be  washed  out  with  lukewarm 
Water,  or,  better  still,  syringed  by  a  proficient  hand. 

Boils  which  are  attended  by  much  heat  may  be 
gently  rubbed  over  with  almond-oil. 


78  PHARMACY. 

It  is  also  a  good  thing  with  which  to  rub  the  skin 
when  you  are  "  saddle-sick."  or  to  apply  to  any  part 
of  the  body  which  is  chafed  or  sore. 

In  default  of  almond-oil,  olive-oil  may  be  employed. 

Aloe. 

This  powder  (which  can  be  bought  at  the  apothe- 
cary's) is  of  good  effect  for  both  inward  and  outward 
use.  One  to  two  pinches  of  aloe-powder  mixed  with 
a  teaspoonful  of  honey  will  serve  to  cleanse  the 
stomach  without  producing  irritation. 

Combined  with  other  herbs,  and  infused  as  tea,  it 
is  of  yet  greater  effect.  The  mixture  is  usually  as 
follows :  One  pinch  of  aloe,  sufficient  elder-flowers  for 
two  cups  of  tea,  two  pinches  of  fenugreek,  a  teaspoon- 
ful of  fennel.  The  two  cups  of  tea  are  to  be  taken  in 
the  course  of  two  days.  Tlieir  action  in  promoting 
stools  does  not  take  place  till  from  twelve  to  thirty 
hours  later. 

Outwardly  applied  it  is  good  for  weak,  red,  and  sup- 
purated eyes.  A  good  pinch  of  aloe  infused  in  boiling 
water  will  make  an  excellent  eye-water,  which  can  be 
used  from  three  to  four  times  daily.  It  may  also  be 
applied  to  old  wounds,  proud  flesh,  and  deep  scars 
which  have  suppurated,  by  dipping  a  linen  in  this 
water  and  placing  it  on  the  affected  part. 

Aloe  (Aloe  vulgaris). 

This  plant,  whicli  many  people  keep  in  their  rooms 
by  way  of  ornament,  has  got  thick  long  leaves  which 
are  covered  with  prickly  spikes.  If  every  one  knew 
the  value  of  these  leaves,  no  home  would  be  without 
at  least  one  such  plant. 


MEDICAMENTS.  79 

A  leaf  of  the  aloe  boiled  in  water  will  produce  a 
medicine  a  cupful  of  which  will  cleanse  stomach  and 
bowels.  Ivcduced  to  powder,  two  pinches  daily  will 
act  beneficially  in  liver  complaints  and  jaundice. 

A  spoonful  of  honey  boiled  with  an  aloe-leaf  in  a 
pint  of  wa,ter  will,  if  taken  in  small  doses,  remove 
internal  heat,  and  heal  sore  gums,  especially  if  these 
be  the  result  of  whooping-cougli. 

Mixed  with  wormwood,  it  serves  to  secrete  watery 
saps  which  might  otherwise  have  turned  to  dropsy. 

Alum. 

Alum  is  of  corrosive  action,  and  is  suitable  for 
indolent  tumours  and  wounds.  I  have  seen  cases 
when  an  early  stage  of  cancer  was  averted  by  means 
of  alum. 

The  application  is  as  follows : — 

Tlie  alum  is  either  reduced  to  powder  and  then 
sprinkled  over  the  wound,  or  else  dissolved  in  water: 
it  is  applied  to  the  affected  part  by  means  of  linen 
rags  dipped  in  the  solution. 

A  weak  solution  of  alum-water  is  good  for  sore  and 
diseased  gums.     It  may  likewise  be  used  for  gargling. 

Angelica  {Angelica  silvestris,  L.) 

Upon  damp  meadows  and  in  the  woods  we  find 
a  i)lant  which  grows  to  the  height  of  from  20  to 
40  inches.  It  has  a  hollow  stem,  out  of  which  the 
boys  like  to  make  pipes.  The  name  of  this  plant  is 
Angelica.  Its  healing  powers  on  the  human  system 
are  unfortunately  too  little  known.  If  any  one  has 
partaken  of  poisonous  or  unwholesome  food,  a  tea 
made  of  the  roots,  seeds,  and  leaves  of  this  plant  will 


80  PHARMACY. 

be  found  an  excellent  remedy,  as  it  tends  to  remove 
and  secrete  the  unhealthy  matter. 

How  often  we  feel  a  sensation  of  cold  in  the 
stomach !  A  cup  of  tea  made  of  these  roots  will 
quickly  restore  the  internal  warmth.  It  is  best  to 
imbibe  such  a  cupful  in  three  portions,  to  be  taken 
morning,  noon,  and  night. 

Flatulency  and  unwholesome  gases  in  stomach 
and  bowels  are  readily  cured  by  a  cup  of  this  tea, 
especially  if  the  tea  be  infused  with  a  mixture  of 
wine-and-water.  For  congestion  in  lungs,  windpipe, 
and  chest,  and  for  burning  pains  in  the  stomach,  it 
is  likewise  very  serviceable. 

The  dried  roots,  leaves,  and  seeds  may  be  reduced 
to  powder,  and  thus  employed  instead  of  the  tea. 

Aniseed  {Pimpinella  anisum,  L.) 

Aniseed,  like  fennel,  may  be  warmly  recommended. 
Its  action  upon  unwholesome  gases  and  flatulency  is 
even  greater  than  that  of  fennel.  Oftenest  these  two 
remedies  are  employed  combined  together. 

Oil  of  aniseed  and  of  fennel  may  be  bought  in 
every  apothecary's.  For  the  afore-named  complaints 
four  to  seven  drops  on  sugar  once  or  twice  daily  will 
suffice. 

Arnica  (Arnica  montana,  L.) 

Tincture  of  arnica  is  so  well  known  for  its  healing 
and  strengthening  effects  upon  wounds,  sprains,  &c., 
as  hardly  to  require  any  commentary. 

It  is  not  expensive  to  buy,  but  any  one  can  prepare 
it  for  himself.  The  blossoms,  collected  at  the  end  of 
June  or  beginning  of  July,  are  placed   in   air-tight 


MEDICAMENTS.  8l 

bottles  into  which  corn-brandy  or  spirits  are  poured. 
In  three  days  the  tincture  will  be  ready  for  use. 

Ashes. 

Wood-ashes  are  always  employed  for  medical  pur- 
poses: those  of  lime- wood  being  the  best  and  finest. 
The  fresher  they  are,  tlie  more  effective  they  will 
be ;  those  just  withdrawn  from  the  heart! i  will  be 
best  of  all. 

After  illnesses  in  which  the  digestive  organs  have 
suffered  we  derive  much  benefit  from  ashes.  This 
may  sound  peculiar,  but  is  true  nevertheless.  Powdered 
ashes  are  easiest  taken  mixed  in  milk  with  a  little 
sugar ;  and  the  daily  portion,  which  should  not  exceed 
one  table-spoonful,  may  be  taken  all  at  once,  or  divided 
into  two  doses. 

Consumptive  patients  may  daily  drink  two  pints  of 
milk,  each  pint  containing  a  spoonful  of  ground  ashes. 

It  may  likewise  be  powdered  over  old  suppurated 
sores  and  wounds,  as  it  will  assist  the  healing  process. 

Bilberry  ( Vaccinium  myrtillus). 

About  the  time  of  St  James's  feast  (25th  July),  the 
children  love  to  go  to  the  forest:  the  bilberries  are 
ripe,  a  prime  delicacy  for  these  young  brats.  Even 
grown-up  children  do  not  despise  these  dark-hued 
berries,  and  we  see  them  piled  up  in  baskets  in  the 
town  market-place.  Their  sight  will  remind  many 
a  student  of  bygone  happy  childish  days,  when  he 
used  to  pluck  bilberries  with  his  little  sister,  and  per- 
chance he  will  sometimes  stop  and  buy  a  few  coppers' 
worth  of  the  fruit  for  the  sake  of  "auld  lang  syne." 

No  household  should  be  without  a  good  supply  of 
F 


82  PHARMACY. 

dried  bilberries  throiigUout  the  year :  lliey  will  be 
found  useful  in  manifold  cases. 

Good  corn-brandy  poured  over  two  to  three  hand- 
fuls  of  bilberries  in  a  bottle,  will  produce  an  extract 
which  may  be  kept  for  years,  and  will  improve  with 
keeping. 

Obstinate  diarrho3a  may  be  relieved  by  a  spoonful 
of  bilberry  extract,  taken  in  a  gill  of  warm  water, 
and  repeated  after  8  to  10  hours.  It  will  hardly 
be  necessary  to  repeat  the  dose  a  third  time. 

Even  in  cases  of  severe  dysentery,  the  bilberry 
extract  will  be  found  of  good  service,  used  in  con- 
junction with  compresses  of  vinegar  and  water. 

The  dose  must  be  regulated  according  to  the  nature 
and  violence  of  the  disease;  10  to  30  drops  on  sugar 
being  the  smallest,  one  tea-spoonful,  taken  in  warm 
water  or  wine,  the  largest,  dose. 

Bone-dust  {see  Chalk). 
Of  this  bone-dust  I  always  prepare  three  sorts — viz. : 

{a)  Black  Fowdtr. 

I  take  clean  bones  of  a  healthy  ox,  and  expose 
these  to  the  glowing  heat  until  the  bones  are  re- 
duced to  ashes.  These  black  ashes  must  be  pounded 
line,  and  a  very  simple  efficacious  remedy  will  be 
complete. 

(?>)  WliiU  Poiodcr. 

I  burn  the  bones  until  they  have  assumed  the 
appearance  of  quick -set  lime;  pound  as  above,  the 
result  being  a  powder  which  has  the  appearance  of 
pipeclay. 


MEDICAMENTS.  83 

((;)  Grcij  Powder 
is   composed   of   a   mixture  of  the  black  and  white 
dust,  producing  a  grey -lined  powder. 

Tliose  who  read  my  remarks  nnder  the  heading 
Chalk,  will  understand  why  I  attach  great  import- 
ance to  bone-dust. 

Its  effects  are  most  noteworthy  after  severe  illness, 
when  the  patient  is  much  weakened.  I  am  often  un- 
able to  restrain  my  own  astonishment  at  the  wonder- 
ful results  achieved  by  it. 

Many  may  fail  to  understand  wherefore  I  prepare 
three  separate  sorts  of  powder  out  of  the  same  bone. 
[  do  this  because  each  separate  preparation  is  adapted 
to  a  ditlerent  phase  of  weakness. 

To  convalescents  who  suffer  from  general  weakness 
of  the  system,  and  to  little  children  who  seem  to  be 
dwindling  away  like  stunted  treelets,  I  administer 
one  to  two  pinches  of  the  black  powder  daily  in 
water,  or  mixed  in  the  food. 

l*atients  of  whom  I  note  that  their  machinery 
works  slow  and  indolently,  that  their  circulation 
and  digestion  are  out  of  order,  that  their  bones  in 
especial  appear  to  be  in  shaken  condition  like  that 
of  a  crumbling  building,  receive  the  white  bone-dust. 

The  mixture  of  tlie  two  powders  is  administered 
to  those  patients,  or  convalescents,  whose  internal 
organs  and  vessels  are  much  weakened. 

This,  dear  reader,  is  the  whole  secret  of  the  black, 
white,  and  grey  powders,  of  whose  effects  so  many 
patients  are  able  to  relate,  and  which  have  been  so 
much  discussed  and  disputed  over.  Believe  me,  these 
powders  alone  might  have  made  me  a  rich  man.     But 


84  PHAKMACY. 

I  detest  and  despise  all  secret  remedies,  wliich  are 
justly  to  be  regarded  as  quacksalving  swindles.  My 
remedies  need  not  fear  the  open  light  of  day.  Let 
each  one  examine  for  himself  and  select  the  best. 


Bran. 

Instead  of  throwing  this  into  the  pigs'-trough,  as  so 
many  senseless  people  are  in  the  habit  of  doing,  they 
should  rather  save  this  noble,  nutritious,  and  whole- 
some substance  for  their  own  w^eak  and  suffering 
children. 

Nothing  is  more  welcome  to  convalescents,  weak- 
lings, and  children  than  easily  digested  food,  and  the 
weakest  stomach  is  capable  of  retaining  a  decoction 
of  bran,  which  is,  so  to  say,  the  very  quintessence  of 
the  grain  itself.  Let  no  one  be  surprised  at  this 
assertion:  it  is  a  well-known  fact  that  the  rinds  of 
apples  and  pears  possess  more  strength  than  the 
actual  fruit. 

Take  wheat  or  corn  bran  and  boil  it  for  three- 
quarters  of  an  hour  in  water;  then  press  out  the 
bran  and  strain ;  mix  honey  into  the  decoction,  and 
boil  up  again  for  half  an  hour.  Of  this  drink  the 
patient  may  take  twice  daily  half  a  pint.  White 
bread  or  roll  dipped  in  it  will  be  pleasant  to  the 
taste. 

For  childi'en,  and  for  the  aged,  I  know  no  better, 
more  wholesome  beverage,  and  those  who  have  tried 
it  will  sing  its  praises. 

If  we  would  but  strive  to  become  simpler,  more 
rational,  more  frugal  in  our  habits !  God  grant  that 
it  may  be  so !  for  much  depends  upon  it. 


MEDICAMENTS.  85 

Camomile  [Matricaria  chamomilla,  L.) 

Camomile  tea,  for  colds,  catarrhs,  especially  when 
these  are  attended  by  fever ;  for  stomach-pain,  cramps, 
violent  congestion,  toothaclie, — is  a  well-known  and 
trusty  friend  in  every  (German)  house.  Less  familiar 
to  the  English  public  will  probably  be  the  little 
muslin  bags  filled  with  dried  camomile  flowers,  which 
will  relieve  pain  when  applied  warm  on  the  stomach 
or  abdomen. 

Camphor. 

The  properties  of  camphor  are  well  known.  Its 
effects  are  soothing  and  pain-stilling. 

It  may  be  used  as  spirits  of  camphor  or  camphor- 
oil. 

For  spirits  of  camphor,  dissolve  a  piece  as  large  as 
;i  hazel  nut  in  half  a  pint  of  spirits.  It  is  only  for 
outward  application, — to  be  rubbed  on  the  affected 
part  in  cases  of  bruises,  sprains,  rheumatic  and  spas- 
modical complaints.  Many  people  employ  it  merely 
for  strengthening  some  particular  limb  or  part,  and 
they  act  rightly  in  so  doing. 

Camplior-oil  is  produced  by  mixing  powdered  cam- 
phor in  almond  or  salad  oil.  It  is  excellent  for 
rubbing  in,  in  cases  of  rheumatism,  gout,  and  pains 
in  the  back. 

Centaury  (Erithrca  centanrmm,  L.) 

Is  called  in  German  Tausendg^ddeiikraiit  —  literally, 
the  thousand  florin  herb.  How  curiously  certain 
lierbs  have  been  christened  by  our  ancestors !  The 
reason  of  this  is  tliat  they  knew  their  now  forgotten 
worth.     Our  little  flower  must  have  occupied  a  high 


86  PHAEMACY. 

social  position  in  the  herbal  world  of  those  bygone 
days. 

Its  taste  is  bitter,  and  its  mission,  employed  as  tea, 
is  to  relieve  the  stomach  of  superfluous  winds  and 
gases,  to  restore  the  digestive  saps,  and  act  upon  liver 
and  kidneys.  It  is  the  best  remedy  for  heartburn. 
Sufferers  from  derangement  of  the  circulation  may 
seek  counsel  and  help  from  the  herb. 

Chalk  {see  Bone-dust). 

Every  one  must  have  seen  how,  not  only  foals  but 
other  household  animals,  are  fond  of  swallowing  little 
particles  of  lime  or  mortar;  and  who  has  not  heard 
of  children  from  whom  the  schoolroom  chalk  had 
to  be  hidden  away,  lest  they  should  break  up  and 
greedily  devour  it  ? 

Does  not  nature  give  us  hereby  a  hint  as  to  the 
beneficial  action  of  chalk  upon  the  human  system  ? 
I  myself  have  made  use  of  chalk  in  large  quantities 
with  quite  surprising  results. 

Chalk  contains  sulphur,  lime,  and  other  iugredients  ; 
let  us  call  these  at  once  building  materials,  which 
often  serve  to  strengthen  and  build  up  anew  tlie 
marvellous  edifice  constructed  by  the  greatest  of  all 
architects. 

To  weaklings  and  children  I  give  daily  a  pinch 
of  chalk  in  water,  or  mixed  with  the  food.  Being 
absolutely  tasteless  and  scentless,  powdered  chalk  is 
easily  swallowed.  Let  those  who  suffer  from  imper- 
fect digestion,  and  children  who  in  spite  of  all  care  do 
not  seem  to  thrive,  give  chalk  a  trial,  taken  as  above. 

It  is  specially  efficacious  in  green  sickness.  Those 
affected  with  this  complaint  should  take  not  one  but 


MEDICAMENTS.  87 

two  pinclies  daily,  morning  and  evening.  Tliis  white 
powder  will  soon  change  the  patients'  pale  faces  to  a 
liealthy  red.  More  potent  in  its  effects  than  chalk  is 
bone-dust. 

Cloves,  Oil  of. 

Oil  of  cloves  is  employed  in  the  same  manner  as 
almond  or  olive  oil,  and  is  often  mixed  with  these. 

I  have  found  it  to  be  of  special  use  against  indolent 
gases  and  unhealthy  saps  in  the  stomach. 

The  dose,  to  be  taken  on  sugar,  is  from  four  to  six 
drops,  once  or  twice  daily. 

Coltsfoot  (Tussilago  petasitis  Sindfarfara). 

Many  plants  like  the  coltsfoot  seem  to  have  been 
created  but  to  be  trodden  under  foot,  but  those  who 
are  acquainted  with  its  qualities  will  hold  this  plant 
in  high  esteem. 

Coltsfoot-tea  is  excellent  for  clearinc^  and  cleansinof 
chest  and  lungs ;  for  cough  and  for  all  those  who 
incline  to  consumption.  Fresh  coltsfoot  -  leaves  laid 
on  the  chest  will  draw  out  heat  and  fever,  and  may 
also  be  used  for  open  wounds. 

They  are  specially  serviceable  for  open  sores  on  the 
feet,  when  the  spots  are  highly  inflamed,  blue  or  black 
in  hue.  They  draw  out  heat  and  pain,  and  expel  the 
unhealthy  matter.  Also  for  erysipelas  they  may  be 
used  with  advantage. 

Coltsfoot-leaves  may  be  dried  in  the  shade,  rubbed 
down  to  powder,  and  taken  as  medicine ;  the  dose  is 
from  one  to  two  pinches,  taken  two  or  three  times 
daily.  This  powder,  like  many  others,  may  be  mixed 
with  the  patient's  food. 


88  PHARMACY. 


Cowslip  {Primula  oßeinalis,  L.) 

Only  the  dark-yellow  cowslip  is  of  any  value  for 
the  household  pharmacy.  Its  mere  scent  reveals  to 
us  that  it  must  be  gifted  with  peculiar  virtues.  It 
suffices  to  chew  two  or  three  of  these  little  yellow 
cups,  in  order  to  guess  the  medicinal  qualities  here 
concealed. 

Shooting  pains  in  the  limbs  may  readily  be  cured 
by  a  daily  cupful  of  cowslip  tea.  This  cure  should 
be  continued  for  some  length  of  time. 

Danewoet  or  Dwarf-Elder  (Samhicvs  cbuhis,  L.) 

At  the  forest  edge,  especially  there  where  the  wood 
has  been  cut  down,  we  find  a  shrub  growing  to  the 
height  of  a  yard  which  in  spring-time  bears  large 
umbelliferous  white  blossoms,  in  autumn  a  rich  burden 
of  shining  corymbiferous  berries.  This  is  the  dane- 
wort  or  dwarf-elder  bush.  Its  berries  are  smaller 
than  those  of  the  household  elder,  but  they  are  far 
more  numerous,  and  the  plant  is  hardier  than  its  more 
civilised  brother. 

Tea  of  the  danewort  root  is  of  special  service  for 
expelling  the  water  in  dropsy,  and  in  purifying  the 
kidneys.  In  my  own  experience  several  cases  of 
advanced  dropsy  have  been  completely  arrested  and 
cured  by  this  means. 

It  is  likewise  useful  for  other  complaints  of  the 
abdomen  having  tlieir  origin  in  unliealtliy  saps,  which 
it  secretes  througli  the  urine. 

Danewort  tea,  prepared  witli  the  powder  of  dane- 
wort, is  similar  in  its  effects.     For  one  cupful,  to  be 


MEDICAMENTS.  89 

taken  in  two  separate  doses  on  the  same  day,  two 
pinches  of  the  powder  will  suffice. 

In  late  autumn  the  roots  should  be  collected,  care- 
fully dried  in  the  open  air,  and  put  aside  for  winter 
use. 

Elder,  Black  {Sambucus  nigra,  L.) 

In  the  good  old  times  the  elder-bush  used  to  stand 
nearest  to  the  house ;  now  it  has  mostly  been  dis- 
lodged from  this  familiar  position.  Xo  home  should 
be  without  this  faithful  guardian,  whose  leaves,  blos- 
soms, berries,  and  bark  all  contain  valuable  properties. 

"With  returning  spring,  vigorous  natures  seek  to 
disembarrass  themselves  of  certain  saps  and  matter 
which  during  winter  have  accumulated  in  the  system. 
Who  has  not  experienced  this  feeling,  which  has  been 
termed  the  spring  sickness,  often  accompanied  by 
eruptions,  diarrhoea,  colic,  and  similar  complaints  ? 

Those  wdio  wish  to  undertake  a  slight  spring  cure, 
and  to  secrete  unhealthy  matter  from  blood  and  body, 
should  take  from  six  to  eight  fresh  leaves  of  the  elder- 
tree,  cut  these  up  small  after  the  manner  of  tobacco, 
and  let  the  tea  boil  up  for  ten  minutes.  One  cupful 
daily,  taken  an  hour  before  breakfast  during  some 
length  of  time,  will  suffice  for  the  cure. 

This  cure  may  also  be  undertaken  at  any  other  time 
of  the  year,  and  in  default  of  fresh  leaves,  dried  ones 
may  be  used. 

People  inclined  to  dropsy  should  drink  elder-root 
tea.  This  infusion  has  the  effect  of  secreting  the 
superfluous  water  in  large  quantities. 

The  berries  are  often  cooked  in  autumn  and  made 
into  a  sort  of  frumenty  or  pap,  much  prized  by  our 
ancestors  for  its  effects  in  cleansing  the  blood.     My 


90  PHARMACY. 

deceased  mother  used  to  perform  this  elder-root  cure 
every  year  for  two  to  three  weeks.  It  w^as  for  this 
reason  that  our  forefathers  always  planted  some  elder- 
trees  in  the  vicinity  of  the  house. 

As  nowadays  genteel  folks  wander  forth  to  distant 
countries  to  perform  the  costly  grape-cure,  so  used  our 
parents  and  grand-parents  to  consult  the  adjacent  elder- 
tree,  which  served  them  as  well  and  with  far  less  ex- 
pense and  trouble. 

Even  the  birds,  before  they  migrate  in  autumn,  seek 
out  the  elder-tree  in  order  to  purify  their  blood  and 
gather  strength  for  the  long  journey.  What  a  pity  it 
is  that  men  have  lost  this  healthy  natural  instinct ! 

Boiled  with  sugar  or  honey  for  winter  use,  the  elder- 
berries will  be  found  valuable  for  persons  whose  occu- 
pation forces  them  to  lead  a  sedentary  life.  A  spoon- 
ful of  this  jam,  stirred  into  a  glass  of  water,  will  give 
an  excellent  cooling  and  refreshing  drink :  it  cleanses 
the  stomach,  promotes  water,  and  acts  favourably  on 
the  kidneys. 

Many  country  people  dry  the  berries,  which  can  be 
used  as  tea  or  pap.  Used  in  whatever  shape,  it  is 
always  efficacious  in  cases  of  violent  laxation. 

The  good  services  formerly  rendered  by  the  elder- 
tree  have  been  so  completely  forgotten,  that  this  trusty 
household  benefactor  has  frequently  been  exiled  or 
destroyed. 

May  the  good  old  friend  rise  again  to  renewed  hon- 
our and  consideration ! 

Eyebright  {Euphrasia  oßciiialis,  L.) 

In  gratitude,  and  as  a  reward  for  its  valuable  ser- 
vices,  our   ancestors    bestowed   the   pretty    name   of 


MEDICAMENTS.  91 

Augentrost  (literally,  consolation  of  the  eye)  on  this 
little  herb.  Often,  when  other  means  were  unavail- 
ing, this  flower  has  procured  a  last  consolation  to  suf- 
fering eyes.  I  have  frequently  made  use  of  it,  and 
with  good  results. 

When  the  aftermath  is  half-grown,  about  August, 
you  will  find  this  medicinal  herb  on  almost  every 
meadow,  where  it  sometimes  sprouts  so  profusely,  to 
the  detriment  of  the  actual  crop,  as  to  arouse  the 
peasant's  ire. 

Both  dried  and  grated  leaves  are  respectively  em- 
ployed for  making  tea  and  powder.  With  the  tea, 
daily  wash  out  the  eyes  two  to  three  times,  or  else 
with  it  moisten  linen  rags,  which  are  laid  on  the 
eyes  overnight,  and  secured  by  a  bandage.  The  eye 
will  be  purified,  cleared,  and  the  vision  strengthened. 

Experience  has  taught  me  to  employ  the  eyebright 
powder  simultaneously  as  an  internal  remedy.  One 
pinch  daily,  administered  in  water  or  soup,  is  the  proper 
dose.  We  iiave  not  yet  exhausted  the  list  of  the  eye- 
bright's  virtues.  It  might  well  deserve  also  to  be 
called  consolation  of  the  stomach.  Eyebright  tea  is 
an  excellent  stomachic :  by  reason  of  its  innate  bitter- 
ness, it  promotes  digestion  and  improves  the  stomach 
saps.  Give  it  a  trial,  dear  reader  :  this  little  herb  will 
freely  dispense  to  you  likewise  its  beneficent  con- 
solation. 

Fennel  {Fceniculum  officinale,  L.) 

Fennel  seeds  should  never  be  wanting  in  the  house- 
hold pharmacy,  the  complaints  whicli  they  serve  to 
cure  being  of  common  occurrence.  By  this  1  mean 
colic,  with  all  its  attendant  cramps  and  spasms.     Let 


92  PHARMACY. 

the  mother  quickly  boil  one  table-spoonful  of  fennel  in 
a  cup  of  milk  from  five  to  ten  minutes,  and  give  the 
healing  beverage  to  the  patient  as  hot  as  can  conveni- 
ently be  swallowed.  Its  action  is  good,  and  mostly 
very  rapid. 

Fennel  powder,  strewed  upon,  or  mixed  with  the 
food,  expels  unhealthy  gases  from  the  stomach  and 
other  regions.  It  is  made  by  roasting  the  seeds  in 
the  oven  and  grinding  them  in  a  common  coffee- 
mill. 

Fennel  oil  can  be  bought  of  the  apothecary. 

Fennel  employed  as  eye- water  will  be  familiar  to 
many.  It  is  produced  by  boiling  half  a  tea-spoonful 
of  fennel  powder  in  water,  and  washing  the  eyes  thrice 
daily  with  the  decoction. 

Of  more  potent  effect  is  the  fennel  vapour  eye-bath, 
which  has  been  already  explained. 

Aniseed  and  caraway  have  much  the  same  effect 
as  fennel.  Sometimes  all  these  three  kind  of  seeds 
are  employed  together. 

Fenugreek  {Trigonella  foenum  gr cecum,  L.) 

Powder  made  of  fenugreek  seeds  gives  a  valuable 
tea  of  cooling  effect  in  fever. 

For  sore  throat  attended  with  much  heat  it  is  an 
excellent  gargle.  One  tea-spoonful  of  this  powder 
suffices  for  an  average-sized  cup  of  tea,  of  which  a 
table-spoonful  may  be  taken  every  hour  either  as 
drink  or  as  gargle. 

Employed  externally,  fenugreek  is  the  best  remedy 
I  know  to  use  for  boils  and  swellings,  with  a  view  to 
bringing  these  to  a  head.  Its  action  is  slow  and  pain- 
less, but  thorougli  in  its  effects.     Tlie  seeds  are  boiled 


MEDICAMENTS.  93 

down  to  a  sort  of  pap,  as  in  the  case  of  linseed,  and 
applied  as  poultice  to  the  affected  spot. 

These  poultices  are  of  great  service  for  open  sores 
on  the  feet :  they  hinder  decomposition  of  the  blood 
and  putrid  flesh. 

Fcenum  grcvcum  can  be  bought  of  any  apothecary. 

Gentian,  Yellow  {Gcntmna  lutea,  L.) 

The  gentian  grows  by  preference  on  the  mountains. 
Keliable  persons  may  be  sent  to  gather  this  inexpen- 
sive and  excellent  medicinal  herb  for  you.  First  and 
foremost,  I  advise  to  prepare  extract  of  gentian.  For 
this  purpose  gentian  roots  must  be  well  dried,  chopped 
up  small,  and  placed  in  bottles,  into  which  pure  spirits 
are  poured. 

This  extract  is  the  best  stomachic.  Twenty  to 
thirty  drops  in  six  to  eight  table-spoonfuls  of  water 
is  the  dose,  which  may  be  taken  daily  for  a  consider- 
able time.  A  good  digestion  and  an  excellent  appetite 
will  not  fail  soon  to  declare  themselves.  If  we  feel  a 
weight  on  the  stomach,  as  of  imperfectly  digested  food, 
a  tea-spoonful  of  gentian  extract  in  half  a  glass  of 
warm  water  will  speedily  remove  the  sensation. 

It  is  wise  to  take  a  bottle  of  gentian  extract  in 
travelling.  A  few  drops  of  it,  taken  on  sugar  when 
we  are  overtired  or  badly  nourished,  will  render  good 
service. 

Nausea  and  fainting  fits  may  be  counteracted  by  a 
tea-spoonful  of  the  tincture  taken  in  water :  it  warms 
and  revives,  restoring  peace  alike  to  mind  and  body. 

Gentian  tea  is  similar  in  its  efifects.  It  is  made  by 
boiling  the  chopped  up  root  or  the  gentian  powder. 


94  pharmacy. 

Honey. 

There  used  to  be  a  prejudice  against  allowing  young 
people  to  eat  lionej ;  it  was  only  good  for  the  old,  we 
were  told  by  a  former  generation. 

I  have  employed  and  tested  honey  in  manifold 
ways,  and- always  found  it  to  be  excellent  in  its  effects. 
It  loosens,  purges,  and  strengthens. 

Mixed  with  tea  for  catarrhs  and  conglutinations 
it  is  in  general  use. 

The  country  people  often  make  use  of  a  honey  oint- 
ment for  healing  boils.  Whoever  does  not  possess  the 
proper  knowledge  for  treating  boils  with  cold  water 
should  have  recourse  to  honey,  rather  than  attempt 
to  smear  with  any  doubtful  sort  of  grease.  The  honey 
ointment  is  easy  to  prepare,  being  simply  composed  of 
honey  and  white  flour  in  equal  parts,  with  a  little 
water  added  to  produce  the  bright  consistency.  It 
should  be  tolerably  stiff,  not  over  liquid. 

As  internal  medicine,  honey  is  also  of  good  service 
in  many  little  complaints.  Small  tumours  in  the 
stomach  are  readily  contracted  and  healed  by  means 
of  honey ;  yet  would  I  not  advise  to  take  the  honey 
pure,  but  rather  mixed  with  some  suitable  tea  infusion. 

For  painful  swallow^ing,  in  consequence  of  catarrh 
or  sore  throat,  a  tea-spoonful  of  honey  boiled  up  in 
half  a  pint  of  water  is  the  best  and  safest  remedy. 
This  will  also  be  an  excellent  gargle  for  public  singers 
who  wish  to  clear  their  voice.  This  same  mixture 
may  furthermore  be  used  for  sore  eyes,  to  wdiich  it  is 
applied  by  means  of  a  linen  rag. 

I  know  an  old  gentleman  of  eighty  wdio  prepares 
for  himself  his  daily  wine,  consisting  of  a  spoonful 


MEDICAMENTS.  95 

of  honey  boiled  up  in  water.  "  My  health  and  strength 
at  this  advanced  age/'  he  said  to  me,  "  I  owe  to  the 
virtue  of  the  honey  wine."  May  be !  So  much  at 
least  I  know  from  personal  experience — for  I  have 
prepared  niucli  honey  wine  with  my  own  hands,  have 
seen  it  much  drunk,  and  have  now  and  then  drunk  a 
i^lass  of  it  myself — that  honey  wine  is  purifying,  nour- 
ishing, and  strengthening  in  its  efifects.  It  always 
reminds  me  of  the  honey  mead  which  our  German  fore- 
fathers used  to  drink,  to  which  potent  beverage  they 
used  to  ascribe  their  strength  and  long  life,  as  Tacitus 
tells  us.  Whoever  feels  inclined  to  imitate  his  ances- 
tors in  this  respect,  may  find  the  recipe  for  brewing 
this  obsolete  drink  at  the  end  of  this  part. 

IIypercon  {Hypericum  iKrforatiim,  L.) 

Hypercon,  or  St  John's  wort,  used  to  be  called 
Hexenkraut  (witches'  or  magic  herb)  on  account  of  its 
wonderful  effects.  Nowadays  both  the  herb  and  its 
properties  are  alike  forgotten. 

This  medicinal  herb  has  particular  influence  upon 
the  liver,  and  is  best  administered  in  the  shape  of  tea. 
A  slight  admixture  of  aloe  powder  will  heighten  the 
effect,  which  may  be  traced  by  the  blotches  of  clouded 
unhealthy  matter  which  come  away  with  the  urine. 

Headaches  which  proceed  from  watery  matter  or 
conglutination  in  the  head,  or  from  ascending  gases, 
stomacli  pressure,  slight  conglutination  of  chest  and 
lungs,  may  all  be  speedily  cured  by  hypercon  tea. 

Mothers,  to  whom  their  little  bed-wetters  have 
caused  much  trouble  and  anxiety,  have  often  had 
occasion  to  verify  the  strengthening  effects  of  this 
tea. 


96  PHARMACY. 

In  default  of  hypercon,  milfoil  (Achilleia  milk- 
folium,  L.)  may  be  employed  for  all  the  above-men- 
tioned complaints. 

Juniper  (Jtmipenis  communis,  L.) 

Who  does  not  know  the  juniper-berry  ?  Employed 
for  fumigating  purposes  it  diffuses  a  pleasant  aromatic 
scent  throughout  rooms  and  corridors,  and  improves 
the  atmosphere.  I  am  no  friend  of  fumigation  in 
general,  with  sugar,  vinegar,  and  suchlike,  not  com- 
prehending what  benefit  the  air  derives  from  this 
practice.  When,  however,  it  is  necessary  to  disinfect 
a  room  where  infectious  illness  prevails,  or  where  a 
corpse  is  present,  no  better  means  can  be  found  than 
fumigations  of  juniper  for  dispersing  and  annihilating 
all  floating  poisonous  germs  and  particles. 

Its  effects  on  our  internal  organism  are  of  the  same 
kind.  These  berries,  so  to  say,  fimiigate  the  mouth 
and  stomach,  and  arm  us  against  infection.  Those 
who  nurse  or  attend  on  patients  attacked  with  scarlet 
fever,  smallpox,  typhus,  cholera,  &c.,  should  daily 
chew  from  six  to  ten  of  these  berries.  They  will 
produce  a  pleasant  taste  in  the  mouth,  and  render  good 
service  to  the  digestion. 

People  whose  stomach  is  weak  should  practise  the 
following  small  juniper  cure,  tlie  good  effects  of  which 
have  often  been  tested:  the  first  day  they  should 
begin  with  four  berries,  the  second  day  five  berries,  on 
the  third  day  six,  on  the  fourth  day  seven  berries,  and 
so  on  till  twelve  days  and  fifteen  berries  have  been 
reached ;  after  this  go  on  diminishing  the  dose  by  one 
berry  every  day,  till  the  portion  has  been  reduced  to 
five  berries.     I  know  many  persons  whose  weakened 


MEDICAMENTS.  97 

and  gas-overloaded  stomachs  have  been  cleansed  and 
strengthened  by  this  simple  berry  cure. 

For  stone  and  gravel,  kidney  and  liver  complaints, 
the  juniper-berry  has  always  stood  in  good  repute 
since  olden  times  ;  also  in  cases  where  it  is  necessary 
to  secrete  indolent  gases,  watery  and  slimy  matter 
from  the  system. 

Besides  the  berries,  young  sprouts  of  juniper  may  be 
employed  for  tea  in  the  first  stages  of  dropsy,  likewise 
for  purifying  the  blood. 

Oil  of  juniper  is  best  purchased  in  the  apothecary's. 

The  tincture  of  juniper  any  one  can  make  for 
himself,  preparing  it  with  wine,  brandy,  or  other 
spirits. 

Knot-grass  {Polygonum  avwulare). 

This  plant,  which  does  not  seem  to  have  been  origin- 
ally included  in  Pfarrer  Kneipp's  Pharmacy,  has,  how- 
ever, quite  recently  been  employed  by  the  author  witli 
marked  success  in  gravel  and  stone  complaints  {see 
Gravel).  It  is  drunk  as  tea,  which  is  infused  in  the 
manner  repeatedly  described. — Translator's  note. 

Lavender,  Oil  of. 

Lavender-oil  can  be  procured  at  any  apothecary's. 
It  should  never  be  wanting  in  the  household  phar- 
macy. 

Pive  drops  on  sugar  taken  twice  daily  will  improve 
the  digestion  and  promote  appetite. 

Flatulency,  headache  occasioned  by  ascending  gases, 
and  nausea,  may  be  relieved  by  this  medicament. 

For  mental  affections  I  have  frequently  employed 
G 


98  PHARMACY. 

oil  of  lavender  witli  success ;  and  I  maintain  that  the 
cure  of  such  complaints  is  often  effected  by  the  re- 
moval of  unhealthy  gases  in  the  brain  region.  In  my 
opinion  far  too  little  importance  is  generally  attached 
to  the  action  of  these  gases.  Those  who  suffer  from 
flatulency  know  best  what  discomfort  is  caused  them 
internally. 

Lime  {Tilia  grandifolia  smd  parvifolia,  Ehrh.) 

Only  old  people  collect  the  once  favourite  blossoms 
of  the  lime-tree  nowadays.  They  do  right  in  being 
thus  conservative. 

Lime-blossom  tea  is,  after  the  elder-flower  tea,  the 
best  infusion  for  promoting  perspiration.  I  am  not  a 
friend  of  artificially  produced  perspiration  as  generally 
practised,  but  I  make  frequent  use  of  these  flowers  for 
the  vapour  applications  which  in  my  system  take  the 
place  of  sweating. 

The  effect  of  this  tea  is  excellent  in  old  neglected 
coughs,  conglutination  of  lungs  and  windpipe,  and  in 
complaints  of  the  abdomen  which  have  their  source  in 
conglutination  of  the  kidneys.  In  place  of  lime- 
blossom  I  sometimes  make  use  of  hypercon,  with  or 
without  an  admixture  of  milfoil. 

Linseed. 

Linseed  poultices  are  in  general  use,  and  require  no 
explanation.  With  these,  similar  results  may  be 
achieved  to  those  of  fenugreek.  I  give  the  prefer- 
ence however  to  the  latter,  as  it  attacks  the  foe  with 
greater  force  and  energy. 


MEDICAMENTS.  99 

Mallow  (AltJiea  rosea,  L.) 

The  mallow  should  not  be  absent  from  any  flower- 
garden.  The  bountiful  Creator,  in  laying  on  the  colours 
of  this  pretty  flower,  has  poured  a  drop  of  healing 
elixir  into  each  tiny  chalice. 

Mallow  blossoms,  especially  those  of  the  black 
mallow,  infused  as  tea,  are  good  for  throat  complaints 
and  loose  conglutination  of  the  chest. 

]\Iallow  is  usually  mixed  with  flowers  of  the  great 
mullein. 

Employed  as  vapour  applications,  mallow  flowers 
are  of  great  service  for  inhalations  and  for  ear  com- 
plaints. 

Maesh-clover  (Memjanthes  trifoliata,  L.) 

The  marsh-clover  is  a  plant  which  frequently  grows 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  running  water.  In  places 
where  the  stream,  finding  no  issue,  has  poured  itself 
into  marshy  spots  inland,  the  marsh-clover  will  be 
found.  It  has  three  leaves,  and  is  excellent  for 
stomach  and  digestion  ;  made  into  extract  with  brandy 
or  spirits,  it  will  likewise  do  good  service. 

Maesh-m allow  {Althca  oßchialis,  L.) 

Tea  of  marsh -mallow,  though  much  employed  for 
cold  and  catarrhs,  is  no  particular  friend  of  mine.  I 
have  found  it  to  be  of  uncertain  or  weak  effect,  and 
its  slimy  nature  is  apt  to  impair  or  destroy  the  ap- 
petite. To  put  it  mildly,  I  find  both  root  and  herb 
of  marsh-mallow  to  be  of  suspicious  character.  I 
never  prescribe  it  to  my  patients,  choosing  instead 
such  plants  upon  whose  service  I  can  rely. 

COLL.  CHRIST!  REGIS  SJ 

BIB.  MAJOR 


100  PHARMACY. 

Mint  {Mentha  piperita,  L.,  and  Mentha  aquatica,  L.) 

Peppermint  and  watermint  are  both  useful,  and 
differ  but  little  in  their  effects.  I  give  the  preference 
■to  watermint,  being  the  more  vigorous  of  the  two. 
Mint  is  one  of  the  most  potent  stomachics  we  know 
of :  its  scent  alone  reveals  to  us  that  it  must  possess 
no  common  virtues. 

Leaves  of  mint  bound  about  the  brow  in  cases  of 
severe  headache  will  bring  speedy  relief. 

A  cupful  of  mint-tea,  taken  morning  and  evening, 
promotes  digestion  and  gives  a  fresh  healthy  appear- 
ance to  the  face. 

The  same  service  may  be  rendered  by  the  powder, 
of  which  I  prescribe  one  to  two  pinches  daily,  taken 
in  water  or  mixed  with  the  food. 

Persons  who  are  much  weakened  after  an  illness, 
those  who  suffer  from  palpitation,  from  nausea,  and 
from  frequent  and  obstinate  fits  of  vomiting,  sliould 
often  make  use  of  both  tea  and  powder. 

A  cupful  of  mint-tea  infused  witli  a  mixture  of 
wine-and-water  will,  if  taken  several  days  in  succes- 
sion, remove  foul-smelling  breath. 

Decoction  of  mint  prepared  with  vinegar,  and  taken 
from  time  to  time  in  one  to  two  tea-spoonfuls,  will 
arrest  blood  spitting  and  vomiting. 

Mint  boiled  in  milk,  and  drunk  warm,  will  relieve 
pain  in  the  abdomen. 

Let  every  housewife  accord  to  this  noble  plant  a 
corner  in  her  garden  alongside  of  the  rue  1  It  will 
amply  reward  her  trouble,  if  only  by  the  aromatic 
perfume  which  it  so  freely  sheds  around. 


MEDICAMENTS.  101 

MiSLETOE  (  Viscum  album,  L.) 

This  parasite  plant,  which  specially  thrives  upon 
old  trees,  possesses  valuable  medicinal  qualities.  Its 
healing  powers  are  principally  directed  to  the  blood, 
and  I  cannot  too  strongly  advise  mothers  to  make 
early  acquaintance  with  this  herb. 

Bloody  flux  is  arrested  by  tea  of  misletoe.  I  could 
name  a  number  of  cases  in  which  a  single  cupful 
sufficed  to  relieve  the  patient. 

Tor  other  disorders  of  the  circulation  counsel  may 
also  be  sought  of  the  misletoe  and  its  perfectly  harm- 
less tea. 

Misletoe  may  be  mixed  with  shave-grass  in  equal 
quantities,  likewise  with  santala.     (See  Saunders.) 

Mullein  (  Vcrhascum  Schraderi,  Meyer). 

The  flow^ers  of  the  neater  and  of  the  lesser  mullein 
are  carefully  collected  by  the  peasants.  They  know 
that  with  these  they  can  prepare  an  excellent  gargle 
and  a  still  more  efficacious  tea,  which  may  be  employed 
for  throat  complaints,  catarrhs,  conglutination  of  the 
chest,  and  difficulty  in  breathing. 

Let  me  warmly  recommend  this  tea.  I  usually 
mix  the  blossoms  of  mullein  with  those  of  the  black 
mallow  in  equal  quantities.  This  mixture  is  of  more 
potent  and  durable  effect  than  when  the  mullein  is 
used  alone. 

Nettle  (  Urtica  dioica,  L.) 

The  most  despised  of  all  plants  is  the  nettle.  Some 
persons  of  supersensitive  nature  feel  wounded  by  the 
mere  mention  of  its  name.    Is  this  reasonable  ?    I  was 


102  PHARMACY. 

lately  rejoiced  to  hear  that  a  schoolmaster  —  in 
Bohemia,  I  believe — had  written  a  whole  pamphlet 
on  the  subject  of  nettles ;  and  in  truth,  for  the 
initiated,  the  nettle  is  of  inestimable  value. 

Fresh  nettle  leaves,  dried  and  made  into  tea,  serve 
to  loosen  conglutination  in  chest  and  lungs,  and 
cleanse  the  stomach  of  superfluous  matter,  by  secret- 
ing it  through  the  urine. 

Of  yet  more  potent  effect  than  leaves  is  the  nettle 
root,  either  employed  green  in  summer,  or  dried  for 
winter  use.  Beginning  dropsy  may  be  arrested  by 
nettle-root  tea,  which  has  the  effect  of  thoroughly 
purifying  the  system  from  all  indolent  and  unhealthy 
saps. 

Those  whose  blood  is  impure  should  often,  in 
summer,  partake  of  nettles  prepared  as  spinach.  In 
Italy  herb  soups  are  in  great  favour.  Herb  Knödel  ^ 
of  nettles  put  in  the  soup  are  not  only  nourishing 
but  medicinal. 

Long  sufferers  from  rheumatism,  who  have  found  all 
other  means  unavailing,  should  daily  rub  or  flog  the 
affected  parts  for  some  minutes  with  a  bunch  of  fresh 
nettles.  Fear  of  the  unaccustomed  rod  will  quickly 
give  place  to  joy  at  its  salutary  effects. 

Oak  Bark. 

What !     Are  we  also  to  use  oak  bark  as  medicine  ? 
Yes,  undoubtedly,  either  in  fresh  or  dried  shape. 
The  bark  of  young  oak-trees  boiled  for  half  an  hour 

1  The  Knödel,  for  which  no  English  synonym  exists,  is  a  round  ball 
of  dumpling  consistency,  the  size  of  a  small  apple.  There  are  many 
varieties  of  Knödels,  sweet  and  savoury,  some  of  the  latter  of  which 
are  boiled  and  eaten  in  soup. 


MEDICAMENTS.  103 

produces  a  strong  decoction.  Dip  into  this  a  small 
towel  and  wind  it  round  your  neck.  For  all  com- 
plaints in  w^hicli  tlie  neck  is  unnaturally  distended, 
when  the  glands  are  swollen,  and  in  the  beginning  of 
goitre,  it  will  render  good  service. 

Whoever  suffers  from  irritation  of  the  rectum  should 
take  sitz-baths  with  oak-bark  decoction ;  small  injec- 
tions of  the  same  will  assist  the  cure  by  dissolving  the 
inconvenient  and  frequently  dangerous  fistulas. 

Hard  boils  which  are  not  inflamed,  may  likewise  be 
treated  with  oak-bark  decoction. 

Oak-bark  tea,  like  resin,  has  an  invicjoratincf  effect 
on  the  internal  organs. 


Oats  (Avcna  sativa,  L.) 

Thorough  boiling  serves  to  extract  the  inward  essence 
of  oats  (essence  of  barley  may  be  produced  in  the  same 
way).  This  beverage  is  nourishing,  easily  digested, 
and  cooling :  it  is  of  good  effect  in  interior  heats,  and 
very  nourishing  for  convalescents  who  are  much 
weakened  in  consequence  of  smallpox,  typhus,  and 
suchlike  illnesses.  How  often  do  I  regret  that  these 
poor  creatures,  who  stand  above  all  in  want  of  being 
provided  with 'a  fresh  supply  of  blood,  are  denied  this 
valuable  elixir,  while  every  other  imaginable  kind  of 
beverage  is  given  to  them ! 

Its  preparation  is  simple:  one  quart  of  oats  are 
washed  six  to  eight  times  in  fresh  cold  water,  then 
boiled  in  two  quarts  of  water  until  the  liquid  is  reduced 
by  one-half.  Into  the  strained  liquid  mix  two  spoonfuls 
of  honey,  and  let  the  mixture  boil  up  again  for  a  few* 
minutes. 


104  phaemacy. 

Eegulating  Purgative. 

Forty  or  fifty  years  ago  people  were  in  the  habit 
of  having  themselves  bled  at  some  particular  annual 
date,  usually  determined  by  the  moon ;  and  at  certain 
other  yearly  or  half-yearly  dates  to  take  a  violent 
purgative.  Even  nowadays  there  are  many  who 
cling  to  the  delusion  that  a  radical  clearing  out  of  the 
system  should  be  undertaken  from  time  to  time. 

I  am  diametrically  opposed  to  all  such  violent 
measures,  being  of  opinion  that  the  same  results  may 
be  achieved  by  mild  and  harmless  means. 

For  long  I  have  searched  among  the  plants,  probing 
the  qualities  of  those  which  seemed  to  me  most  likely 
to  be  of  beneficial  effect  on  the  digestion.  At  last  I 
have  succeeded  in  discovering  two  different  combina- 
tions of  herbs  which,  in  their  united  strength — "  viribus 
unitis  " — will  produce  the  desired  result. 

The  two  recipes,  of  which  I  make  no  secret,  are 
as  follows : — 

Eegulating  Purgative  No.  I. 

2  tcable-spoonfiils  ground  fennel, 

2  table-spoonfuls  crushed  juniper-berries. 

1  table-spoonful  powdered  aloe. 

1  table-spoonful  fenugreek. 

Everything  to  be  well  mixed  and  kept  in  a  dry  spot. 

The  medicine,  which  acts  only  twelve  to  thirty 
hours  after  it  has  been  taken,  is  boiled  as  tea  for  a 
quarter  of  an  hour.  One  tea-spoonful  of  the  mixture 
will  suffice  for  a  small  cupful  of  tea,  to  be  taken  hot 
or  cold,  with  or  witliout  sugar,  by  the  patient  at 
bedtime. 


MEDICAMENTS.  105 

Very  strong  and  robust  persons  may  take  a  cup  of 
this  tea  two  days  in  succession. 

Weaker  patients  will  do  better  to  divide  the  one 
cupful  over  tw^o  or  three  days,  so  as  to  take  from  four 
to  six  table-spoonfuls  every  evening. 

Many  who  take  this  tea  will  be  disappointed  at 
obtaining  no  results,  although  they  be  conscious  of 
a  lively  rumbling  and  working  in  tlie  interior.  The 
police  sometimes  search  in  vain  when  there  are  no 
delinquents  to  be  discovered.  The  regulating  pur- 
gative does  likewise,  and  when  it  finds  no  unhealthy 
matter  to  be  removed,  it  forbears  to  weaken  the  system 
by  unnecessary  purging. 

This  tea  is  also  of  particular  effect  on  the  urine, 
and  lias  often  served  to  remove  considerable  con- 
glutinations on  the  chest. 

Regulating  Purgative  No.  II. 

The  second  recipe  for  the  preparation  of  the  pur- 
gative is  as  follows : — 

2  table-spoonfuls  ground  fennel. 

3  table-spoonfuls  crushed  juniper-berries. 
3  table-spoonfuls  danewort  root  powder. 
1  table-spoonful  fenugreek. 

1  table-spoonful  powder  of  aloe. 

The  tea,  which  does  not  necessarily  act  as  a  laxa- 
tive, is  principally  intended  to  influence  the  kidneys 
and  bladder,  whose  unhealthy  matter  it  secretes  through 
the  urine.  Those  who  are  conscious  of  discomfort  in 
the  abdomen  (in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  bladder),  of 
burning  pain  in  bladder  or  kidneys,  and  of  difficulty 


106  PHARMACY. 

in  making  water,  may  fearlessly  employ  this  medicine, 
which  is  also  useful  in  the  first  stages  of  dropsy. 
Its  application  is  the  same  as  the  foregoing. 

Eesin. 

As  the  candle  sometimes  drips,  so  likewise  does  it 
drip  from  the  stems  of  pine  and  fir  trees.  Any  one 
who  goes  to  the  forest  in  summer  or  autumn  can 
mark  how  the  liquid  sap  wells  out  of  the  trunk. 
Like  tears  suspended  against  the  tree-stem,  are  these 
resin-drops,  white  as  wax,  clear  as  honey,  fresh  as 
spring-water. 

This  resin  is  the  pine-tree's  blood,  and  when  the 
tree  receives  a  deep  wound  it  bleeds  profusely. 

Five  to  six  of  the  resin  drops  or  tears,  swallowed 
daily  for  some  length  of  time,  will  strengthen  the 
chest,  and  fortify  the  internal  organs. 

As  a  substitute  for  resin-drops,  for  those  who  do 
not  live  in  the  vicinity  of  pine-forests,  grains  of  white 
incense  may  be  used.  Six  to  eight  of  these  grains 
taken  daily  will  be  a  good  chest-cure. 

Let  none  be  afraid  of  these  resin-pills,  for  they  are 
easily  digested. 

Ribwort  {Plantago  lanccolata,  L.) 

When  a  peasant  happens  to  wound  himself  over  his 
field  labour,  he  quickly  seeks  out  the  ribwort ;  squeez- 
ing and  pressing  the  stiff  stubborn  leaf  till  he  has 
extracted  from  it  some  drops  of  juice.  This  valuable 
sap  he  either  applies  direct  to  the  spot,  or  else  moistens 
with  it  a  linen  rag,  with  which  the  wound  is  bandaged. 

Should  the  leaf  prove  obstinate,  and  only  produce  a 
slight  moisture,  then  the  leaf  itself  should  be  applied 


MEDICAMENTS.  107 

bodily  to  tlie  affected  part.  This  bandage  is  the  sim- 
plest, and  often  the  best  of  all  others.  As  with  golden 
threads,  the  ribwort  sews  together  the  edges  of  the 
gaping  wound ;  and  like  pure  gold,  which  does  not  ad- 
mit of  the  presence  of  rust,  so  too  the  ribwort  averts 
corruption  and  decomposition  of  flesh  and  blood. 

The  internal  eff'ects  of  this  plant  are  no  less  note- 
worthy. If  only  hundreds  of  suffering  individuals 
would  but  collect  these  leaves  in  spring  and  summer, 
express  and  drink  their  healing  sap  !  By  this  simple 
means  many  complaints  which  have  their  origin  in 
impure  blood  might  be  averted. 

Dried  leaves  of  ribwort  likewise  produce  an  excel- 
lent tea,  most  efficacious  for  internal  conglutination. 

Many  a  one  buys  ribwort  in  the  apothecary's  for 
hard  cash.  Good  peasant  I  be  thou  thine  own  collec- 
tor, distiller,  and  apothecary.  At  least  thou  canst  be 
sure  of  having  the  genuine  article. 

A  mixture  of  dried  ribwort  and  lungwort  {Pulmon- 
itria  officinalis)  leaves,  in  equal  quantities,  is  often  very 
■ffective. 

Rose-hips  {Rosa  canma,  L.) 

A  thoughtful  mother  will  not  merely  pluck  the 
flower  of  the  dogrose  bush,  but,  mindful  of  the  house- 
hold pharmacy,  she  will  also  collect  the  hips,  which 
may  be  employed  not  only  for  sauces  and  jams,  but 
likewise  as  medicaments.  She  will  lay  in  the  greater 
supply  of  these  if  a  member  of  her  family  be  afflicted 
with  kidney,  stone,  or  gravel  complaint,  llose-hip  tea 
serves  to  purify  both  kidneys  and  bladder. 

When  the  seeds  have  been  removed  from  the  hips, 
the  berry  is  dried,  and  is  thus  employed  as  tea. 


108  PHARMACY. 

EosEMARY  {Rosmarinus  officinalis,  L.) 

No  wedding  guest  should  be  without  a  nosegay  of 
this  flower,  and  it  were  a  shame  if  the  herb-collector 
forgot  to  pluck  it  for  the  household  pharmacy. 

Ilosemary  is  an  excellent  stomachic.  Prepared  and 
drunk  as  tea,  it  cleanses  the  stomach  from  slime  and 
conglutination,  restores  aj^petite  and  digestion.  The 
dose  is  from  two  to  four  table-spoonfuls,  taken  morn- 
ing and  evening. 

Eosemary  wine  taken  in  small  portions  is  useful  in 
heart  complaints.  It  acts  as  a  sedative,  and  when 
dropsy  of  the  heart  exists,  secretes  the  water  through 
the  urine. 

For  dropsy  in  general,  rosemary  wine  may  be  taken 
with  good  effect. 

In  either  case,  three  to  four  table- spoonfuls  of  this 
wine,  which  is  of  very  pleasant  taste,  taken  morning 
and  evening,  will  be  the  proper  dose. 

Eosemary  wine  is  prepared  by  chopping  up  small  a 
handful  of  rosemary  and  placing  it  in  a  bottle,  into 
which  is  then  poured  pure  white  wine,  which  should 
not  be  too  new.  Eed  wine  may  also  be  used,  but 
white  is  preferable.  Half  a  day  will  suffice  to  render 
this  rosemary  wine  ready  for  use.  It  should  be 
strained  clear  of  the  leaves,  which  can  be  used  a 
second  time  by  pouring  fresh  wine  over  them. 

EuE  {Rata  graveolens,  L.) 

The  properties  of  this  noble  medicinal  herb  are  un- 
fortunately too  little  known  or  appreciated.  Scent  is 
the  language  of  plants.  How  distinctly  and  impres- 
sively does  not  the  rue  declare  its  goodwill  to  lielp 


MEDICAMENTS.  109 

US,  to  relieve  onr  pain  and  suffering !  It  speaks  as 
eloquently  as  though  each  tiny  leaf  were  a  little 
tongue.  Would  that  we  always  understood  this  lan- 
^iuage ! 

However  and  wherever  the  rue  is  applied,  it  is  of 
streno'thenincr  and  invicjoratiuGj  effect. 

If  we  only  chew  one  little  leaf,  we  quickly  recog- 
nise its  virtues.  A  refreshing  aromatic  taste  will  per- 
vade the  mouth,  like  incense  perfume  throughout  a 
house. 

For  congestions,  headache,  giddiness,  the  tea  of  rue 
is  excellent,  and  no  less  so  in  all  cases  of  hysteria, 
palpitations,  difficulty  in  breathing,  and  all  cramp-like 
complaints  of  the  abdomen. 

Expressed  in  brandy  or  spirits,  extract  of  rue  may 
be  taken  instead  of  tea,  the  dose — which  should  on  no 
account  be  exceeded — being  from  ten  to  tw^elve  drops 
on  sugar  twice  daily. 

Oil  of  rue  is  taken  in  the  same  fashion.  It  is  pre- 
pared by  putting  dried  rue-leaves  in  a  glass,  and  pour- 
ing over  them  fine  salad-oil,  after  which  the  glass 
must  be  allowed  to  stand  in  a  w^arm  place  for  a  con- 
iderable  length  of  time.  Afterwards,  when  strained, 
it  will  be  ready  for  use. 

Sage  {Salvia  oßcinalis,  L.) 

In  laying  out  a  new  garden,  do  not  forget  the  sage ; 
it  is  a  pretty  ornamental  plant.  I  have  often  seen 
how  a  passer-by  will  pluck  a  sage  leaf  to  rub  with  it 
his  black  or  discoloured  teeth.  This  sufficiently  de- 
monstrates the  cleansing  power  of  this  plant. 

Old  suppurated  wounds,  washed  and  poulticed  w^lli 
■\  decoction  of  sage,  will  quickly  heal. 


110  PHARMACY. 

Conglutination  in  the  gums,  stomach,  or  throat  are 
cured  by  sage- tea. 

Sage,  prepared  as  tea,  with  a  mixture  of  wine  and 
'water,  purifies  the  kidneys  and  liver. 

More  potent  effects  may  be  achieved  if  sage  be 
mixed  in  equal  proportions  with  wormwood. 

Eeduced  to  powder,  and  strewn  over  the  food  like 
salt  or  pepper,  sage  will  render  the  same  services  as 
when  it  is  infused  as  tea. 

Salad-oil. 

Eead  the  remarks  under  the  heading  of  almond-oil, 
for  only  in  default  of,  or  in  conjunction  with,  the  for- 
mer, is  salad-oil  to  be  employed.  By  salad-oil  I 
understand  pure  olive-oil,  or  at  the  very  least  unadul- 
terated oil  of  reps. 

Saunders  (Santala,  see  Misletoe). 

Saunders  is  a  red  powder  usually  employed  for 
dyeing  purposes,  which  can  be  purchased  of  any 
apothecary. 

I  invariably  mix  this  perfectly  harmless  medica- 
ment with  misletoe  -  tea  in  the  proportion  of  one 
table-spoonful  of  misletoe-leaves  to  two  pinches  of 
santala.  The  tea  thus  prepared  is  of  stronger  effect 
than  tea  of  misletoe  alone. 

Sauerkraut  or  Pickled  Cabbage  {Brassica  olcracca 
capitata,  L.) 

This  (in  Germany)  well-known  domestic  remedy 
deserves  to  be  mentioned  here. 

For  wounds,  burns,  and  similar  accidents,  in  great 
heats,  for  dissolving  and  secreting  ancient  evils,  &c., 


MEDICAMENTS.  1 1 1 

fresh-plucked  cabbage-leaves  applied  to  the  affected 
spot  or  limb  will  render  excellent  service. 

It  is  of  inestimable  value  for  country  people,  the 
more  so  for  being  always  close  at  hand  and  easily 
procured. 

In  the  third  part  of  this  book  the  reader  will  be 
able  to  see  for  himself  how  and  where  the  sauerkraut 
is  employed. 

Secketive  Oil. 

There  are  cases  in  which  so  much  unhealthy  matter 
is  contained  in  the  body  that  it  is  very  difficult  to 
dissolve  and  secrete  these  poisonous  germs.  This 
difficulty  does  not  consist  in  the  water's  insufficient 
action,  but  is  rather  to  be  ascribed  to  the  patient 
himself,  whose  debility  and  infirmity  of  purpose  often 
causes  him  to  shrink  from  the  prospect  of  a  prolonged 
course  of  treatment. 

I  pondered  long  over  this  question,  when  it  occurred 
to  me  that  outward  eruptions  have  frequently  had 
the  effect  of  expelling  unhealthy  matter  from  the 
interior. 

My  researches  were  therefore  directed  to  the  dis- 
covery of  some  means  of  artificially  producing  an 
outward  rash  or  eruption,  which  would  assist  and 
curtail  the  cold  water's  operation. 

After  long  seeking,  I  hit  upon  an  oil  which  fulfils 
these  conditions.  Its  effect  is  perfectly  harmless  but 
thorough,  and  it  is  only  used  as  an  external  medicine. 

A  few  examples  may  serve  to  illustrate  the  action 
of  this  remedy. 

Somebody,  for  instance,  complains  of  sore  eyes; 
the  eyes  are  red  and  sensitive  to  the  light,  watery 
matter  drops  from  them,  and  the  pain  is  considerable. 


112  PHARMACY. 

In  such  cases  I  first  rub  the  skin  behind  the  ear  gently, 
to  produce  slight  warmth,  and  tlien  apply  three  or 
four  drops  of  oil  to  the  spot.  In  half  an  hour  the 
patient  will  be  conscious  of  the  effect  by  a  feeling  of 
distension  and  burning.  In  twenty-four  hours  nu- 
merous small  fistules  filled  with  water  will  have 
appeared  at  the  place.  These  will  subsequently  dry 
up  and  disappear.  Should  the  first  application  not 
succeed — viz.,  not  produce  an  effect,  after  an  interval 
of  thirty  hours — it  may  be  repeated  on  the  following 
day.  I  have  successfully  cured  many  eye  complaints 
by  this  means. 

Violent  toothache  afflicts  another  patient ;  the  gums 
are  swollen,  the  jaw  painful,  the  whole  head  affected. 
As  in  the  former  case,  I  rub  a  few  drops  of  this  oil 
behind  the  ear,  or  at  the  nape  of  the  neck.  The  effect 
is  certain. 

One  peculiarity  of  this  oil  is  that  the  irritation  and 
soreness  of  the  skin  produced  by  its  first  application, 
is  completely  cured  by  the  second  one. 

I  do  not  in  the  least  regard  this  medicine  as  a  secret 
remedy,  and  have  disclosed  its  composition  to  many 
trusty  friends.  In  order,  however,  to  preclude  any 
abuse  in  its  employment,  I  am  for  the  present  pre- 
vented from  publishing  the  receipe. 

Shave-grass  (Equiseium  arvense,  L.) 

I  cannot  sufficiently  praise  the  manifold  and 
excellent  qualities  of  this  herb.  It  is  not  merely 
useful  for  cleansing  all  kitchen  vessels,  for  whicli 
reason  it  is  much  prized  by  every  housewife,  but 
likewise  it  serves  to  purify  and  heal  internal  and 
external  complaints  of  the  human  body. 


MEDICAMENTS.  113 

For  old  suppurated  wounds,  even  those  of  a  can- 
cerous nature,  it  is  of  remarkable  effect.  It  cleans, 
dissolves,  and,  so  to  say,  scarifies  the  unhealthy  matter. 
This  herb  is  either  employed  as  decoction  for  lavations, 
swathings,  compresses,  or  else  the  leaves  themselves 
placed  between  damp  cloths  are  applied  to  the  affected 
part:  as  a  vapour  application  it  is  likewise  valuable 
in  particular  cases. 

Taken  as  internal  medicine  the  shave-grass  is  of  still 
greater  value. 

Shave -grass  tea,  which  can  harm  no  one,  purifies 
the  stomach.  A  cupful  of  this  taken  occasionally 
(not  daily)  will  be  of  good  effect.  It  assuages  the 
pains  in  stone  and  gravel  complaints,  and  is  of  special 
service  in  promoting  urine,  for  patients  who  suffer  from 
difficulty  in  water-making.  Directions  as  to  its  appli- 
cation for  this  complaint  will  be  found  under  the 
head  of  diseases. 

For  bloody  flux  and  blood-spitting,  it  is  one  of  the 
best  and  most  effective  teas. 

Violent  bleeding  of  the  nose  may  be  rapidly  stilled 
by  drawing  up  the  infusion  through  the  nostrils. 

A  plentiful  supply  of  shave-grass  should  be  wanting 
in  no  household  pharmacy. 

SiLVERAVEED  {PotcntUla  anserina,  L.) 

This  plant,  as  indicated  by  its  Latin  name,  grows 
oftenest  where  flocks  of  geese  are  wont  to  feed.  It 
may  likewise  be  found  near  cottages,  in  the  fields, 
or  by  the  side  of  the  brook.  Many  people  call  it 
the  "  cramp  herb  "  because  of  its  effects. 

Tea  of  silverweed  is  an  excellent  remedy  for  fits  of 
cramp,  whether  in  tlie  stomach  or  abdomen.     Even  in 

H 


114  PHARMACY. 

cases  of  spiism  and  tetanus,  it  has  frequently  been  of 
good  service.  When  the  fits  begin  to  appear,  or, 
better  still,  when  the  first  approaching  symptoms  have 
been  detected,  let  the  patient  take  thrice  daily  boiled 
milk  (as  warm  as  possible),  in  which  a  large  pinch — 
as  much  as  can  be  grasped  with  three  fingers — of  this 
herb  has  been  cooked. 

To  intensify  the  effect,  compresses  dipped  in  an  in- 
fusion of  the  herb  may  simultaneously  be  applied  to 
the  affected  parts. 

Sloe  {Prunus  spiiiosa,  L.) 

Sloe-blossoms  are  the  most  harmless  laxative,  and 
should  be  wanting  in  no  household  pharmacy. 

Boil  up  sloe-blossoms  for  one  minute,  and  daily 
drink  a  cupful  of  this  tea  during  three  to  four  days. 
It  will  act  gently  and  paiidessly,  but  at  the  same  time 
thoroughly. 

As  a  cleansing  and  strengthening  stomachic,  I  can 
also  warmly  recommend  this  tea. 

Strawberry  {Fragaria  vesca,  L.) 

How  delighted  are  the  children  when  they  can  bring 
the  first  bunch  of  strawberries  to  their  parents,  pastor, 
or  schoolmaster !  With  what  rejoicing  is  the  first 
dish  of  this  refreshing  fruit  placed  on  the  table  as 
dessert  in  every  house ! 

Not  only  the  fruit  but  also  the  strawberry -leaves  are 
generally  beloved.  Many  a  mother  returning  home- 
wards after  a  hard  day's  labour  gathers  these  leaves 
for  her  sickly  child,  well  knowing  this  strawberry-leaf 
tea  to  be  one  of  the  cheapest,  most  wholesome,  and 
nourishing  beverages. 


MEDICAMENTS.  115 

How  is  this  tea  prepared?  Take  of  tlie  (dried) 
strawberry -leaves  as  much  as  you  can  grasp  in  three 
to  four  fingers,  pour  half  a  pint  of  boiling  water  upon 
them,  and  carefully  cover  the  jar  or  pot.  After  five 
minutes  strain  off  the  infusion,  and  mix  with  a  little 
milk  and  sugar. 

Woodruff  (Asperula  odorata,  L.)  mixed  with  the 
strawberry -leaves,  in  the  proportion  of  one-quarter  or 
one-third,  w411  give  more  body  and  flavour  to  the  tea. 

Fresh  perfect  strawberry-leaves,  collected  in  May  or 
June  at  sunny  spots,  more  especially  on  high  hill 
slopes,  will  produce  an  excellent  beverage. 

The  medicinal  qualities  of  the  berries  themselves 
are  not  to  be  despised.  They  should  be  given  freely 
to  all  convalescents  who  are  much  debilitated  after 
severe  illness :  half  a  pint  of  milk  mixed  with  a  gill 
of  strawberries  taken  daily — or  else  twice  a-day,  a 
gill  of  strawberries,  eaten  with  a  good  piece  of  rye- 
bread — will  do  excellent  service,  and  tend  not  only 
to  strengthen  the  system,  but  likewise  to  purify  the 
blood.  In  w^inter,  strawberry-jam  will  produce  almost 
the  same  effects. 

Great  internal  heat  in  summer,  even  in  cases  of 
high  fever,  may  easily  be  relieved  by  a  plate  of  straw- 
berries. 

Strawberries  taken  daily  are  good  for  gravel  and 
stone  complaints.  The  same  remark  applies  to  liver 
complaints  and  to  skin  eruptions  produced  by  an  im- 
pure state  of  the  blood.  For  these  complaints  as  much 
as  two  pints  may  be  taken  daily,  morning  and  evening. 

Succory,  Wild  {Cichorium  intyhus,  L.) 
This  plant,  called  in  German    Wegwart  (literally, 


116  PHARMACY. 

waiting  on  the  way),  will  be  found  by  the  roadside 
waiting  patiently  to  be  plucked  for  the  household 
pharmacy.  It  is  also  called  turnsole,  because  it  ever 
turns  its  leaves  towards  the  sun.  The  succory  has 
an  untidy  rough  appearance,  like  an  unkempt  child 
among  its  neater  comrades.  Its  blue  flower  alone, 
somewhat  paler  than  the  corn-flower,  raises  its  posi- 
tion, and  inspires  a  certain  amount  of  respect. 

Appearances  are  often  deceitful,  and  so  it  is  with 
the  wild  succory,  which,  under  a  rough  exterior,  bears 
a  golden  heart. 

Tea  of  succory-leaves  dissolves  conglutination  of 
the  stomach,  and  secretes  gall  and  bile.  It  purifies 
liver,  kidneys,  and  milt,  and  secretes  unhealthy  matter 
through  the  urine.  The  dose  is  two  cupfuls  daily, 
taken  morning  and  evening,  during  three  to  four  days. 

Pains  and  inflammation  of  the  stomach  may  be  re- 
lieved by  compresses  dipped  in  a  hot  infusion  of  suc- 
cory leaves  and  flowers,  renewed  two  to  three  times. 

Chicory-leaves  may  be  expressed  in  spirits,  which 
will  serve  to  rub  consumptive  or  dwindling  limbs  two 
to  three  times  daily. 

As  leaves  and  blossoms,  so  also  the  roots  may  be 
employed  for  the  same  purposes.  Tliese  are  easiest 
dug  up  in  rainy  weather. 

Valerian  ( Valeriana  oßcinalis,  L.) 

The  innate  strength  of  valerian  is  proved  to  us  by 
its  effect  upon  cats,  which  it  stupefies  to  the  extent 
of  causing  them  to  roll  in  it. 

We  make  use  of  the  root  only,  which^  chopped  up 
and  infused  as  tea,  or  ground  to  powder,  may  be  taken 
in  small  doses. 


MEDICAMENTS.  117 

Valerian  root  has  niucli  the  same  effect  as  rue  in 
relieving  headache  and  cramp-like  complaints,  by  ex- 
pelling unwholesome  gases. 

Violet  ( Viola  odorata,  L.) 

The  perfume  of  this  sweet-scented  spring  flower 
should  also  pervade  our  household  pharmacy. 

For  spring  coughs  in  children  let  the  anxious 
mother  take  a  handful  of  green  or  dried  violet-leaves 
(the  root  bruised,  chopped  up,  may  likewise  be  em- 
ployed), and  having  boiled  it  as  tea,  administer  it  in 
doses  of  two  to  three  spoonfuls,  at  intervals  of  from 
two  to  three  hours. 

In  consumption,  it  likew^ise  relieves  the  cough  and 
assists  the  process  of  dissolving  slime  and  congluti- 
nation. 

The  dose  in  these  cases  is  from  three  to  five  table- 
spoonfuls,  at  intervals  of  from  two  to  three  hours. 

This  tea  serves,  furthermore,  for  headaches  and 
great  heat  in  the  head. 

The  head  may  either  be  completely  washed  with 
the  violet  tea,  or  else  linen  bandages  dipped  in  the 
infusion  may  be  bound  about  the  patient's  head. 

It  is  an  excellent  gargle  for  inflamed  throat,  and 
may  also  serve  to  moisten  a  linen  compress,  which 
should  be  w^ound  tightly  round  the  neck. 

Difficulty  in  breathing,  having  its  origin  in  unhealthy 
gases  of  the  bowels  and  abdomen,  may  be  relieved  by 
drinking  daily  two  large,  or  three  small,  cupfuls  of 
violet  tea,  and  continuing  this  cure  for  a  considerable 
length  of  time. 

Violet-leaves,  bruised  and  applied  to  inflamed  boils, 


1  1 8  PHARMACY. 

will  cool  and  relieve  ;  boiled  in  vinecrar,  their  decoction 
is  efiicacious  for  gout. 

Wormwood  (Artemisia  absinthium,  L.) 

Wormwood  is  one  of  the  best  known  stomachics. 
It  secretes  wind,  improves  and  strengthens  the  stomach 
saps,  and  produces  appetite,  whether  prepared  as  tea 
or  in  the  shape  of  powder. 

For  foul-smelling  breath,  wormwood  is  of  excellent 
effect. 

Those  who  suffer  from  the  liver  (melancholy)  may 
take  one  to  two  pinches  daily  of  wormwood  powder, 
mixed  in  a  spoonful  of  soup,  or  strewed  over  the  food 
like  salt  or  pepper.  The  patient's  jaundiced  com- 
plexion will  rapidly  give  place  to  a  healthy  colour. 

Wormw^ood  may  also  be  prepared  as  tincture,  and 
can  be  kept  for  years  without  deterioration.  A  single 
leaf  of  wormwood  is  sufficient  to  impart  a  bitter  taste 
to  a  whole  bottle  of  spirits. 

Travellers  prone  to  stomach  disorders  should  never 
set  out  on  a  journey  without  this  trusty  friend  and 
companion. 

Wormwood  tea  has  frequently  done  good  service 
as  an  eye-water  for  sore  or  inflamed  eyes. 


119 


APPENDIX. 


Recipe  for  Making  Bran  Bread. 

The  wheat  should  be  ground  in  the  mill  along  with  the 
bran;  care  must  be  taken  in  order  to  ensure  this,  as  the 
miller  is  likely  to  object  to  the  proceeding. 

Of  this  bran-flour  take  from  2  to  8  lb,  (according  to  the 
quantity  of  bread  required)  in  a  dish,  and  mix  with  warm 
water  till  the  right  consistency.  Place  overnight  in  a  moder- 
ately warm  spot.  Neither  yeast,  salt,  nor  other  seasoning 
should  enter  into  its  composition. 

On  the  following  day  small  oval  loaves  or  rolls  are  formed 
of  the  paste,  and  are  put  to  bake  in  a  moderately  hot  oven 
from  an  hour  and  a  quarter  to  an  hour  and  a  half. 

When  removed  from  the  oven,  the  baked  bread  should  be 
plunged  in  boiling  water  from  three  to  four  minutes,  until 
the  whole  loaves  or  rolls  be  thoroughly  penetrated  with  the 
moisture,  after  which  they  are  again  replaced  in  the  oven 
until  completely  dry.  This  last  proceeding  was  taught  to 
me  by  the  prior  of  a  Trappist  convent,  who,  after  having 
tried  various  methods,  selected  this  one  as  the  best  for  ex- 
tracting the  nutritious  properties  of  bran. 

Many  persons,  who  eat  this  bread  in  preference  to  any 
other,  have  told  me  that  it  is  most  efficacious  in  all  stomach 
complaints,  and  especially  for  piles. 


120  PHAEMACY. 

The  bread  should  be  kept  in  a  cool  place,  and  if  the  rind 
be  too  hard,  wrapped  in  a  moist  linen  cloth. 

Recipe  for  Honey-wine  or  Mead. 

The  old  Germans  had  little  or  no  wine ;  our  brown  beer 
was  unknown  to  them,  because  it  did  not  yet  exist.  Their 
food  was  very  simj^le,  and  yet  they  were  a  powerful  race, 
long-lived  and  healthy.  These  qualities  they  ascribed  to 
the  use  of  mead.  It  is  a  pity  that  this  noble  beverage 
should  be  so  little  known  to-day,  replaced  as  it  is  by  the 
general  use  of  beer,  often  so  adulterated  as  no  longer  to 
deserve  the  name  of  a  wholesome  beverage. 

My  recipe  for  preparing  mead  is  as  follows :  Into  a  clean 
copper  caldron  I  pour  from  13  to  15  gallons  of  soft  water. 
When  this  is  pretty  warm,  about  5  quarts  of  honey  are 
gradually  stirred  in.  AVater  and  honey  together  should  be 
allowed  to  boil  slowly  for  an  hour  and  a  half.  From  time 
to  time  the  impure  froth  should  be  skimmed  off  from  the 
surface.  When  finished  boiling,  the  honey-water  is  poured 
into  tin  or  earthen  vessels,  and  allowed  to  cool  down  to 
lukewarm  heat,  after  which  it  is  transferred  to  a  carefully 
cleaned  cask,  which  should  be  loosely  plugged.  If  the  cellar 
be  moderately  warm,  it  will  begin  to  ferment  after  from  five 
to  ten  days.  When  fourteen  days  have  ela2)sed,  the  young 
honey-wine,  poured  clear  of  the  dregs,  is  removed  to  a 
second  cask.  The  second  process  of  fermentation  lasts  from 
ten  to  fourteen  days;  and  only  then,  when  the  mead  has 
finally  settled,  and  no  further  sounds  are  heard  inside  the 
cask,  is  the  plug  to  be  fixed  in  firmly.  In  three  to  four 
weeks  the  mead  will  be  clear  and  ready  for  use.  Drawn 
off  into  bottles,  well  corked  and  buried  in  cool  sand,  it 
will  in  a  few  days  be  very  frothy.  This  beverage  is  cool- 
ing, and  well  adapted  to  fever  i)atients  who  are  unable  to 
drink  wine  or  beer.  It  is  also  a  good  drink  for  the  healthy, 
but  should  only  be  imbibed  in  small  portions,  for  taken  in 
large  quantities  it  is  apt  to  i)roduce  disgust. 


APPENDIX. 


121 


CONTENTS  OF  A  SMALL  HOUSEHOLD   PHARMACY. 


1.  Extract  of— 

Milfoil. 

Angelica. 

Mint. 

Coltsfoot. 

Arnica. 

Misletoe. 

Danewort. 

Dilberry. 

Mullein,  greater. 

Eyebright. 

Gentian. 

Nettle. 

Fennel. 

Juniper-berries. 

Oak  bark. 

Fenugreek. 

Rosemary. 

Regulating     purga- 

Linseed. 

Succory. 

tive. 

Mint. 

Wormwood. 

Ribwort. 

Sage. 

Rose-hips. 

Saunders  (santala 

IL  Tea  of — 

Rosemary. 

Valerian. 

Rue. 

Wormwood. 

Angelica. 

Sage. 

Ashes. 

Camomile. 

Succory,  wild. 

Bone-dust. 

Centaury. 

Shave-grass. 

Chalk. 

Coltsfoot. 

Silverweed. 

Cowslip. 

Sloe. 

IV.  Oil  of— 

Danewort. 

Strawberry. 

Elder. 

Valerian. 

Almond. 

Eyebright. 

Violet. 

Aniseed. 

Hypercon. 

Woodruff. 

Camphor. 

Juniper-berries. 

Wormwood. 

Clove. 

Knot-grass. 

Fennel. 

Lime. 

III.  Powder  of — 

Juniper. 

Mallow. 

Lavender. 

Marsli-clover. 

Aloe. 

Rue. 

Marsh-mallow. 

Alum. 

Salad. 

PAßT    III. 


DISEASES 


IN^TRODUCTIOK 

The  following  cases  are  no  imaginary  or  fictitious 
lies.     They  are,  one  and  all,  taken  from  life. 

I  am  well  aware  that  this  third  part  is  most 
defective  and  incomplete,  and  that  it  utterly  fails 
in  exhausting  or  even  enumerating  the  various  dis- 
eases to  which  we  are  prone.  Want  of  time  and 
space  is  partly  answerable  for  this  result,  which, 
however,  is  likew^ise  to  a  certain  degree  intentional. 

As  the  gardener  who  gathers  a  nosegay  does  not 
pluck  of  each  sort  of  flower  in  equal  quantity,  so 
have  I  also,  in  detailing  the  various  diseases,  prin- 
cipally dwelt  upon  those  which  seem  to  me  to  be 
most  interesting  and  instructive. 

Diseases  are  crosses,  dear  reader !  Sooner  or  later 
each  one  of  us  will  be  called  upon  to  carry  such  a 
cross,  sometimes  unto  the  grave.  But  a  merciful 
Providence  permits  us  to  seek  to  lighten  our  burden 
— as  already  the  prophet  Elias,  speaking  to  ISTaaman 
the  Syrian  leper  prince,  has  said :  "  Go  and  wash 
seven  times  in  the  Jordan,  and  thy  flesh  shall  recover 
health,  and  thou  shalt  be  clean." 


126  DISEASES. 


Abdomen,  Conglutinatiox  of. 

A  gentleman  came  to  me  and  related  :  "  I  have  con- 
stantly great  pains  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  kidneys, 
so  violent  as  sometimes  to  be  almost  unbearable. 
Various  doctors  whom  I  consulted  pronounced  it  to 
be  disease  of  the  kidneys  and  enlargement  of  the 
abdomen.  I  suffer  from  nausea,  headache,  dizziness, 
acidity  in  the  stomach ;  the  urine  is  scanty ;  I  am 
never  without  pains  in  the  feet,  and  cannot  stand 
for  long.  I  have  much  perspiration  and  great  weak- 
ness ;  my  complexion  is  always  unliealthy." 

The  patient  had  lost  all  courage,  and  because  the 
medicinal  remedies  availed  him  nothing,  he  had  re- 
course to  water. 

The  applications  which  I  prescribed  were  as  follows : 
1.  Daily,  two  upper  affusions  and  knee  affusions;  2. 
Daily,  one  back  affusion ;  and  twice  to  three  times 
daily  walking  in  water  or  in  wet  grass.  It  being 
summer,  the  applications  could  be  more  lavishly  made 
use  of.  Immense  quantities  of  urine  were  secreted ; 
the  desire  to  vomit  ceased  upon  the  second  day;  the 
complexion  improved,  and  with  renewed  strength  so 
also  new  courage  and  life  were  regained.  In  fourteen 
days  he  was  completely  cured;  had  it  not  been 
summer,  the  course  of  treatment  would  perhaps  have 
lasted  fourteen  days  more. 

Acidity. 

Crescentia  relates :  "  I  am  forty-five  years  old,  ami 
suffer  almost  daily  from  pains  in  the  stomach.  It 
stops  from  time  to  time,  but  only  for  short  intervals. 


INTRODUCTION.  127 

I  have  frequently  a  sour  and  bitter  taste  in  the 
mouth,  and  am  almost  always  cold." 

This  person's  appearance  was  very  painful:  the 
body  emaciated,  the  features  drawn.  Defective  diges- 
lion  had  evidently  produced  a  great  poverty  of  blood. 

I  prescribed  as  follows  :  Pour  boiling  water  on  hay- 
ilowers;  put  these  as  hot  as  possible  in  a  cloth  or 
bag,  which  place  on  the  stomach,  as  hot  as  you  can 
bear  it,  and  leave  it  there  an  hour  and  a  half.  Do 
this  for  three  days;  take  every  evening  a  warm 
foot-bath  with  ashes  and  salt — fourteen  minutes  on 
three  consecutive  days;  tlien  every  third  or  fourth 
day  rise  from  bed,  and  wash  the  body  completely, 
returning  to  bed  immediately.  Do  this  also  at  night 
three  or  four  times  weekly.  Then  take  twice  daily 
from  four  to  six  spoonfuls  of  wormwood  tea,  and  so 
on  for  fourteen  days.  After  this  one  foot-bath  a-week 
and  one  nightly  washing  will  be  sufficient. 

Asthma. 

A  gentleman  relates  as  follows  :  "  I  am  forty-six  years 
old.  For  twenty  years  I  have  suffered  from  asthma. 
I  had  recourse  to  various  doctors,  but  they  pronounced 
my  disease  to  be  incurable,  and  none  of  their  remedies 
produced  any  effect.  The  difficulty  in  breathing  was 
sometimes  so  great  that  even  in  winter  I  was  obliged 
to  stand  by  the  open  window  in  order  not  to  choke. 
I  had  already  given  up  all  hope,  and  resigned  myself 
to  carry  my  cross  into  the  grave.  This  condition 
sometimes  lasted  for  several  days  consecutively,  entail- 
ing great  weakness  and  complete  loss  of  appetite.  At 
last  God  was  merciful, — the  book  '  Meine  Wasserkur ' 
fell  into  my  hands  at  the  time  of  my  greatest  need. 


128  DISEASES. 

Within  a  week  I  was  completely  cured.  It  is  scarcely 
credible  that  water  alone  should  suffice  to  reform 
nature  in  so  short  a  space.  The  applications  of  which 
I  made  use  were : — 

"  1.  Upper  affusion,  followed  by  the  knee  affusion, 
walkino'  in  water. 

"  2.  Back  affusion,  lower  affusion. 

"  3.  Sitz-bath,  upper  affusion,  semi- bath. 

"  4.  U]3per  affusion,  back  affusion. 

"  5.  Semi-bath,  upper  affusion,  sitz-bath. 

"  6.  Complete  bath,  upper  affusion. 

"  7.  Lower  affusion,  upper  affusion. 

"In  addition  to  this,  for  one  to  two  hours  walking 
barefoot  in  wet  grass.  This  course  of  treatment  I 
went  through  in  summer,  and  day  by  day  I  felt  relief." 

Bed-wetting. 

This  complaint  is  of  frequent  occurrence  among 
children  of  both  sexes.  Even  among  adults  it  is  not 
uncommon.  It  is  a  grave  error  to  try  and  cure 
children  by  means  of  corporal  punishment,  which 
mostly  produces  a  directly  opposite  effect.  Weakness 
of  the  system  is  the  cause  of  this  failing,  which  will 
readily  disappear  when  the  constitution  has  been 
strengthened  and  braced. 

Six  children,  whose  ages  ranged  from  eight  to  thir- 
teen years,  were  ordered  by  me  to  stand  daily  in  cold 
water  reaching  up  to  the  calves  from  three  to  five 
minutes,  and  then  take  exercise  until  the  body  had 
regained  its  normal  temperature.  After  five  days 
of  this  proceeding  only  two  of  the  children  had  a 
relapse,  and  in  a  very  few  days  more  all  were  com- 
pletely cured. 


BIETH.  129 

A  second  application  consisted  in  holding  the  arms 
two  minutes  in  water  after  each  foot-bath,  which 
tended  to  restore  a  healthy  colour  to  their  pale  sickly 
faces. 

Adults  may  employ  these  same  means.  Such  only 
whose  blood  has  been  impoverished  by  debility  should 
in  addition  take  daily  a  cup  of  milfoil  infusion,  drink- 
ing the  one  half  in  the  morning,  the  other  half  at 
night. 

I  must  further  remark  that  the  coldest  water  is 
always  the  best  for  this  purpose.  I  have  tested  the 
use  of  warm  water  with  children,  and  have  always 
achieved  an  opposite  result. 

Birth. 

A  young  woman  had  given  birth  to  three  dead 
children :  she  was  very  sad  and  quite  discouraged, 
the  more  so  as  the  doctor  had  told  her  that  she  would 
never  be  able  to  produce  a  living  child.  I  consoled 
her  by  saying  that  if  she  would  have  recourse  to  my 
cold-water  applications,  her  system  would  be  so 
strengthened  as  to  be  able  eventually  to  bear  preg- 
nancy. To  the  poor  despairing  woman  this  sounded 
like  a  joyful  revelation. 

The  treatment  was  begun  with  some  of  the  very 
slightest  applications  for  hardening  and  bracing  the 
system,  which  were  gradually  increased  in  strength 
until  she  was  able  to  stand  whole  and  semi  baths. 
Within  the  space  of  three  years  she  presented  three 
strong  healthy  children  to  the  happy  father. 

A  woman  was  ill  with  typhus ;  she  suffered  from 
terrible  headaches.  Her  relations  removed  her  from 
town  to  the  country,  in  order  that  she  might  there  die 

I 


130  DISEASES. 

quietly.  Tlie  poor  woman  was  about  to  become  a 
mother.  I,  being  consulted,  prescribed  short  wrappings, 
which  were  at  once  applied.  The  lieadache  ceased. 
The  patient's  former  doctor,  being  asked,  pronounced 
that  the  first  of  these  wrappings  must  infallibly  have 
the  effect  of  prematurely  forcing  on  the  confinement. 
In  the  meantime,  however,  six  such  wrappings  had 
been  applied  without  bad  results.  The  patient  re- 
covered completely,  and  gave  birth  to  a  healthy  child. 

Bladder,  Cataeeii  of  the. 

A  gentleman  relates :  "  I  am  thirty  years  old,  and 
have  now  suffered  over  three  years  from  this  com- 
plaint, brought  on  by  the  retention  of  urine,  neces- 
sitated by  my  employment.  At  first  I  struggled 
against  the  disease ;  but  was  at  last  obliged  to  give  up 
my  profession.  Eour  months  I  lay  ill  in  bed  :  my  body 
had  worn  away  till  it  almost  resembled  a  skeleton  ; 
its  weight  was  reduced  to  82  lb.  The  doctor  ordered 
me  Wildung  mineral  waters,  of  which  I  drank  almost 
one  hundred  bottles,  and  warm  sitz-baths.  In  addition 
to  the  first  illness,  I  got  a  violent  catarrh  of  the  stomacli 
and  bowels.  In  spring  my  strength  somewliat  rallied, 
only,  however,  to  collapse  anew  when  winter  came." 

The  patient's  appearance  was  most  wretched  and 
emaciated,  but  he  had  no  cough.  I  gave  him  hopes 
of  recovery.  Already  on  the  third  day  his  complexion 
•had  improved,  the  pains  decreased  day  by  day,  urina- 
tion became  easier  and  more  plentiful,  and  in  four 
weeks  he  declared,  "  Now  I  am  once  more  the  strong, 
healthy,  and  cheerful  man  I  used  to  be.  The  water 
has  done  this." 

The  result  in  his  case  was  indeed  extraordinarily  sue- 


BLOOD,   DECOMPOSITION   OF   THE.  131 

cessful.  A  doctor,  whose  specialty  it  is  to  treat  diseases 
of  the  bladder,  pronounced  the  gentleman  to  be  com- 
pletely healed,  and  was  quite  surprised  at  the  result. 

The  appUcations  made  use  of  were :  At  the  begin- 
ning the  patient  had  to  sit  several  times  on  a  vase 
over  a  steaming  infusion  of  shave-grass ;  during  three 
weeks,  twice  daily  upper  affusions  and  water- walking ; 
later  on,  sitz-baths  and  upper  affusion  on  alternate 
days,  besides  drinking  an  infusion  of  shave-grass  and 
juniper-berries. 

Bladder,  Stone  in  the. 

A  gentleman  in  the  prime  of  life  fell  ill.  He  had 
violent  pains  in  the  kidneys,  and  could  not  make 
water.  The  doctor  declared  that  a  stone  was  in  the 
bladder,  which  could  only  be  removed  by  an  operation. 
To  this,  however,  the  patient  would  not  consent. 

To  an  acquaintance  who  came  to  see  him  the  patient 
related  his  troubles.  This  friend  advised  him  thrice  a- 
day  to  take  a  warm  sitz-bath  of  shave-grass,  and  before 
eacli  bath  to  drink  a  cupful  of  shave-grass  infusion. 
Within  thirty-six  hours  a  piece  of  stone  nearly  as 
large  as  a  walnut  had  come  out.  The  pain  suddenly 
ceased,  and  the  man  was  cured. 

Blood,  Decomposition  of  the. 

Eeturning  home  from  a  mission,  I  went  to  visit  a 
clergyman,  having  heard  accidentally  that  his  end 
was  at  hand.  Entering,  I  found  the  reverend  gentle- 
man sitting  in  an  arm-chair.  He  related:  "I  have 
twenty-five  holes  and  wounds  in  my  body.  You  see 
here  on  the  face  alone  five  plasters,  and  on  the  body 
there  are  twenty.      Small  boils  containing  a  brown 


132  DISEASES. 

fluid  appear  suddenly,  and  when  I  remove  the  plaster 
after  a  day,  small  particles  of  putrid  decomposed  flesh 
are  attached  to  it.  I  suffer  in  this  fashion  for  months, 
and  can  find  no  relief.  Still  more  unendurable  than 
the  wounds  in  the  body,  is  the  horrid  nauseous  taste 
in  the  mouth,  which  I  cannot  describe.  Dear  reverend 
colleague,  if  you  know  of  any  advice  for  a  poor  man, 
give  it  quickly,  for  it  is  high  time." 

I  advised  the  unhappy  patient  to  swallow,  every 
two  hours,  from  four  to  six  spoonfuls  of  sage  and 
wormwood  infusion,  in  order  to  remove  the  nauseous 
taste  from  the  mouth.  Then  I  left  him,  expecting  to 
see  him  again  in  the  other  world. 

Five  days  later  came  a  messenger,  not  bringing, 
however,  the  expected  news  of  his  decease,  but  with 
the  joyful  intelligence  that  the  nauseous  taste  had 
disappeared  and  appetite  was  beginning  to  set  in.  As 
my  first  piece  of  advice  had  succeeded  so  well,  I  was 
begged  to  follow  it  up.  I  sent  word  that  during 
fourteen  days  he  was  to  wash  the  entire  body  daily 
with  cold  water  as  rapidly  as  possible.  Again  came 
the  messenger  to  say  the  condition  had  improved  and 
appetite  was  increasing.  As  further  applications  I 
then  ordered  during  several  weeks  on  alternate  days 
a  Spanish  mantle,  and  a  lavation  of  the  entire  body. 
Fourteen  days  after  this  he  was  able  to  say  Mass 
again.  For  some  time  he  continued  to  take  weekly 
a  bath  of  hay-flower  95°  F.,  succeeded  by  a  cold  lava- 
tion. Also  on  alternate  days  a  cold  semi-bath,  com- 
bined with  upper  affusion,  and  a  lavation  of  the  whole 
body.  My  reverend  colleague  completely  recovere«! 
and  was  able  to  practise  his  holy  vocation  twenty-fou 
years  longer  to  the  end  of  his  life. 


blood,  poverty  of  the.  133 

Blood,  Poisoning  of  the. 

A  woman  had  received  a  trifling  injury  to  the 
finger,  which  might  have  been  caused  by  a  nail  or 
wood-splinter.  Disregarding  this,  she  went  to  bed 
without  examining  the  wound.  In  the  night  she  was 
roused  by  a  violent  and  painful  cramp  in  the  finger, 
accompanied  by  nausea.  The  wound  was  on  the  left 
hand,  and  she  experienced  also  cramp  and  pain  in  the 
right  leg.  Witliin  ten  hours  the  hand  swelled  up  to 
the  elbow,  became  dark-red  in  hue,  and  the  pain  grew 
unbearable.  There  was  no  doctor  in  the  village, 
and  the  case  was  urgent,  as  the  blood-poisoning  was 
spreading  rapidly. 

For  eight  consecutive  hours  the  hand  and  arm 
were  poulticed  completely  in  hay-flowers  infused  in 
boiling  water,  and  applied  as  hot  as  could  be  endured. 
J>y  this  means  the  spreading  poison  was  arrested.  An 
hour  or  two  later  she  could  not  have  been  saved, 
for  already  the  tongue  had  been  affected.  After 
thirty-six  hours,  the  swelling  had  so  relaxed  that 
tlie  skin  hung  like  an  empty  bag  over  the  flesh. 
As  the  cramps  in  the  finger  ceased,  so  also  the 
[)ain  and  sickness  disappeared. 

Blood,  Poverty  of  the. 

Good  and  sufficient  blood  is  indispensable  to 
perfect  health  ;  air,  light,  exercise,  and  proper 
nourishment  are  the  means  by  which  this  end  is 
attained.  When  one  or  other  of  these  conditions 
is  wanting,  then  the  blood  deteriorates  in  quantity 
or  in  quality. 


134  DISEASES. 

Poverty  of  blood  may  also  proceed  from  losing 
blood  through  wounds,  leeches,  or  by  the  lancet. 

Those  who  suffer  from  green  -  sickness,  as  this 
malady  is  called,  present  a  distressing  picture :  their 
face  is  pale,  sometimes  yellow  or  brown;  lips  and 
gums  especially  are  bloodless ;  the  eyelids  heavy ; 
the  carriage  stooping  and  dejected;  the  body  ema- 
ciated. Palpitation,  difficulty  in  breathing,  head- 
ache, pains  in  the  back,  impediments  in  the  diges- 
tion, cramps,  and  faintings  are  some  of  its  frequent 
consequences.  Such  persons  are  often  affected  with 
a  diseased  craving  for  unwholesome  and  unnatural 
food. 

Presh  air  and  light  clothing  are  the  first  rules  to 
be  observed  in  order  to  effect  a  cure,  alone:  with  ^rood, 
easily  digestible  food :  milk,  pure  bread  and  bread 
soup,  along  with  simple  farinaceous  preparations. 
Not  much  should  be  eaten  at  a  time ;  two  to  four 
table-spoonfuls  of  milk  taken  frequently  will  have 
the  best  results,  for,  the  stomach  saps  being  weak- 
ened, digestion  acts  but  slowly.  Moderate  exercise 
in  the  open  air  should  be  taken,  without,  however, 
overtaxing  the  powers. 

The  water  applications  are  as  follows  :  Three  to  four 
times  weekly  let  the  patient  rise  from  bed,  and  having 
washed  the  whole  body,  return  there  quickly ;  stand- 
ing in  water  up  to  the  calves  for  one  minute,  suc- 
ceeded by  holding  the  arms  in  water  two  to  three 
times  weekly. 

If  the  patient  be  much  weakened  and  possessed  of 
little  latent  heat,  the  water  should  at  first  be  applied 
warm,  and  mixed  with  salt  or  vinegar.  To  incite 
the  appetite,  two  to  three  table-s])oonfuls  of  worm- 


BLOOD,   SriTTIXG   OR  VOMITING.  135 

wood  infusion,  taken  tlirice  daily,  will  be  found  use- 
ful. An  excellent  remedy  against  green -sickness  is 
likewise  a  pinch  of  powdered  chalk  in  four  to  six 
spoonfuls  of  water  twice  daily. 

When  the  general  tone  of  the  system  has  been 
raised,  then  the  foot-bath  and  lavations  can  be  re- 
placed by  semi-baths  two  to  three  times  weekly ; 
and  these  again  ultimately  exchanged  for  upper  and 
knee  affusions  applied  in  moderation. 

Blood,  Spitting  ok  Vomiting. 

When  blood  appears,  it  is  important  to  ascertain 
whether  this  proceeds  from  the  stomach  or  the  lungs. 
Blood  from  the  lungs  may  be  mostly  recognised  by 
being  thrown  up  with  cough,  and  by  its  frothy  pale- 
red  appearance;  while  blood  from  the  stomacli  is 
usually  dark-red  or  coffee-brown,  and  hangs  together 
in  clumps  and  masses.  Blood-spitting  is  always 
alarming,  and  requires  caution,  as  it  may  be  at- 
tended with  more  or  less  danger. 

If  the  blood  proceed  from  the  stomacli,  who  can 
tell  which  little  vein  has  suffered,  and  when  the 
bleeding  may  not  be  repeated  ?  Neglect  of  these 
symptoms  may  bring  about  poverty  of  blood,  or 
other  severe  complaints.  If  the  cause  be  speedily 
ascertained  and  cured,  then  the  stomach-bleeding  will 
entail  no  further  consequences. 

More  important  and  ominous  by  far  is  bleeding 
from  the  lungs.  No  time  should  be  lost  in  setting 
this  to  rights. 

Infusion  of  shave  -  grass  is  useful  in  both  cases, 
because  of  its  astringent  properties.  If  blood  has 
come   through   the   nose,   let  the  patient   frequently 


136  DISEASES. 

draw  up  the  infusion  through  the  nostrils.  If  it 
comes  from  the  mouth,  tlie  same  infusion  taken  in 
spoonfuls  every  few  minutes  will  be  efficacious.  This 
remedy  sometimes  acts  very  quickly  in  arresting  the 
bleeding ;  but  even  after  this  has  completely  ceased, 
the  proceeding  should  be  continued  for  some  time.  In 
my  personal  experience,  this  infusion  of  shave-grass 
has  never  failed  to  bring  about  the  desired  result. 

Should,  however,  the  bleeding  prove  obstinate  and 
of  frequent  recurrence,  then  its  cause  must  be  care- 
fully examined  into.  Either  the  lung  itself  is  directly 
affected,  or  else  there  is  excessive  determination  of 
blood  to  the  head  (see  Congestions),  or  it  may  have  its 
origin  in  tumours  of  the  stomach. 

I  do  not  speak  here  of  haemorrhage,  which,  result- 
ing from  injury  to  some  important  artery,  is  often 
fatal.     All  help  is  mostly  here  of  no  avail. 

A  word  here  as  to  nose-bleeding.  Many  persons 
bleed  frequently  from  the  nose  without  attaching 
much  importance  to  the  circumstance,  the  more  so 
as  they  usually  experience  relief.  Nevertheless  tliis 
condition  is  an  unhealthy  one,  which  sooner  or  later 
must  pave  the  way  to  serious  illness.  Independently 
of  all  other  considerations,  this  proceeding,  if  of  fre- 
quent recurrence,  must  produce  poverty  of  blood,  with 
all  its  attendant  evils,  such  as  alarm,  nervous  tremors, 
and  depression. 

The  principal  object  to  be  aimed  at  in  all  such 
cases  seems  to  me  to  restore  regular  circulation,  by 
leading  down  the  superfluous  blood  to  the  body  and 
extremities,  which  are  mostly  found  to  be  cold  and 
bloodless. 

A  warm  foot-bath  mixed  witli  salt  and  aslies,  em- 


BLOOD,   SPITTING   OR  VOMITING.  137 

ployed  two  to  three  times  a-week  for  fifteen  minutes, 
will  prove  an  excellent  medium,  accompanied  by  walk- 
ing two  to  three  times  weekly  on  wet  stones,  and  as 
often  a  short  swathing.  When  Nature  has  partially 
regained  her  strength,  the  upper  and  lower  affusions, 
along  with  semi-baths  and  lavations  of  tlie  upper  body, 
may  be  resorted  to. 

One  sort  of  nose-bleeding  there  is  which  is  not  only 
ominous,  but  sometimes  directly  fatal.  I  was  once 
called  in  to  administer  the  last  sacraments  to  a  young 
girl  sixteen  years  of  age,  apparently  in  a  dying  condi- 
tion, who,  within  the  space  of  one  and  a  half  hour, 
had  lost  three  basinfuls  of  blood  through  the  nose. 
All  household  remedies  had  been  tried  in  vain,  and 
no  doctor  was  to  be  had.  I  speedily  ordered  the 
contents  of  half  a  watering-can  to  be  poured  over 
her  head,  the  other  half  over  her  back.  The  bleed- 
ing stopped  immediately.  The  girl  lay  for  several 
hours  quite  quiet,  but  more  or  less  unconscious  from 
weakness.  Hardly  had  she  revived  a  little  when  the 
nose  -  bleeding  returned.  The  proceeding  with  the 
watering-can  repeated,  had  the  same  effect  as  before, 
and  the  patient's  strength  was  kept  up  by  means  of 
milk  administered  in  spoonfuls  half-hourly.  In  two 
days  she  was  able  to  swallow  soup,  and  within  a  few 
(lays  a  healthy  appetite  had  returned.  The  upper 
affusion  was  daily  performed  with  great  regularity. 
The  nose-bleeding  did  not  return,  and  in  about  six 
weeks  the  patient  was  restored  to  health,  although 
nearly  half  a  year  elapsed  before  she  regained  her 
full  strength.  Disturbance  of  tlie  system,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  approaching  menses,  had  apparently 
produced  this  attack. 


138  diseases. 

Bloody  Flux. 

A  married  man  came  and  related  as  follows :  "  My 
wife  has  long  suffered  from  bloody  flux,  and  is  dying ; 
by  the  time  I  reach  home  slie  may  already  be  dead. 
No  doctor's  help  can  avail  any  more.  Is  there  noth- 
ing to  be  done  ? " 

The  advice  I  gave  was  this :  Every  quarter  of  an 
hour  from  two  to  three  table-spoonfuls  of  shave-grass 
tea,  later  on  two  spoonfuls  daily  will  suffice.  Upon 
the  body  lay  a  cloth  which  has  been  dipped  in  water 
half  and  half  with  vinegar.  Eenew  this  each  twenty 
minutes,  and  let  it  remain  for  two  hours. 

The  bleeding  soon  stopped,  and  after  two  more  ap- 
plications, each  of  half  an  hour  only,  no  more  were 
required. 

To  replace  the  waste  of  blood,  two  table-spoonfuls  of 
milk  every  hour  in  addition  to  her  usual  diet  had  the 
best  results.  In  four  weeks  the  woman  was  able  to 
resume  all  her  household  duties. 

I  must,  however,  expressly  observe  that  such  means 
are  only  to  be  employed  when  no  doctor  can  be  pro- 
cured. 

Boils. 

Inflammation  may  form  outside  the  body  as  well  as 
inside,  and  almost  every  boil  or  tumour  is  attended 
by  some  degree  of  inflammation.  When  a  house  is  on 
fire  the  neighbours  all  run  to  the  spot,  and  when  a 
little  place  on  the  body  burns,  the  adjacent  parts  can- 
not remain  indifferent.  If,  for  instance,  a  small  part 
of  the  toe  be  inflamed,  no  larger  than  a  grain  of  bar- 
ley, not  only  the  whole  toe  will  suffer,  but  even  the 
leg  will  be  affected. 


BONE,   CARIES   OF   THE.  139 

Anna  has  a  dreadful  pain  in  tlie  thumb,  although 
there  is  not  much  to  be  seen.  This  finger  is  only 
slightly  swollen  and  somewhat  redder  than  its  com- 
panions, yet  the  pain  reaches  up  to  the  shoulder- 
blade.  Thinking  to  cure  it,  she  tightly  bandages  up 
the  finger,  which,  however,  only  increases  the  evil. 
The  hand  and  arm  sw^ell  up,  and  the  whole  body  is 
affected. 

How,  then,  should  the  girl  have  proceeded  to  cure 
the  finger  ?  Should  she  have  held  it  under  a  pump 
of  cold  water  in  order  to  cool  it  and  extinguish  the 
heat  ?  Certainly  not ;  the  object  here  not  being  so 
much  to  cool  the  heat,  as  to  dissolve  and  secrete  the 
poisonous  saps  which  have  occasioned  it. 

Finger  and  hand  should  be  swaddled  in  a  cloth 
dipped  in  cold  water,  which  must  be  renewed  as  often 
as  it  absorbs  the  heat.  The  finger  will  probably  sup- 
purate and  break  open,  but  the  boil  will  never  attain 
such  dimensions  as  it  would  otherwise  have  done. 

Should  there  be  a  sense  of  oppression  and  discom- 
fort throughout  the  body,  the  Spanish  mantle  will  be 
of  good  service. 

Bone,  Caeies  of  the. 

A  gentleman  of  position  has  a  sore  toe ;  he  thought 
that  the  nail  had  been  injured,  and  gave  the  matter 
no  further  consideration.  Inflammation  of  the  toe  set 
in,  and  he  had  recourse  to  a  doctor,  who  treated  him 
for  several  wrecks,  despite  which  the  swelling  in- 
creased till  the  whole  foot  was  affected,  and  walking 
or  standing  rendered  impossible.  The  patient  him- 
self had  no  notion  of  his  condition  till  one  day  two 
small  bone-splinters  detached  themselves  from  the  toe. 


140  DISEASES. 

This  aroused  liis  suspicions,  not  only  of  his  foot,  but 
of  all  those  who  had  treated  it.  He  sent  for  me. 
Caries  of  the  bone  had  already  set  in.  I  caused 
shave-grass  to  be  boiled,  and  wrapped  the  affected 
foot,  as  far  as  the  inflammation  reached,  in  cloths 
dipped  in  this  infusion.  The  swelling  was  speedily 
reduced,  the  evil  arrested,  and  the  patient  was  soon 
able  to  use  his  foot  as  before. 

About  a  year  later  the  same  disease  recurred,  but 
this  time  on  the  big  toe  of  the  other  foot.  The  doctor 
made  incisions  in  the  toe  and  employed  violent  rem- 
edies, with  the  result  that  the  toe  was  soon  healed, 
although  it  remained  considerably  larger  and  redder 
than  before.  Simultaneously,  however,  the  pain  in 
the  first  foot  began  to  reappear,  and  after  a  time  the 
original  disease  broke  out  again  in  its  former  place. 

The  mistake  made  here  was  that  the  evil  had  only 
been  suppressed,  not  cured,  and  was  therefore  sure  to 
reappear  again  sooner  or  later.  The  proper  course 
would  have  been  to  treat  both  feet  simultaneously  by 
means  of  wrappings  dipped  in  shave-grass  or  oat-straw 
infusion,  which  should  have  been  daily  applied  several 
times,  until  there  remained  no  trace  of  pain  or  redness 
on  either  foot. 

Bowels,  Complaint  of  the. 

A  priest,  forty-five  years  old,  relates :  "  For  above 
twenty-five  years  I  suffered  from  constipation,  and 
several  years  ago  I  went  through  a  course  of  cold- 
water  cure,  which  improved  my  digestion,  while  leav- 
ing the  constipation  unaltered.  In  1885  was  added 
to  this  a  disease  of  the  kidneys,  with  gravel  and  com- 
plications of  the  urine.     My  doctor  prescribed  a  grape 


BOWELS,  INFLAMMATION   OF  THE.  141 

cure,  followed  by  a  ten  clays'  course  of  Glauber's  salts, 
which,  however,  had  only  the  result  of  leaving  behind 
it  a  violent  catarrh  of  the  bowels.  After  having 
tried  every  possible  remedy,  I  was  told  that  my  state 
was  incurable  and  might  ße  palliated,  but  never  en- 
tirely removed.  I  suffered  from  sleeplessness,  want 
of  appetite,  w^eariness,  distaste  of  work,  pain  and  pres- 
sure on  the  kidneys,  constipation,  and  distension  of 
the  lower  body.  My  feet  were  always  cold,  my  head 
hot,  the  rest  of  my  body  inclined  to  profuse  perspira- 
tion. In  this  condition  I  resolved  once  more  to  have 
recourse  to  cold  water,  which  I  had  previously  been 
warned  against." 

The  following  applications  were  prescribed  to  this 
gentleman:  Daily  one  upper  affusion,  one  back  affu- 
sion, one  sitz-bath — to  which  were  subsequently  added, 
according  to  expediency,  a  semi-bath,  knee  affusion, 
and  water-walking.  The  best  results  were,  however, 
achieved  by  the  Spanish  mantle,  for  which  he  con- 
ceived a  warm  friendship.  After  twelve  weeks'  treat- 
ment, tlie  digestion  was  completely  restored,  and  the 
body  gained  13  lb.  in  weight. 

Bowels,  Inflammation  of  the. 

An  overseer  relates  :  "  For  years  I  have  had  violent, 
sometimes  almost  unbearable,  pains  and  cramps  in 
the  bowels.  For  long  I  have  not  been  able  to  eat 
without  great  pain,  succeeded  invariably  by  diarrhoea. 
I  have  tried  many  remedies,  all  without  avail." 

The  appearance  of  this  man,  who  stood  in  the  prime 
of  life,  was  very  sickly.  His  eyes  were  dull,  the  com- 
plexion pale,  and  the  figure  emaciated.  How  was  he 
to  be  cured  ? 


142  DISEASES. 

Each  week  he  took — 

1.  Three  sitz-baths. 

2.  Every  morning  and  evening  tlie  breast  and 
under  body  were  w^ashed  in  water  mixed  with  vinegar. 

In  four  w^eeks  the  man  was  released  from  his  suf- 
ferings. As  internal  remedy,  he  merely  took  twelve 
drops  of  wormwood  twice  daily  in  w\arm  water. 

Beain,  Inflammation  of  the. 

Wherever  inflammation  arises,  the  blood  has  a  ten- 
dency to  flow  to  that  part  and  concentrate  itself  there. 
In  cases  of  inflammation  of  the  brain,  it  is  therefore 
of  great  importance  to  draw  down  the  blood  from  the 
head  to  the  extremities,  as  well  as  to  reduce  the  heat 
at  the  affected  spot.  The  applications  to  be  used  are 
as  follows : — 

The  feet  up  to  the  knee  should  be  swaddled  in 
cloths  dipped  in  vinegar  and  water,  and  the  arms 
swaddled  in  like  fashion  up  to  the  elbow.  Should 
the  feet  be  very  cold,  then  the  cloth  may  at  flrst  be 
dipped  in  hot  water.  Both  swaddliugs  to  be  renewed 
every  hour  or  half-hour,  according  to  tlie  degree  of  heat 
absorbed.  These  swaddliugs  may  be  succeeded  by  a 
lower  compress.  On  the  head  a  simple  cold-water 
compress,  or  else  a  long  wet  bandage  wound  tightly 
round  the  neck.  Whichever  of  these  is  employed 
must  be  renewed  half-hourly.  These  means,  if  pro- 
perly and  consistently  applied,  will  prevent  the  heat 
from  attaining  a  high  degree,  and  accelerate  recovery. 
As  internal  remedies,  pure  cold  water,  given  in  one 
or  tw^o  spoonfuls  occasionally,  will  always  remain  the 
best;  but  instead  of  water,  an  infusion  of  fcenum 
grcccum  may  be  taken. 


BURNS.  143 

Burns. 

A  peasant's  liouse  was  burnt  down.  The  peasant 
received  such  injuries  from  the  lire  on  face  and  hands 
as  to  be  absolutely  Unrecognisable.  From  the  fingers 
and  from  half  the  arm  skin  and  Hesh  hung  down  in 
ragged  strips.  In  inexpressible  agony  the  unfortunate 
man  called  upon  death  to  release  him.  The  doctor 
applied  several  plasters  to  the  wounds,  but  gave  no 
hope  of  recovery. 

Chance  brought  me  to  tlie  bedside  of  the  patient. 
1  could  not  bear  to  witness  this  suffering,  and  tried  to 
think  of  some  means  of  relieving  his  pain,  so  as  at 
least  to  enable  him  to  die  quietly.  I  caused  all  the 
stiff'  adhesive  plasters  to  be  removed,  and  forming  a 
paste  out  of  sour  cream,  linseed-oil,  and  white  of  e^g, 
I  painted  this  over  the  raw  wounds,  so  as  to  protect 
them  from  the  outer  air,  covering  each  spot  carefully 
with  a  soft  linen  rag,  which  adhered  closely  to  the 
!esh,  and  above  the  rags  I  placed  another  dry  linen 
cloth.  At  intervals  of  two  hours  I  removed  the  outer 
cloth,  and  remoistened  the  lower  rag  with  the  same 
mixture.  Twice  daily  the  lower  rags  were  likewise 
removed  and  replaced  by  fresh  ones.  In  an  incredibly 
short  time  the  man  was  cured.  As  internal  remedies 
I  gave  him  twice  daily  one  spoonful  of  olive-oil. 

Under  this  air-tight  covering  the  new  skin  was 
quickly  formed,  and  the  rigid  attention  to  cleanliness 
prevented  the  wounds  from  suppurating.  In  fourteen 
days  the  man  was  almost  well  again. 

For  slighter  burns  or  scalds,  pickled  cabbage  (Sauer- 
kraut) or  potato-scrapings  may  be  employed  with  good 
results. 


144  diseases. 

Cancer. 

This  is  a  veiy  common  disease  nowadays.  There  is 
hardly  a  part  of  the  body  which  may  not  be  destroyed 
by  cancer  or  cancerous  complaints.  If  the  disease  be 
far  advanced,  then  I  do  not  dare  to  apply  water ;  blood 
and  saps  are  already  corrupted. 

Cancer  is  sometimes  infectious,  especially  if  there  be 
a  predisposition  to  decomposition  of  blood  and  saps  in 
an  individual. 

I  knew  a  married  couple  who  went  to  visit  a  cousin 
afflicted  with  cancer  of  the  tongue.  Without  at  all 
understanding  the  nature  of  this  dreadful  complaint, 
they  were  both  alarmed  on  seeing  the  ravages  pro- 
duced. The  woman's  tongue  began  to  swell  up  within 
four  days,  and  the  man's  under  lip  got  inflamed  and 
sore.  "We  have  caught  the  disease,"  they  came 
lamenting  to  me.  I  endeavoured  to  calm  the  terri- 
fied persons,  but  without  success.  I  advised  them  to 
wash  out  the  whole  mouth,  and  particularly  the  affect- 
ed spot,  four  times  daily  with  alum-water,  and  on  the 
following  day  to  repeat  the  process  with  water  of  aloe ; 
likewise  every  second  day  to  take  a  head  vapour  bath, 
alternated  with  a  throat-swathing. 

The  two  persons  were  completely  cured  of  their 
complaints.  I  myself  would  never  have  believed  it 
possible  that  mere  fright  could  convey  this  terrible 
disease.  I  was  told  later  that  a  doctor  had  pro- 
nounced the  people  to  have  been  infected  by  the 
illness. 

I  have  successfully  cured  many  cases  of  cancer  in 
early  stages.  All  applications  were  chiefly  directed 
towards  purifying  the  blood  and  saps. 


catarkh  or  cold.  145 

Catarrh  or  Cold. 

Most  catarrlis  are  produced  by  coming  quickly  out 
of  the  cold  air — perhaps  perspiring — into  a  heated 
room.  Exposure  to  cold  draught  may  likewise  be  the 
cause.  Usually  a  sense  of  pressure  and  contraction  is 
felt  at  once  in  chest,  throat,  or  nose.  There  is  a 
feeling  as  of  a  little  round  ball  in  the  throat.  If  we 
disregard  these  first  symptoms  of  a  beginning  catarrh, 
it  strikes  root  and  spreads  itself  out.  Those  who  are 
used  to  much  warm  clothing,  and  whose  organs  are 
consequently  enervated,  are  most  easily  attacked.  It 
would  be  easy  to  keep  all  colds  at  a  distance  were  we 
to  harden  our  bodies  by  proper  means. 

What  must  we  do  in  order  to  remain  free  of 
colds  ?  An  example  will  tell  us.  I  have  been  w^alk- 
ing  rapidly  for  an  hour  in  cold  weather:  the  ther- 
mometer marks  5°  F.  Without  transition  I  come 
into  a  room  whose  temperature  is  64°  F.  This  rapid 
change  of  59°  cannot  be  accomplished  with  impunity, 
it  must  bring  danger.  It  would  have  been  wiser  if  I 
had  walked  more  slow^ly  for  the  last  five  to  twenty 
minutes,  and  then  had  paused  a  little  in  the  passage 
(always  in  motion)  before  entering  the  room.  In  this 
manner  the  heightened  temperature  would  have  had 
time  to  cool  somewhat,  and  the  perspiration  to  disperse. 

If  you  feel  the  consequences  of  your  imprudence,  if 
you  are  conscious  of  a  little  lump  in  the  throat,  go  out 
once  more  into  the  open  air  and  take  exercise  for  half 
an  hour.  This  will  effectively  remove  and  dissolve  all 
superfluous  matter  in  the  throat. 

Hoarseness  is  nothing  but  the  communication  of 
catarrh  to  the  speaking  organs.     A  silver  bell  pro- 

K 


146  DISEASES. 

duces  no  tone  if  it  be  mnffled ;  and  the  most  splendid 
voice  encumbered  by  inflammation  will  give  no  sound. 
Eemove  the  catarrh,  and  its  companion  hoarseness 
will  speedily  follow. 

Cholera. 

How  much  dreaded  is  cholera  !  In  order  to  ensure 
ourselves  against  floods  we  regulate  the  rivers  and 
build  up  dams;  and  when  a  forest  burns  we  dig 
ditches  to  prevent  the  flames  from  spreading.  Water 
fulfils  the  same  office  with  regard  to  cholera.  It  averts 
tlie  danger,  and  surrounds  us,  so  to  say,  with  a  dam 
or  ditch. 

The  universal  rule  aj)plying  to  cholera  is,  that  who- 
ever can  be  made  to  perspire  freely  is  saved,  but  that 
he  who  cannot  do  so  is  lost. 

Once  at  night  I  was  summoned  to  a  poor  maid-ser- 
A^ant.  Twenty  times  she  had  already  vomited,  and 
twenty  times  had  suffered  from  violent  purging.  The 
doctor  was  two  hours  distant.  The  girl  wished  to  be 
prepared  for  death,  feeling  convinced  that  this  dread- 
ful illness  must  prove  fatal.  Hands  and  feet  were  like 
lumps  of  ice,  the  face  pale,  the  features  drawn  and 
pinched  ;  all  the  signs  of  approaching  dissolution  were 
there.  I  instantly  sought  to  produce  sweating,  as  in 
my  opinion  everything  depended  upon  tliis — life  or 
death.  Tlie  housewife  brought  two  large  coarse  linen 
sheets.  I  dipped  these  in  hot  water,  and  applied  tliem 
hot,  folded  together  on  chest  and  abdomen.  Beneath 
the  sheets  and  against  the  bare  skin  I  had  jireviously 
placed  a  single  cloth  dipped  in  vinegar.  The  wet 
hot  compress  was  covered  over  and  secured  against 
the  air  by  a  feather  quilt  as  warm  and  lieavy  as  the 


CHOLERA.  147 

patient  could  endure,  liapidly  heat  penetrated  into 
the  diseased  body,  and  in  fifteen  minutes  the  whole 
frame  was  warmed  throughout.  Twenty  minutes 
more,  and  large  drops  of  perspiration  appeared  on  the 
face.  I  caused  the  linen  sheets  to  be  redipped  in  hot 
water.  Soon  the  cramps  entirely  ceased,  and  with 
them  the  retching  and  vomiting.  In  order  to  pro- 
mote the  internal  heat,  the  patient  was  made  to  drink 
a  cupful  of  fennel  tea  boiled  in  milk  (one  spoonful  of 
ground  fennel  boiled  in  milk  three  minutes),  and  taken 
as  hot  as  possible.  The  sick  girl  fell  into  profuse  per- 
spiration, and  was  saved. 

The  treatment  of  convalescents  from  cholera,  though 
simple,  is  important,  and  should  never  be  neglected. 
They  should  daily  apply  a  lower  compress  for  one 
hour ;  likewise  daily  an  upper  compress  for  the  same 
length  of  time.  My  patient  did  this  for  ten  to  twelve 
days,  and  was  completely  cured.  A  second  case  was 
treated  in  the  same  manner  and  with  the  same  result. 

I  cannot  refrain  from  two  further  remarks. 

When  the  first  symptoms  of  cholera  appear,  as 
vomiting,  violent  purging,  cramps,  &c.,  the  patient 
should  at  once  be  put  to  bed.  Country  people  are 
often  too  hard  against  themselves  in  this  respect,  and 
ict  unwisely  in  resisting  the  illness.  Internally  there 
should  be  t'iven  some  warm  beverage  to  drink.  If 
cramps  are  threatening,  or  if  tlie  feet  be  cold,  a  warm 
compress  sliould  be  laid  on  the  body,  not  longer  than 
for  three-quarters  of  an  hour.  Likewise,  and  for  the 
same  length  of  time,  a  warm  lower  compress.  If  heat 
and  perspiration  be  created,  then  the  game  is  won. 

Care  as  to  diet  must  be  observed  until  the  system 
has  completely  regained  its  former  regularity.     Of  the 


148  DISEASES. 

customary  food  the  lighter  dishes  should  be  selected. 
As  beverage,  give  preference  to  warm  milk,  which  is 
medicine  and  nourishment  combined. 

If  the  cholera  is  raging  in  a  place,  then  trust  to 
God  and  be  fearless !  As  precautionary  measures, 
daily  wash  the  chest  and  lower  body  morn  and  even- 
ing, and  chew  ten  to  twelve  juniper -berries.  In 
default  of  these,  peppercorns  may  be  used.  For  4d. 
you  can  buy  a  great  many  of  these.  Five  peppercorns 
taken  twice  a-day  will  warm  the  stomach,  assist  digest- 
ion, and  dispel  unwholesome  gases. 

Cholekine. 

In  most  places  some  cases  of  cholerine  occur  every 
year,  and  I  myself  have  had  many  such  patients. 
Cholerine  is  a  small  edition  of  cholera,  a  very  unwel- 
come, though  far  less  dreaded  visitor.  Vomiting, 
violent  purging,  sometimes  cramps,  more  or  less 
severe,  follow  in  its  train. 

My  applications  for  cholerine  are  identical  with 
those  for  cholera,  modified  as  to  number  and  strength 
according  to  the  greater  or  lesser  violence  of  the  com- 
plaint. Forty  patients,  simultaneously  attacked  by 
cholerine,  were  all  thus  treated  with  complete  success. 

Colic. 

Colic,  with  purging  or  with  vomiting,  sometimes 
appears  suddenly,  apparently  without  cause.  It  may 
have  been  occasioned  by  catching  cold,  overheating,  or 
by  some  unwholesome  food  or  drink.  The  patient 
should  at  once  be  put  to  bed,  and  warmly,  though  not 
oppressively,  coVered  up.  A  hot  bottle  may  be  placed 
on  the  abdomen  (poor  people  often  make  use  of  a  piece 


CONGESTIONS.  149 

of  lieated  brick  for  the  purpose).  As  an  internal 
remedy  make  him  drink  a  pint  of  milk  in  which  fen- 
nel or  caraway  has  been  boiled.  This  simple  house- 
hold medicine  will  suffice. 

With  regard  to  diet,  so  lonsj  as  the  condition  is 
unchanged,  the  food  must  be  of  tlie  very  simplest  and 
liglitest ;  salt,  pepper,  and  all  such  condiments  are  to 
be  avoided.  As  beverage,  pure  water  or  milk,  or  at 
the  utmost  a  little  wine  and  water. 

Congestions. 

An  official  thus  complained:  "I  suffer  from  diffi- 
culty in  breatliing,  cramps  in  the  throat,  and  violent 
headache.  Sometimes  I  lie  awake  all  night  on  ac- 
count of  the  congestions  and  pain  in  the  head.  For 
years  1  have  not  been  able  to  go  to  stool  without  the 
assistance  of  medicine.  Moreover,  I  have  cramps  in 
the  chest,  and  when  these  descend  to  the  abdomen,  I 
suffer  great  pain.  I  cannot  protect  myself  from  cold  ; 
hands  and  feet  are  invariably  cold.  My  position  in 
life  would  be  a  pleasant  one  were  I  not  so  continually 
tormented  by  suffering.  I  have  been  to  various  water- 
ing-places, but  have  found  no  help.  My  former  stout- 
ness has  given  way  to  emaciation.  If  water  brings 
me  no  help,"  he  said  plaintively,  "  then  I  am  lost." 

The  treatment  was  as  follows  : — 

1.  Walking  in  wet  grass  daily,  morning  and  even- 
ing, for  a  considerable  time,  which  relieved  him  exceed- 
ingly and  diverted  the  headache. 

2.  Twice  weekly  a  short  swathing. 

3.  Once  a-week  a  Spanish  mantle. 

In  order  to  promote  stools,  during  several  days  a 
table-spoonful  of  water  to  be  swallowed  every  half- 


150  DISEASES. 

hour ;  and  in  case  of  greater  inconvenience,  a  piece  of 
aloe  as  large  as  a  pea,  with  half  a  spoonful  of  sugar 
dissolved  in  hot  water,  and  likewise  taken  in  spoonfuls 
half-hourly. 

Constipation. 

Many  persons  suffer  from  diarrhoea,  but  a  yet  greater 
number  are  afflicted  with  constipation.  These  suf- 
ferers have  mostly  recourse  to  artificial  means,  which, 
though  fulfilling  the  immediate  object  of  promoting 
stools,  have  always  in  the  long-run  a  detrimental 
effect  on  the  system. 

Something  is  usually  wrong  with  the  general  health 
of  those  who  suffer  from  constipation.  One  of  the  first 
questions  which  every  doctor  addresses  to  a  patient 
is  regarding  the  regularity  and  nature  of  his  stools. 
If  these  be  in  order,  then  the  first  conditions  of  health 
are  there;  but  in  the  reverse  case  it  may  be  con- 
fidently assumed  that  disease  has  set  in,  which,  if  the 
cause  be  not  removed,  may  lead  to  severe  illness,  or 
even  to  premature  death. 

Constipated  subjects  should  take  every  morning, 
from  breakfast-time  till  noon,  one  table-spoonful  of 
water  every  half-hour.  These  small  doses  will  achieve 
greater  results  tlian  water  imbibed  in  large  quantities. 
In  the  afternoon  the  patient  may  likewise  take  a 
spoonful  of  water  every  half -hour  or  every  hour. 
This  frequent  but  sparse  irrigation  is  of  soothing 
effect,  and  increases  the  saps.  The  patient  may  liow- 
ever  drink,  notwithstanding,  whenever  he  is  thirsty. 

Instead  of  water  a  great  many  different  sorts  of  tea, 
prepared  from  familiar  plants,  may  be  employed. 
Who  does  not  know  the  sloe-blossom  ?  Its  tea  is  of 
excellent  eifect.     Elder-flower  tea  cools,  dissolves,  and 


CONSUMPTION.  151 

removes  internal  heat ;  mixed  with  tlirec  to  four 
grains  of  aloe  it  acts  as  a  gentle  cooling  laxative : 
six  to  eight  elder-leaves,  plucked  in  spring-time  and 
made  into  tea,  are  likewise  of  cooling  effect.  Half 
a  cupful  morning  and  evening  is  the  proper  dose. 

Cold-water  applications  are  to  be  used  in  conjunc- 
tion with  these  internal  remedies.  Let  the  patient 
wash  over  the  abdomen  vigorously  with  a  handful  of 
water  morning  or  evening.  This  practice,  though 
simple,  is  very  effective  in  removing  constipation, 
and  will  be  sufficient  for  w^eakly  persons. 

Those  who  require  something  stronger  may  take  a 
cold  knee  affusion  from  time  to  time,  of  one  to  three 
ndnutes'  duration  ;  and  if  this  likewise  prove  too  weak, 
and  should  the  patient  suffer  from  much  internal 
heat,  a  lower  compress  may  be  taken  twice  weekly. 
The  upper  compress  will  likewise  do  good  service ;  or 
else  a  cold  sitz-bath  twice  or  thrice  w^eekly.  A  cold 
full  bath,  if  taken  rapidly,  is  also  not  to  be  despised. 

All  the  afore-mentioned  applications  will  serve  to 
rouse  the  indolent  system  and  incite  it  to  renewed 
activity.  The  wheels  being  freshly  oiled,  the  whole 
machine  runs  smoothly  again,  and  healthly  evacua- 
tions will  not  fail  to  set  in. 

Nothing  can  surpass  the  effect  of  water ;  and  what 
is  easier  than  to  drink  water  and  to  wash  with  it  ? 

Consumption. 

Like  a  serpent  in  the  grass  lying  in  ambush  for 
its  prey,  so  consumption  often  lurks  in  the  system 
long  before  its  presence  is  suspected.  Its  origin  is 
a  decomposition,  which  sets  in  at  some  particular 
spot,  whence    it    spreads   throughout   the   body,   de- 


152  DISEASES. 

stroying  certain  organs.  This  may  take  place  in  the 
chest,  lungs,  pleura,  abdomen,  intestines,  kidneys, 
throat,  windpipe,  &c.  Wherever  this  corruption  takes 
place,  there  follow  disorders  of  the  circulation  and 
secretions.  The  person  thus  afflicted  is  like  a  blight- 
ed tree,  whose  leaves  begin  to  wither  and  fall  off; 
neither  sunshine  nor  fresh  air  can  restore  it.  Tlie 
same  may  be  said  of  a  consumptive  person.  His 
blood,  his  secretions  decline,  and  lie  goes  out  like  a 
rushlight,  unable  to  live. 

"When  consumption  has  once  struck  root  and  cor- 
rupted an  internal  organ,  then  the  patient  is  doomed. 
When,  however,  the  disease  has  but  slightly  attacked 
some  part,  then,  by  means  of  water,  a  cure  may 
easily  be  affected.  It  is  a  melancholy  fact  that 
the  first  symptons  of  the  disease  are  so  easily  over- 
looked and  disregarded.  The  patient  has  a  slight 
painless  cough,  with  little  or  no  expectoration.  If 
sometimes  the  cough  increases,  the  patient  consoles 
himself  by  the  reflection  that  it  is  only  a  slight 
catarrh,  which  will  soon  be  dispelled.  Even  when 
the  body  begins  to  fall  off,  and  strength  to  decline, 
he  is  seldom  seriously  alarmed.  The  catarrh  has 
lasted  longer  this  time,  he  thinks  ;  but  he  is  still 
able  to  fulfll  the  duties  of  his  profession.  Such 
patients  have  usually  suffered  more  than  they  are 
aware  off*  at  this  stage  of  their  illness :  the  formation 
of  blood  has  decreased,  the  secretions  have  lessened, 
the  affected  spots  spread  ever  further.  If  the  patient 
then  seeks  assistance,  it  is  mostly  too  late,  and  what 
he  does  and  employs  often  only  serves  to  shorten  his 
span  of  life.  I  mention  this  as  a  warning  not  to 
neglect  any  catarrhal  complaints,  of  whatsoever  kind 


CONSUMPTION.  153 

or  description.  Where  consumption  is  far  advanced, 
water  should  never  be  applied,  nature  being  no  longer 
sufficiently  vigorous  to  engage  in  a  tussle  with  the 
cold  element.  This  were  as  foolish  as  if  a  weak  puny 
youth  were  to  attempt  to  wrestle  with  an  athlete. 
An  advanced  stage  of  consumption  is  recognised  by 
the  patient's  frequent  cough,  accompanied  by  much 
expectoration  ;  by  his  difficult  breathing  and  impaired 
appetite,  &c.  So  long  as  the  expectorated  matter  floats 
on  the  water's  surface,  there  is  yet  room  for  hope. 
If  it  sinks,  then  all  help  is  mostly  in  vain ;  let  the 
patient  resign  himself  to  God's  holy  will,  and  calmly 
prepare  for  death. 

Beginning  consumption  may,  however,  be  often 
arrested  by  means  of  cold  water,  as  I  can  testify  by 
many  examples.  Cold  water  serves  to  revive  and  in- 
vigorate the  withered  body,  and  acts  like  oil  on  the 
wheel  of  a  rusty  machine  :  it  promotes  a  healthy  circu- 
lation, and  infuses  new  life  into  the  system,  dissolving 
and  withdrawing  unhealthy  secretions,  as  a  winnow- 
ing machine  removes  the  chaff.  Care  must  be  taken, 
liowever,  never  to  make  use  of  too  violent  applications, 
which  would  but  serve  to  aggravate  the  complaint. 

Should  the  disease  have  its  seat  in  the  upper  part 
of  the  body,  then  the  upper  affusion  is  an  excellent 
application,  combined  with  the  knee  affusion,  the  lat- 
ter for  half  a  minute  only.  In  favourable  weather, 
walking  barefoot  in  wet  grass  is  not  to  be  surpassed 
in  its  effects.  This  will  strengthen  the  body,  and  no 
one  need  fear  to  harm  themselves  by  this  practice. 
Walking  on  wet  stones  is  also  good. 

A  word  here  as  to  diet  for  these  patients,  into 
whose  ears  is  mostly  dinned  the  axiom,  "  Eat  and  drink 


154  DISEASES. 

well."  The  simplest  diet  is  the  best ;  nothing  heating, 
spiced,  or  sour  should  be  taken.  I  have  frequently 
had  occasion  to  make  the  singular  observation  that 
consumptive  persons  have  a  violent  and  unnatural 
craving  for  everything  salt  and  sour:  this  symptom 
alone  has  often  helped  me  to  detect  the  illness.  Above 
all,  milk  may  be  recommended  as  nourishment,  but 
should  only  be  taken  in  combination  with  other  food, 
for  fear  of  its  causing  aversion  to  the  patient.  Also, 
strengthening  soups  are  much  to  be  recommended,  but 
always  alternated  with  other  nourishment.  Light 
simple  puddings  and  farinaceous  preparations,  free 
from  all  artifice,  may  also  be  taken.  Water  always 
remains  the  best  beverage,  sometimes  mixed  with  a 
little  wine.  Curdled  sour  milk  is  likewise  wholesome. 
I  do  not  recommend  either  beer  or  wine. 

A  last  remark  may  here  find  place.  In  the  more 
advanced  stages  of  this  complaint,  violent  fever  some- 
times appears,  combined  with  perspiration  and  shiver- 
ing fits.  These  cannot  be  completely  removed;  but 
some  relief  may  be  afforded  to  the  patient  if  he  daily 
wash  over  vigorously  his  chest,  back,  and  lower  body 
with  fresh  water. 

An  excellent  school  teacher  had  been  treated  by  a 
celebrated  doctor  for  some  time,  without  result.  Not 
being  able  longer  to  perform  her  duties,  she  was  pen- 
sioned provisionally  for  three-quarters  of  a  year.  As 
at  the  end  of  this  time  her  condition  had  nowise 
improved,  the  doctor  in  his  certificate  pronounced 
her  to  be  incurable,  and  consequently  unfit  to  resume 
her  profession.  Some  friends  having  advised  her  to 
try  cold  water,  she  took  a  lodging  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  my  parish.     At  first  she  was  so  weak  that 


I 


CONSUMPTION.  155 

she  could  scarcely  walk  for  half  an  hour.  She  went 
through  a  course  of  cold-water  applications  accord- 
ing to  directions,  and  was  completely  cured  in  from 
four  to  five  weeks.  She  then  desired  to  be  reinstated 
in  her  situation  as  teacher,  but  had  considerable 
trouble  in  obtaining  this,  for  no  one  would  believe  in 
the  fact  of  her  cure.  She  went  in  person  to  the 
minister,  who  was  surprised  at  her  blooming  appear- 
ance, no  less  than  at  the  definition  "  incurable "  on 
her  certificate.  It  is  now  six  years  since  she  resumed 
her  duties,  and  has .  been  in  uninterrupted  enjoyment 
of  perfect  health.  I  do  not  know  what  complaint  the 
doctor  had  found  in  this  patient,  and  never  ascertained 
whether  it  was  supposed  to  be  decline  or  consump- 
tion; all  symptoms,  however,  pointed  towards  con- 
sumption. The  young  lady  had  already  lost  a  brother, 
whose  condition  had  been  precisely  identical  with 
her  own. 

It  was  high  time,  but  yet  still  time,  to  arrest  the 
disease ;  this  was  done  by  cold  water.  The  remedies 
employed  were :  Much  open  air,  frequent  walking 
barefoot  in  wet  grass,  baths  from  the  slightest  and 
weakest  applications  up  to  the  last  and  strongest, 
all  taken  cold.  To  these  were  added  herb  teas,  and 
a  simple  nourishing  country  diet. 

A  man  came  and  related :  "  There  is  somethin^f  wronc^ 
with  my  chest  and  throat.  I  used  to  have  a  violent 
catarrh,  then  I  lost  my  voice  almost  completely,  and 
for  weeks  I  suffered  from  an  intense  burning  in  throat 
and  chest,  accompanied  by  fever.  I  have  had  several 
doctors,  and  was  treated  with  various  inhalations.  I 
sometimes  obtained  slight  relief,  but  no  real  help.  I 
am  now  quite  emaciated,  and  can  no  longer  do  any- 


156  DISEASES. 

thing  but  walk  about  a  little.     My  feet  are  always 
cold,  my  appetite  better  than  formerly." 
The  applications  were — 

1.  Twice  daily  a  knee  affusion  or  walking  in 
water. 

2.  Morning  and  afternoon  daily  an  upper  affusion. 

3.  Two  little  cupfuls  of  fenugreek  tea  twice  daily. 

4.  Every  second  day  a  cold  sitz-bath  for  the  space 
of  one  minute. 

This  course  to  be  continued  for  three  weeks. 

CßAMPS. 

I  was  called  to  a  sick  person  who  was  trembling 
in  the  whole  body,  and  who  threw  herself  about  in 
bed  from  side  to  side.  The  patient  herself  was  unable 
to  speak,  but  her  mother  related  : 

"  My  daughter  suffers  from  terrible  headaches,  great 
oppression  on  chest  and  stomach ;  hands  and  feet  are 
always  icy  cold,  and  wet  with  a  clammy  perspiration. 
She  has  been  married  for  three-quarters  of  a  year :  for 
ten  weeks  she  was  in  good  health,  then  these  symp- 
toms began,  slightly  at  first,  but  always  increasing  till 
they  reached  this  point.  She  can  eat  nothing  but  a  few 
spoonfuls  of  clear  soup  or  coffee ;  everything  whicli 
doctors  have  given  her,  and  the  injections  adminis- 
tered in  order  to  produce  artificial  sleep,  have  but 
aggravated  her  condition." 

I  gave  the  following  advice  to  the  patient : 

Twice  daily  to  put  the  feet  in  water  reaching  above 
the  calves,  and  simultaneously  to  wash  over  the  feet 
with  a  sponge  or  towel;  immediately  after  to  hold 
the  arms  in  water  up  to  tlie  shoulder  for  one  minute, 
and  wash  over  the  hands ;  hands  and  feet  to  be  tlien 


CROUP.  157 

overed  up  with  the  warm  bedclothes ;  every  morning 
and  afternoon  the  patient  was  to  take  twelve  drops 
of  camomile  extract  in  from  six  to  eight  spoonfuls  of 
liot  water.  As  nourishment,  three  or  four  spoonfuls 
of  milk  or  of  malt  cofiee  were  to  be  administered 
from  time  to  time;  or,  best  of  all,  milk  and  malt 
oflee  taken  in  alternate  portions. 

In  twelve  days  this  person  was  so  far  restored  that 
the  appetite  for  habitual  simple  nourishment  had 
returned:  the  cramps  had  vanished,  the  oppressive 
pains  in  chest  and  stomach  had  ceased,  likewise  the 
headache ;  hands  and  feet  were  warm. 

As  further  applications,  she  continued  to  stand 
daily  in  cold  water  as  above,  twice  weekly  a  warm 
foot-bath  with  salt  and  ashes  for  fourteen  minutes, 
and  once  in  the  week  a  complete  lavation  from  bed. 
Instead  of  camomile  she  now  took  wormwood  and 
sage,  ten  to  twelve  drops  in  warm  water.  The  patient 
recovered  so  far  as  to  be  able  to  go  again  to  church, 
and  to  resume  her  household  work  ;  and  in  order  com- 
pletely to  regain  her  strength  she  only  required  to 
take  a  cold  lavation,  or,  better  still,  a  semi-bath  twice 
in  the  week. 

Croup. 

A  father  came  to  me  lamenting  that  his  four-year- 
old  daughter  had  croup.  "  The  child,"  he  said,  "  has 
got  it  just  like  the  three  other  children  who  all  died. 
They  all  died  very  quickly,  and  so  will  this  child. 
It  can  hardly  breathe  or  cough.  Head  and  body  are 
much  inflated.  What  shall  I  do  ?  It  would  require 
four  hours  to  fetch  the  doctor,  and  by  that  time  the 
child  will  be  dead." 

The  answer  was  :  "  Good  father,  go  home,  heat  some 


158  DISEASES. 

water  with  vinegar,  dip  a  towel  in  it,  wring  it  out,  and 
wrap  it  round  the  child's  neck.  Over  this  put  a  dry 
cloth,  and  let  this  swathing  remain  on  three-quarters 
of  an  liour.  Then  dip  the  towel  anew  in  vinegar-and- 
water.  Continue  to  do  this  for  six  hours,  always 
renewing  at  the  end  of  tliree- quarters  of  an  hour. 
After  six  hours  remove  the  throat  compress  and  cover 
the  neck  lightly,  then  apply  to  the  child  with  the 
same  towel,  dipped  afresh  in  vinegar  and  water,  a 
short  swathing  with  a  dry  cloth  over  it,  covering  up 
the  child  carefully  but  not  too  heavily.  Let  the  little 
one  lie  quiet  for  one  hour.  After  one  hour  remove 
the  coverings,  and  let  the  child  remain  in  bed  covered 
up  as  usual.  If  after  from  six  to  eight  hours  the 
cough  and  difficulty  in  breathing  are  still  present, 
then  repeat  the  throat  compress  as  before.  You  wdll 
soon  experience  its  good  eff'ects." 

The  father  followed  my  directions,  and  after  thirty 
hours  the  child,  whom  he  had  already  believed  to  be 
lost,  had  regained  its  usual  health  and  spirits. 

Tlie  same  cure  mi^ht  have  been  effected  with  cold 
water  and  vinegar,  in  place  of  warm,  and  renewed  as 
above  every  three-quarters  of  an  hour.  When  the 
heat  proves  obstinate,  the  feet  and  legs  may  also  be 
swathed  in  wet  bandages  to  above  the  calves. 

Debilitation. 

A  smith,  forty-six  years  old,  came  and  complained : 
"  My  hands  have  so  decreased  in  strength  during  tlie 
last  two  years  that  1  can  hardly  wield  the  hammer. 
Not  only  have  I  lost  two- thirds  of  my  strength,  but 
my  hands  have  dwindled  to  half  their  former  size; 
otherwise  my  health  is  tolerably  good,  except  tliat 


DECLINE.  159 

•r  half  a  year  my  legs  have  been  weaker,  and  often 
pain  me  towards  evening.  I  also  frequently  feel  a 
sense  of  pressure  on  the  upper  back." 

On  the  emaciated  hands  the  veins  are  hardly  per- 
ceptible :  it  is  easy  to  see  that  the  hands  are  receiving 
no  nourishment — hence  the  weakness,  stiffness,  and 

•  'nsation  of  cold.  Agglomeration  of  blood  in  the 
neck  and  its  neighbourhood  may  be  the  cause  why 
the  blood  does  not  circulate  to  all  parts  of  the  body. 

For  fourteen  days  the  smith  held  his  arms  for  half 
an  hour  daily  in  a  hay-flower  bath,  and  once  daily,  at 
another  time  of  day,  for  two  minutes  in  cold  water ; 
to  this  was  added  a  shawl  thrice  weekly.  Already, 
during  the  cure,  the  arms  grew  stronger,  the  veins 
were  retilled,  the  ao'^lomerations  were  dissolved. 
After  a  fortnight,  a  daily  upper  and  lower  affusion 
was  taken,  twice  a-week  a  w^arm  hay-flower  bath, 
and   twice   a   cold-water   arm-bath.      The   man   per- 

evered  in  these  applications,  and  w\as  able  to  resume 
the  exercise  of  his  trade.  As  internal  remedies,  he 
daily  took  twenty  drops  of  wormwood  extract  in 
warm  water. 

Decline. 

We  frequently  see  persons  who  have  rapidly  grown 
-tout.  This  is  usually  dreaded,  because  experience 
lias  shown  that  such  individuals  are  not  long-lived. 
In  the  same  way  we  meet  many  in  whom  a  contrary 
process  has  taken  place,  and  whose  strength  shows 
a  rapid  decrease.  These  are  like  the  grass  on  the 
Held,  which  to-day  is  green  and  to-morrow  withered ; 
;ind  what  is  strangest  in  the  complaint  is,  that  persons 
thus  attacked  are  often  unconscious  of  any  serious 
indisposition.     They  mostly   complain   of   weariness, 


160  DISEASES. 

low  spirits,  and  either  excessive  or  deficient  appetite. 
If  assistance  be  not  at  hand,  these  semi-withered  plants 
will  rapidly  fade  away ;  like  a  feeble  rushlight,  they 
will  soon  be  extinguished.  Decline  is  thereby  dis- 
tinguished from  consumption,  that  whereas  in  the 
latter  the  disease  invariably  proceeds  from  some  par- 
ticular organ,  as  lungs,  chest,  larynx,  &c.,, whence  it 
spreads  throughout  the  body,  the  former  more  re- 
sembles a  general  dissolution  of  the  system,  in  which 
we  vainly  seek  to  discover  a  tangible  reason  for  the 
complaint. 

A  tolerably  stout  gentleman  rejoiced  in  good  health. 
Habits  and  diets  were  carefully  regulated.  Of  a 
sudden  he  noticed  that  his  strength  and  corpulence 
began  to  decrease.  He  grew  subject  to  fits  of  giddi- 
ness, and  often  could  scarcely  stand  alone.  Within  six 
weeks  he  had  lost  72  lb.  in  weight.  The  large  and 
singularly  handsome  man  of  a  little  while  ago  now 
wavered  and  tottered  like  a  broken  reed,  lifeless  and 
withered  as  a  blighted  forest-tree.  All  medical  reme- 
dies were  in  vain :  the  patient  looked  forward  to  his 
approaching  end  with  painful  certitude. 

In  this  state  of  mind  and  body  he  came  to  me :  I 
did  not  recognise  hira,  althongli  lie  liad  been  a  former 
acquaintance.  I  greatly  doubted  the  possibility  of 
recovery,  but  advised  him,  nevertheless,  to  make  a 
last  attempt  with  cold  water. 

Declining  nature  required  to  be  braced  and  fortified, 
and  the  suicidal  process  arrested.  Two  or  three  times 
daily  the  patient  walked  barefoot  in  wet  grass  or  on 
wet  stones.  Every  other  day  he  took  an  upper  and 
lower  compress,  once  in  the  week  a  Spanish  mantle. 
These    applications    were    followed    by   a    semi-bath 


DELIRIUM  TREMENS.  161 

weekly,  one  short  swathing,  and  an  upper  and  lower 
compress. 

The  semi-baths  were  then  exchanged  for  whole 
batlis,  of  which  two  different  sorts  were  taken — viz., 
cold  baths  of  one  minute,  and  warm  ones  repeated 
twice  over,  each  time  with  transition  into  cold  water 
— of  each  kind  one  in  the  week  ;  likewise  once  a-week 
a  complete  lavation.  As  a  final  cure,  and  to  ward  off 
a  relapse,  I  prescribed  weekly  a  whole  bath,  an  upper 
affusion  with  knee  affusion,  and  occasionally  a  Spanish 
mantle.  The  patient's  daily  portion  of  beer  was  re- 
duced from  four  or  five  glasses  to  two  glasses,  and  the 
diet  was  ordered  to  be  simple  and  nourishing. 

By  the  end  of  the  first  week  improvement  was 
already  visible.  After  eight  weeks  the  convalescent 
was  able  to  resume  his  daily  occupations  and  duties. 
As  his  strength  so  also  his  bodily  weight  increased, 
and  he  is  to-day  still  a  strong,  healthy,  and  handsome 
man. 

Delirium  Tremens. 

A  man,  thirty-six  years  old,  had  drunk  much  beer, 
eaten  little,  and  during  a  considerable  time  had  nour- 
ished himself  almost  exclusively  on  beer.  DelirivAii 
tremens  had  already  set  in,  and  was  so  far  advanced 
as  to  be  generally  observable.  He  was  also  afflicted 
with  rheumatic  pains,  cramps,  and  occasional  head- 
aches. Though  drunkenness  is  very  difücult  to  cure, 
yet  this  patient  had  the  firm  desire  to  be  rid  of  his 
wretched  complaint,  no  matter  at  what  sacrifice. 

This  man  was  completely  cured  within  three  weeks 
by  means  of  the  following  applications : — 

rirst  day. — {a)  Upper  allusion  and  knee  affusion* 
L 


162  DISEASES. 

(6)  Water-standing,  water-walking,  and  holding 
the  arms  in  water. 
Second  day. — («)   Semi -bath,      {h)   Upper  affusion 

with  knee  affusion. 
Third  day. — (a)  Sitz-bath.     (b)  Upper  affusion. 
Fourth  day. — {a)  Semi-bath,     (h)  Whole  bath. 
This  was  continued  until  the  cure  was  complete :  all 
unhealtliy  symptoms  disappeared,  the  a2)pearance  im- 
proved, appetite  returned,  and  the  craving  for  strong 
drink  completely  disappeared.     It  must  specially  be 
remarked    that    during    the    cure    there    appeared 
eruptions   on   various  parts  of  the  body,  by  means 
of  which  the  poisonous  matter  was  thrown  off. 

DiAKRHffiA. 

Some  people  are  subject  to  occasional  apparently 
causeless  attacks  of  severe  diarrhoea.  These  attacks 
are  sometimes  regular — tliat  is  to  say,  they  invariably 
recur  once  or  twice  a-year — sometimes,  however,  they 
are  of  quite  irregular  appearance.  Persons  thus 
visited  usually  feel  quite  well  both  before  and  after 
the  attack.  The  regular  recurring  diarrhoea  denotes 
that  the  patient's  vigorous  nature  elects  this  man- 
ner of  throwing  off  accumulations  of  superfluous 
matter. 

Against  such  diarrha3as  I  have  notliing  to  prescribe  : 
on  the  contrary,  I  warn  every  one  against  trying  to 
arrest  the  laxation,  whicli,  evidently  dictated  by 
nature,  is  of  most  frequent  occurrence  in  spring  and 
autumn. 

The  matter  stands  differently  with  regard  to  irregular 
diarrhoeas :  these,  often  attended  by  pain,  are  a  sign  of 
the  presence  of  unhealthy  matter  in  the  system,  which 


DIARIIHCEA.  163 

if  not  removed  will  prove  pernicious.  In  such  cases 
some  internal  organ  is  assuredly  affected,  and  if  the 
complaint  be  not  seen  to  in  time,  the  patient  is  not 
likely  to  reach  old  age.  Diarrhoea  is  likewise  often 
the  precursor  of  serious  illness.  In  treating  a  conva- 
lescent, it  is  of  the  first  importance  to  act  upon  the 
abdomen :  these  applications,  however,  must  be  varied 
and  alternated  by  others  directed  to  the  whole  body. 
Violent  diarrhoea  should  never  be  averted  suddenly ; 
the  unhealthy  matter  must  be  removed  by  degrees, 
and  the  internal  organs  fortified  in  such  manner  as  to 
enable  nature  to  reject  all  further  intrusion  of  super- 
fluous matter  or  to  expel  it  at  proper  times. 

As  internal  remedies,  tea  of  wormwood  and  sage, 
or  of  milfoil  and  centaury,  one  to  two  cupfuls  daily, 
or  else  daily  swallow  from  six  to  ten  juniper-berries. 
Any  of  the  aforementioned  will  render  good  service, 
and  will  tend  to  strengthen  the  digestion  again. 

Should  the  diarrhoea  prove  violent  and  obstinate, 
half  a  spoonful  of  juniper  extract  may  be  taken  twiöe 
daily  in  warm  water. 

As  external  applications  a  compress  on  the  abdomen, 
dipped  in  vinegar -and -water,  or  else  in  a  pine-tree 
decoction,  three  or  four  times  weekly  during  an  hour 
and  a  half,  and  a  short  swathing  once  a- week,  will 
suffice  for  the  first  fortnight.  After  that,  in  order  to 
strengthen  the  system,  one  or  two  semi-baths,  followed 
by  a  lavation  of  the  upper  body,  may  be  taken  every 
week.  Likewise  weekly,  one  or  two  complete  lava- 
tions,  applied  at  night  straight  away  from  the  warm 
bed.  This  second  course  of  treatment  to  be  continued 
for  four  weeks.  If,  later  on,  the  patient  will  still 
continue  to  take  at  least  one  semi-bath  or  complete 


164  DISEASES. 

lavation  every  week,  the  whole  system  will  be  thereby 
so  consolidated  and  strengthened,  as  completely  to 
banish  the  original  complaint,  unless  it  has  its  root 
in  some  deep-seated  organic  disease. 

Diphtheria. 

Those  attacked  by  this  disease  should  strive — 

1.  To  dissolve  and  remove  the  accumulated  un- 
healthy matter  as  rapidly  as  possible. 

2.  To  act  upon  the  whole  system  in  such  manner 
that  the  disturbed  circulation,  which  is  the  surest 
barometer  of  fever,  should  be  restored  to  its  normal 
condition. 

Let  the  patient  first  take  a  vapour  head-bath,  and 
some  twenty  to  twenty-four  minutes  later  a  lavation. 
After  six  to  eight  hours  the  wet  shawl  may  be  applied 
for  one  and  a  half  hour,  to  be  renewed  however — tliat 
is,  redipped  in  fresh  water — at  the  end  of  each  half- 
hour.  After  this,  let  the  patient  take  a  vapour  foot- 
bath, to  be  immediately  followed  by  a  cold  semi-bath 
accompanied  by  lavation  of  the  uj^per  body.  This 
last  proceeding — bath  and  lavation  together — should 
not  occupy  more  than  one  minute.  Then  again  the 
shawl  for  one  and  a  lialf  hour  as  above.  When  tliis 
course  of  treatment  has  been  gone  through,  begin 
again  in  the  same  order  as  here  mentioned,  but  in 
such  manner  that  one  application  only  takes  place 
in  each  half-day.  Gargling  with  shave-grass  infusion 
will  likewise  assist  the  process,  and  should  be  prac- 
tised from  four  to  five  times  daily.  This  noxious 
disease  will  soon  yield  to  these  remedies. 

Should  the  patient  fall  into  a  quiet  sleep,  he  shouhl 
on  no  account  be  disturbed,  even  for  the  sake  of  an 


DIPHTHERIA.  165 

application.  Sleep  is  the  surest  sign  that  nature  is 
beginning  to  settle  down  to  quiet  and  order,  and  its 
invif^oratino:  effects  will  assist  the  cold-water  action 
by-and-by. 

This  rule  likewise  holds  good  for  cases  in  which 
the  patient  falls  asleep  during  an  application  (swath- 
ing, compress,  &c.)  Do  not  disturb  him.  When  the 
application  has  done  its  work  he  will  awake  spon- 
taneously. 

A  father  came  to  me  and  related :  "  My  child,  aged 
eleven,  can  no  longer  swallow,  and  has  hardly  been 
able  to  breathe  for  three  days.  He  is  burning  hot 
and  delirious.  I  wrapped  a  wet  cloth  round  his  neck, 
but  it  has  done  no  good.  What  shall  I  do  to  save 
the  child  from  choking  ?  " 

The  unhappy  father's  grief,  and  still  more  the 
failure  of  the  cold-water  swathing,  determined  me  to 
accompany  him  to  his  son's  bedside.  There  lay  the 
child,  a  picture  of  woe,  and  to  all  appearance  doomed, 
for  there  were  signs  which  seemed  to  exclude  all 
hope.     Let  us  try,  however,  in  God's  name ! 

Every  half  -  hour  during  a  whole  day  the  back, 
chest,  and  lower  body  were  well  washed  over,  and 
as  the  fearful  heat  still  continued,  a  cloth  dipped  in 
water  was  laid  on  the  belly  as  sole  covering.  This 
must  subdue  the  heat.  Next  day  the  father  came 
and  related :  *'  The  child  is  already  able  to  swallow 
a  little ;  but  the  cheeks  on  both  sides  are  beginning 
to  swell  up  towards  the  jawbones.  His  speech  is 
hardly  intelligible,  but  I  am  happy  beyond  measure 
that  he  is  now  able  to  speak  at  all."  The  father  was 
told  to  apply  compresses  dipped  in  vinegar-and-water 
to  the  swollen  cheeks,  and  to  renew  these  every  half- 


166  DISEASES. 

hour.  At  the  same  time  he  was  to  go  on  washing 
the  child  on  back,  chest,  and  belly,  as  above  directed, 
as  often  as  heat  and  uneasiness  were  felt. 

A  gargle  made  of  one  tea-spoonful  of  fenugreek 
boiled  in  half  a  pint  of  water,  frequently  adminis- 
tered in  spoonfuls,  had  an  excellent  effect.  Tea  of 
mallow,  cfreat  mullein,  or  milfoil  mischt  likewise  have 
been  employed.  It  is  also  good  to  swallow  daily 
three  to  four  tea-spoonfuls  of  salad-oil.  This  rapidly 
dispels  the  internal  heat. 

The  child  was  saved,  and  is  still  to-day  in  excellent 
health. 

Dizziness. 

A  priest  in  the  prime  of  life  suffered  from  a  gradual 
and  perceptible  decrease  of  strength,  especially  in  the 
legs.  Only  with  great  effort  was  he  able  to  walk  a 
quarter  of  an  hour,  and  had  the  sensation  as  though 
his  legs  were  about  to  give  way  under  him.  Besides 
this  complaint  he  suffered  so  much  from  dizziness  tliat 
he  could  not  stand  in  an  open  space  without  holding 
on  by  some  fixed  object.  When  he  had  to  turn  round 
at  the  altar,  he  was  always  obliged  to  steady  himself. 
Whenever  the  dizziness  decreased,  he  felt  a  violent 
oppression  on  the  chest,  and  a  sense  of  anxiety  as  if 
a  paralytic  stroke  were  imminent. 

The  patient  had  taken  much  mineral  water  and 
medicine,  but  without  result.  His  appearance  did 
not  betoken  suffering,  and  the  appetite  was  good,  but 
the  sleep  much  impaired. 

Treatment:  Having  suspended  the  duties  of  liis 
vocation  for  three  weeks,  he  daily  walked  barefoot 
(in  grass,  water  up  to  the   kuoo.   or  nu  wot  stnu(^>^). 


DIZZINESS.  167 

received  daily  two  upper  affusions  and  a  knee  aftusion, 
later  on  semi-baths  and  full  baths,  taken  while  in  a 
state  of  complete  perspiration.  At  the  conclusion  of 
his  cure  the  patient  made  the  attempt  to  walk  four 
hours  in  one  day,  which  was  accomplished  without 
fatigue.  He  now  felt  quite  healthy,  and  happy  to 
resume  his  sacerdotal  duties. 

A  gentleman,  aged  seventy-four,  related  :  "  I  suffer 
frequently  from  violent  dizziness,  and  have  at  times  a 
heavy  pressure  on  the  head ;  my  feet  are  often  cold, 
and  when  my  head  is  free,  I  regularly  experience  great 
discomfort  in  the  abdomen.  I  never  can  go  to  stool 
without  artificial  assistance.  The  book,  'My  Water 
Cure,'  has  caused  me  to  ask  whether  at  my  advanced 
age  cold  water  may  still  be  employed  with  success  ? 
If  such  be  the  case,  then  I  will  go  into  cold  water  as 
readily  as  the  youngest ;  but  if  not,  then  I  shall  calmly 
resign  myself  to  my  fate." 

In  three  weeks'  time  the  old  gentleman  felt  so  well 
that  he  regretted  having  made  over  his  duties  to 
another. 

The  applications  here  used  consisted  in  the  follow- 
ing:— 

First  day. — In  the  morning,  complete  lavation  of  the 
upper  body  with  vinegar-and- water,  followed  by  a  knee 
affusion ;  in  the  evening,  a  warm  foot-bath,  with  salt 
and  ashes,  for  fourteen  minutes. 

Second  day. — In  the  morning,  upper  affusion  of  the 
contents  of  one  watering-can,  immediately  succeeded 
by  walking  on  wet  stones  (for  five  minutes) ;  after- 
noon, a  cold  sitz-bath  for  one  minute. 

Third  day. — Walking  in  water  in  the  morning  for 
two  minutes,  directly  after  this  holding  the  arms  in 


168  DISEASES. 

water ;  afternoon,  an  upper  affusion ;  towards  evening, 
a  sitz-bath. 

Fourth  day. — In  the  morning,  walking  for  three 
minutes  in  water  reaching  to  the  knees,  directly 
followed  by  holding  the  arms  in  water  for  two  min- 
utes ;  afternoon,  a  back  affusion. 

Fifth  day. — Back  affusion  in  the  morning;  in  the 
afternoon,  a  semi-bath. 

In  this  manner  the  latter  strongest  applications 
were  pursued.  The  dizziness  completely  disappeared, 
the  digestion  became  regular,  unwholesome  gases  were 
expelled,  the  normal  temperature  was  re-established, 
and  the  whole  machine  restored  to  order.  The  old 
man  regained  an  almost  juvenile  freshness  and  the 
most  cheerful  humour. 

Some  readers  may  be  surprised  that  in  this  case, 
and  in  view  of  the  patient's  advanced  age,  but  one 
single  warm  application  was  employed.  The  reason 
was  simply  that  the  old  man  still  possessed  sufficient 
strength  and  latent  heat  to  endure  the  action  of  cold 
water,  which,  when  practicable,  is  always  of  far  greater 
effect  than  any  warm  course  of  treatment. 

Dkopsy. 

After  continuous  rain,  where  the  soil  is  not  porous 
and  there  is  little  sunshine,  the  water  is  apt  to  form 
into  pools  and  marshes,  which,  becoming  stagnant 
and  foul,  are  of  pernicious  influence  on  the  plants 
which  grow  in  their  neighbourhood. 

In  much  the  same  manner  is  dropsy  formed,  which 
is  mostly  developed  in  the  systems  of  those  whose 
blood  and  secretions  are  of  watery  composition. 
Every  organ,  every  part  of  the  body,  draws  its  life 


DROPSY.  169 

and  nourishinent  from  the  blood.  From  unhealthy 
blood,  as  from  a  foul  stagnant  marsh,  neither  strengtli 
nor  life  can  be  drawn — hence  the  flaccid  loose  flesh, 
withered  vessels,  and  agglomerations,  all  foreboding 
symptoms  of  dropsy. 

Even  by  the  appearance  of  such  patients  it  is  easy 
to  detect  the  complaint.  Young  people  suddenly  age, 
the  complexion  becomes  dull,  nerves  and  muscles 
hang  loosely  on  the  bones,  like  th^  cords  of  an  un- 
strung instrument ;  in  various  places,  especially  about 
the  eyes,  little  water-bags  begin  to  form. 

There  are  various  kinds  of  dropsy.  If  these  water- 
bags  are  formed  between  flesh  and  skin,  then  we  have 
dropsy  of  the  skin.  If  in  the  cavity  of  the  abdomen 
the  water  assembles  in  large  pools,  then  it  is  called 
dropsy  of  the  belly.  There  is  also  dropsy  of  the  head, 
heart,  chest,  &c.  Dropsy  is  often  the  consequence  of 
recent  severe  illness,  and  is  apt  to  appear  particularly 
after  scarlet  fever,  when  the  poisonous  matter  has 
been  imperfectly  expelled. 

When  dropsy  has  spread  throughout  the  body  and 
attained  large  dimensions,  then  it  is  mostly  incurable 
because  of  the  lack  of  blood.  In  the  early  stages, 
and  before  decomposition  has  set  in,  it  is  often  readily 
cured,  so  to  say,  by  pumping  out  the  stagnant  water. 
Some  examples  will  illustrate  my  meaning. 

The  body  of  a  peasant-w^oman,  aged  about  forty- 
eight,  began  to  swell  up  in  such  a  manner  that  she 
could  hardly  walk.  Her  weakness  was  very  great, 
and  she  breathed  with  difficulty.  I  advised  her  to 
express  rosemary  in  wine,  and  daily  to  drink  two 
wine-glassfuls  of  this  rosemary  wine  (about  half  a 
pint).      The   wine  greatly   strengthened   the   patient, 


170  DISEASES. 

and  expelled  raucli  water.  Furthermore,  she  daily 
took  a  short  swathing  of  an  hour  and  a  half  for  sev- 
eral days,  and  during  four  weeks  two  semi-haths  daily 
of  one  minute,  combined  with  lavation  of  the  upper 
body.  The  peasant- woman  recovered  completely,  and 
was  able  to  resume  all  the  duties  of  her  state  of  life. 

A  boy  aged  twelve  had  apparently  recovered  from 
scarlet  fever.  After  six  weeks  he  got  dropsy,  and  the 
whole  body  swelled  up.  A  shirt  dipped  in  salt  water 
and  applied  three  days  in  succession  for  one  and  a 
half  hour  restored  the  boy  to  perfect  health. 

A  woman  aged  fifty-four  was  attacked  by  dropsy  of 
the  belly.  The  legs  and  body  were,  as  I  was  in- 
formed, terribly  swollen.  The  patient's  daughter  was 
told  to  prepare  daily  for  her  mother  some  danewort 
tea  (two  pinches  of  danewort  boiled  in  half  a  pint 
of  water  for  three  minutes),  to  be  drunk  in  two  or 
three  doses.  Besides  this,  she  daily  received  a  lower 
swathing  of  one  hour  during  eight  days.  During  the 
following  ten  days  the  swathing  was  only  applied 
every  second  day,  and  during  the  last  fortnight  every 
third  day.  The  patient  completely  recovered  in  three 
weeks'  time,  large  quantities  of  water  being  secreted 
through  the  urine. 

Danewort  root  has  always  rendered  me  the  best 
services  in  cases  of  dropsy  of  the  belly,  while  rose- 
mary is  most  to  be  recommended  for  dropsy  of  the 
chest  and  heart. 

An  excellent  outward  application  for  heart  dropsy 
is  an  upper  and  lower  compress  applied  daily.  As 
internal  medicine,  two  glasses  of  rosemary  wine  should 
be  taken. 

I  must  not  fordet  to  romark  liero  tliat  warm  wat^r, 


DYSENTERY.  171 

in  whatever  form,  should  never  be  used  in  cases  of 
dropsy.  Neither  vapour  nor  warm  baths  are  permis- 
sible, because  they  would  but  serve  to  aggravate  the 
disease,  by  increasing  the  flaccidity  and  limpness  of 
nerves  and  organs  which  chiefly  characterises  it.  The 
coldest  applications  are  here  always  the  best:  they 
should  not,  however,  be  employed  otherwise  than  in 
the  manner  prescribed ;  when  the  blood  is  poor,  then 
tlie  latent  heat  is  likewise  small. 

Dysentery, 

Dysentery  is  the  sister  of  cholera.  There  is  much 
similarity  between  these  two  complaints.  Dysentery 
usually  begins  with  violent  spasms  in  the  abdomen  and 
excessive  purging,  the  stools  being  mixed  with  blood. 

The  quickest  way  of  curing  dysentery  is  to  dip 
a  folded  linen  cloth  in  hot  water  and  vinegar,  and 
lay  it  on  the  body.  Of  surprising  effect  as  internal 
medicine  is  the  extract  of  bilberry,  which  should  be 
wanting  in  no  household  pharmacy.  Two  table- 
spoonfuls  of  this  essence,  taken  in  hot  water  twice 
daily,  is  the  proper  dose.  Should  the  patient's  con- 
dition not  have  materially  improved  by  the  second 
day,  the  compress  on  the  body  may  be  repeated  as 
well  as  the  medicine. 

Like  a  worm,  Joseph  was  writhing  in  his  bed ;  the 
cramps  sometimes  rolled  him  about  like  a  ball.  He 
screamed  aloud  with  pain.  More  than  a  pint  of  blood 
had  been  purged  from  him.  Two  spoonfuls  of  the 
aforementioned  bilberry  extract,  taken  morning  and 
afternoon,  restored  order  in  a  very  short  time. 

Anna,  a  woman  over  fifty  years  of  age,  is  wailing 
in  fearful  cramps.     Purging  wdth  blood  made  her  fear 


172  DISEASES. 

that  she  was  attacked  with  cholera.  The  vinegar 
compress  on  the  body,  and  bilberry  extract  taken 
internally,  cured  her  within  a  day.  When  no  bil- 
berries are  procurable,  then  fennel  boiled  in  milk  will 
render  good  service. 

Ear  Complaints. 

AVho  could  enumerate  the  various  causes  from 
which  disease  may  proceed,  and  how  often  an  illness 
may  continue  permanently  to  affect  an  organ  after 
the  original  complaint  has  been  removed  ?  The  more 
delicate  and  noble  the  organ,  the  more  liable  it  is  to 
be  impaired,  and  the  more  difficult  its  cure.  The  ear 
is  one  of  the  noblest  organs  in  the  human  frame,  and 
we  may  frequently  lose  our  hearing  through  illness 
or  an  irregular  mode  of  life. 

A  mother  came  to  me  and  related :  "  My  daughter 
had  scarlet  fever,  from  which  she  indeed  recovered, 
but  since  that  time  she  has  never  been  quite  well. 
She  complains  now  of  one,  now  of  the  other  thing, 
but  her  greatest  affliction  is  having  almost  completely 
lost  her  hearing.  All  remedies  we  tried  have  been 
unavailing." 

This  girl  has  evidently  not  been  completely  cured 
of  her  illness,  and  not  only  the  ears  but  other  parts 
of  the  body  must  likewise  be  affected.  The  cure  must 
therefore  be  directed  towards  the  whole  system,  not 
to  the  ears  alone. 

The  following  applications  will  be  the  best : — 

1.  A  wet  shirt  for  one  and  a  half  hour. 

2.  A  shawl  one  and  a  half  hour,  to  be  renewed  at 
the  end  of  tliree-quarters  of  an  hour.  Simultaneously 
with  the  shawl  the  legs  are  each  to  be  bandaged  with 


EARS,   SINGING   IN   THE.  173 

wet  cloths  (dippeel  in  warm  water)  for  the  same  length 
of  time. 

3.  A  complete  lavation  taken  from  bed,  with  par- 
ticular care  as  to  washing  the  ears  and  back  of  the 
head. 

4.  A  bandage  dipped  in  warm  water  secured  over 
the  ears  for  two  hours  and  renewed  at  the  end  of  each 
half  hour. 

5.  A  head  swathing. 

These  five  applications  to  be  continued  for  a  con- 
siderable length  of  time,  at  least  one  application  daily. 

Of  good  effect  would  likewise  be  once  in  the  week 
a  warm  oat-straw  bath  (95°  to  100°  F.)  for  twenty- 
five  minutes,  concluded  by  a  cold  lavation.  These 
applications  will  restore  order  to  the  system,  but  the 
warm  bandage  over  the  ears  m.ay  be  continued  for 
some  length  of  time. 

Ears,  Singing  in  the. 

A  person  suffered  from  singing  in  the  ears,  w^eak 
nerves,  trembling  in  hands  and  feet,  pale  complexion 
and  sunken  eyes.  Various  doctors  had  been  consulted. 
One  had  declared  the  complaint  to  be  caused  by 
nerves,  a  second  from  a  suppressed  catarrh,  a  third 
pronounced  the  ear-drum  to  be  affected,  &c. 

Applications : — 

1.  Walking  in  water  daily  from  two  to  four  minutes, 
followed  by  exercise  in  a  warm  room  or  in  the  open 
air  if  the  weather  be  favourable. 

2.  Every  second  night  a  complete  lavation,  taken 
from  bed. 

3.  Twice  weekly  a  wet  shawl  for  one  hour. 

So  on  for  two  to  three  weeks.     Should  after  this 


174  DISEASES. 

further  treatment   be  necessary,  then  walking  every 

second  day  in  water,  and  once  a -week  a  complete 
lavation. 

Epilepsy. 

I  never  allow  patients  attacked  by  this  illness  to 
relate  their  case.  I  only  ask  them  how  long  they 
have  suffered  from  it,  and  whether  they  have  each 
time  been  aware  of  the  approach  of  an  attack,  by  its 
foreboding  symptoms  ?  how  old  they  are  ?  and  if  their 
talents  and  intellectual  gifts  are  still  as  vigorous  as 
ever,  or  have  already  deteriorated  ? 

According  to  my  conviction,  this  illness  too  has  its 
seat  in  the  blood,  whether  it  proceed  from  poverty  of 
blood,  diseased  unhealthy  blood,  or  disturbed  circula- 
tion. My  opinion  is  corroborated  by  the  fact  that 
eruptions  artificially  brought  out  to  the  surface,  and 
which,  so  to  say,  are  the  blood's  exhalations,  have 
frequently  afforded  relief  to  the  patient ;  whereas  in 
cases  which  prove  to  be  incurable  the  sufferers  are 
invariably  distinguished  by  a  bloated  appearance  and 
bluish  complexion  (agglomerations  of  unliealthy  blood). 

If  the  answers  to  all  my  questions  were  favourable 
— which  is  usually  the  case  with  young  people  up  to 
the  age  of  twenty — I  then  considered  their  epilep- 
tic complaint  to  be  a  cramp-like  condition,  closely 
allied  to  St  Vitus's  dance,  and  consequently  curable. 
I  have  been  able  to  bring  assistance  to  many,  even 
such  as  had  inherited  the  complaint  from  their 
parents. 

If,  however,  the  patient  was  unconscious  of  the 
approach  of  his  attacks,  if  already  weakness  of  intel- 
lect had  begun  more  or  less  to  set  in,  then  indeed  the 
unfortunate   sufferers,   who   mercifully   were   seldom 


EllUPTIONS.  175 

aware  of  the  gravity  of  their  condition,  had  nothing 
to  expect  of  me. 

According  to  tliese  principles  I  invariably  deter- 
mined the  treatment,  which  was  chiefly  directed  to 
the  amelioration  of  the  blood.  Above  all,  I  en- 
deavoured to  induce  the  patient  to  brace  and  harden 
his  system,  especially  by  frequently  walking  barefoot. 
In  summer  I  let  him  take  a  cold  bath  occasionally, 
but  never  for  more  than  one  minute.  In  winter  this 
bath,  slightly  warmed,  lasted  from  one  to  two  minutes. 
Besides  this,  once  weekly  a  wet  shirt  dipped  in  salt 
water. 

The  eruptions  produced  by  this  last  application 
were  treated  according  to  the  rules  laid  down  under 
the  head  of  eruptions.  I  take  care  to  impress  on 
young  people  the  expediency  of  dressing  in  a  simple 
rational  manner,  and  on  girls  especially  the  pernicious 
effect  of  tight-lacing.  The  usual  diet  to  be  simple  and 
nourishing.  The  occupations  and  exercises  never 
forced  or  strained,  but  always  adapted  to  the  patient's 
means  and  strength. 

Eruptions. 

Under  this  head  we  understand  all  these  undefinable 
skin  impurities  which  sometimes  come  overnight  and 
are  gone  next  day.  We  usually  attach  small  impor- 
tance to  these;  nevertheless  they  are  often  very 
troublesome,  and  torment  us  greatly  on  chest,  back, 
arms,  legs,  or  other  places.  This  state  of  things  some- 
times goes  on  for  years,  without  the  patient  being 
conscious  of  any  serious  indisposition,  or  being  hin- 
dered in  the  exercise  of  his  duties.  Yet  I  know  many 
persons  whose  mind  was  invariably  affected  whenever 


176  DISEASES. 

the  eruption  disappeared,  and  two  cases  of  raving 
insanity,  in  my  experience,  were  the  direct  consequence 
of  abruptly  suppressed  eruption.  Applications  such 
as  those  recommended  under  the  headings  of  Boils  and 
Herpetic  Eruptions,  caused  the  rash  to  reappear  on 
the  surface,  which  had  the  instantaneous  effect  of  re- 
moving the  disorder.  These  eruptions  are  therefore  not 
so  trifling  as  they  appear  to  be,  and  may,  if  neglected, 
especially  as  regards  cleanliness,  have  great  and  serious 
consequences.  Besides  mental  illness,  they  may  like- 
wise be  productive  of  consumption,  liver,  kidney,  and 
other  complaints.  Where  any  of  these  has  once  taken 
root,  it  pursues  its  work  of  destruction. 

I  earnestly  desire  all  those  who  are  thus  attacked, 
even  should  they  be  yet  unconscious  of  any  positive 
disease,  to  lose  no  time  in  making  use  of  a  few  light 
cold-water  applications  every  week.  The  proper  order 
of  taking  these  would  be:  cold  complete  lavations, 
the  Spanish  mantle,  and  the  short  swathing.  Let 
none  be  alarmed  if,  after  a  time,  the  eruption  comes 
out  stronger  than  before.  That  is  the  best  proof  of 
the  water's  salutary  action,  and  the  applications 
should  not  be  relinquished,  but,  on  the  contrary,  con- 
tinued and  persevered  in. 

A  farmer  related :  "  For  more  than  two  years  I  have 
had  an  eruption  on  the  face  and  whole  body ;  some- 
times there  is  little  to  be  seen,  then  again  it  comes 
out  strongly  at  particular  places.  My  health  is  other- 
wise good,  but  if  this  eruption  continues  to  spread, 
I  do  not  know  what  may  be  my  fate.  I  have  tried 
many  remedies,  but  all  in  vain." 

Applications : — 

1.  Two  warm  oat-straw  baths,  twice  weekly,  with 


ERYSIPELAS.  177 

two  changes — that  is  to  say,  fifteen  minutes  in  the 
warm  hath,  followed  each  time  hy  one  minute  in  cold 
water ;  or  in  default  of  a  second  bath,  the  body  to  be 
vigorously  washed  over  with  cold  water. 

2.  Thrice  weekly  rise  from  bed  and  completely 
wash  over  the  whole  body. 

3.  Daily  a  pinch  of  the  white  bone  -  powder,  as 
directed  in  the  Pharmacy.  Continue  thus  for  three  or 
four  weeks,  after  which  go  on  washing  the  body  once 
or  twice  weekly,  or  else  take  a  semi-bath. 

Erysipelas, 

or  St  Anthony's  fire,  is  a  formation  of  poisonous 
matter  between  flesh  and  skin,  which  seeks  to  find 
an  outlet.  It  may  appear  on  the  head,  foot,  arm,  or 
any  other  part  of  tlie  body.  On  whichever  spot  it 
arises  there  is  a  sense  of  distension  and  straining,  as 
though  the  skin  had  grown  too  tight  and  threatened 
to  burst.  It  is  sometimes  long  before  the  eruption 
appears  on  the  surface,  and  the  patient  often  suffers 
great  pain.  When  it  breaks  out,  there  first  appear 
isolated  fistules  filled  with  a  brownish  liquid :  these 
increase  rapidly,  and  are  so  poisonous  as  to  corrode 
whole  parts  of  the  skin.  Erysipelas  is  sometimes 
dangerous,  and  may  even  prove  fatal,  if  the  eruption 
does  not  succeed  in  finding  an  outlet,  or  when  it 
abruptly  disappears  from  the  surface  to  attack  the 
interior. 

I  knew  a  man-servant  who  got  erysipelas  on  the 
arm.  He  made  light  of  it,  saying  it  was  but  an  old 
woman's  complaint.  The  eruption  disappeared,  but 
attacked  the  brain,  and  the  patient's  life  was  soon 
at  an  end. 

M 


178  DISEASES. 

The  principal  thing  to  be  observed  with  regard  to 
erysipelas  is,  to  localise  the  complaint  and  keep  it 
from  wandering ;  to  expel  the  unhealthy  matter,  and 
avert  a  conflux  of  blood  towards  the  affected  spot. 

Whoever  is  attacked  by  erysipelas  on  the  feet,  should 
take  a  short  swathing  :  this  prevents  the  eruption  from 
spreading  upwards.  After  the  short  swathing,  the  leg 
may  be  bandaged  in  wet  linen  above  the  affected  spot. 

Erysipelas  may,  however,  be  attacked  directly ;  this 
is  done  by  dipping  soft  linen  in  warm  water  and 
applying  it  to  the  place,  secured  and  covered  by  a  dry 
cloth.     This  serves  to  dissolve  and  expel  the  poison. 

For  erysipelas  on  the  arm,  a  short  swathing  should 
first  be  taken  to  divert  the  blood  from  above.  Then 
follows  a  shawl,  to  be  renewed  as  often  as  required 
according  to  the  heat.  The  eruption  may  here  also 
be  treated  directly  as  above. 

Erysipelas  on  the  head  will  best  be  averted  by  an 
upper  compress,  in  combination  with  a  throat  swathing. 
When  these  two  applications  have  been  employed 
once  or  twice,  then  the  affected  spot  may  be  treated 
first  with  warm,  and  afterwards  with  cold  water. 

"  My  husband  has  got  erysipelas :  the  whole  face  is 
swollen  and  fiery  red ;  he  has  violent  fever ;  the  red 
colour  spreads  over  the  whole  face ;  little  fistules  are 
to  be  seen  everywhere,  and  his  moaniugs  are  dread- 
ful to  hear," — so  lamented  a  wife  to  me.  "  Take  quickly 
a  shawl  dipped  in  warm  water,"  I  ordered ;  "  let  him 
keep  it  on  three  -  quarters  of  an  hour,  then  renew 
it  by  dipping  in  fresh  water.  This  process  to  be 
repeated  tliree  times.  Three  to  four  hours  later  place 
a  cold  compress  on  the  lower  body  for  three  hours 
but  renew  at  the  end  of  every  hour.     Three  hours 


EYES,   CATARACT   OF  THE.  179 

later,  when  tlie  compress  has  been  removed,  let  tlie 
patient  lie  for  an  hour  upon  a  wet  sheet  folded 
together  three  or  four  fold.  These  three  applications 
an  be  repeated  in  the  same  sequence  until  the  heat 
is  entirely  withdrawn,  and  the  unhealthy  matter 
removed.  Nothing  is  to  be  applied  to  the  inflamed 
spots,  except  to  wash  them  gently  from  time  to  time 
with  lukewarm  water  whenever  the  tension  of  the 
skin  is  unbearable.  If  the  thirst  be  great,  water  or 
sugar- water  is  tlie  best  beverage — always,  however, 
imbibed  in  small  portions." 

Another  w^ay  to  cure  erysipelas  is  to  give  the  patient 
a  shawl  twice  daily,  each  time  for  three  hours  (renew 
after  one  hour),  and  in  the  intervals  to  wash  over  the 
body  with  vinegar-and-water  every  three-quarters  of 
an  hour  as  long  as  the  fever  continues  to  be  strong. 
When  the  fever  decreases,  every  two  to  three  hours 
will  be  sufticient,  and  later  only  once  or  twice  a -day. 
The  water,  which  at  first  may  be  lukewarm,  should 
afterwards  be  exchanged  for  cold. 

In  both  these  ways  I  have  cured  many  cases  of 
erysipelas. 

Eyes,  Cataract  of  thk. 

An  official  brought  me  a  boy  nine  years  of  age, 
whose  eyes  were  affected.  Both  eyes  were  so  bad 
that  only  with  dittieulty  could  the  boy  walk  alone. 
"  How  come  you  to  me  ? "  I  asked.  "  My  child," 
replied  the  father,  "  was  for  a  long  time  in  a  sana- 
tory establishment  for  eye-complaints,  but  was  dis- 
missed with  the  declaration  that  his  w^as  an  incur- 
able case  of  cataract.  That  is  dreadful,  to  be  blind  at 
the  age  of  nine  !  " 


180  DISEASES. 

One  eye  was  already  so  much  dimmed  that  the 
pupil  could  scarcely  be  discerned,  and  for  the  child  it 
was  utter  darkness.  On  the  other  eye  there  lay  a 
cloud ;  and  as  the  outer  disc  of  the  sun,  when  about  to 
set  behind  a  bank  of  clouds,  shines  out  once  more,  so 
too  here  a  narrow  strip  of  the  once  healthy  eye  shone 
out  a  last  time  before  extinction. 

The  unfortunate  boy  suffered  not  only  from  the  eyes, 
as  I  saw  at  the  first  glance :  his  whole  little  system 
was  weakened  and  impaired,  decayed  through  and 
through  apparently ;  no  life,  no  appetite,  emaciated, 
and  with  dry  scurfy  skin.  The  body,  then,  not  only 
the  eyes,  is  diseased ;  let  us  first  seek  to  cure  this,  per- 
haps then  the  eyes  will  open  by-and-by. 

We  began  by  removing  the  spectacles  he  had  hither- 
to worn.  The  boy  was  made  to  walk  as  much  as 
possible  barefoot  in  the  wet  grass  or  on  wet  stones ; 
and  his  back,  chest,  and  abdomen  were  vigorously 
washed  over  once  or  twice  a-day.  After  some  time 
the  lavations  were  exchanged  for  semi-baths,  and 
these  again  in  turn  for  whole  baths,  which  never  lasted 
above  one  minute.  Between  these  were  alternately 
employed  swathings,  or  the  wet  shirt  dipped  in  a 
solution  of  salt  and  water,  and  applied  for  one  and  a 
half  hour.  All  these  a})plications  had  the  object  of 
bracing  tlie  system  and  inciting  it  to  renewed  life  and 
action. 

For  acting  directly  on  the  eyes  themselves,  I  em- 
ployed several  kinds  of  eye-water.  First,  aloe  water 
(a  pinch  of  aloe  powder  boiled  for  a  few  minutes  in  half 
a  pint  of  water),  with  which  tlie  eyes  were  thoroughly 
washed  out,  especially  inside  the  lids,  from  three  to 
five  times  daily.     Aloe  dissolves,  cleanses,  and  heals. 


EYES,   CATARRH   OF.  181 

This  aloe  water  was  followed  up  later  by  water  of 
alum  (two  pinches  of  alum  dissolved  in  half  a  pint  of 
water),  and  applied  like  the  former,  three  or  four  times 
daily.  Alum  is  corrosive  and  cleansing  in  its  effects. 
Finally,  I  made  use  of  honey  eye-water  (half  a  spoon- 
ful of  honey  boiled  for  five  minutes  in  half  a  pint  of 
water),  and  employed  from  three  to  five  times  daily, 
especially  upon  the  inner  eye.  The  boy  throve  so 
markedly  under  this  treatment,  that  from  week  to  week 
his  strength  increased,  his  appearance  became  fresher, 
healthier,  and  more  blooming;  mind  and  body  alike 
gradually  returned  to  their  normal  condition.  The  long- 
closed  eyes  reopened  and  sparkled  anew,  to  the  inex- 
pressible joy  of  tlie  happy  parents.  The  boy  now  sees 
as  well  as  any  of  his  schoolfellows.  No  one  would  deem 
that  he  had  ever  been  in  such  a  wretched  plight. 

I  am  firmly  persuaded  that  the  woful  state  of  the 
■  yes  were  but  a  reflection  and  a  consequence  of  the  yet 
more  woful  body ;  and  as  from  a  decayed  trunk  the 
leaves  and  blossoms  must  necessarily  wither  and  fall, 
so  in  a  diseased  body,  the  eyes  could  not  be  otherwise 
tlian  affected  also.  When  the  sap  of  life  is  renewed 
within  the  trunk,  then  twigs  and  branches  begin  to 
sprout  afresh  and  put  forth  new  leaves  and  blossoms. 

Eyes,  Catarrh  of. 
A  well-known  military  doctor  said  to  me  thirty 
years  ago :  "  Catarrh  is  an  evil  out  of  which  almost  any 
other  disease  may  arise — as  nervous  fever,  typhus, 
dysentery,  consumption,  &c.  Let  every  one  therefore 
brace  his  constitution,  so  as  to  render  it  impervious  to 
the  manifold  chances  of  catching  cold.  Whoever  has 
a  catarrh  should  not  rest  until  it  be  shaken  off." 


182  DISEASES. 

Blindness  and  misery  are  synonymous,  and  every 
ocular  disease  must  therefore  be  regarded  as  a  source 
of  misery.  Our  eyes  are  the  most  precious  jewels  we 
possess — but  of  them  we  have  only  two — and  even  to 
lose  one  is  an  irreparable  loss.  Let  every  one  therefore 
be  careful.  Eye  complaints  are  to  be  found  in  persons 
of  all  age,  sex,  and  station. 

In  the  majority  of  cases,  the  disease  proceeds  directly 
from  the  body.  In  healthy  persons  the  superfluous 
secretions  are  removed  by  perspiration,  breathing,  and 
other  means ;  but  in  the  unhealthy  these  secretions 
accumulate  in  the  body,  head,  &c.  Whatever  accumu- 
lates in  the  head  is  apt  to  seek  an  outlet  through  the 
eyes,  which,  being  infinitely  delicate  and  tender,  are 
easily  injured  by  the  sharp  corrosive  moisture.  This 
is  the  cause  of  the  eye-burning  from  which  so  many 
people  suffer.  Cure  is  only  to  be  effected  by  the  re- 
moval of  the  pernicious  moisture.  Tlie  eye  itself  is 
healthy,  and  only  suffers  from  its  propinquity  to  the 
unwholesome  matter. 

Many  eyes  are  affected  to  the  degree  of  partial 
blindness ;  with  others  it  resembles  a  slight  veil  or 
mist ;  others,  again,  seem  to  see  sparks  or  dancing 
specks.  All  these  various  effects  proceed  from  the 
same  course,  liemove  the  poisonous  matter,  strengthen 
the  weakened  eye,  and  it  is  cured.  An  example  may 
serve  to  elucidate  my  meaning. 

Antonia,  a  little  girl  five  years  old,  looks  verj^  pale. 
Her  face  is  bloated,  and  whole  appearance  sickly.  The 
child  has  inflamed  eyes,  and  cannot  bear  tlie  light. 
Appetite  and  sleep  are  impaired,  and  the  cliild  cries 
very  much.     AVliat  is  to  be  done  ? 

Wrap  the  child's  body  up  to  the  armpits  daily  in  a 


EYES,    CATARllH   OF.  183 

towel  dipped  in  lukewarm  water  wherein  oat-straw 
has  been  boiled.  Over  this  wet  towel  wrap  a  second 
dry  one.  If  this  is  done  before  the  child's  usual 
sleeping-time,  it  will  probably  soon  go  to  sleep,  in 
which  case  it  should  not  be  disturbed.  If,  however,  it 
does  not  sleep,  the  wet  wrapper  must.be  kept  on  for 
an  hour.  This  proceeding  to  be  continued  for  a  week. 
In  the  second  week  prepare  a  warm  bath  with  decoc- 
tion of  oat-straw  (86°  to  91°  E.),  and  let  it  remain 
therein  from  fifteen  to  twenty  minutes.  In  the  last 
minute  pour  rapidly  over  the  child  the  contents  of  a 
small  watering-can,  of  plain  not  too  cold  water,  and 
then  dress  quickly.  This  cold  affusion  after  each 
warm  bath  is  very  important.  The  warm  bath  fulfils 
the  object  of  dissolving  and  removing  the  unhealthy 
matter ;  while  the  cold  affusion  serves  to  strengthen 
and  close  the  pores.  Every  second  or  third  day  the 
bath  should  be  repeated.  The  child  will  soon  feel 
fresher,  stronger,  and  healthier,  and  the  eyes  will  be 
clearer. 

Should  the  anxious  mother  desire  a  direct  remedy 
for  the  eye,  let  her  take  a  piece  of  alum,  as  large  as 
four  grains  of  barley,  dissolve  this  in  half  a  pint 
of  water,  and  w^ash  the  child's  eyes  with  it  three 
or  four  times  daily.  Soon  everything  will  be  well. 
Even  when  the  complaint  has  been  removed,  let  the 
motlier  continue  for  some  time  to  give  the  child  once 
weekly  a  bath,  or  a  wrapping  on  alternate  weeks. 

William,  a  boy  of  nine  years,  had  an  eye  complaint. 
He  could  no  longer  read,  hardly  even  distinguish 
people's  faces,  and  was  more  than  half  blind.  More 
than  400  marks  had  already  been  spent  on  his  eyes, 
but  neither  doctor  nor  apothecary  was  able  to  help 


184  DISEASES. 

him.  Not  only  the  eyes  but  likewise  the  whole 
system  was  gravely  impaired  ;  hands  and  feet  were 
always  cold,  the  stomach  without  appetite,  the  body 
emaciated,  the  whole  figure  mournful  and  depressed. 

In  four  months  William  was  completely  cured,  both 
eyes  and  body.  Twice  a-week  he  took  a  warm  bath. 
Four  times  weekly  a  shirt  dipped  in  salt  water  from 
an  hour  to  an  hour  and  a  half.  In  addition  to  this, 
I  made  the  boy  walk  frequently  barefoot  in  wet  grass 
or  in  the  rain.  After  the  lapse  of  the  first  four  weeks, 
William  continued  to  bathe  three  to  four  times  weekly 
for  one  minute  only,  and  with  the  temperature  reduced 
(66°  F.),  each  bath  succeeded  by  exercise.  Twice  daily 
he  washed  the  eyes  in  water  mixed  with  alum.  This 
second  course  of  treatment  lasted  several  weeks. 
By  degrees,  as  the  general  tone  of  the  system  was 
restored,  so  too  in  equal  measure  the  eyesight  im- 
proved. The  eyes  soon  looked  out  of  the  boy's  fresh 
and  healthy  face,  as  clear  and  sparkling  as  though 
they  had  never  been  affected. 

Christina,  twenty-four  years  old,  though  fresh  and 
blooming,  is  yet  scarcely  ever  free  from  eye  complaint. 
She  has  too  much  blood  in  the  head,  too  little  in  the 
feet,  for  which  reason  she  always  suffers  from  cold 
feet. 

Christina  takes  every  day  a  lukewarm  foot-bath, 
mixed  with  salt  and  ashes.  This  draws  down  the  blood 
from  the  head.  Three  times  a-week  she  takes  a  semi- 
bath  reaching  to  the  armpits,  half  a  minute.  At  work 
she  mostly  goes  barefoot.  The  pressure  of  blood  to  the 
head  gradually  decreased  and  stopped  altogether,  and 
the  eye  complaint  disappeared. 


FEVER — GOUT.  185 

Fever. 

Anthony  conies  into  the  room  and  relates :  "  With 
difficulty  I  liave  contrived  to  mount  the  stairs.  My 
strength  is  quite  broken,  and  twice  I  have  fallen 
down.  I  have  also  a  dreadful  headache,  and  am  alter- 
nately icy  cold  and  burning  hot.  Sometimes  I  feel 
a  stabbing  pain,  as  if  lightning  were  darting  about  in- 
side my  body." 

Application :  "  Go  home,  Anthony,  lie  down  at  once 
in  bed,  and  when  you  are  quite  warm  wash  over  the 
whole  body  with  cold  water,  and  without  drying  re- 
turn to  bed.  Eepeat  this  washing  every  two  hours, 
and  when  you  begin  to  perspire  strongly,  and  the 
perspiration  has  lasted  half  an  hour,  then  wash  again." 

Anthony  returned  on  the  third  day,  and  related  :  "  I 
feel  much  better;  I  have  sweated  profusely  several 
times.  Cold  and  heat  have  disappeared,  and  the  head- 
ache has  ceased.  The  appetite  begins  to  return.  I 
feel  well,  but  weary." 

Anthony  continued  to  wash  about  ten  times  within 
fourteen  days,  and  was  then  able  to  rejoice  in  perfect 
health.     He  is  about  forty  years  old. 

Gout. 

In  manuring  a  field  it  is  bad  to  heap  the  dung  too 
tliiekly  on  any  particular  spot,  for  instead  of  promot- 
ing fruitfulness  this  merely  gives  rise  to  fetid  swamps 
wherein  nothing  can  thrive.  In  the  same  way  ex- 
cessive and  superfluous  nourishment  of  the  body 
produces  gout,  which  is  mostly  to  be  traced  to  over- 
indulgence in  eating  and  drinking.  Other  causes  of 
gout  may  be  great  exertion,  wettings,  catching  cold, 


186  DISEASES. 

&c.  Acute  gout  torments  many  persons;  chronic 
gout  innumerable  ones.  Some  it  attacks  in  the  toes, 
others  in  the  head ;  some  externally,  many  internally. 

Persons  of  simple  habits,  and  who  are  not  over- 
weakened  by  the  complaint,  I  can  easily  and  readily 
cure ;  but  I  seldom  have  any  such  illusion  with  regard 
to  the  more  distinguished  class  of  gout  patients. 
They  are  a  heavy  burden,  and  mostly  incurable  by 
water,  for  they  will  not  obey  orders,  and  suffer  alike 
from  effeminacy  and  dread  of  cold  water ;  were  it  not 
so,  they  would  be  as  easily  cured  as  the  others. 

A  gentleman  of  position  sut^iered  four  weeks  from 
violent  foot  pains.  He  was  cured  the  first  time  by 
sweating;  but  a  year  later  the  complaint  returned, 
and  chained  him  to  bed  for  twelve  weeks.  It  burned 
much  and  he  sweated  much,  but  this  time  the  moist- 
ure failed  to  bring  relief.  He  sent  to  consult  me,  say- 
ing he  would  do  anything  in  order  to  be  freed  from 
this  dreadful  illness.  In  a  few  weeks  the  chief  cure 
was  accomplished.  As  water  poured  upon  quickhme 
inflates  and  breaks  it  up,  so  here,  too,  the  gout  tumours 
disappeared  under  the  various  applications.  Later  tlie 
patient  continued  to  employ  cold  water  from  time  to 
time,  in  one  or  the  other  form,  and  as  far  as  I  am 
aware,  the  former  complaint  never  troubled  liim  again. 
The  reader  can  learn  the  applications  from  the  follow- 
ing case : — 

A  priest  sent  a  message  to  say  tliat  his  feet  were 
burning  like  living  fire — he  was  almost  in  despair. 
What  should  he  do  ?  I  advised  him  to  infuse  hay- 
flowers  in  hot  water  for  some  minutes,  then,  pressing 
out  the  moisture,  to  place  the  flowers  on  a  linen  cloth 
and  wrap  tlien  well  round  both  feet.   AUov  two  liours  he 


GRA.VEL   AND   STONE   COMPLAINT.  187 

was  to  dip  again  tlie  hay -flowers  in  the  decoction,  and 
replace  as  before.  It  is  a  matter  of  indifference  whether 
the  hay-flowers  be  applied  cold  or  lukewarm  the  second 
time.  The  sick  priest  did  this  for  several  days.  After 
the  first  day  the  principal  pains  had  ceased ;  in  two 
or  three  days  he  was  completely  free  of  suffering. 

In  default  of  hay-flowers  oat-straw  may  be  used. 

I  must  warn  here  against  a  common  error.  As  soon 
as  the  feet  liave  ceased  to  hurt,  the  patient  often  ima- 
gines himself  to  be  completely  cured.  It  were  a  great 
mistake  to  terminate  here  the  cure,  which  must  be 
followed  up  by  at  least  some  water  applications,  in 
order  to  expel  the  unhealthy  matter  from  the  body. 
It  is  best  to  employ  the  Spanish  mantle  two  or  three 
times  weekly  during  the  first  three  weeks  (for  one  and 
a  half  to  two  hours).  In  the  following  month  some 
warm  baths  with  hay-flowers  or  oat-straw  decoction, 
and  with  threefold  transition  into  cold  water. 

A  day  labourer  had  acquired  a  serious  gout  com- 
plaint. Three  times  weekly  he  went  into  a  sack 
dipped  in  a  hot  oat-straw  infusion.  Twice  in  the  week 
he  took  a  hot  pine-tree  bath  (106°  to  111°  F.),  each  time 
with  threefold  transition  into  the  cold  water.  Every 
second  night  a  complete  cold  lavation  taken  from  bed. 
After  three  weeks  he  was  nearly  cured,  but  continued 
to  employ  the  oat-straw^  sack  once  or  twice  on  alter- 
nate weeks  w^ith  the  aforementioned  warm  bath. 
Soon  with  renewed  strength  he  resumed  his  labours, 
which  he  is  still  to-day  able  to  perform. 

Gravel  and  Stone  Complaint. 
Gravel  and  stone  are  often  formed  in  the  bladder 
or  kidnovs.      Those  who  have  beheld  sufferers  from 


188  DISEASES. 

gravel,  or  have  themselves  been  attacked  with  this 
complaint,  know  how  dreadful  are  these  pains.  Cure 
by  water  is  infallible  and  painless,  therefore  always 
the  simplest  and  best. 

Oat-straw  baths  here  occupy  the  first  place.  Oat- 
straw  (or  in  default  of  this  shave-grass  or  sour  hay)  is 
boiled  for  half  an  hour,  and  the  decoction  poured  into 
a  warm  bath  (100°  F.)  In  this  bath  let  the  patient 
stay  one  hour,  concluding  it  by  a  vigorous  cold  lava- 
tion.  Three  such  baths  in  the  week  may  be  taken. 
Alongside  of  these,  two  or  three  short  swathings  or 
else  compresses,  of  four  to  six  fold  linen,  on  the 
affected  parts,  will  do  excellent  service.  Both  ap- 
plications are  of  course  to  be  taken  in  bed.  These 
serve  to  loosen  and  dissolve  the  gravel-stones  in 
bladder  and  kidneys,  and  expel  them.  Teas  also 
play  an  important  part  in  this  malady.  First  and 
foremost  stands  tea  of  oats.  Oats  are  boiled  for 
half  an  hour,  and  of  the  infusion  two  cupfuls  daily 
are  drunk.  Of  more  potent  effect  is  tea  of  oat-straw, 
prepared  like  the  former.  Shave-grass  tea  is  hardly 
to  be  surpassed.  I  will  still  mention  rose-hips,  of 
which,  likewise,  when  boiled,  a  very  efficacious  tea 
may  be  made,  which,  however,  must  be  drunk 
for  some  length  of  time.  Experience  has  taught 
me  that  this  rose-hip  tea  prevents  the  further  for- 
mation of  stone  or  gravel.  The  aforementioned 
applications  should  be  pursued  for  two  or  three 
weeks  as  directed,  and  for  the  subsequent  three  or 
four  weeks  reduced  by  one-half.  The  blessing  of 
the  greatest  of  all  physicians  will  soon  dispel  the 
illness. 

A  gentleman  who  acted  under  my  directions  told 


HEADACHE.  189 

me  that  within  a  few  weeks  he  had  expelled  several 
thousand  particles  of  stone. 

Another  gentleman  suffered  so  dreadfully  from 
stone  and  gravel  that  the  corrosive  juices  had  pene- 
trated to  the  feet,  and  produced  there  innumerable 
little  boils.  A  sensation  of  itching  and  burning 
often  pervaded  the  whole  body.  Thirty  baths  within 
a  year,  the  Spanish  mantle  used  two  or  tliree  times 
weekly,  and  the  aforementioned  teas,  completely  re- 
moved the  complaint  and  its  irksome  effects.^ 


Headache. 

A  gentleman  of  distinction  was  afilicted  with  a 
peculiar  sort  of  headache.  It  used  regularly  to  begin 
at  7  a.m.,  and  continue  till  sunset^  and  was  so  painful 
that  he  could  neither  read  nor  write  while  it  lasted. 
At  night  there  was  no  trace  of  pain,  the  headache  had 
completely  disappeared,  provided  he  had  not  over- 
fatigued  himself  by  mental  w^ork.  The  painful  spot 
was  on  the  left  side  of  the  forehead,  and  about  the 
size  of  half-a-crown.  The  pain  not  only  affected  the 
head,  but  extended  to  the  whole  body,  so  that  he  visi- 
bly declined  in  appearance  as  in  strength.  The  most 
celebrated  doctors  were  consulted,  and  one  cold-w^ater 
establishment   was  visited,    without   apparent   effect. 

^  Quite  recently  knot-gi-ass  {Pohjgonum  aviculare)  has  been  em- 
ployed by  Pfarrer  Kneipp  for  this  complaint.  A  cupful  of  knot- 
grass tea,  taken  morning  and  evening,  in  combination  with  a  daily 
sitz-bath  of  shave-gi-ass  decoction,  will  have  the  best  results.  For 
further  use,  tlie  sitz-bath  should  be  continued  from  twice  to  thrice 
weekly,  or  else  every  second  day  a  back  and  lower  affusion  may  be 
applied. — Translator's  note. 


190  DISEASES. 

A  visit  to  Meran  brought  him  temporary  relief,  and 
he  deemed  himself  cured ;  but  hardly  had  the  patient 
returned  to  town  when,  on  the  following  morning,  at 
exactly  7  o'clock,  the  old  headache  punctually  reap- 
peared, to  his  inexpressible  disappointment  and  vexa- 
tion. At  last  the  gentleman,  urged  by  some  friends, 
resolved  to  consult  me.  His  appearance  w^as  sickly 
and  much  emaciated.  After  describing  his  complaint, 
he  added  that  he  was  seldom  free  from  catarrh,  and 
possessed  but  small  latent  heat. 

All  these  symptoms  led  me  to  conclude  that  not 
one  particular  spot  in  the  head  alone  was  here 
affected,  but  rather  the  whole  system.  In  accordance 
with  this  presumption,  I  therefore  directed  the  appli- 
cations towards  the  whole  body  independent  of  the 
head,  which  received  no  special  attention.  The  sim- 
plest means  of  hardening,  combined  with  a  few  lava- 
tions,  sufficed  to  effect  the  cure  and  restore  circula- 
tion, perspiration,  and  digestion  to  their  normal  regu- 
larity. It  was  the  same  old  story  which,  however, 
cannot  be  sufficiently  often  repeated. 

The  result  proved  the  correctness  of  my  opinion 
regarding  the  headache.  In  about  six  weeks  tlie 
whole  system  rejoiced  in  unimpaired  health,  and  the 
dreaded  headache  no  longer  put  in  an  appearance  at 
7  o'clock. 

A  man  related  : — 

"  I  am  thirty-five  years  old,  have  continual  head- 
ache, and  sometimes  feel  so  wxak  that  I  can  scarcely 
bear  it.  I  have  pains  in  back  and  chest, — most  pain- 
ful of  all  in  the  nape  of  the  neck,  where  I  feel  a  per- 
manent cramp-like  contraction.  My  hair  is  falling 
out  j)rofusely,  and  if  this  continues  half  a  year  I  shall 


HEADACHE,   NERVOUS.  101 

l»c  completely  bald.     Hands  and  feet  are  mostly  cold, 
and  1  liave  no  appetite." 
Applications : — 

1.  A  wet  shirt  dipped  in  salt  water. 

2.  Thrice  in  the  week  a  complete  lavation  taken 
ironi  bed. 

3.  A  wet  shirt  thrice  in  the  week. 

4.  Daily  a  pinch  of  white  bone-powder. 

After  two  months  the  man  returned  to  me  and 
declared  himself  to  be  completely  cured:  he  only 
suffered  occasionally  from  very  slight  and  transitory 
pains,  wliere  the  former  violent  sufferings  had  been. 
His  bodily  w^ eight  had  increased  by  10  lb. 

Headache,  Nervous. 

A  man  aged  forty-five  came  lamenting  to  me  and 
began  :  "  The  doctor  pronounces  my  complaint  to  be  a 
nervous  headache.  I  can  never  be  without  a  head 
l)andage;  I  feel  an  intolerable  pressure  on  the  back 
of  the  liead,  now  to  the  right,  now  to  the  left.  When 
the  pain  comes  to  the  back,  then  I  get  violent  palpi- 
tation of  tlie  heart  for  several  hours.  My  appetite  is 
sometimes  quite  gone;  I  suffer  so  much  from  giddi- 
ness that  I  cannot  walk  alone,  for  which  reason 
my  wife  was  obliged  to  come  here  with  me.  But 
worse  than  all  my  pains  are  my  mental  sufferings. 
T  feel  so  depressed  that  I  often  long  for  death  to 
'  ome." 

This  gentleman  was  tolerably  stout,  the  complexion 
-allow,  the  body  much  inflated. 

In  thirteen  days  order  was  restored  to  the  system. 
The  bodily  weight  had  decreased,  headaclie  and  giddi- 
ness  disappeared;   sleep   and   appetite   had  returned 


192  DISEASES. 

along  with  good  spirits.      The  applications  were  as 
follows : — 

1.  On  the  first  clay  an  upper  affusion  and  knee 
affusion  in  the  forenoon ;  back  affusion  and  w^alking 
in  water  afternoon. 

2.  On  the  second  day,  in  the  forenoon  back  affu- 
sion; later,  w^ater-walking.  Afternoon,  again  back 
affusion,  and  later,  knee  affusion. 

3.  On  the  third  day,  upper  afiusion  and  knee  affu- 
sion in  the  forenoon.  Complete  affusion,  and  later  a 
semi-bath,  in  the  afternoon. 

The  patient  being  strong  and  stout,  was  able  to 
endure  four  applications  daily. 

Heart  Complaints. 

In  the  restless  excitable  times  in  which  we  live,  in- 
numerable persons  are  supposed  to  be  attacked  by 
nerve,  stomach,  or  heart  complaints.  These  are  the 
three  scapegoats  upon  which  all  misdeeds  are  foisted. 
These  conclusions  are  mostly  erroneous,  as  experience 
has  taught  me,  and  amongst  a  hundred  cases  in 
which  the  patients  believed  their  heart  to  be  attacked, 
of  very  few  only  this  proved  to  be  the  case.  The 
heart,  though  one  of  the  strongest  and  healthiest 
organs,  may  sometimes  be  momentarily  affected  by 
passing  influences,  just  as  the  healthiest  cat  will  cry 
out  if  we  pinch  its  tail.  The  best  clock  will  stop 
going  if  we  remove  the  weights;  it  were  tlien  folly 
to  say  the  clock  is  bad.  The  most  wonderful  flute 
gives  out  no  tune  if  I  stop  up  the  holes  or  allow  it  to 
rust.  The  healthiest  heart  can  likewise  be  obstructed 
in  its  action  if  there  be  present  in  the  body  a  foe 
which,  so  to  say,  throttles  it.     Seek  out  this  foe,  and 


HEART   COMPLAINTS.  193 

remove  certain  pernicious  influences,  and  there  will 
remain  no  trace  of  the  lieart  complaint. 

A  gentleman  of  position  had  sufiered  for  many 
years,  and  could  only  pursue  his  vocation  with  great 
difficulty.  An  unusual  sense  of  anxiety  aggravated 
his  sufferings.  The  smallest  event  caused  him  palpi- 
tation, excitement,  and  fear.  Those  around  him  had 
to  be  very  careful  of  their  words,  for  unexpected  joy 
or  sorrow  always  brought  about  disordered  action  of 
the  heart.  The  rooms  had  to  be  heated  summer  and 
winter,  and  the  temperature  exactly  regulated  to  a 
particular  degree.  The  most  celebrated  doctors  had 
been  consulted,  and  were  unanimous  in  declaring  the 
patient,  in  addition  to  aflected  lungs  and  liver,  and 
piles,  to  be  afflicted  with  an  organic  heart  complaint 
which  might  at  any  moment  terminate  in  heart-stroke. 
Eventually  this  gentleman  died  and  was  dissected. 
What  was  the  result  ?  That  lungs,  liver,  and  heart 
were  perfectly  sound,  but  that  agglomerations  of  fat 
had  formed  upon  heart  and  chest.  He  therefore  died 
from  want  of  blood.  The  blood  came  to  fail,  having 
been  absorbed  by  the  formation  of  muscles  and  fat. 
This  was  related  to  me  by  a  doctor  who  was  present 
at  the  dissection,  and  who  remarked,  "  Here  we  have 
another  instance  of  science  being  completely  de- 
ceived." 

A  young  lady  came  to  me  and  begged  for  help. 
She  related  thus :  "  I  have  successfully  gone  through 
a  course  as  musical  teacher,  and  have  taught  music  in 
a  convent  for  six  years.  Now  I  suffer  so  much  from 
headache  that  I  can  scarcely  stand  the  sound  of  an 
instrument — either  organ,  violin,  or  pianoforte.  Even 
the  altar  hand-bell  causes  a  stabbing  pain  in  the  head. 

N 


194  DISEASES. 

The  doctors  call  my  condition  a  nerve  and  heart  com- 
plaint. If  I  had  been  healthy,  I  should  have  been 
accepted  in  the  convent ;  but  now  I  am  without  voca- 
tion and  almost  without  bread,  and  suffer  indescrib- 
able mental  and  bodily  pain." 

I  answered :  "  I  cannot  help  you.  You  must  seek 
for  assistance  elsewhere." 

To  her  question  as  to  why  I  gave  such  a  hard 
answer  just  to  her,  I  replied  frankly:  "You,  as  a 
town  young  lady,  with  such  musical  and  linguistic 
accomplishments,  w^ould  never  obey  my  orders  ;  other- 
wise, your  unhappy  condition  is  curable."  She  an- 
swered resolutely,  "  I  shall  do  wdiat  you  ask,  in  order 
to  recover  my  health."  And  she  kej)t  her  word. 
Tor  ten  days  I  sent  her  out  with  a  maid-servant — 
it  was  in  the  month  of  March — into  the  meadows, 
where  she  walked  barefoot.  Daily,  in  order  to  ac- 
custom her  gradually  to  the  cold,  a  warm  foot-bath 
and  an  upper  affusion.  Instead  of  the  warm  foot- 
bath, after  six  days,  she  daily  knelt  in  w^ater  reach- 
ing to  the  pit  of  the  stomach.  Also  field  labour  was 
prescribed,  so  far  as  strength  and  practice  allowed. 
After  eighteen  days,  the  young  lady  returned  to  a 
benefactor  who  had  assisted  her  musical  studies,  and 
had  also  advised  the  cold-water  cure.  There  she  con- 
tinued the  applications,  as  well  as  the  now  congenial 
field  labours.  Piano  and  violin  were  exchanged  for 
the  spade,  rake,  and  hoe.  The  more  the  body  gained 
in  vigour,  in  the  same  measure  the  heart  and  nervous 
symptoms  disappeared.  In  four  months  she  was  com- 
pletely cured,  and  the  freshness  and  health  of  lier 
childhood  were  hers  again. 

A  theological  student  came  and  asked  me  what  he 


HERPETIC  ERUPTIONS.  195 

-hould  do.  His  whole  system  seemed  decayed,  and 
the  doctors  had  declared  that,  amongst  other  things, 
lie  had  a  lieart  complaint.  He  had  wished  to  become 
a  priest,  but  with  these  headaches  and  palpitations 
this  was  out  of  the  question.  Everything  which  he 
heard  and  saw  seemed  to  him  like  a  dream. 

I  advised  the  patient  rationally  to  brace  his  body. 
This  would  do  him  no  harm,  for  he  was  well  built. 
Later  on  he  could  adopt  tlie  profession  for  which  he 
felt  most  inclination. 

After  a  few  weeks  he  was  able  to  resume  his  studies, 
received  holy  orders  in  two  years,  and  few  of  his  com- 
rades were  his  match  in  strength  and  health. 

Every  morning  the  young  gentleman  walked  for 
lialf  an  hour  in  the  wet  dewy  grass,  and  daily  stood 
in  the  water  up  to  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  with  a 
hivation  of  the  upper  body.  In  rainy  weather,  light 
works  were  substituted  for  his  favourite  walks  in  tlie 
forest.  Later  on,  by  way  of  strengthening,  he  re- 
ceived frequent  upper  affusions  daily,  one  or  two,  in 
alternation  with  semi-baths.  Head  and  heart  com- 
plaint soon  vanished  with  the  gradual  increase  of  his 
general  strength. 

HERPETfc  Eruptions. 

Many  thousands  of  men  are  tormented  by  herpetic 
eruptions,  whether  they  choose  to  acknowledge  it  or 
not.  These  troublesome  parasites  and  vampires  are 
fond  of  lodging  themselves  under  the  hair,  on  the 
back,  chest,  &c.  Sometimes  they  do  not  shun  the 
light  of  day,  and  fasten  themselves  like  leeches  on 
the  arms,  feet,  and  especially  between  the  toes  and 
fingers.     These  eruptions  may  either  be  hereditary,  or 


196  DISEASES. 

else  the  consequence  of  bad  food  and  beverages,  which 
ruin  the  secretions;  not  infrequently,  too,  they  are 
caused  by  a  disordered  mode  of  life. 

It  is  dangerous  to  attack  this  unclean  visitor  with 
violent  weapons  (either  external  or  internal),  such  as 
quicksilver,  arsenic,  &c.  The  eruption  may  indeed 
thus  readily  be  subdued,  but  the  consequences  of  vio- 
lently suppressing  it  are  often  worse  than  the  actual 
complaint,  apart  from  the  injury  which  sharp  cor- 
rosive applications  occasion  to  the  skin. 

My  rules  for  healing  this  disease  are  as  follows : — 

Outwardly  I  only  permit  lukewarm  water  to  be 
used,  in  order  to  wash  away  the  dirt.  Everything  else 
can  only  do  harm. 

Food  and  drink  for  these  patients  should  be  light  and 
easily  digestible ;  simple,  yet  sufficiently  nourishing 
to  arrest  the  process  of  forming  new  unhealthy  secre- 
tions, and  improving  the  existing  ones.  Everything 
acid  or  salt  should  be  avoided.  The  water  applica- 
tions are  as  follows :  On  the  first  day  let  the  patient 
take  a  head  vapour-bath  and  a  lower  swathing;  on 
the  second  day  a  vapour  foot-bath  and  a  lower  swath- 
ing ;  on  the  third  morning,  again,  a  Spanish  mantle, 
and  a  short  swathincj  in  the  afternoon.  The  fourth 
day  should  be  a  day  of  rest,  all  applications  being 
suspended.  On  the  fifth  day  let  the  patient  remain 
in  bed,  and  rapidly  wash  over  the  body  with  cold 
water  every  two  hours.  Should  he  be  prevented  from 
staying  in  bed,  this  may  be  replaced  by  three  lava- 
tions  in  the  day,  followed  up  by  exercise.  The  appli- 
cations are  to  be  modified  and  gradually  lessened  in 
proportion  as  the  herpetic  eruption  begins  to  cease, 
and  the  formation  of  the  new  skin  progresses. 


HERPETIC   ERUPTIONS.  197 

Let  another  remark  find  place  here :  herpetic  erup- 
tions are  sometimes  classified  as  wet  or  dry  eruptions. 
For  either  kind  the  same  course  of  treatment  is  to  be 
observed.  The  two  complaints  are  really  identical, 
— the  dry  eruption,  in  which  the  moisture  is  trifling, 
and  soon  assumes  the  appearance  of  incrustations, 
being  the  lighter  form  of  the  disease ;  whereas  wet 
eruptions,  which  are  apt  to  pass  into  running  sores, 
are  graver,  more  troublesome,  and  dangerous  in  their 
eflects. 

The  consequences  of  violently  suppressed  herpetic 
eruptions  are  incalculable.  The  serious  diseases  to 
which  they  often  directly  give  rise  may  lead  to  a 
slow  decline,  often  ending  in  death,  or,  still  worse,  in 
insanity. 

A  theological  student  had  on  his  left  cheek  a  round 
disc,  as  though  drawn  with  a  mathematical  instrument. 
It  was  covered  with  a  crust  which,  like  a  lid,  lay  over 
the  raw  flesh,  and  was  raised  from  time  to  time  in 
order  to  let  out  two  or  three  drops  of  matter.  This 
gentleman's  face  was  full ;  on  the  head  some  little 
fistules  were  to  be  seen.  The  patient  had  consulted 
several  doctors  and  tried  various  remedies,  but  with- 
out success. 

My  question  as  to  whether  he  had  received  a  wound 
was  answered  in  the  negative :  tliis  thing  had  come 
spontaneously,  without  apparent  cause.  I  was  now 
clear  as  to  his  condition.  The  poisonous  matter 
proceeded  from  the  body. 

Fifteen  to  twenty  years  ago,  many  persons  used  to 
make  for  themselves  what  they  called  Fontanellen 
(little  fountains)  by  opening  out  a  small  hole  in  the 
flesh   of  arm    or   leo^.     This   hole,   which    was    never 


198  DISEASES. 

allowed  to  close,  served  as  issue  for  all  the  unhealthy 
matter  contained  in  the  body,  and  was  in  a  continual 
state  of  suppuration.  In  the  above-mentioned  case 
vigorous  Nature  had  herself  constructed  the  aperture, 
supplying  it  with  a  suitable  covering. 

For  seventeen  days  the  patient  had  to  take  a  head 
vapour  -  bath  every  second  day ;  likewise  as  often 
a  vapour  foot-bath.  These  were  assisted  by  the 
Spanish  mantle  and  the  short  swatliing,  in  sucli 
manner  that  each  day  two  or  three  applications  took 
place.  Tea  of  sage,  wormwood,  and  mint  assisted  the 
process  internally.  Beneath  the  crust  a  delicate  skin 
began  soon  to  form,  the  surest  sign  that  the  dissolving 
and  expelling  process  was  accomplished.  After  three 
weeks  it  was  no  longer  possible  to  discern  which  cheek 
had  been  the  affected  one. 

Hoarseness. 

A  girl  aged  eleven  had  so  completely  lost  her 
voice  for  several  months  that  she  could  only  make 
herself  understood  with  great  difficulty  in  a  hoarse 
croaking  fashion.  Her  complexion  was  pale,  the 
eyes  bluish,  and  her  appearance  emaciated  and  nerve- 
less. The  latent  heat  had  disappeared,  as  also  the 
appetite,  except  for  a  little  beer  or  wine. 

Within  two  months  the  girl  was  completely  cured 
by  means  of  the  following  applications : — 

1.  Walkiug  barefoot  in  wet  grass  from  two  to  four 
times  daily. 

2.  Three  to  four  times  weekly  a  wet  shawl. 

3.  Four  sitz-baths  every  week. 

4.  In  warm  weather,  during  the  last  three  weeks, 
bathing  in  sunny  water  three  times  weekly. 


HYPOCHONDRIASIS.  199 

The  diet  consisted  of  plain  homely  fare,  especially 
milk,  taken  in  table-spoonfnls,  one  every  hour. 

I  received  news  that  the  girl  is  now  quite  well  and 
healthy. 

A  priest  suffered  from  hoarseness,  which  regularly 
set  in  from  October  to  May.  He  tried  everything, 
consulted  various  doctors,  but  in  vain.  The  complaint 
remained  fixed  during  fourteen  years.  At  last  he 
sought  help  from  me,  and  got  it  in  a  wonderfully 
short  time. 

The  gentleman  was  made  to  stand  every  day  in 
water  reaching  above  the  knees,  and  simultaneously 
to  hold  his  arms  in  water.  Besides  this  he  under- 
took complete  lavations,  mostly  on  rising  in  the  morn- 
ing, or  at  night  from  bed. 

After  twelve  days  this  ancient  complaint  had 
vanished  completely,  and  has  not  reappeared  during 
sixteen  years. 

A  proof  of  how  thoroughly  water  can  cure. 

HyrOCHONDKIASIS. 

I  have  always  tlie  sincerest  compassion  for  hypo- 
chondriacs, whose  condition  is  often  ridiculed  and 
made  light  of  by  thoughtless  persons.  Eeally  these 
sufferers  deserve  our  greatest  pity  and  sympathy. 
On  beholding  one  of  these  I  always  ask  myself  the 
question,  "Was  this  hypochondriac  once  a  normal 
individual  ?  Was  there  a  time  when  he  thought 
sensibly  and  worked  diligently  ? "  If  the  answer  be 
affirmative,  then  it  were  folly  on  my  part  to  believe 
that  nothing  is  the  matter  with  this  man,  that  he 
merely  assumes  these  follies  in  order  to  torment 
himself  and  others.     Eather,  I  tell  myself,  some  trans- 


200  DISEASES. 

formation  must  have  taken  place  in  mind  or  body; 
something  must  be  seriously  amiss  in  order  to  cause 
these  symptoms.  And  then  I  say  to  myself,  "Let 
us  seek  to  heal  that  which  has  changed,  to  restore 
the  former  healthy  condition,  and  the  hypochondri- 
asis will  cease  of  its  own  accord."  Often  the  best  and 
most  active  persons,  who  have  fatigued  their  minds 
by  over-study,  fall  into  this  mental  condition. 

The  seat  of  hypochondriasis,  as  of  every  other  kind 
of  mental  disease,  should  in  my  opinion  be  sought  in 
the  sick  body.  Seek  to  rouse  the  indolent  system,  to 
fortify  whatever  is  weak,  restore  the  blood  to  its  nor- 
mal circulation,  and  the  cure  will  be  complete. 

I  knew  a  man  gifted  with  brilliant  talents.  Many 
years  he  lived  happily  in  his  vocation,  doing  with  ease 
and  enthusiasm  as  much  work  as  two  others.  Sud- 
denly he  turned  hypochondriac,  to  the  extent  of 
totally  neglecting  his  profession,  shunning  and  fearing 
everything,  and  flying  from  all  society. 

Instead  of  help  and  sympathy,  of  whicli  he  stood 
more  in  need  than  others,  daily  and  liourly  he  was 
met  with  ridicule,  and  the  contemptuous  judgment, 
"  You  are  just  a  hypochondriac  !  There  is  no  help  for 
you  ! "    Was  this  not  sufficient  to  crush  any  man  ? 

Strange  to  say,  this  gentleman  had  already  visited 
two  different  hydropathic  establishments,  whose  treat- 
ment had  only  increased  the  complaint.  The  applica- 
tions were  too  rough,  too  violent.  Instead  of  helping 
to  build  up  the  crumbling  edifice,  they  accelerated  its 
ruin. 

In  this  case  I  had  the  opportunity  of  convincing 
myself  that  water,  when  employed  in  the  mildest 
form,  really  achieves  tlie  greatest  results.     That  such 


INFLAMMATION,   GENERAL  REMARKS.  201 

a  complaint  cannot,  however,  be  removed  in  a  few  days, 
is  self-evident. 

The  most  suitable  w^ater  applications  consist  in 
complete  and  partial  lavations,  in  baths  (especially 
sitz-baths),  short  swathings,  and  finally  in  whole  baths. 

Inflammation,  General  Eemarks. 

A  boy  scarcely  yet  able  to  walk  sees  how  the  mother 
has  struck  a  light.  He  does  not  rest  until  he  too  has 
found  a  match  to  make  lire  with.  He  succeeds  in  so 
doing,  and  the  little  criminal  soon  contrives  to  burn 
down  the  liouse,  with  everything  it  contains. 

How  many  men  lie  now  in  the  churchyard  whose 
illness  began  by  a  tiny  spark  of  diseased  matter,  which 
spread  conflagration  throughout  the  body  as  the  spark 
turned  to  a  flame !  The  blood,  converging  from  all 
sides  to  the  affected  spot,  acted  like  oil  upon  the  flames. 
Proper  means  of  extinguishing  were  not  resorted  to, 
and  the  soul's  luckless  habitation  was  suffered  to 
perish  miserably.  Thousands  of  animals  are  thus 
annually  destroyed.  Thousands  of  men  meet  with  a 
similar  fate.  How  quickly  this  sometimes  happens  ! 
Your  throat  has  caught  fire  at  one  tiny  spot — it  is  in- 
flamed. A  rough  breeze  chances  to  come,  and  fans  the 
spark  to  a  flame ;  the  veins  supply  more  combustible 
matter,  and  in  a  few  hours  the  whole  throat  is  on  fire. 
Is  it  not  so  ?  What  should  we  do  ?  What  do  the 
people  do  when  there  is  a  fire  ?  They  give  the  alarm, 
and  seek  to  save  what  may  yet  be  saved.  Then,  if 
there  still  be  time,  they  seek  to  remove  all  combus- 
tible matter  from  the  neighbourhood  of  the  flames, 
and  set  to  spouting  water  with  the  fire-engine.  These 
hints  we  should  understand  and  take  to  heart. 


202  DISEASES. 

Whenever  an  inflammation  has  appeared,  we  shouki 
seek  to  arrest  the  conflux  of  blood  to  the  affected  part. 
We  thus  can  save  the  yet  healthy  blood  from  becomiuL:' 
inflamed.  Simultaneously  we  must  act  upon  the  seat 
of  the  evil,  in  order  to  dispel  the  agglomeration  of 
blood. 

To  return  to  the  subject  of  throat  inflammation. 
Touch  the  feet  and  see  if  they  be  not  icy  cold.  This  is 
often  the  case.  The  blood  has  left  the  feet  to  fly  to 
the  seat  of  inflammation  in  the  throat.  Wrap  the  feet 
in  linen  cloths  dipped  in  vinegar-and-water.  Returning 
warmth  will  soon  be  felt.  The  foot-swathing  draws 
down  the  blood,  and  already  some  of  the  combustible 
matter  has  been  removed.  Then  seek  to  lead  back 
the  blood  to  its  proper  seat  in  the  abdomen.  This  is 
done  by  placing  similar  cloths,  dipped  in  vinegar-and- 
water,  on  the  lower  body.  These  compresses  should 
be  renewed  whenever  the  cloths  have  absorbed  much 
heat.  By  this  time  a  good  deal  of  inflammable  matter 
will  have  been  expelled,  and  the  throat  itself  may  be 
next  attacked.  Dip  a  cloth  in  the  very  coldest  water, 
and  wind  round  the  neck,  but  do  not  let  the  clotli 
become  too  hot,  which  would  only  tend  to  produce 
fresh  heat  in  the  body,  and  so  defeat  its  own  end. 

]\Iy  thirty  years'  experience  has  taught  me  to  reject 
the  practice  of  Priessnitz  and  his  followers,  of  keeping 
on  the  compress  the  whole  night  undisturbed,  having 
frequently  found  its  effect  to  be  more  pernicious  than 
salutary.  The  compress  should,  on  the  contrary,  be 
changed  as  often  as  it  has  absorbed  heat.  The  patient's 
own  feeling  will  usually  be  the  best  counsellor  as  to 
how  often  this  should  be  done. 


influenza.  203 

Influenza.^ 

Tliou<;li  much  has  been  written  about  influenza,  no 
remedy  has  yet  been  suggested  by  means  of"  which  this 
malady  may  be  quickly  and  surely  cured.  The  germs 
of  this  illness  are  believed  to  be  in  the  atmosphere, 
and  then  it  is  with  influenza  as  with  other  epidemics 
wliich  are  conveyed  by  the  air.  In  my  opinion,  in- 
fluenza is  almost  identical  with  the  complaint  uni- 
versally known  as  "  Grippe "  among  the  people.  It 
is  mostly  caused  by  a  rapid  change  of  temperature 
from  cold  to  warm,  or  mce  versa,  and  living  as  we 
do,  in  a  degenerate  age,  many  persons  are  apt  to  be 
affected  by  these  abrupt  transitions  of  nature.  The 
cold  of  the  atmosphere  comes  in  collision  with  the 
body's  latent  heat,  and  in  the  ensuing  struggle  the 
latter  is  often  vanquished,  more  especially  by  reason 
of  the  heavy  artificial  coverings  worn  about  head  and 
throat.  The  throat  is  attacked  by  inflammation,  which 
^^preads  to  head  and  chest.  Anally  to  the  entire  body. 
I  will  here  illustrate  the  symptoms  of  this  illness  by 
means  of  an  example. 

A  man-servant  came  to  me  and  said :  "  Yesterday 
evening  I  was  quite  well,  and  felt  not  the  slightest 
symptoms  of  indisposition.  To-day  I  am  half  paralysed, 
so  that  I  am  scarcely  able  to  walk :  my  legs  tremble 
under  me ;  I  have  a  dreadful  headache,  and  am 
quite  dizzy.  In  the  throat  there  is  such  a  burning 
and  stabbiniT  that  I  cannot  swallow." 

o 

To  the  man  thus  suddenly  attacked  by  influenza  I 
gave  the  following  advice  : — 

^  At  the  time  when  the  influenza  epidemic  broke  out  in  the 
winter  of  1889-90,  Pfarrer  Kneipp  published  these  directions  for  sub- 
duing the  malady. — Translator's  note. 


204  DISEASES. 

"  Go  to  bed  at  once ;  wash  your  neck,  chest,  and 
whole  upper  body  with  very  cold  water,  and  tie  a  dry 
linen  towel  about  your  neck.  Cov^er  yourself  up 
warmly,  but  not  over  heavily.  Continue  to  wash 
yourself  in  this  manner  every  hour  for  ten  hours. 
Then  completely  wash  over  the  entire  body  with  cold 
water  as  rapidly  as  possible."  After  this  complete 
lavation,  there  broke  out  such  a  violent  perspiration 
that  the  patient  was  drenched  with  it  all  over  as 
he  lay  in  bed,  and  with  this  perspiration  the  last  re- 
mains of  the  disease  were  likewise  swept  away:  the 
patient  had  regained  his  former  peasant  vigour. 

Some  persons  may  be  inclined  to  ask  how  these 
simple  remedies  sufficed  to  cure  the  disease.  Listen, 
readers :  The  cold  had  conquered  in  the  throat,  and 
occasioned  inflammation.  Hardly  had  this  formed, 
than  the  blood  all  rushed  to  the  seat  of  confla^ra- 
tion.  There  was  an  undue  conflux  of  blood  to  head 
and  throat;  the  extremities  were  cold  and  bloodless. 
By  means  of  the  lavations  the  pores  of  the  skin  were 
opened,  and  new  heat  restored,  especially  through  the 
swathing  of  the  dry  towel.  This  caused  an  effluence 
from  head  and  throat,  by  which  means  all  unwhole- 
some matter  was  drawn  from  the  system.  Internally 
a  spoonful  of  water  was  administered  every  hour  to 
the  patient.  This  likewise  served  to  dissolve  and 
expel.  As  washing  and  swathing  with  the  linen 
cloth  on  the  upper  body,  in  like  manner  the  complete 
lavation  acted  upon  the  whole  body,  opening  the  pores 
and  increasing  the  latent  heat.  The  warm  bed  thus 
removed  all  unwholesome  matter  contained  in  the  sys- 
tem, and  eighteen  hours  sufficed  completely  to  expel 
this  unwelcome  guest. 


INSANITY.  205 

Insanity. 

How  fearful,  is  it  not,  when  some  one  is  afflicted  by 
darkness  of  the  mind!   when  man  is  no  longer  man, 
but   rather  resembles  the  unreasoning  beast!    Fifty, 
forty,   thirty  years    ago,   mental    diseases    were    the 
exception;   to-day   (it   is   a   well-known   fact)    their 
number  is  terribly  on  the  increase.     The  mad-houses 
— however  numerous  they  may  be — are  crowded,  and 
in   some  places   whole  new  suburbs  have  been  built 
outside  the  towns  for  receiving  the  insane.     There  are, 
however,  many  persons  afflicted  with  partial  insanity, 
who  suffer  much,  and  whose  condition  receives  little 
attention  and  help.     In  truth  I  may  say  that  I  have 
been  able  to  assist  a  large  number  of  these  unfortunates, 
who  came  to  seek  relief  and  solace  of  me,  and  with 
peculiar  love  and  care  I  have  always  felt  myself  espe- 
cially drawn  to  these  neglected  and  hopeless  beings. 
They  were  not  ill  enough  for  the  asylum,  but  unfit  for 
any  responsible  employment.     Indescribable,  unspeak- 
able, innumerable,  and  various  are  the  troubles  of  these 
disordered    minds.     As   on    a   summer   day,   in    the 
burning  heat  at  noon,  the  midges  swarm  most  wildly  in 
the  air,  so  the  most  incongruous  thoughts  keep  throng- 
ing and  revolving  in  the  heated  brain  of  these  poor 
reatures.     Some  of  tliem  have  taken  a  sudden  aversion 
10  their  formerly  beloved  occupation ;  others  refuse  to 
pray.     Fear  or  hatred  of  men  has  taken  possession  of 
the   one,  hatred   of   his  own  self  pursues   the  other; 
hankering  after  suicide  afflicts  many,  &c.     The  heads 
and  their  contents  are  as  ditlerent  as  are  the  poor  in- 
dividuals from  each  other. 

In  every  patient  who  came  to  consult  me,  in  the 


206  DISEASES. 

course  of  my  thirty  years'  practice,  I  was  able  to  dis- 
cover some  reason  for  his  complaint.  Either  the 
disease  was  hereditary,  or  else  it  was  caused  by  some 
direct  bodily  complaint ;  often,  too,  from  a  disordered 
mode  of  life. 

Upon  one  point  I  must  lay  stress,  as  deceptions  are 
apt  to  occur.  Those  who  treat  such  complaints  should 
strive  to  remain  as  cool-headed  and  impartial  as  possible 
in  judging  a  case.  I  cannot  sufficiently  warn  against 
the  foolish  rashness  with  which  many  are  apt  to  jump 
to  the  conclusion  that  some  supernatural,  more  especi- 
ally diabolical,  influence  must  be  here  implicated.  Even 
in  cases  when  any  one  might  have  believed  Satan 
himself  to  be  in  possession  of  the  patient's  body,  a 
simple  cold  gush  was  often  sufficient  to  chase  away 
the  devil. 

In  my  whole  practice  I  never  met  with  a  single  case 
in  which  natural  means,  properly  employed,  were  not 
effective.  I  hold  firmly  to  my  faith,  and  to  the  doctrim- 
of  the  supernatural,  as  to  my  lifeboat,  and,  so  God 
help  me,  I  will  never  give  up  a  hair's-breadth  of  my 
convictions.  But  never  would  I  give  a  handle  to  tlie 
enemies  of  my  faith,  by  exposing  my  religion  to  de- 
risive attacks. 

Those  whom  this  may  concern,  will  understand 
what  I  mean.     Here  is  an  example: — 

A  brother  brought  to  me  his  sister,  who  declared 
that  in  her  breast  resided  the  evil  spirit.  She  knew 
much  about  the  devil,  but  he  knew  all  about  her,  even 
her  most  inmost  thoughts  ;  he  governed,  led,  and  com- 
manded her :  her  brother  was  a  fool,  stupider  still  was 
the  priest,  and  the  doctor  the  greatest  fool  of  the  three. 
Why  ?     "  Because  they  always  say  I  should  get  a  new 


INSANITY.  207 

J  lead,  give  up  my  follies,  and  obey  them.  But  if  once 
the  devil  has  got  possession  of  me,"  continued  the 
])atient,  *'  then  the  head  is  no  longer  able  to  govern." 
I  can  scarcely  describe  how  violently  and  wildly  the 
unfortunate  girl  stormed  and  railed  against  the  three 
persons  she  had  named. 

If  they  had  had  the  sense,  knowing  lier  condition, 
to  be  silent,  they  would  not  thus  have  excited  her, 
and  I  should  have  had  an  easier  part  to  play. 

With  such  patients  everything  depends  upon  the 
manner  of  treatment.  I  therefore  refrained  from  con- 
tradicting the  girl,  and  merely  said,  "Yes,  verily,  your 
interior  is  in  a  sad  condition."  This  satisfied  the 
patient,  and  I  had  won  her  to  my  side  by  inspiring 
confidence,  as  her  answer  showed :  "  If  one  refuses 
to  believe  that  the  devil  is  inside  me,  then  natur- 
ally he  is  incapable  of  driving  him  out." 

This  confidence  once  gained,  half  the  battle  is  won, 
and  the  patient  more  than  half  cured.  She  took  sub- 
missively tlie  medicines  I  gave,  and  applied  the  water 
as  I  directed.  In  six  weeks  she  was  completely  cured. 
It  may  interest  some  readers  to  know  what  had  really 
been  the  matter  with  this  person.  Her  appearance 
was  very  wild.  Her  features  were  sunken,  the  hands 
old,  the  feet  still  colder ;  she  felt  a  heavy  pressure  on 
the  chest,  and  aversion  to  all  food.  All  blood  seemed 
1 0  have  concentrated  itself  on  the  chest.  The  first  task 
onsisted  in  regulating  the  circulation,  and  restoring 
equal  warmth  and  general  activity  to  the  system. 
In  order  to  attain  this,  the  patient  was  made  to  stand 
laily  twice  in  water  reaching  above  the  calves,  for 
two  minutes  each  time,  after  which  she  took  strong 
exercise  until  the  feet  were  thoroughly  warm;   like- 


208  DISEASES. 

wise  twice  daily  she  held  her  whole  arms  in  water  for 
two  minutes,  succeeded  by  exercise  as  before.  Twice 
daily,  when  lying  in  bed,  chest,  back,  and  lower  body 
were  vigorously  washed  over  with  vinegar-and-water. 
These  applications  were  continued  for  fourteen  days. 
The  violent  excitement  subsided,  although  the  devil 
still  continued  to  haunt  her  disordered  head.  The 
sunken  features  began  to  revive.  After  fourteen  days 
I  increased  the  strength  of  the  applications.  The 
patient  received  lower  swa things,  alternately  with 
semi-baths  (only  half  a  minute)  and  the  Spanish 
mantle.  These  three  applications  were  continued  for 
about  three  weeks.  After  the  third  week  the  cure 
consisted  in  one  complete  lavation,  and  one  short 
swathing  of  one  hour  weekly.  In  this  manner  the 
quondam  devil  was  expelled,  and  the  former  excite- 
ment exchanged  for  undisturbed  peace  and  calm. 

Poor  parents  brought  to  me  their  boy,  aged  ten,  and 
related  as  follows :  "  As  often  as  the  church  bells  begin 
to  ring,  the  boy  breaks  out  into  the  wildest  ravings 
and  curses  that  we  have  ever  heard.  He  continues  to 
curse  and  swear  till  he  sees  the  last  church-goer  enter 
the  church,  then  he  stops.  As  soon,  however,  as  ser- 
vice is  ended,  and  the  congregation  begins  to  flock  out, 
he  begins  again  to  curse,  and  curses  on  until  there  is  n<i 
one  more  to  be  seen.  When  we  pray,  then  he  curses,  and 
when  we  stop  praying  then  he  also  stops.  It  is  fear- 
ful, your  reverence!  Whatever  we  try  is  of  no  use 
and  all  admonitions  only  serve  to  increase  his  violenc« 
He  once  seized  his  mother  in  both  arms  as  with  claw- 
and  shook  her  so  violently  that  we  never  thought  a 
boy  could  possess  so  much  strength.  Many  doctors 
have  been  consulted,  but  they  availed  nothing.     He 


INSANITY.  209 

was  also  blessed  (by  a  priest),  but  that  only  made  him 
curse  tlie  more  violently,"  &c. 

Tlie  boy  had  a  singular  appearance— an  unhealthy 
complexion,  his  features  wildly  distorted,  his  hair 
stood  on  end  like  a  hedgehog's  quills.  When  I  en- 
deavoured to  feel  his  hand,  he  wanted  to  spring  at  my 
face.  Two  priests  who  had  seen  this  terrible  condition 
said,  "  Whoever  believes  in  possession  of  the  devil 
must  say,  This  is  it." 

I  judged  the  complaint  to  be  a  purely  natural  one — 
nor  was  I  mistaken.  In  six  weeks'  time  the  poor 
child  was  completely  cured.  I  made  the  boy  put  on 
daily  for  one  to  one  and  a  half  hour  a  shirt  dipped  in 
salt  and  water,  and  likewise  daily  caused  him  to  be 
washed  over  with  a  mixture  of  vinegar -and -water. 
This  was  continued  for  fourteen  days.  In  the  third 
week  the  applications  were  as  follows :  On  the  first 
day  the  wet  salt  shirt  as  above  directed ;  on  the  second 
a  warm  bath  (95°  F.)  for  half  an  hour,  terminated  by 
a  plunge  in  cold  water  of  half  a  minute ;  on  the  third 
day  a  complete  lavation.  So  on  for  two  weeks  further. 
In  the  fifth  week  one  wet  shirt  was  sufficient,  and  in 
the  sixth  and  last,  a  warm  bath,  succeeded  by  a  rapid 
cold  plunge. 

The  cure  was  quickly  accomplished,  the  cold  body 
became  warm  again,  the  lost  appetite  returned,  and  all 
uncanny  symptoms  disappeared. 

Some  readers  may  ask,  "  Why  does  not  the  pastor 
employ  cold  douches  for  these  complaints,  such  as  are 
in  general  use  for  violent  maniacs  in  many  mad- 
houses ? "  My  humble  opinion  is,  that  in  order  to  cap- 
ture a  fox  the  hunter  should  not  discharge  his  gun 
close  to  the  entrance  of  the  animal's  hole,  but  should 

0 


210  DISEASES. 

rather  seek  to  decoy  the  wily  reynard  from  his  lair 
by  means  of  some  tempting  bait,  as  of  a  fowl  or  suck- 
ing-pig. Listen,  then,  dear  reader !  Where  a  disease 
exists,  there,  too,  must  exist  unhealthy  matter.  To 
dissolve  and  expel  tliis  is  tantamount  to  luring  out 
and  capturing  the  fox.  A  douche,  however,  neither 
dissolves  nor  expels.  When  once  the  unhealthy 
matter  has  been  removed,  then  light  douches  may 
render  good  service,  and  I  frequently  made  use  of 
them. 

Itch. 

This  disgusting  complaint  may  cause  much  havoc, 
both  outside  and  inside  the  body. 

A  man,  aged  twenty  -  eight,  whose  appearance  re- 
sembled a  worm-eaten  board,  once  came  to  consult 
me.  He  had  failed  to  find  help  anywhere,  and  no  one 
knew  what  was  the  matter  with  him.  I  asked  the 
patient  whether  in  his  youth  he  had  ever  been  afflicted 
with  itch  ?  He  answered  in  the  affirmative,  adding  that 
he  had  been  cured  of  it  within  three  days ;  but  that 
might  heaven  preserve  him  from  such  another  cure ! 

In  these  repulsive  complaints,  which  more  than  any 
other  denote  the  presence  of  poisonous  germs  in  the 
system,  the  rule  holds  good  to  expel  all  superfluous 
matter  from  the  body. 

With  a  view  to  this  our  patient  took  daily  for  three 
days  in  succession  a  warm  bath  (106°  F.)  with  fir-tree 
decoction.  A  thorough  soaping  did  excellent  service, 
by  opening  the  pores  and  removing  dirt.  After  the 
baths  were  given,  complete  lavations  at  night  from  bed 
during  the  first  week,  and  a  fourth  warm  bath  termin- 
ated by  a  cold  lavation.  In  the  second  week  a  warm 
bath  with  cold  lavation,  and  a  cold  semi-bath  with 


JAUNDICE.  211 

lavation  of  the  upper  body.  In  tlie  third  week  a  cold 
whole  bath,  and  in  future  every  month  or  two  a  couple 
of  warm  baths.  Should  the  complaint  prove  obstinate, 
then  the  two  last  applications  might  be  continued. 
Even  one  warm  bath  taken  weekly  might  render  good 
service. 

In  six  weeks  our  unfortunate  patient  was  cured, 
and  able  to  select  a  profession.  His  health  continues 
to  be  excellent,  and  the  former  complaint  has  never 
reappeared. 

This  is  the  treatment  for  suppressed  itch,  which  has 
been  driven  from  the  surface  to  the  interior. 

AYhoever  suffers  from  external  itch  should  take  a 
warm  bath  (106°  to  109°  F.)  and  rub  himself  well  with 
sharp  soap.  Tiie  so-called  green  soap,  to  be  procured 
in  any  pharmacy,  is  best.  After  a  quarter  of  an 
hour  let  him  wash  himself  over  with  clean  water  (hot 
or  cold)  and  common  soap.  The  most  effective  plan 
would  be  for  the  patient  to  take  a  second  warm  bath 
on  the  back  of  the  firsts  terminated  by  warm  or  cold 
lavation. 

As  itch  may  often  be  conveyed  by  articles  of  cloth- 
ing, linen,  &c.,  great  care  must  be  taken  thoroughly  to 
change  all  clothes,  bed  and  body  linen,  &c.,  after  the 
bath.  If  this  is  not  done,  all  applications  will  be 
in  vain. 

In  three  to  four  days,  itch  may  be  cured  in  this 
fashion. 

Jaundice. 

The  gall-bladder  is  situated  in  the  liver,  and  from 
thence  the  gall  flows  into  two  canals.  In  these  canals 
there  sometimes  form  indurations  proceeding  from  the 
liver,  and  called  gall  -  stones.      These   may  occasion 


212  DISEASES. 

obstruction  in  the  flow  of  gall;  but  sometimes  an 
accident,  such  as  a  blow  or  pressure,  may  divert  some 
portion  of  gall  from  its  proper  canal  and  cause  it  to 
mix  with  the  blood.  This  is  the  origin  of  jaundice, 
which  also  frequently  follows  after  a  severe  illness, 
such  as  typhus  fever,  &c.  Sometimes,  again,  the  liver 
itself  is  affected,  and  the  blood  in  consequence  is 
diseased  and  gradually  poisoned.  If  jaundice  be  pro- 
duced by  any  accident,  or  should  be  the  result  of  a 
foregoing  illness,  it  is  usually  of  small  importance ; 
but  if  it  be  derived  from  a  liver  complaint,  it  will  not 
unfrequently  prove  fatal.  The  first  signs  of  jaundice 
are  to  be  seen  in  the  white  of  the  eye,  then  in  the 
skin,  in  the  stools  and  urine.  The  appetite  is  mostly 
impaired,  and  the  taste  vitiated. 

If  the  liver  be  sound,  then  the  complaint  will  not 
be  difficult  to  heal.  As  internal  medicine  I  par- 
ticularly recommend  three  or  four  spoonfuls  of  worm- 
wood-tea, taken  three  or  four  times  daily,  or  else  a  pinch 
of  wormwood -powder  in  six  to  ten  spoonfuls  of  hot 
water.  A  tea  made  of  sage  and  wormwood  mixed 
will  render  excellent  service. 

Six  peppercorns  swallowed  daily  with  the  food,  is 
likewise  a  good  means  of  promoting  digestion.  Sobriety 
in  eating  and  drinking  is  much  to  be  recommended. 
Milk  is  an  excellent  nourishment  in  this  disease. 

The  best  water  applications  are :  two  or  three  times 
weekly  a  short  swathing,  and  a  complete  lavation  at 
night  taken  from  bed.  The  yellow  colour  often 
remains  fixed  for  several  weeks,  but  is  by  no  means 
dangerous.  As  a  stuff  cannot  be  bleached  all  at  once 
of  its  colour,  so  it  is  with  jaundice.  If,  however,  the 
yellow  hue  becomes  intensified,  and  gradually  deepens 


KIDNEYS,    DISEASES   OF  THE.  213 

10  brown  or  even  black,  if  tlie  appetite  steadily  de- 
crease, if  there  be  a  universal  burning  and  itching 
throufjhout  the  skin,  and  if  the  emaciation  be  on  the 
increase,  then  it  is  much  to  be  apprehended  that  the 
liver  is  fatally  attacked,  and  that  induration  or  cancer 
of  the  liver  may  have  set  in. 

Kidneys,  Disease  of  the. 

A  peasant  related :  "  I  am  as  wretched  as  I  appear 
to  be  strong  and  stout.  I  cannot  work,  am  always 
inflated,  and  the  difficulty  in  breathing  is  often  so 
great  that  I  dread  suffocation.  In  bed  I  toss  from 
side  to  side  without  being  able  to  sleep.  My  urine  is 
mostly  thick  and  mixed  with  blood.  I  have  frequently 
a  violent  sense  of  burning  in  the  bladder.  I  have 
liad  various  doctors.  One  of  these  said  that  I  was  suffer- 
ing from  a  liver  complaint  and  had  gall-stones.  A 
second  one  declared  it  to  be  a  distension  of  the  kidneys. 
A  third  one  found  the  seat  of  the  illness  in  the  stomach!" 

The  following  applications  were  prescribed  to  the 
almost   despairing  man  : — 

1.  In  the  week,  two  warm  baths  of  boiled  oat-straw 
decoction  (100°  to  104°  F.),  with  threefold  transition 
into  cold  water  (ten  minutes  in  the  warm,  one  minute 
in  the  cold  water). 

2.  Two  short  swathings  weekly,  likewise  dipped  in 
oat-straw  decoction,  one  and  a  half  hour. 

3.  Daily  tw^o  cupfuls  of  shave-grass  tea  with  juniper- 
berries,  boiled  for  ten  minutes. 

In  six  weeks  the  man  was  perfectly  cured.  His 
body  is  normal,  the  large  belly  disappeared,  the  brown- 
yellow  complexion  has  given  place  to  a  healthy  col- 
our ;  he  has  likewise  regained  his  former  stren<][th. 


214  diseases. 

Knee,  Inflamed. 

A  woman,  tliirty  years  old,  had  a  violent  inflamma- 
tion from  the  ankle  to  above  the  knee.  The  swelling 
was  sometimes  very  painful,  quite  hard  and  hot.  The 
patient  employed  various  remedies  during  half  a  year, 
amongst  others  a  bandage  of  plaster  of  Paris  for  twelve 
weeks,  and  a  second  one  for  eio^ht  weeks.  The  con- 
dition  was  so  aggravated  that  she  could  no  longer  put 
her  foot  to  the  ground,  the  knee  in  particular  being 
acutely  painfuh  As  everything  had  been  attempted 
in  vain,  she  made  a  trial  with  infused  hot  hay-flowers 
bandaofed  over  from  the  ankle  to  the  middle  of  the 
thigh.  The  pains  soon  ceased,  and  when  the  swelling 
was  reduced  by  one-half,  affusions  were  applied  to  the 
suffering  limb  every  second  day.  After  eight  weeks 
the  woman  began  to  use  her  leg  again,  and  was  soon 
able  to  resume  her  hard  work. 

Lungs,  Emphysema. 

It  frequently  happens  that  people  in  the  prime  of 
life  suffer  from  difficulty  in  breathing,  and  have  some- 
times the  painful  and  alarming  sensation  of  being 
about  to  be  suffocated. 

Such  persons  are  often  tolerably  corpulent,  and  of 
habits  calculated  to  increase  the  evil.  The  principal 
cause  of  the  complaint  is  usually  a  general  weakness  of 
the  system,  which  is  mostly  languid,  indolent,  and 
bloodless.  I  would  compare  such  persons  to  a  machine 
whose  individual  parts  are  intact ;  but  whose  strength 
is  not  adapted  to  the  work  it  has  to  jjerform.  Further 
causes  of  the  complaint  are  almost  invariably  un- 
healthy gases,  which,  forming  in  the  abdomen,  exercise 


LUNGS,  EMPHYSEMA.  215 

a  pressure  upon  tlie  upper  organs.  The  first  step 
towards  removing  the  complaint  will  be  to  expel 
these  noxious  gases,  the  second  to  brace  and  harden 
the  system,  and  strengthen  it  by  means  of  a  simple 
nourishing  diet.  My  thirty  years'  experience  has 
taught  me  that  this  complaint  may,  if  neglected, 
turn  to  Bright's  disease. 

A  'gentleman,  under  forty  and  tolerably  stout,  used 
occasionally  to  have  such  violent  suffocating  fits  that  he 
lived  in  apprehension  of  not  surviving  one  or  two  more 
such  attacks.  His  doctor  was  of  the  same  opinion. 
The  lack  of  breath  was  so  great  that  the  sounds  pro- 
duced by  the  patient  in  breathing  were  heard  through 
the  ceiling  in  the  lower  storey  of  the  house.  These 
attacks  of  breathlessness  were  tolerably  lengthy,  and 
used  to  leave  the  patient  perfectly  weak  and  exhausted. 
After  he  had  rallied,  he  felt  quite  strong  and  healthy. 
Sometimes  the  attacks  were  suspended  for  several 
days,  only  to  return  again  with  renewed  violence. 

This  gentleman  had  a  strong  aversion  to  cold  water, 
and  could  only  be  persuaded  to  have  recourse  to  it 
when  all  other  means  had  failed.  For  six  wrecks  he 
made  use  of  various  applications.  The  cure  was  so 
complete  that  the  attacks  never  returned,  and  the 
gentleman  has  since — it  is  now  sixteen  years  ago — 
been  in  full  enjoyment  of  excellent  health. 

For  several  days  the  patient  took  a  tea  which  had 
the  effect  of  promoting  profuse  but  painless  stools  :  he 
then  made  use  of  the  short  swathing,  upper  and  lower 
compress,  and  finally  of  the  semi  and  complete  bath, 
each  for  the  space  of  one  minute.  The  Spanish  mantle 
likewise  did  good  service.  The  applications  were  most 
efficacious  when  employed  in  the  following  order : — 


2 1 6  DISEASES. 

First,  the  short  swatlimg,  which  began  to  expel  the 
gases  and  to  remove  and  dissolve  their  causes;  then 
the  upper  and  lower  compress,  a  continuation  of  the 
first  application,  which  likewise  tends  to  strengthen 
the  system;  furthermore,  the  Spanish  mantle — this 
draws  out  the  latent  matter  through  the  skin ;  finally, 
semi-baths,  to  brace  the  system. 

A  priest  had  suffered  from  severe  inflannnation  of 
the  lungs,  which  had  left  emphysema  behind  it,  and 
a  violent  cough  inexpressibly  painful  to  hear.  His 
appearance  indicated  suffering ;  the  appetite  poor,  and 
the  strength  diminishing.  The  lungs  might  still  be 
cured,  the  doctors  declared. 

The  applications  employed  during  fourteen  days 
were  as  follows : — 

1.  Every  day  two  upper  affusions. 

2.  Walking  in  water,  twice  daily  from  three  to  five 
minutes. 

3.  A  shawl  thrice  weekly. 

4.  Every  second  day  a  sitz-bath  of  one  minute. 

As  internal  medicine  the  patient  was  to  take  a  de- 
coction of  fenugreek  boiled  with  honey,  a  spoonful 
every  hour. 

The  effect  of  the  affusions  was  to  strengthen  the 
whole  upper  body.  At  first  the  cough  grew  stronger, 
and  much  glutinous  matter  was  discliarged.  After 
three  days,  cough  and  expectoration  diminished,  and 
in  twelve  days  only  a  very  little  glutinous  matter  re- 
mained. This  was  finally  entirely  removed  by  the 
further  applications  of  upper  affusion,  knee  affusion, 
and  tea  of  nettle  and  ribwort.  After  three  weeks  the 
cure  was  complete. 


LUNGS,  INFLAMMATION   OF.  217 

Lungs,  Inflammation  of. 

Margaretha  is  lying  in  bed.  She  has  a  racking  dry 
cough,  accompanied  by  nausea,  and  the  heat  increases 
hourly.  She  feels  a  burning  stabbing  pain  in  the 
chest,  and  at  one  side.  The  doctor  declares  inflamma- 
tion of  the  lungs  to  be  impending.  How  can  the 
patient  be  relieved?  Every  child  is  aware  that  a 
sponge  is  capable  of  absorbing  and  retaining  much 
water.  Are  there  no  means  e^cisting  by  which,  as 
water  is  absorbed  by  a  sponge,  so  the  heat  may  be 
extracted  from  the  body  ?  Yes,  there  are  such  means, 
and  they  lie  close  at  hand.  Every  peasant-woman  in 
our  country  knows  tlie  Topfenkäs,  made  out  of  curdled 
milk.^  This  cheese,  together  with  a  little  of  the  whey, 
is  rubbed  to  a  fine  paste,  spread  upon  linen,  and 
applied  to  the  aftected  spot,  from  whence  the  heat  and 
inflammation  threaten  to  spread.  I  know  of  no  other 
remedy  which  has  such  power  to  extract  the  heat.  I 
have  seen  the  greatest  heats  arrested  and  extinguished 
by  tliis  means,  if  daily  repeated  from  two  to  four 
times,  according  to  necessity.  I  am  acquainted  with 
many  persons  who  owe  their  life  to  this  simple  remedy. 
To  still  the  internal  heat,  the  patient  should  swallow 
twice  daily  a  spoonful  of  olive-oil. 

Should  these  two  remedies  prove  ineffectual,  and  the 
heat  still  continue  unabated,  then  water  applications 
may  be  resorted  to.  The  patient's  whole  body  up  to 
the  armpits  should  be  wrapped  in  a  wet  sheet  (lower 
swathing),  and   this   repeated   twice   daily.     Or   else 

^  Curdled  milk  is  placed  upon  the  warm  hearth.  It  resolves  itself 
iuto  a  thick  and  watery  substance.  The  liquid  part  is  the  topfen 
water,  the  firm  substance  is  known  by  the  name  of  Topfenkäs. 


218  DISEASES. 

the  feet  can  be  swathed  above  the  ankle  in  cloths 
dipped  in  vinegar-and-water,  and  these  renewed  as 
often  as  they  have  become  warm.  The  cloths  may- 
be replaced  by  wet  socks,  with  dry  ones  drawn  over 
them. 

If  the  sick  Margaretha  makes  use  of  this  plaster 
during  three  to  live  days,  from  the  very  beginning  of 
the  illness,  she  can  be  completely  cured  within  six  to 
seven,  or  at  the  longest  nine  to  ten  days. 

Other  parts  of  the  body  may  be  attacked  by  in- 
flammation as  well  as  the  lungs.  We  speak  of  in- 
flammation of  the  chest,  diaphragm,  abdomen,  &c.  To 
all  of  these  apply  the  same  treatment  as  given  above 
— viz.,  arrest  and  divert  the  conflux  of  blood,  and  ex- 
tract the  heat  from  the  affected  spot  by  the  influence 
of  cold. 

I  was  once  called  at  midnight  to  a  sick  man. 
He  could  hardly  breathe.  Cough  and  retching  were 
very  great.  In  the  chest,  especially  at  one  side,  he 
had  the  sensation  of  being  stabbed  by  knives.  I  did 
not  prepare  him  for  death,  as  his  relatives  requested 
me  to  do,  but  caused  him  instead  to  be  wrapped  up  to 
the  armpits  in  wet  linen  cloths  (lower  swathing),  and 
applied  a  cheese-plaster  to  the  painful  spot.  That 
relieved  him.  This  treatment  was  continued  for  six 
days,  and  the  patient  was  out  of  danger. 

Migraine,  or  Megrim. 

Migraine  (or  megi'im),  or  the  semi-headache,  is  a 
peculiarly  feminine  complaint,  which,  however,  is  often 
shared  by  the  strongest  men,  especially  such  as  are 
addicted  to  much  severe  mental  labour.  Many  a  one 
has  been  reassured  by  the  doctor's  verdict,  "  Do  not  be 


NERVOUS  COMPLAINT.  219 

alarmed ;  no  fool  ever  gets  a  migraine."  This  com- 
plaint is  often  caused  by  imperfect  circulation,  more 
frequently  still  by  disturbing  influences  proceeding 
from  the  stomach  and  abdomen. 

Mic^raine  often  follows  in  the  tram  of  severe  illness, 
when  nature  has  not  yet  completely  recovered,  nor  the 
organs  regained  their  normal  action.  Migraine  may 
also  be  hereditary. 

This  headache  is  easy  to  cure.  If  it  proceed  from 
unhealthy  gases,  it  will  mostly  suffice  vigorously  to 
rub  the  abdomen  with  very  cold  water  two  to  four 
times  a-day  for  two  or  three  days  in  succession.  Not 
only  are  the  gases  often  expelled  by  this  simple  pro- 
cess, but  it  acts  directly  on  the  stools,  and  not  infre- 
quently restores  complete  order.  The  effect  will  be 
still  stronger  if  some  vinegar  or  salt  be  mixed  with  the 
water. 

Should  these  applications  not  prove  strong  enough, 
then  two  or  three  semi-baths  may  be  taken  within 
a  week.  These  ought  to  suffice.  The  patient  may 
simultaneously  take  some  tea  calculated  to  destroy  or 
expel  the  gases.  Caraway  or  fennel,  prepared  as  tea, 
has  an  excellent  effect.  Other  little  household  reme- 
dies are  not  to  be  despised.  Five  drops  of  lavender-oil 
upon  sugar  will  render  the  same  service.  Many  have 
obtained  relief  from  six  to  eight  juniper-berries,  taken 
at  intervals  during  the  day. 

Nervous  Complaint. 

A  priest  related  as  follows : — 

"  In  consequence  of  great  excitement,  anxiety,  and 
fright,  I  got  a  complaint  towards  the  end  of  July  1884, 
which  declared  itself  by  frequent  palpitations  of  the 


220  DISEASES. 

heart,  shortness  of  breath,  and  general  weakness.  The 
palpitations  ceased  after  some  months ;  but  in  exchange 
I  got  other  complaints — violent  attacks  of  asthma,  and 
frequent  painful  pressure  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
ribs,  and  sometimes  in  the  spinal  marrow.  I  often  ex- 
perience the  greatest  weakness  and  weariness  in  all 
my  limbs,  and  pain  in  the  joints.  Constipation  and 
flatulency  also  trouble  me.  My  voice  is  so  much 
weakened  that  simple  speaking  occasions  breathless- 
ness  and  asthma,  and  it  is  quite  impossible  to  use 
the  voice  consecutively  for  any  length  of  time.  During 
the  whole  time  I  am  afflicted  with  pressure  on  the 
head,  dizziness,  sometimes  violent  headache,  so  that  I 
am  scarcely  able  to  think,  and  am  quite  incapable  of 
any  mental  work.  Every  trifle  excites  me,  and  greatly 
increases  the  pressure  on  the  chest  and  head.  Deep 
melancholy  has  attacked  my  spirit,  and  I  sometimes 
almost  despair.  The  doctors  declare  my  malady  to  be 
a  nervous  complaint.  Two  of  these,  an  allopathist 
and  a  homceopathist,  both  celebrated  men,  prescribed 
various  remedies  (douche-baths,  diet,  bromkali,  Zincum 
oxydee,  Natron,  phosph.,  &c.),  wliich  all  failed  to  cure, 
and  rather  increased  the  complaint.  The  only  rehef 
afforded  to  me  was  by  cold  baths  and  much  exercise 
in  the  fresh  air,  which  a  third  doctor  advised.  This 
lasted  for  half  a  year,  till  at  last  I  took  refuge  in  cold 
water." 

In  appearance  this  patient  was  unusually  red,  the 
eyeballs  somewhat  yellow,  lips  and  ears  deep  red  mixed 
with  blue.  The  young  man's  hair  (he  was  scarcely 
above  thirty)  had  almost  entirely  fallen  out.  All  these 
symptoms  pointed  to  an  unusual  conflux  of  blood 
towards  head  and  chest.     The  pains  in  the  forehead 


NERVOUS   EXHAUSTION.  221 

denote  the  rush  of  blood  to  the  head,  whereby  the  veins 
are  distended.  A  cure  can  only  be  effected  by  divert- 
ing tlie  blood  towards  the  extremities ;  then  only  can 
I  proceed  to  dissolve  whatever  be  superfluous  (ag- 
glomerations, distension  of  veins,  &c.)  in  head  and 
chest,  and  finally  act  upon  the  whole  system. 

The  best  applications  are  these,  taken  in  the  follow- 
ing order:  vapour  foot-bath,  vapour  head-bath,  short 
swathing,  Spanish  mantle,  walking  on  stones,  upper 
and  lower  affusion,  Spanish  mantle,  walking  barefoot, 
(in  new-fallen  snow  if  it  be  winter-time). 

Within  three  weeks  the  condition  was  much  im- 
proved, but  months  were  required  in  order  completely 
to  cure  such  an  inrooted  and  advanced  complaint. 

Nervous  Exhaustion. 

A  pastor  related  that  he  was  sometimes  a  prey  to 
intolerable  headache,  and  that  whenever  this  relaxed, 
he  got  such  oppression  in  the  throat  as  hardly  to  be 
able  to  speak  for  pain  and  fatigue.  Also  in  the  back 
he  suffered  from  frequent  weariness  and  painful  spasms. 
The  doctor's  certificate,  wdiich  he  brought,  declared  him 
to  be  suffering  from  complete  nervous  exhaustion, 
which  threatened  to  attack  the  brain  and  spine.  Ex- 
treme irritation  and  a  sense  of  anxiety  were  likewise 
present. 

Applications :  daily  a  weak  upper  affusion,  morning 
and  afternoon ;  w*alking  once  daily  in  wet  grass  and 
on  wet  stones,  for  four  minutes.  So  on  for  five 
days.  After  that,  daily  a  stronger  upper  affusion,  a 
knee  affusion,  and  walking  twice  in  water.  Thus  also 
for  five  days  more,  with  sitz-baths  between  times. 

The  further  applications  were :  daily  a  back  affusion, 


222  DISEASES. 

a  semi-bath,  an  upper  affusion,  and  walking  in  water. 
These  applications  removed  all  sufferings ;  happy 
and  healthy  the  patient  returned  to  the  duties  of  his 
vocation. 

Nervous  Surexcitation. 

Two  students  came  to  me  during  the  Easter  holi- 
days, and  related :  "  We  suffer  from  headache,  deter- 
mination of  blood  to  the  head,  impaired  sleep  and 
appetite,  and  great  weariness.  We  are  incapable  of 
thus  continuing.  Cannot  we  make  use  of  the  holidays 
in  order  to  regain  our  health  by  the  cold-water  cure  ? " 

As  it  was  spring-time,  and  the  ground  still  moist  and 
tolerably  cold,  I  gave  them  the  advice  to  spend  their 
holidays  in  walking  barefoot  in  the  woods  and  meadows, 
with  rapid  exercise  whenever  they  felt  cold  ;  also  from 
time  to  time  to  stand  or  walk  about  from  two  to  three 
minutes  in  a  stream  or  ditch  filled  with  water. 

In  like  manner  they  were  told  to  put  their  arms 
completely  in  water  two  or  three  times  daily.  The 
young  people  found  these  applications  very  congenial ; 
spirits  and  courage  revived ;  with  renewed  zest  they 
returned  to  their  studies,  were  able  to  perform  their 
tasks  with  ease,  and  joyfully  looked  forward  to  tlie 
autumn  vacation  in  order  to  resume  the  work  of  brac- 
ing their  system. 

A  similar  case  was  that  of  a  seminarist,  who  came 
to  me  with  the  following  lamentations  :  "  I  have  such 
violent  pressure  on  the  head  that  I  sometimes  scarcely 
know  where  I  am  and  what  I  am  doing.  I  frequently 
suffer  from  dizziness,  am  incapable  of  mental  work, 
and  was  oblii^jed  to  leave  tlie  colleü^e  three  months 
before  the  term." 

It  was  in  warm  August  weather,  and  this  student 


PALSV.  223 

si)eiit  ten  days  in  the  garden  and  woods  walking 
barefoot  from  morning  to  evening.  In  addition  he 
daily  received  from  two  to  four  upper  affusions.  In 
twelve  days  the  symptoms  of  his  complaint  had  dis- 
appeared ;  he  felt  cheerful  and  strengthened,  and  in 
order  to  regain  complete  health,  he  merely  required 
thus  to  spend  tlie  rest  of  his  vacation  time. 

Palsy. 

A  pastor  was  stricken  down  by  palsy.  One  hand, 
one  foot,  and  all  one  side  were  completely  lamed, 
speech  and  consciousness  arrested.  All  medical 
remedies  were  tried  for  several  days  without  effect. 
The  doctor  finally  declared  that  one  side  was  com- 
pletely paralysed,  and  would  remain  so,  and  that  in 
all  probability  a  second  stroke  would  soon  come  to 
lame  the  other  side  and  put  an  end  to  his  life.  A 
trial  with  water,  thought  I,  can  therefore  do  no  harm. 
No  sooner  said  than  done !  The  cold  leg  and  arm 
were  vigorously  washed  with  cold  water  on  tlie  first 
day ;  two  warm  foot-baths,  with  vigorous  lavation  of 
the  feet,  and  four  lavations  of  the  upper  body,  were 
the  applications  of  the  second  day.  Already  on  the 
third  day  it  was  perceived  that  in  the  two  paralysed 
limbs  life  and  sensibility  still  existed.  This  encouraged 
me.  On  the  fourth  day  we  managed  with  difficulty 
to  apply  a  lower  swathing  to  the  lielpless  body  for  one 
hour,  and  placed  the  semi-lifeless  feet  twice  in  a  warm 
foot-bath  with  salt  and  ashes.  This  was  continued  for 
fourteen  days.  At  the  end  of  this  time  the  patient 
was  able  to  assist  us  in  the  process  with  his  healthy 
hand  and  foot,  and  he  joyfully  showed  tliat  he  was 
now  able  slightly  to  raise  the  paralysed  hand.     Com- 


224  DISEASES. 

plete  lavations  were  now  applied  daily,  and  once 
weekly  a  head  or  foot  vapour-bath — alternate  weeks. 
So  on  for  three  weeks.  Eenewed  vigour  becran  to 
pervade  the  shattered  tree,  the  appetite  increased,  and 
each  of  the  three  following  weeks  was  filled  up  with 
one  warm  bath  (with  transition  into  cold),  one  vapour 
head- bath,  one  vapour  foot-bath,  and  three  semi-baths, 
with  lavation  of  the  upper  body  (for  one  minute). 
The  conclusion  of  the  cure  consisted  in  upper  and 
lower  affusions,  alternated  with  the  Spanish  mantle. 
The  work  was  long,  tedious,  and  fatiguing ;  but  the  old 
gentleman  recovered  so  far  as  to  be  able  daily  to  say 
Mass  again,  to  visit  the  sick,  hold  all  services,  and 
accomplish  all  necessary  writing.  The  only  thing  he 
never  recovered  was  the  power  to  preach.  The  tongue 
had  suffered  too  much,  and  there  were  some  words 
which  he  could  only  pronounce  with  difficulty. 

The  stroke  here  described  took  place  about  ten  years 
ago.     The  gentleman  is  still  alive  and  in  good  health. 

A  man,  forty-five  years  old,  had  a  stroke  of  apoplexy. 
His  right  hand  and  foot  were  quite  insensible,  the 
appetite  completely  a  wan  ting.  The  patient's  upper 
body  and  feet  were  daily  washed  with  a  mixture  of 
vinegar  and  warm  water.  Thrice  daily  lie  took  thirty 
drops  of  wormwood,  sage,  and  marsh-clover.  By  th<' 
end  of  a  fortnight  hands  and  feet  had  regained  their 
habitual  warmth  and  sensation,  and  the  man  was  able 
to  walk  about  the  room.  The  appetite  increased,  the 
paralysed  side  gradually  regained  strength,  and  in  a 
few  days  the  whole  system  was  restored  to  order. 

A  general  remark  here  may  be  of  use  to  many. 
Should  any  one  be  attacked  with  palsy,  and  partial 
paralysis  have  set  in,  let  vigorous  cold  lavations  be 


PERSPIRATION.  225 

11  allied  lately  applied  to  the  patient's  back,  chest,  and 
abdomen,  from  two  to  four  times  daily.  Salt  or 
vinegar  may  be  mixed  with  the  water.  In  like  man- 
ner legs  and  arms  should  be  washed  over,  in  order  to 
])romote  uniform  circulation.  All  these  applications 
should  be  performed  as  rapidly  as  possible,  none 
lasting  above  one  minute. 

If  the  paralysis  be  trifling,  and  the  patient  able  to  sit 
upright,  a  vapour  head-bath  of  twenty  minutes'  dura- 
tion, with  subsequent  cold  lavation,  should  be  first 
applied.  Four  to  six  hours  later  may  follow  a  vapour 
foot-bath,  likewise  for  twenty  minutes,  concluded  by 
a  cold  lavation  or  knee  affusion.  The  other  afore- 
mentioned applications  may  then  be  pursued. 

Complete  swathings  are  to  be  avoided  in  the  beginning, 
nature  being  still  too  weak  to  replace  the  latent  heat 
thus  withdrawn.  I  know  a  case  in  which  the  doctor 
wished  to  cure  a  patient  by  means  of  complete  swath- 
ings. The  first  application  appeared  to  improve  his 
condition  ;  but  after  the  second  swathing  the  patient  re- 
mained cold,  and  his  body  had  assumed  a  bluish  colour. 
Only  by  the  application  of  heat  was  he  again  brought 
round  to  life. 

Perspiration. 

Many  people  are  afflicted  with  continual  violent 
sweating  of  the  feet,  combined  with  a  foul  smell.  This 
is  very  disagreeable,  but  it  would  be  a  great  mistake  to 
seek  to  suppress  this  perspiration  by  violent  measures. 
Who  wishes  to  catch  a  fox  will  never  be  so  foolish  as 
to  stop  up  the  mouth  of  his  hole. 

Perspiration  of  the  feet  is  in  reality  nothing  else  but 
foul  indolent  secretions,  which  infect  and  corrupt  the 
vessels  containing  them. 


226  DISEASES. 

The  surest  and  most  effectual  manner  of  curing  this 
complaint  is  to  wrap  both  feet  in  cloths  clipped  in 
hay-Üower  or  pine-tree  decoction. 

These  compresses  will  draw  out  the  unhealthy 
matter,  and  both  plants  have  the  same  healing  and 
strengthening  virtues.  Five  or  six  of  these  swath- 
ings  should  be  employed  for  ten  days.  During  the 
next  fourteen  days,  a  warm  foot-bath  reaching  to  the 
calves  for  ten  minutes  daily,  and  w^ith  three  tran- 
sitions, of  one  minute  each,  into  cold  water.  Finally, 
one  of  the  aforementioned  swathings  and  one  foot-bath 
in  the  week.  After  the  complaint  has  been  removed, 
it  will  be  good  to  w^alk  barefoot  from  time  to  time 
a  quarter  of  an  hour  in  wet  grass.  Those  who  cannot 
do  this  may  walk  barefoot  about  their  room  for  a  few 
minutes  before  bed-time.  No  one  would  believe  how 
salutary,  refreshing,  invigorating,  and  bracing  is  this 
simple  practice. 

Besides  foot-sweating,  there  may  also  exist  a  general 
unhealthy  sw^eating  of  the  whole  person,  attended  by 
a  foul  smell. 

A  gentleman  of  distinction  used  to  perspire  so  pro- 
fusely that  every  morning  his  whole  mattress,  sheets, 
and  pillows  were  dripping  wet.  He  suffered,  moreover, 
from  almost  continual  catarrhs. 

No  one  should  attempt  to  cure  this  complaint 
suddenly.  The  course  of  applications  pursued  by  the 
aforesaid  gentleman,  and  crowned  with  complete 
success,  were  as  follows: — 

Thrice  weekly  a  Spanish  mantle  for  one  and  a  half 
to  two  hours.  Twice  to  thrice  weekly  (either  in  the 
day  or  night  time)  a  complete  lavation  taken  from 
bed.     As  further  applications,  after  the  complaint  lias 


PERSPIKATION.  227 

ceased,  one  complete  lavation  in  the  week  will  do  no 
harm. 

There  are  also  persons  afflicted  by  excessive,  though 
not  oflensive,  sweating,  called  forth  by  the  slightest 
exertion,  which  occasions  much  weariness,  and  ren- 
ders the  subjects  liable  to  colds,  catarrhs,  inflamma- 
tion, &c. 

An  official  who  came  to  visit  me  one  day  suffered 
from  this  complaint,  combined  with  bad  digestion  and 
difficulty  in  breathing.  I  gave  him  the  advice  to  take 
a  cold  semi-bath,  with  lavation  of  the  upper  body, 
whenever  he  returned  home  bathed  in  perspiration. 
The  whole  proceeding  should  not  last  more  than  one 
minute,  after  which  he  was  to  dress  again  and  take 
exercise  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour  in  his  room.  The 
gentleman  first  thought  I  was  merely  joking,  and  could 
with  difficulty  be  persuaded  to  follow  my  advice, 
which  ran  so  contrary  to  his  preconceived  ideas.  A 
fortnight  later  he  thanked  me  warmly  for  having  re- 
lieved this  disagreeable  complaint.  He  is  still  alive, 
and  not  far  short  of  eighty  years. 

A  last  remark  must  liere  find  place.  Few  things  are 
more  dreaded  by  the  majority  of  people  than  the  con- 
tact of  cold  when  they  are  in  perspiration.  This 
preconceived  notion  may  have  arisen  from  the  fact 
that  many  persons  have  caught  cold  from  the  effects 
of  a  cold  draught  upon  their  perspiring  bodies.  My 
experience,  however,  has  taught  me  to  hold  by  the 
following  rules: — 

(«)  Whoever  is  wet  through  perspiration,  rain,  &c., 
should  avoid  cold  air  or  draught. 

(b)  Whoever  shivers  should  never  attempt  a  cold- 
water  application. 


228  DISEASES. 

(c)  Whoever  has  been  drenched  by  rain,  should 
change  his  clothes  as  fast  as  possible. 

(d)  But  he  who  perspires — whether  this  be  owing 
to  a  diseased  state  of  the  system,  or  the  result  of  heat, 
exercise,  work,  &c.— may  fearlessly  indulge  in  a  rapid 
cold  bath  or  complete  lavation,  if  he  be  careful  to  re- 
sume his  clothes  quickly  without  drjing,  and  take 
exercise  until  the  body  be  completely  dry,  and  have 
regained  its  normal  temperature. 

Piles. 

Piles  may  either  be  hereditary  or  else  acquired 
from  a  sedentary  or  over-indulgent  mode  of  life. 
The  simple  countryman  who  goes  about  his  daily 
work,  and  nourishes  himself  on  milk  and  potatoes, 
hardly  ever  knows  this  complaint,  even  by  name. 

Piles  are  very  troublesome  and  painful,  though 
seldom  a  dangerous  malady.  Not  only  do  they  cause 
much  itching  and  burning,  but  likewise  react  upon 
the  mind,  inducing  despondency  and  low  spirits, 
which  sometimes  lead  to  the  verge  of  insanity. 

But  what  are  piles,  and  how  are  they  formed  ? 
Every  one  has  seen  how  the  turkey-cock's  fleshy  neck 
sometimes  hangs  down  limply  like  empty  sacks. 
But  let  something  arouse  his  ire,  and  straightway 
these  sacks  will  be  filled  with  blood  like  little  red 
balls.  In  like  manner  piles  are  nothing  else  but 
little  sacks  filled  with  blood  or  slimy  matter. 

Veins  are  elastic  tubes.  Whenever  there  is  an 
irregular  conflux  of  blood  towards  any  particular 
spot,  there  the  dammed-up  blood  forms  stagnant  pools. 
Thus  originate  on  hands  and  face  little  wart -like 
knots,  which  are  filled  with  blood.     AVlien  these  take 


PILES.  229 

place  inside  the  rectum,  tliey  are  called  invisible 
piles;  visible  piles  are  those  which  protrude  out- 
wardly. 

From  time  to  time  these  bags  break  open  and  dis- 
charge their  contents,  sometimes  a  brown  slimy 
matter,  often,  however,  pure  blood.  The  patient 
always  feels  relieved  after  these  discharges.  Not 
only  in  the  rectum  are  these  parasites  to  be  found, 
in  degenerate  systems  they  are  likewise  formed  in 
the  interior  of  the  body,  and  inside  the  principal 
arteries. 

The  more  numerous  these  knots,  and  the  more 
frequently  they  break  open,  the  greater  injury  is 
occasioned  to  the  spot  where  they  congregate.  In- 
curable sores  and  ulcers,  cancer  of  the  rectum,  &c., 
are  the  not  infrequent  result. 

This  complaint  is  sometimes  aggravated  by  the 
ascarides  (little  worms)  which  penetrate  into  the 
rectum,  and  there  easily  occasion  malignant  tumours. 

The  treatment  of  piles  with  water  is  easy  and 
mostly  successful.  The  number  of  those  to  whom 
I  have  brought  relief  is  very  great,  and  I  may  add 
that  all  cases  were  brought  to  a  successful  con- 
clusion. 

Let  us  first  attack  the  ascarides,  if  these  pernicious 
leeches  be  present.  Their  presence  is  mostly  be- 
trayed by  a  sense  of  itching  and  burning  in  the 
rectum  (though  this  may  likewise  be  occasioned  by 
the  piles  themselves,  when  refilling  w^ith  blood).  Take 
one,  two,  or  three  cold-water  injections  in  rapid 
succession,  and  allow  these  to  flow  oft'  again  at  once. 
When  the  cold  water  enters  the  rectum  it  usually  dis- 
lodges the  ascarides,  like  leeches  when  strewn  over  with 


230  DISEASES. 

salt.  If  this  be  repeated  two  or  three  times  (it  may 
take  place  twice  or  thrice  weekly)  a  great  many, 
sometimes  all,  of  the  tiny  tormentors  will  be  re- 
moved. 

The  following  remarks  apply  to  those  cases  in  wliich 
we  have  to  do  with  simple  piles  only.  Wherever 
there  is  an  excessive  conflux  of  blood,  it  must  be 
diverted  and  dispersed ;  vessels  which  have  been  un- 
duly distended  should  be  contracted,  impurities  and 
unhealthy  matter  are  to  be  removed. 

For  all  these  conditions  the  following  application  is 
good :  Prepare  a  lower  compress  in  bed,  long  enough 
to  reach  from  the  nape  of  the  neck  to  over  the  rectum. 
The  patient  lies  down  upon  this  for  three-quarters  of 
an  hour,  repeating  the  process  from  tln^ee  to  four  times 
weekly.  Should  the  compress  absorb  much  heat 
before  the  three-quarters  of  an  hour  liave  elapsed, 
then  it  should  be  removed  and  renewed. 

As  further  applications,  three  or  four  sitz -baths 
weekly  will  be  found  useful,  if  taken  cokl  and  rapid. 
These  can  also  be  taken  at  night  straight  from  bed, 
never  longer  than  from  one  to  two  minutes. 

Sufferers  from  chronic  piles  should  try  this  mode  of 
treatment  for  one  or  two  weeks  every  three  months: 
if  it  fail  entirely  to  remove  the  complaint,  it  will  at 
least  prevent  it  from  acquiring  serious  dimensions. 

Bran  bread  (of  which  the  recipe  is  given  in  the 
second  part  of  this  work)  is  much  to  be  recommended 
to  those  who  suffer  from  piles.  Älany  persons  have 
assured  me  that  since  using  it  in  their  daily  diet 
they  have  experienced  much  relief,  as  it  serves,  if  not 
wholly  to  cure  the  complaint,  at  least  to  keep  it  in 
check. 


RHEUMATISM.  231 

Respiration,  Difficult. 

A  priest  related  as  follows :  "  I  am  well  built,  was 
always  healthy  and  vigorous,  but  for  three-quarters 
of  a  year  I  have  suffered  so  much  from  gathering  and 
phlegm  that  I  often  feel  in  danger  of  suffocation.  I 
used  to  have  a  strong  sonorous  voice,  but  now  I 
can  hardly  render  myself  intelligible ;  likewise  I  am 
often  so  weary  that  I  can  scarce  drag  myself  along. 
Various  doctors  have  pronounced  it  to  be  respectively 
chest  or  bronchial  catarrh." 

Applications — 

From  three  to  four  times  daily  an  upper  affusion, 
and  twice  a-day  walking  in  water  which  reaches  over 
the  calves.  This  course  to  be  continued  for  four  days. 
After  the  first  four  days,  two  upper  affusions  daily, 
one  back  affusion,  and  a  semi-bath.  In  addition  to 
this,  walking  daily  in  water.  This  second  treatment 
will  occupy  five  more  days,  after  which  daily,  one 
semi-batli,  one  back  affusion,  one  upper  affusion,  and 
one  knee  affusion. 

The  whole  cure  was  soon  accomplished,  and  immense 
quantities  of  phlegm  witlidrawn  from  the  patient.  Day 
by  day  his  looks  improved  ;  the  breathing  became 
easier,  the  voice  clearer,  the  humour  more  cheerful. 
The  complaint  had  originally  been  caused  by  want 
of  exercise  and  over- warm  clothing. 

Rheumatism. 

Innumerable  persons  are  tormented  by  rheumatism 
in  head,  feet,  arms,  legs,  back,  or  chest. 

The  hard-working  peasant,  the  wood-cleaver,  and  all 
those  engaged  in  hard  active  labour,  know  little  of 


232  DISEASES. 

this  illness,  because,  in  my  opinion,  these  people  often 
catch  rheumatism  in  one  hour  to  lose  it  again  in  the 
next.  They  may,  for  instance,  be  attacked  by  rheumatic 
pains  in  the  morning,  and  have  worked  them  off  again 
the  same  afternoon. 

This  last  observation  gives  us  a  clear  hint  how  to 
cure  rheumatism.  When  rheumatism  is  deep-seated, 
contrary  to  my  usual  habit,  I  summon  friction  to 
assist  the  action  of  water.  By  this  means  heat  is  more 
rapidly  produced,  and  the  chief  cause  of  the  complaint 
more  quickly  dispelled.  If  the  affected  parts,  being 
cold,  were  to  be  immediately  affused  with  cold  water 
without  previous  warming,  the  rheumatism  would 
thereby  but  be  made  to  retreat  further  into  the  body. 

A  veterinary  surgeon  once  lamented  to  me  his  in- 
capability further  to  pursue  his  profession  on  account 
of  the  dreadful  rheumatism,  which,  like  a  vicious  cat, 
had  dug  its  claws  into  his  right  shoulder.  He  had 
taken  cold  from  going  out  inadvertently  when  bathed 
in  perspiration ;  and  he  felt  convinced  that,  as  had 
happened  several  times,  he  would  have  to  carry  this 
troublesome  cat  about  with  him  fully  six  weeks. 

"  If  you  wish,  sir,"  I  answered  him,  "  in  twenty-four 
hours  you  will  be  delivered  of  your  complaint.  I  shall 
set  on  my  dog  to  chase  away  your  cat."  He  laughed, 
and  we  made  a  bet  on  the  subject. 

I  bade  him  go  home,  cause  liis  back  to  be  first 
vigorously  rubbed  dry  by  his  wife,  and  then  apply 
a  cold  upper  affusion.  Eight  hours  later  he  took  a 
vapour  head-bath,  with  subsequent  cold  affusion.  The 
twenty-four  hours  had  not  yet  struck  before  tlie  cat 
had  taken  French  leave,  and  I  had  won  my  bet. 

A  peasant  got  such  violent  rheumatic  pains  in  botli 


RHEUMATISM.  233 

legs  that  he  could  not  walk  any  more.  The  thighs  in 
particular  were  greatly  pained.  He  did  not  know  how 
he  had  caught  the  complaint. 

This   peasant   daily   wrapped   himself   in   a   lower 

swathing,  dipped   in   hot  hay- flower  decoction,   and 

reaching  to  the  armpits,  and  laid  himself  each  time  in 

bed,  for  two  hours,  well  covered  up.    Ten  such  applica- 

ions  sufficed  completely  to  cure  the  rheumatism. 

Another  peasant  could  not  endure  the  swathing 
because  of  the  violent  pains  in  the  legs.  He  was  put 
into  an  oat-straw  bath,  106°  to  111°  F.,  twice  daily  for 
twenty-five  minutes,  each  time  with  threefold  transition 
into  the  cold.     In  three  days  he  was  cured. 

Cases  of  rheumatism  in  the  head  I  could  relate 
in  plenty.  They  were  usually  cured  by  doing  little  or 
nothing  to  the  head  itself,  but  directing  warm  baths 
and  vapour  applications  to  the  legs.  The  best  sequence 
of  applications  is  the  following : — 

A  warm  foot-bath,  with  salt  and  ashes. 
A  shawl. 

A  vapour  foot-bath. 
A  head  vapour-bath. 
A  shawl. 
One  of  these  applications  daily  will  cure  the  most 
^iolent  head  rheumatism. 

No  rheumatism  should  be  neglected,  as  it  may  lay 
tlie  seeds  of   manifold  severe  diseases  of  lungs,  ears, 
yes,  &c.,   as   also   of  inflammation,   blood-poisoning, 
ulcers,  &c. 

A  gentleman  comes:  his  appearance  is  sickly,  and 
his  expression  one  of  deep  melancholy  and  suffer- 
ing. At  once  the  thought  occurred  to  me,  This 
man  is  suffering,  or  has   suffered  much.      The  com- 


234  DISEASES. 

plexion  is  of  an  unwholesome  yellow  hue,  his  hair  is 
very  scarce.  His  own  account  of  his  state  was  as 
follows :  "  I  have  frequently  suffered  from  violent 
fits  of  colic  and  diarrhoea,  with  much  pain.  Later  I 
got  a  disease  of  the  kidneys,  as  the  doctors  called  it. 
When  the  terrible  pains  took  hold  of  me,  they  turned 
me  round  like  a  spindle  or  a  whipping-top.  After 
years  I  lost  this  complaint,  but  I  got  instead  this  acute 
rheumatism.  It  seems  to  me  as  if  all  former  pains 
had  now  assumed  this  form,  in  order  to  torture  each 
separate  joint.  I  have  tried  many  medical  remedies, 
none  of  which  procured  the  desired  result,  but  left  me 
with  the  old  pains.  With  great  difficulty,  and  by  dint 
of  much  self-command,  I  have  continued  to  fulfil  my 
duties  till  now.  I  never  complained  to  any  one,  for  no 
one  understood  me,  not  even  the  doctor.  He  who  has 
promised  a  crown  to  those  who  suffer,  alone  knows 
what  my  sufferings  have  been.  I  must  still  mention 
one  thing.  My  feet  used  to  be  affected  by  a  dry 
perspiration :  the  remedies  I  was  advised  to  use  cured 
this,  but  I  have  not  felt  well  since  then.  I  have  also 
taken  mineral  baths,  but  they  only  increased  my  com- 
plaint." 

What  may  be  the  root  of  all  these  complaints  <* 
The  question  is  not  difficult  to  answer.  The  patient' 
own  words  have  given  us  the  clue,  and  we  only  re- 
quire to  draw  the  conclusion.  His  yellow  complexion, 
the  frequent  attacks  of  colic,  the  suppressed  foot-per- 
spiration, all  point  to  some  poisonous  matter  which, 
like  a  snake  in  the  grass,  lurks  in  the  body,  sometimes 
hissing  and  putting  out  its  forked  tongue,  till  now,  with 
a  last  attack  it  seizes  on  its  prey  with  poisonous  fangs 
sending  the  venom  throughout  the  body  into  \ho  \or\ 


RHEUMATISM.  235 

blood  and  marrow.  Also,  the  hair  does  not  fall  from 
the  scalp  of  a  healthy  person  without  special  cause. 
An  internal  storm  must  be  here  at  work,  shaking 
off  the  hair  as  the  wind  in  autumn  carries  off  the  sear 
and  withered  leaves. 

Cure  can  only  be  effected  when  this  poisonous 
matter,  which  has  corroded  everything,  is  dissolved  and 
expelled  from  the  body.  My  patient  was  first  ordered 
to  take  the  Spanish  mantle.  This  was  succeeded  by  a 
head  vapour-bath,  followed  by  a  vigorous  cold  lavation, 
and  then  a  foot  vapour -bath.  Between  these  two 
vapour  applications,  a  tolerable  interval  always  took 
place ;  for  the  more  carefully  and  leniently  the  body 
is  treated,  the  easier  will  it  be  for  the  patient  to  en- 
dure the  applications,  and  for  nature  to  assist  the 
process.  After  this  the  patient  received  a  short 
swathing,  and,  by  way  of  invigorating  the  system,  an 
upper  and  lower  affusion.  Of  each  of  the  afore- 
mentioned applications  one  daily ;  besides  this,  every 
niglit  from  bed  a  complete  lavation.  In  the  fourth 
and  fifth  weeks  he  received  weekly  two  semi-baths,  one 
head  vapour -bath,  one  foot  vapour- bath,  and  one 
Spanish  mantle ;  finally,  in  the  sixth  week,  two  warm 
baths  alternated  with  cold,  one  semi-bath,  and  one 
upper  and  lower  affusion.  For  future  treatment  I 
recommended  the  patient  to  employ  one  or  two  com- 
plete lavations  weekly,  an  upper  and  a  lower  affusion, 
and  once  a-month  a  warm  bath,  without  transition  into 
cold. 

Water  did  not  belie  my  anticipations  even  in  this 
complicated  case.  The  grave  complaint,  which  doubt- 
less would  have  resulted  in  death,  disappeared.  Lost 
strength    returned,  with  a  fresh  healthy  complexion, 


236  DISEASES. 

and  renewed  conrage  and  energy  took  tlie  place  of  liis 
former  despondency. 

A  man,  aged  about  forty,  had  such  violent  rheu- 
matic pains  in  one  leg  that  he  could  only  walk  short 
distances  with  the  help  of  a  stick.  Sometimes  he  had 
also  pains  in  the  arms  and  shoulders.  He  had  tried 
various  remedies  without  avail.  At  last  he  had  re- 
course to  water,  and  in  six  days  had  almost  shaken  off 
the  complaint ;  he  continued  the  applications,  and  wa=-' 
completely  cured. 

The  applications  were  as  follows : — 

During  six  days  two  upper  affusions  daily,  and  two 
lower  affusions;  once  in  tlie  week  a  swathing  under 
the  arms  ;  twice  daily  walking  in  water  reaching  above 
the  calves,  from  one  to  three  minutes.  Every  day  n 
back  affusion  and  walkinir  in  wet  irrass. 


ElNGWORM   OF   THE   SCALP. 

A  peasant's  daughter  related :  "  For  two  years  I  have 
suffered  from  a  permanent  eruption  on  the  head  and 
face,  which  is  sometimes  stronger,  sometimes  weakc; 
Under  the  hair  there  form  many  little  fistules,  from 
which  a  sharp  liquid  comes.  My  body  itches  fre- 
quently, and  I  feel  much  internal  heat.  I  have  taken 
many  medicines,  especially  purgatives,  but  am  no 
cured. 

"Cold-water  cure  completely  restored  me  within  six 
weeks.     I  took  the  following  applications  : — 

"1.  In  the  week  thrice  from  bed  a  complete  lava- 
tion,  returning  to  bed  at  once. 

"2.  Every  week  a  wet  shirt  dipped  in  salt  water. 

"  3.  A  vapour  head-bath  once  in  the  week. 


RUPTURE.  237 

"  4.  Once  in  the  week  a  wet  shirt,  and  once  or  twice 
a  complete  lavation. 

"As  medicine,  twenty  drops  of  juniper  extract  in  a 
ghass  of  water  twice  daily." 

EUPTURE. 

This  complaint  has  nowadays  become  frequent,  and 
often  appears  overniglit  like  toadstools  in  the  forest ; 
sometimes,  however,  it  is  preceded  by  pains  at  par- 
ticular spots.  All  thus  attacked  are  henceforth  unfit 
for  violent  exertion,  and  the  least  imprudence  in  this 
respect  may  be  attended  with  danger  or  even  death. 

llupture  is  of  most  frequent  occurrence  in  weak 
constitutions,  and  is  often  to  be  met  with  in  these 
days  of  efleminacy  and  enervation.  I  am  fully  con- 
vinced that  were  our  youth  to  be  rationally  brought 
up  and  hardened,  such  complaints  would  be  almost 
unknown,  unless  w^hen  accidentally  caused  by  some 
violent  outer  influence,  as  a  blow  or  j)ush. 

Fifty  years  ago  there  were  very  few  such  "  broken 
people  "  to  be  met  with  in  a  village ;  in  the  town  they 
could  be  counted  on  the  fingers.  Nowadays,  among 
twenty,  three  or  four  will  be  found  to  be  thus  aÖected. 
The  patient  usually  tries  to  conceal  his  complaint,  not 
liking  to  confess  that  he  has  a  rupture.  This  false  shame 
prevents  many  from  seeking  rational  help  and  advice, 
and  thus  the  small  evil  grows  into  a  large  one.  Eup- 
ture  is  not  only  to  be  found  amongst  those  who  toil  la- 
boriously for  their  daily  bread ;  it  also  occurs  not  in- 
frequently among  the  higher  classes.  How  quickly  it 
may  be  brought  about !  Such  a  one  jumped  over  a 
ditch  and  got  rupture ;  while  in  such  another  it  was 


238  DISEASES. 

caused  by  accumulation  of  gas  in  tlie  abdomen.  A 
third  case,  again,  was  that  of  a  priest  who,  having 
delivered  a  sermon  with  much  vehemence,  received 
his  rupture  in  the  pulpit. 

With  few  exceptions  rupture  is  not  an  innate  or 
hereditary  complaint,  but  has  been  caused  by  weak- 
ness, either  constitutional  or  acquired.  Had  the 
system  been  properly  braced  and  hardened,  especially 
by  judicious  cold-water  applications,  this  might  easily 
have  been  prevented  or  cured.  Will  the  so-called 
civilised  world  ever  become  wise  ?  I  doubt  it.  But 
thou,  honest  hard-working  countryman,  who  readest 
these  lines,  follow  my  advice  and  take  once  or  twice  in 
the  week  a  cold  semi-batli  or  sitz-bath  (any  tub  may  be 
made  to  serve  the  purpose).  Its  invigorating  eö'ects  _ 
will  soon  be  felt.  Any  time  in  the  day  is  suitable  forj 
the  purpose,  and  the  whole  proceeding,  with  dressing 
and  undressing,  should  not  occupy  above  four  to  six 
minutes  at  the  outside.  Take  it  straight  away  from 
thy  work,  and  be  not  deterred  because  of  thy  profuse 
perspiration.  Never  fear !  It  will  do  thee  no  harm. 
Sit  down  in  the  water  up  to  the  chest,  and  quickly  wash 
over  the  upper  body,  then  dress  again  and  back  to  work. 

A  peasant  once  complained  to  me  of  strong  pains 
in  the  groins.  The  doctor  was  of  opinion  that  a  rup- 
ture was  about  to  appear.  I  advised  him  diligently  to. 
employ  upper  and  lower  compresses.  Soon  the  pains 
decreased.  The  peasant  suspended  his  hard  labour  for 
a  short  time,  and  so  escaped  the  anticipated  complaint. 
Made  wise  by  the  warning  he  had  received,  he  became 
henceforth  an  ardent  cold-water  disciple. 

Finally,  still  the  question,  Can  rupture,  when  once 
formed,  never  be  cured  ? 


SAINT  VITÜS'S  DANCE.  239 

Cases  of  recent  rupture,  even  in  adults,  I  have  fre- 
quently cured  by  rubbing  the  spot  with  camphor-oil, 
and  then  applying  a  plaster  made  of  pitch  spread  upon 
linen.  Fox's  grease  was,  and  is  still,  one  of  the  most 
efficient  remedies  for  new  ruptures.  Eub  with  it  the 
affected  spot  for  two  or  three  days  successively,  and 
apply  the  pitch-plaster  as  above.  In  this  manner  I 
once  cured  a  rupture  that  was  over  nine  weeks  old. 

Children  are  often  subject  to  rupture.  The  usual 
cause  is,  that  their  bodies  being  unnaturally  distended 
by  food,  the  intestines  get  easily  displaced  and  burst 
the  peritoneum.  Let  the  child  thus  affected  take  daily 
an  oat-straw  bath,  and  likewise  daily  an  upper  and 
lower  compress,  until  the  cure  be  complete.  The  spot 
may  also  be  rubbed  with  camphor-oil,  or,  better  still, 
fox's  grease.  These  damages  usually  heal  quickly, 
unless  they  have  already  assumed  large  dimensions, 
in  which  case  a  complete  cure  is  hardly  possible. 

In  such  cases  the  patient's  only  resource  will  be 
a  truss,  which  must  be  worn  according  to  surgical 
directions. 

Mothers  who  truly  love  their  children  should  be 
attentive  to  avert  and  counteract  this  complaint  when- 
ever its  first  symptoms  appear.  Much  may  depend 
upon  this,  as  it  involves  the  child's  whole  future  life 
and  health,  and  the  parents'  consequent  happiness  or 
misery. 

Saint  Yitus's  Dance. 

A  father  related :  "  I  have  a  daughter,  now  ten 
years  old,  who,  since  her  infancy,  has  never  been 
healthy.  She  suffered  so  much  in  teething  that  w^e 
thought  she  would  die.  Moreover,  one  leg  became 
thinner  than  the  other.      Now  the  girl  has  got  St 


240  DISEASES. 

Vitiis's  dance ;  she  can  neitlier  eat  nor  sleep,  and  it 
is  dreadful  to  witness  when  the  cramps  befall  her.  I 
have  sought  help  from  many  doctors,  but  her  condition 
gets  ever  worse." 

"Good  man,  boil  aftermath  for  half  an  hour  with 
water — take  plenty,  in  order  that  the  water  maybe  thick 
— put  in  some  salt,  and  dip  a  coarse  shirt  in  the  water; 
wring  it  well  out  and  put  on  the  child ;  then  wrap  the 
child  in  a  warm  blanket,  and  let  her  lie  thus  for  one  and 
a  half  to  two  hours :  if  she  sleep,  do  not  rouse  her,  even 
should  the  two  hours  have  elapsed.  Do  so  for  eight 
days,  twice  daily,  then  come  and  bring  me  news." 

After  eight  days  the  man  returned  and  said :  "  The 
girl  has  got  a  terrible  eruption  on  the  whole  body, 
especially  upon  chest  and  back ;  the  cramps  have 
ceased ;  she  sleeps  well,  and  has  a  good  appetite. 
What  shall  I  now  do  further  ? " 

Answer :  "  Give  the  child  the  wet  shirt  as  before, 
every  third  day,  and  when  this  has  been  done  for 
fourteen  days,  the  child  will  be  cured.  Give  her  also 
every  day  about  twenty  of  these  wormwood  drops 
in  water  as  hitherto." 

Scarlet  Fever. 

An  epidemic  of  scarlet  fever  mostly  breaks  out 
once  or  twice  in  every  year,  and  carries  off  numerous 
victims.  It  usually  attacks  children,  though  adults 
too  are  not  always  spared.  The  foreboding  symptoms 
of  this  disease  are  headache,  pressure  on  the  stomach 
and  chest,  languor,  and  alternating  heat  and  cold. 
Though  very  fatal  to  children,  scarlet  fever  may 
easily  be  subdued  by  means  of  cold  water.  Children 
are  usually  out  of  danger  at  the  end  of  two  days; 


SCARLET  FEVEE.  241 

with  adults  the  recovery  is  somewhat  slower.  Scarlet 
fever  can  readily  be  cured  in  the  following  manner : 
Should  a  child  (no  matter  its  age)  be  attacked  with 
the  symptoms  of  the  complaint,  dip  a  shirt  in  hot 
salt  water,  wring  out  thoroughly,  and  put  on  the  patient, 
who  must  be  brought  to  bed  and  well  covered  up. 
At  the  end  of  an  hour  remove  the  shirt,  and  the  child's 
skin  will  be  found  profusely  covered  with  the  scarlet 
eruption.  Should  the  heat  continue  to  be  great,  a 
rapid  complete  lavation  may  be  applied.  In  serious 
cases,  wdien  the  heat  goes  on  increasing  and  there  is 
a  sense  of  much  anxiety,  the  wet  shirt  may  be  repeated 
two  or  three  times  in  one  day ;  sometimes,  but  rarely, 
as  often  as  four  times.  Everything  depends  upon  the 
heat  and  strength  of  the  fever.  If  these  decrease, 
then  the  intervals  of  time  between  two  shirts  may  be 
proportionately  increased.  These  later  applications 
are  to  be  performed  with  cold  water  mixed  with  vin- 
^ar.  After  removing  the  wet  shirt,  dress  the  child 
again  in  a  clean  linen  one.  Thus  treated,  scarlet  fever 
can  be  cured  in  four,  or,  at  the  utmost,  six  days. 

One  remark  is  important.  When  the  patient  feels 
little  or  no  appetite,  food  should  on  no  account  be 
pressed  upon  him.  There  is  usually  much  thirst,  for 
which  water  w411  always  remain  the  best  palliative. 
A  little  sugar  or  a  few  drops  of  wine  may  be  mixed 
with  the  water.  Country  children  usually  prefer 
milk.  In  general,  observe  the  rule  to  drink  often 
but  always  in  small  portions,  and  I  do  not  think  that 
a  child  thus  treated  will  die. 

Louis,  a  boy  of  ten  years,  has  such  violent  heat  that 
he  can  hardly  speak.  His  face  is  red,  and  he  com- 
plains  that   everything    hurts   him.      The   heat   and 

Q 


242  DISEASES. 

anxiety  being  so  great,  Louis  is  washed  over  with  cold 
water  every  hour  for  two  days.  On  the  tliird  day  the 
boy  can  already  begin  to  eat,  and  the  lavations  are 
reduced  to  twice  in  tlie  course  of  the  day.  On  the 
fifth  day  Louis  feels  quite  well;  on  the  sixth  he  is 
able  to  walk  about  the  room,  and  very  soon  he  has 
rejoined  his  comrades  out  of  doors. 

A  girl,  aged  twenty -four,  who  had  always  en- 
joyed good  health,  was  attacked  by  scarlet  fever. 
The  eruption  continued  to  increase  for  eight  days, 
reaching  a  pitch  of  which  there  are  few  examples 
in  the  disease.  The  patient  herself  demanded  to  be 
treated  with  cold  water,  in  which  she  had  much  con- 
fidence. She  was  advised  to  wash  herself  over  com- 
pletely with  water  every  hour.  This  interval  was 
found  to  be  too  great,  and  the  heat  continuing  to 
increase,  she  was  regularly  washed  over  every  half- 
hour  for  more  than  five  days.  She  hardly  took 
any  food,  and  only  drank  in  small  portions.  Only 
after  ten  days'  assiduous  treatment  with  cold  water 
the  heat  gave  way :  the  eruption  began  partially 
to  dry  up,  and  had  quite  disappeared  by  the  four- 
teenth day,  when  the  girl  was  completely  restored  to 
health. 

Sciatica. 

An  official  suÖered  for  more  than  three  mouths  from 
violent  pains  in  the  left  hip,  reaching  to  the  ankle. 
He  had  tried  many  remedies,  and  was  finally  advised 
rest  and  warmth  as  the  only  means  of  cure.  He 
therefore  employed  warm  wrappings,  and  baths  as  hot 
as  could  be  endured ;  only,  however,  witli  the  result 
tliat  the  pains  increased,  while  his  strength  daily  dim- 


SLEEPLESSNESS.  243 

inislied.  He  lost  fully  half  a  hundredweight,  and  could 
seldom  sleep  for  an  hour  at  a  time. 

At  last  he  took  courage  to  employ  the  remedy  he 
most  dreaded — cold  water. 

He  daily  received  two  to  three  applications : — 

1.  A  back  affusion  in  the  forenoon. 

2.  In  the  afternoon  upper  affusion. 

In  the  second  day  :  in  the  morning,  upper  affusion ; 
afternoon,  back  aflusion.  Every  second  or  third  day, 
a  semi-bath ;  walking  barefoot  between  times. 

Immediately  after  the  first  affusion  the  patient  was 
able  to  sleep  four  hours  at  night ;  in  this  way  sleep 
returned,  with  improved  appetite  and  a  healthier  ap- 
pearance. At  the  end  of  four  weeks  the  complaint 
was  of  no  further  importance,  and  in  six  weeks  he  was 
completely  cured. 

A  Hungarian  professor  had  suffered  seven  years 
from  sciatica,  and  had  visited  various  mineral  watering- 
places,  such  as  Baden,  Teplitz,  &c.,  without  effect.  He 
was  cured  within  twenty-four  days  by  the  following 
applications :  Every  night  a  complete  lavation ;  fore- 
noon, upper  affusion  ;  afternoon,  back  affusion.  Every 
second  day  a  semi-bath  ;  knee  affusions  and  sitz-baths 
against  constipation. 

Sleeplessness. 

A  pastor  suffered  for  nine  weeks  from  sleepless- 
ness. His  strength  daily  decreased,  and  his  mind  be- 
came more  and  more  unfit  for  exertion.  Depression, 
weariness,  and  discouragement  had  replaced  his  former 
cheerful  activity. 

Great  exertion  and  annoyance  had  excited  the  good 
gentleman,  leaving  him  with  a  sense  of  bitter  irritation. 


244  DISEASES. 

Such  a  condition  never  fails  to  bring  its  revenge.  His 
blood  was  like  a  hunted  staij^,  endeavouring  to  tiee 
from  its  pursuers  in  wild  flight.  Complete  tranquillity 
was  restored  by  the  head  vapour-bath,  the  Spanish 
mantle,  upper  affusions  with  knee  affusion,  vapour 
foot-bath,  short  swathing,  upper  and  lower  compress, 
— which  course  was  continued  for  twelve  days,  from 
two  to  three  applications  being  performed  each  day. 
Already  on  the  third  day  the  gentleman  was  able  to 
sleep  for  three  hours.  He  is  still  alive  and  in  ex- 
cellent health. 

Sleeplessness  may  proceed  from  various  causes,  from 
disturbed  circulation,  suppressed  or  insuihcient  per- 
spiration, flatulency,  &c. 

It  mostly  attacks  those  addicted  to  severe  and 
prolonged  mental  work.  I  knew  a  gentleman  whose 
mind  took  much,  his  body  little,  exercise.  He  would 
fain  have  dispensed  with  body,  stomach,  or  legs.  Such 
patients  can  with  difficulty  be  made  to  understand 
reason ;  but  in  this  particular  case  I  succeeded  in  in- 
ducing him  to  bestow  a  few  crumbs  of  nourishment 
on  the  soul's  unfortunate  companion — the  body.  He 
formed  the  habit  of  taking  twice  weekly  the  Spanish 
mantle.  Sleeplessness  soon  left  him,  along  with  all 
the  little  complaints  it  brings  in  its  train. 

Another  gentleman  caused  a  tub  of  cold  water  to  be 
placed  near  his  bed  every  evening.  If  in  half  an 
hour  or  an  hour  he  was  still  awake,  then  he  washed 
over  the  whole  body,  and  without  drying  returned  to 
bed.  If  he  woke  again  too  soon,  he  would  repeat 
the  process  a  second  and  even  a  third  time.  I  never 
heard  this  gentleman  complain  again  of  sleeplessness 
in  later  times. 


SLIME   FEVER.  245 

It  is  often  difticiilt  to  put  cliildren  to  sleep,  or  else 
they  wake  up  soon  again.  Over-feeding  is  mostly  the 
reason  of  this :  their  poor  little  bodies  groan  under  the 
weight  that  has  been  laid  upon  them,  and  the  ascend- 
ing gases  prevent  the  little  heads  from  finding  rest. 
If  we  take  a  wet  towel  and  wrap  it  round  the  child's 
body,  like  a  short  swathing,  it  will  soon  fall  asleep. 

Country  people  often  say  that  a  warm  footbath 
produces  sleep,  when  over-fatigue  and  exertion  prevents 
the  eyes  from  closing.  This,  however,  will  hardly 
suffice  for  those  afflicted  with  mental  fatigue.  To  sucli 
sufferers,  and  to  all  those  whose  sleeplessness  is  caused 
by  piles,  flatulency,  and  other  complaints  of  the  ab- 
domen, I  recommend  cold  sitz-baths,  one  or  two  in  the 
course  of  the  night,  and  each  of  one  or  two  minutes' 
duration. 

A  last  cause  of  sleeplessness  may  be  the  unequal 
temperature  of  the  body.  If  there  be  too  much  blood 
in  head  and  chest,  the  extremities  are  mostly  cold. 
The  proper  remedies  for  this  condition  have  been 
elsewhere  sufficiently  indicated. 

I  can  advise  no  one  to  employ  narcotics  or  soporif- 
ics as  a  means  of  producing  artificial  sleep.  I  consider 
all  such  to  be  unnatural,  and  whatever  is  contrary  to 
nature  can  never  be  wholesome. 

Slime  Fever. 

If  catarrh  is  to  be  compared  to  an  infant,  slime 
fever  is  the  grown-up  child.  Slime  fever  is  always 
developed  from  catarrh,  and  both  may  lead  to  innumer- 
able diseases,  as  I  had  occasion  to  remark  elsewhere. 
The  cure,  and  consequently  the  application,  is  identical 
in  both  cases.     Whoever  wishes  to  cure  catarrh  easily 


246  DISEASES. 

and  speedily,  should  go  to  bed  and  wash  over  chest, 
abdomen,  and  back  every  hour :  three  or  four  such 
applications  in  one  night  will  nip  a  fresh  catarrh  in 
the  bud.  Should  the  catarrh  progress — that  is  to  say, 
should  inflammation  appear  in  throat,  head,  or  chest 
— then  the  patient  may  be  said  to  be  sufifering  from 
slime  fever,  which  is,  in  fact,  nothing  but  a  catarrli 
which  has  spread  throughout  the  body.  The  spot 
where  the  catarrh  has  begun,  be  it  throat,  chest,  or 
windpipe  will,  however,  always  remain  the  most  sen- 
sitive until  recovery  has  completely  set  in. 

Smallpox. 

Scarlet  fever  is  poisonous,  but  smallpox  is  still 
more  so,  whether  it  be  the  distinct  or  benign  form, 
or  the  confluent  or  malignant  smallpox.  The  treat- 
ment is  identical  in  both  cases.  It  is  commonly  said 
that  when  the  pocks  do  not  form  properly  then  the 
patient  dies.  It  is  therefore  of  the  greatest  import- 
ance to  induce  the  eruption  to  come  out  freely  and 
rapidly  on  the  surface,  and  so  prevent  the  poison  from 
spreading  internally. 

Six  persons  attacked  with  the  benign  form  of  small- 
pox were  cured  by  being  completely  washed  over  with 
cold  water  as  often  as  the  heat  grew  unbearable.  In 
tlie  beginning  this  lavation  had  to  take  place  every 
hour,  later  every  second  hour,  and  finally  from  two  tO; 
three  times  in  the  day.  On  the  seventh  day  all  six 
patients  were  completely  cured.  They  had  scarcely 
eaten  anything,  but  had  drunk  a  good  deal,  which 
will  do  no  harm  if  the  beverage  be  administered  in 
small  portions.  If  only  all  patients  would  observe 
this  rule  ! 


SPINE.  247 

To  drink  much  at  a  time  does  not  serve  permanently 
to  assuage  the  thirst,  and  often  increases  the  feeling  of 
anxiety. 

I  have  myself  been  frequently  surprised  to  see  how, 
by  means  of  simple  lavations,  as  above  directed,  the 
smallpox  has  been  forced  to  the  surface.  The  pustules 
make  their  appearance  as  small  pointed  erections,  which 
rise  above  the  skin  like  frogs  on  the  water's  surface. 
Have  no  fear  in  applying  water ;  the  sooner  and  the 
more  regularly  the  lavations  are  performed,  the  faster 
will  the  pustules  come  out,  and  the  more  rapidly  will 
the  poison  be  expelled.  Even  before  the  pustules  are 
fully  formed,  the  j^oison  will,  so  to  say,  have  been 
washed  away. 

One  further  remark.  Do  not  deprive  the  patient  of 
fresh  air,  as  used  formerly  to  be  the  case  in  such 
maladies.  At  least  a  little  chink  of  the  window 
should  always  be  left  open. 

The  lavations  should  be  so  rapidly  performed  as  not 
to  occupy  longer  than  a  minute  each  time.  Adults 
thus  treated  are  as  easily  cured  of  smallpox  as  are 
children  of  scarlet  fever,  and  will  never  be  afflicted 
by  those  disfiguring  marks  which  so  many  are  doomed 
to  carry  about  with  them  through  life. 

Spine. 

A  distinguished  officer  had  injured  a  spinal  vertebra 
when  driving.  The  doctors  declared  the  spine  to  be 
affected,  and  he  was  subject  to  violent  pains,  which 
scarcely  ever  left  him,  and  reacted  upon  the  mind 
with  yet  greater  intensity.  No  doctor  was  able  to 
give  him  help,  although  he  had  consulted  the  most 
celebrated  physicians  of  the  capital.     On  being  tolcj 


248  DISEASES. 

that  cure  was  impossible,  and  that  in  time  consump- 
tion must  set  in,  this  gentleman  took  refuge  in  cold 
water.  Within  six  months  he  was  cured,  and  is  still 
in  full  enjoyment  of  excellent  health,  although  this 
cure  took  place  more  than  twenty  years  ago. 

I  cannot  rightly  recall  to  mind  wiiat  applications 
were  used  in  this  particular  case,  but  should  any  of 
my  readers  be  afflicted  with  a  like  complaint,  I  would 
advise  as  follows :  Thrice  in  the  week  a  Spanish 
mantle;  likewise  thrice  a  semi-bath,  with  lavation 
of  the  upper  body ;  and  twice  an  upper  and  a  lower 
affusion.  This  course  should  be  pursued  for  sev- 
eral weeks.  The  whole  system  will  thus  be  in- 
vigorated and  strengthened,  the  disturbed  vertebra 
will  be  restored  to  rest,  and  the  other  sympathetic 
affections  will  gradually  disappear.  I  repeat  here 
again  that  whenever  one  spot  is  affected,  the  entire 
body,  the  whole  system,  shares  the  pain  of  each  in- 
dividual little  member. 

Throw  a  stone  into  the  water,  and  the  whole  surface 
of  the  pond  is  moved  and  disturbed  by  ever-widen- 
ing circles.  The  stone  is  like  the  injured  vertebra, 
which  sends  pain-circles  throughout  the  body. 

Spine,  Curvature  of. 

A  boy,  aged  sixteen,  was  afflicted  with  curvature  of 
the  spine.  He  was  treated  without  result  by  variou.^ 
celebrated  doctors  for  disease  of  the  spinal  marrow. 
They  sent  him  to  a  hospital,  where  he  was  bandaged 
in  divers  fashions,  and  which  he  left  upon  crutches  in 
a  still  worse  plight  than  when  he  came  there  seven- 
teen weeks  previously.  The  hospital  authorities  had 
declared  that  nothing  further  could  be  done  for  him. 


STOMACH   COMPLAINTS.  249 

A  benefactor  presented  the  boy's  father  with  a  copy 
of  '  My  Water  Cure/  out  of  which  they  learnt  to  make 
applications  of  water -and -vinegar,  with  such  good 
results  that  at  the  end  of  a  sliort  time  the  boy  was 
able  to  walk  tolerably  well  with  the  aid  of  a  stick. 
Hereupon  the  boy  was  brouglit  to  me,  in  the  expec- 
tation tliat  he  would  be  completely  cured.  In  seven- 
teen days  the  whole  cure  was  accomplished.  The  boy 
was  able  to  walk  again  like  any  other  youth  of  his  age  ; 
not  with  the  same  strength  perhaps,  but  yet  with 
great  assurance  and  without  the  assistance  of  a  stick, 
and  without  pain.  The  treatment  consisted  in  the 
following  applications  : — 

A  sort  of  waistcoat  or  vest  was  made  of  coarse  linen 
stuff:  this,  dipped  in  oat-straw  decoction,  was  put  on 
at  night,  with  a  dry  vest  over  it,  and  above  all  a 
woollen  blanket.  The  wet  vest  remained  on  over- 
night ;  this  was  applied  every  second,  and  later  every 
third  evening.  Every  day  the  patient  got  two  upper 
affusions  and  one  knee  affusion,  or  else  walking  in 
water  and  a  semi-bath.  The  further  applications 
were — every  week  two  semi-baths,  two  upper  affu- 
sions, and  once  a  wet  waistcoat. 

Stomach  CoxMplaints. 

Poor  stomach !  what  sins  are  not  saddled  on  thy 
back !  After  heart  and  nerves,  thou  art  verily  the 
chief  scapegoat !  Ask  a  hundred  persons  if  they  be 
not  stomach-ailing  ?  Very  few  indeed  will  answer 
with  a  decided  negative.  And  yet  in  the  most  fre- 
quent cases  the  stomach  is  as  innocent  as  a  new-born 
babe,  and  as  healthy  as  a  cheerful  frolicking  boy. 
Let  some  examples  confirm  our  assertion. 


250  DISEASES. 

During  a  whole  year  Amalie  lias  been  forced  to 
vomit  almost  whatever  she  swallows.  She  can  re- 
tain nothing  but  three  or  four  spoonfuls  of  luke- 
warm milk  daily.  She  consulted  several  celebrated 
doctors.  The  apothecary  at  last  declared  that  in  his 
whole  pharmacy  there  scarcely  remained  a  medicine 
which  she  had  not  tried. 

The  patient  was  brought  to  me  without  previous 
warning,  in  a  cart  which  stopped  before  my  house. 
I  could  not  send  away  the  poor  people.  The  unfor- 
tunate patient  was  much  emaciated  —  her  features 
drawn,  the  voice  broken,  a  picture  of  woe.  There 
was  no  cough,  however  (an  important  fact),  only  an 
obstinate  stomach  complaint,  they  told  me,  and  I 
was  begged  to  give  her  something  for  the  stomach. 
I  told  them  to  be  quiet,  and  not  to  abuse  the  stomach, 
which  was  this  person's  healthiest  organ — the  com- 
plaint was  quite  elsewhere.  Some  of  the  people  wen- 
angry,  and  others  laughed ;  the  sick  person  herself 
was  startled,  and  looked  at  me  doubtfully,  as  though 
she  questioned  my  sanit}^  To  have  come  so  far,  and 
in  such  pain,  only  to  hear  this  hard  and  pitiless  ver- 
dict of  a  priest !     But  I  cared  little. 

What  led  me  to  this  conclusion  ? 

The  patient  did  not  cough,  but  expelled  much  air 
(gases)  through  the  mouth.  Stomach  and  abdomen 
were  greatly  inflated  with  gases.  J  In  this  condition 
no  one  can  exist,  and  even  the  usually  patient  stomacli 
was  forced  in  great  measure  to  relinquish  its  func- 
tions. The  complaint  was  aggravated  by  the  drynes- 
of  the  skin  and  lack  of  perspiration. 

The  applications  were  prescribed  in  the  followini: 
sequence:  Lukewarm  lower  swathing;  lavation  of  tlir 


STOMACH   COMPLAINTS.  251 

upper  body ;  short  swathing ;  complete  lavation ;  knee 
affusion  (lialf  a  minute) ;  again  lower  swathing ;  upper 
affusion  ;  kneeling  in  water  (half  a  minute)  up  to  the 
pit  of  the  stomach ;  complete  lavation ;  upper  and 
lower  compress.  Every  half-day  the  patient  had  to 
take  one  of  these  applications  in  the  aforenamed 
order,  walking,  besides,  several  times  daily  on  wet 
stones. 

By  means  of  lukewarm  swathings,  I  first  thought 
to  make  the  skin  softer,  moist  er,  and  warmer,  and  by 
the  complete  lavations  and  other  applications,  to  act 
directly  on  the  lower  body.  In  this  I  succeeded  ;  the 
air  and  gases  found  the  proper  outlet,  the  perspira- 
tion and  normal  action  of  the  skin  returned.  With 
the  disappearance  of  the  gases,  appetite  awoke  within 
the  now  empty  space,  blood  and  secretions  increased, 
and  in  the  short  space  of  five  weeks  the  patient  was 
cured. 

Frederick  used  at  first  to  vomit  much  acid  matter ; 
later  on  he  vomited  whatever  he  ate  or  drank.  All 
means  were  unavailing,  and  the  doctor  defined  the 
complaint  as  induration  and  contraction  of  the 
stomach.  This  patient's  appearance  was  not  sickly, 
in  spite  of  the  features  being  somewhat  aged  and 
the  complexion  sallow.  Much  air  was  expelled  from 
the  stomach,  he  said ;  the  lower  body  was  sometimes 
distended  like  a  drum,  and  a  pain  in  the  head  was  of 
regular  occurrence.  Here  again  we  have  want  of 
activity  in  the  lower  regions,  indolence  of  the  bowels. 
Hence  the  irregular  stools,  and  the  accumulation 
of  gases,  which  occasion  the  pressure  on  head  and 
stomach.  The  patient  was  made  to  apply  daily,  for 
ten  days,  a  cloth  dipped  in  vinegar-and-water  on  the 


252  DISEASES. 

abdomen  for  two  hours ;  daily  a  warm  foot-batli  with 
salt  and  aslies,  and  twice  every  night  to  wash  over 
his  back  with  cold  water.  After  six  days  the  condi- 
tion had  much  improved.  After  ten  days  the  patient 
employed  twice  weekly  the  short  swathing,  once  the 
Spanish  mantle,  and  every  second  day  a  foot-bath 
with  salt  and  ashes.  The  third  prescription  for  the 
last  two  weeks  consisted  in  three  upper  and  lower 
affusions,  and  two  semi-baths  reaching  to  the  pit  of 
the  stomach.  In  six  wrecks  the  patient  w^as  com- 
pletely restored. 

I  could  quote  innumerable  such  cases :  the  foregoing 
may,  however,  suffice. 

Stomach  Ceamps. 

Mr  N has  often  had  pains  in  the  body  from 

having  caught  cold.  Accumulation  of  gases  in  the 
stomach  have  caused  him  to  vomit  frequently.  When 
much  air  had  been  expelled,  and  he  had  been  able  to 
vomit  freely,  then  he  felt  relieved,  and  had  an  excel- 
lent appetite.  The  complaint,  however,  went  on  in- 
creasing, and  began  to  return  shortly  after  every  meal, 
with  such  violence  that  he  sometimes  was  forced  to 
cry  out  aloud  for  pain.  His  feet  and  hands  were  cold, 
and  the  body  shivering. 

In  such  cases  the  stomach  is  mostly  quite  innocent, 
pains  and  vomiting  being  caused  by  the  violent  pres- 
sure of  the  air  upon  it.  Vomiting  merely  relieves 
the  complaint  for  the  moment,  and  a  complete  cure 
can  only  be  effected  by  restoring  normal  and  equal 
heat,  and  perspiration  of  the  body,  and  by  regulating 
the  circulation. 

This  was  accomplished  by  w^ashing  over  tlie  patient 


STOMACH   TUMOURS.  253 

completely  with  hot  water- and- vinegar,  three  times  on 
the  first  clay  as  he  lay  in  bed,  and,  without  drying, 
covering  him  up  to  exclude  the  air.  On  the  second 
day  the  process  was  repeated  only  twice,  and  on  the 
third  day  once.  This  proceeding  suffices  whenever  a 
person  who  has  caught  cold  gets  fever  combined  with 
vomiting,  and  with  much  air  expelled  from  the  mouth. 

Stomach  Tumouks. 

Violent  vomiting,  burning  pain  in  the  stomach,  &c., 
are  yet  no  positive  proof  of  the  existence  of  stomach 
tumours,  although  these  are  of  frequent  occurrence. 

Such  patients  should  avoid  whatever  is  sour,  acid, 
corrosive,  or  peppered.  Simple  diet,  and  still  more 
simple  beverage,  have  always  proved  to  be  the  best 
remedies  against  incipient  tumours.  Milk  is  speci- 
ally to  be  recommended. 

The  treatment  of  external  boils  and  tumours  teaches 
us  to  do  in  like  manner  with  those  in  the  inside.  An 
ulcerated  finger  may  be  cured  by  applying  to  it  a  linen 
rag  dipped  in  cold  w^ater,  and  frequently  renewed  ;  and 
why  should  not  cold  water,  imbibed  half -hourly  in 
spoonfuls,  render  the  same  service  internally?  Instead 
of  water,  tea  of  sage  or  w^ormwood  may  be  used,  or 
both  together  mixed  in  equal  proportions. 

A  pinch  of  aloe  pov/der,  dissolved  in  half  a  pint 
of  water,  may  be  taken  in  the  same  fashion,  half- 
hourly  in  spoonfuls ;  but  never  longer  than  for  half 
a  day  at  a  time,  with  a  pause  of  two  or  three  days 
before  recommencing. 

An  excellent  houseliold  remedy,  accessible  to  the 
poorest,  is  cabbage-water — viz.,  the  liquid  in  which 
cabbage  has  been  pickled.     This  water  will  heal  the 


254  DISEASES. 

oldest  complaints.  For  this  purpose  mix  one  table- 
spoonful  of  cabbage- water  with  six  to  eight  spoonfuls 
of  common  drinking-water,  and  take  of  it  a  spoonful 
every  hour. 

Eibwort  tea  is  likewise  not  to  be  despised.  As 
external  applications,  I  advise  such  patients  to  apply 
a  compress  on  the  lower  body  from  one  and  a  half  to 
two  hours  every  second  day.  A  decoction  of  hay- 
flowers,  shave-grass,  or  pine-tree  will  be  found  still 
more  efficacious  than  plain  water.  Large  malignant 
tumours,  when  once  fully  developed  in  the  stomach, 
are  incurable.  The  work  of  destruction  continues  to 
advance,  and  must  infallibly  end  in  death. 

Throat  Complaints. 

Andrew  began  to  relate  as  follows :  "  I  can  hardly 
speak  any  more.  I  had  a  sore  finger.  This  finger  gave 
me  pain  the  first  time  I  lost  my  voice ;  now  it  begins 
again  to  do  so.  My  appetite  is  good,  and  nothing  is 
the  matter  with  me.  The  doctor  said  the  uvula  is 
too  long,  and  must  be  cut ;  but  I  will  not  consent  to 
this." 

The  appearance  of  this  man  was  bloated  and  inflated, 
especially  the  left  side  of  the  face  from  the  ear  down- 
wards showed  a  little  swelling.  It  was  easy  to  see 
that  his  face  was  altered,  head  and  neck  being  in- 
flated both  outward  and  inwardly:  this  caused  pres- 
sure, and  contracted  the  inner  organs,  hence  the  throat- 
pains.  Evidently  the  sore  finger  had  not  been  radi- 
cally cured  the  first  time — the  poisonous  matter  not 
entirely  removed.  To  expel  this  unhealthy  matter 
and  cleanse  the  body  is  therefore  our  object ;  wlioever 
succeeds   in   doin^r  this  will  have   cured   the   throat 


THROAT   COMPLAINTS.  255 

complaint.  It  will  first  be  necessary  to  act  upon  the 
whole  body,  and  then  only  to  attack  the  head.  To 
compass  the  first  object,  the  sack  and  the  shawl  are 
to  be  employed.  Every  countryman  has  a  sack  at 
hand.  He  dips  it  in  a  decoction  of  oat-straw,  and  puts 
it  on  up  to  the  neck.  This  should  be  done  for  three 
successive  days,  each  time  for  one  and  a  half  hour. 
After  the  fourth  day  let  him  make  use  of  the  sack 
only  every  third  day ;  let  him  wear  the  shawl  daily 
for  one  hour.  After  fourteen  days  he  may  begin  to 
employ  complete  lavations  twice  in  the  week,  and 
once  weekly  a  Spanish  mantle.  If  the  uvula  be 
still  troublesome,  let  him  take  a  few  head  vapour- 
baths,  of  course  on  different  days.  The  complaint  was 
entirely  removed. 

A  priest  related:  "In  the  course  of  the  summer,  1887, 
I  used  to  feel  an  occasional  trifling  pain  in  the  throat 
combined  with  a  slight  cough.  After  prolonged  preach- 
ing, or  sitting  in  the  confessional,  my  voice  became 
gradually  weaker  and  threatened  to  give  way.  The 
complaint  increased  in  September  and  October.  I  got 
a  violent  catarrh  of  the  throat,  and  the  doctor  con- 
sidered the  point  of  the  right  lung  to  be  affected. 
A  three  months'  residence  in  Meran,  gargling  and 
painting  the  throat,  mountain-climbing,  &c.,  all  failed 
to  cure  me.  At  last,  my  leave  of  absence  being 
nearly  up,  on  the  25th  of  January  I  left  Meran  very 
despondingly,  and  repaired  to  Wörishofen.  The  cold- 
water  applications — twice  daily  upper  aftiision  and 
walking  in  water  —  soon  brought  relief ;  the  pain 
decreased,  the  voice  became  stronger  and  recovered 
its  former  tone,  and  by  Candlemas  I  was  able  to  hold 
the  service  at  D ,  and  deliver  a  short  address 


256  DISEASES. 

from  the  altar.  From  week  to  week  I  felt  improve- 
ment. Ill  three  weeks'  time  my  voice  was  as  clear 
and  strong  as  formerly,  and  T  was  able  to  resume  all 
the  duties  of  my  vocation." 

Typhus. 

As  in  smallpox  an  eruption  forms  on  the  surface  of 
the  skin,  so  in  typhus  we  have  an  internal  eruption. 
According  to  the  seat  of  this  eruption,  the  malady  is 
designated  as  typhus  of  the  head  or  abdomen.  In 
some  cases  of  typhus,  outward  tumours  are  also  apt  to 
form,  but  these  rarely  attain  development. 

There  are  three  principal  points  to  be  observed  in 
the  treatment  of  typhus :  firstly,  that  the  fever-heat 
should  never  be  allowed  to  reach  too  high  a  pitch ; 
secondly,  to  prevent  tumours  from  forming,  and  dis- 
solve those  already  formed ;  thirdly,  as  rapidly  as 
possible  to  remove  this  poisonous  matter  from  the 
body. 

This  threefold  object  is  best  attained  by  means  of 
water,  which  cools,  dissolves,  and  expels. 

John  went  to  the  funeral  of  his  brother,  who  had 
died  of  typhus.  He  imprudently  wore  a  coat  which 
had  belonged  to  the  deceased,  and  within  a  few  days 
he  too  was  stricken  down  by  the  same  malady.  The 
heat  was  great,  and  greater  still  the  sensation  of 
anxiety  and  oppression.  John  ordered  a  tub  of  water 
to  be  placed  near  his  bed,  and  whenever  the  heat  and 
oppression  grew  unbearable,  he  entered  tlie  tub  for 
one  minute.  The  water  reached  to  the  pit  of  the 
stomach,  and  with  a  coarse  towel  he  rapidly  washed 
over  the  upper  body,  then,  without  drying,  he  put  on 
a  clean  shirt  and  returned  to  bed.     Each  time  he  felt 


TYPHUS.  257 

like  born  anew.  He  continued  to  do  this  for.  three 
days,  from  three  to  six  times  in  the  course  of  the  day. 
For  this  he  required  no  clock,  but  regulated  the  inter- 
vals of  his  plunges  according  to  the  degree  of  fever- 
heat.  On  the  first  day  he  bathed  six  times,  on  the 
second  three,  and  the  last  day  only  once.  In  five  days 
all  danger  was  past.  But  now  the  convalescent's  wife 
was  also  attacked  by  typhus.  She  too  had  recourse  to 
the  water-tub,  and  was  likewise  cured  in  a  few  days. 

The  beverage  of  both  patients  consisted  of  water 
and  curdled  milk.  They  ate  nothing  until  a  natural 
appetite  returned,  when  they  partook  of  bread,  soup, 
milk-soup,  and  a  few  potatoes.  They  were  soon  able 
to  resume  their  habitual  diet. 

During  a  typhus  epidemic,  in  which  within  five 
weeks  about  twenty  persons  were  treated  and  saved 
by  means  of  the  aforementioned  applications,  a  lit- 
tle child  aged  two  was  also  attacked  by  the  malady. 
No  one  believed  that  this  fragile  creature  would  be 
able  to  survive.  Whenever  it  cried  or  moaned,  the 
mother  dipped  it  in  lukewarm  water,  with  subsequent 
rapid  lavation,  or  she  wrapped  the  little  one  in  a  linen 
sheet  dipped  in  lukewarm  water.  In  twelve  days  the 
child  was  completely  cured. 

The  coldest  water  is  always  the  most  efficacious ;  but 
I  sometimes  permit  the  use  of  lukewarm  water  for 
such  patients  as  are  likely  to  be  dissuaded  from  the 
cure  by  fear  of  the  unwonted  cold  shock. 

Great  panic  is  generally  caused  in  a  school  or  other 
such  establishment  when  one  of  the  pupils  is  attacked 
with  typhus.  Without  exaggeration,  I  venture  to 
affirm  that  if,  for  instance,  of  ten  children  sleeping  in . 
one  dormitory,  one  be  attacked  by  typhus,  and  treated 

R 


258  DISEASES. 

as  above,  no  second  child  will  take  the  infection.  Con- 
tagion is  mostly  conveyed  by  unhealthy  exhalations  of 
the  body.  According  to  our  method,  however,  these  are 
absorbed  by  the  wet  cloths,  and  the  germs  of  contagion 
are  thus  smothered  in  the  bud.  If  the  apartment  is 
constantly  supplied  with  fresh  air,  there  is  little  danger 
of  infection  being  conveyed  by  the  patient's  breath. 
It  is  hardly  necessary,  however,  to  observe  that  the 
evacuations  of  typhus  patients  should  be  instantly 
removed,  and,  if  possible,  emptied  out  at  some  remote 
spot. 

Ulcers. 

A  poor  labourer  had  for  many  months  an  open  sore 
on  the  foot,  a  fiuGjer  lono-  and  three  fino^ers  broad.  This 
man,  who  was  in  the  prime  of  life,  had  great  and 
almost  continual  pain,  and  could  seldom  sleep  for 
more  than  a  few  hours.  His  appearance  was  very 
sickly,  and  his  courage  exhausted.  I  advised  the 
patient  to  apply  to  the  sore  a  plaster  made  of  boiled 
fenugreek  spread  upon  linen  rags  ;  over  this  to  envelop 
the  whole  foot  above  the  ankle  with  fresh  coltsfoot- 
leaves,  and  then  to  replace  the  stocking  over  every- 
thing. 

Every  morning  and  evening  plaster  and  leaves  were 
to  be  renewed  ;  and  every  two  hours  he  was  to  swallow 
two  spoonfuls  of  fenugreek  tea.  At  the  same  time  he 
was  free  to  pursue  his  daily  occupation.  At  the  end 
of  a  fortnight  two-thirds  of  the  wound  was  already 
healed.  The  man  looked  fresh  and  healthy,  and  felt 
no  more  pain.  Three  weeks  later  the  foot  was  com- 
pletely healed. 

The  tea  of  fenugreek  is  prepared  by  boiling  a  small 


ULCERS.  259 

spoonful  of  the  powdered  seeds  in  a  scJioppcn  (half 
a  pint)  of  water  for  one  minute,  and  then  straining. 

An  official  had  long  suffered  from  an  open  sore  on 
tlie  lower  part  of  the  calf  of  the  leg.  It  ulcerated 
profusely,  and  the  neighbourhood  of  the  spot  had 
assumed  a  bluish-black  hue.  This  man,  whose  age 
might  have  been  about  forty-five,  was  strongly  built 
and  ratlier  stout.  From  his  somewhat  flushed  com- 
plexion I  recognised  him  to  be  a  beer-drinker.  The 
eyes  were  dull,  the  whites  yellow^ish,  the  ears  dark 
red.  To  my  question  as  to  his  general  health  he 
made  answer,  "  There  is  nothing  the  matter  with  me  : 
my  appetite  is  excellent;  I  am  not  a  drinker,  but  I 
enjoy  two  or  three  glasses  of  beer  daily.  My  com- 
plaint is  a  purely  local  one." 

All  these  patients  invariably  complain  of  the  one 
painful  or  ulcerated  spot,  believing  the  cure  simply  to 
consist  in  healing  the  wound,  whereas  the  treatment 
should  be  just  the  reverse.  To  heal  the  body  and 
remove  from  it  all  unhealthy  matter  should  be  the 
physician's  first  task ;  this  once  accomplished,  the 
open  wound,  which  is  like  the  entrance  to  a  sewer, 
will  close  of  its  own  accord. 

If  we  act  otherwise,  we  thwart  Nature,  and,  so  to  say, 
bind  her  hand  and  foot,  by  closing  up  the  sole  egress 
by  which  the  disease  could  have  escaped. 

I  advised  this  official  for  fourteen  days  to  take  daily 
a  lower  swathing  for  one  and  a  half  hour,  and  twice 
daily  a  complete  lavation ;  in  addition  to  this,  every 
week  a  head  vapour-bath  for  twenty  minutes.  These 
applications  had  the  object  of  cleansing  the  body  and 
expelling  unhealthy  secretions.  At  the  end  of  four- 
teen days  the  official  came  again  to  see  me.     His  gen- 


260  DISEASES. 

eral  health  was  mncli  improved.  The  further  treat- 
ment consisted  in  two  lower  swathings  weekly  for  half 
an  hour,  and  daily  one  vigorous  upper  affusion. 

On  the  sore  leg  nothing  was  applied  but  a  simple 
linen  rag  dipped  in  lukewarm  water,  and  renewed  two 
or  three  times  daily.  After  the  second  fortnight  the 
patient  came  again  rejoicing,  for  he  had  now  a  healthy 
leg  on  the  healthy  body.  Since  that  time  he  has  never 
ceased  to  sing  the  praises  of  cold  water.  Those  who 
have  thus  been  cured  (and  this  is  important)  should 
continue  to  practise  cold-water  applications  for  some 
length  of  time,  in  order  to  hinder  any  new  accumula- 
tion of  unhealthy  matter.  Let  them  select  those  ap- 
plications from  which  they  have  derived  most  benefit. 

As  a  warning,  I  will  relate  the  following  case :  A 
tolerably  stout  but  very  healthy  gentleman  was  afHict- 
ed  with  an  open  sore  on  the  leg,  which  gave  him 
much  trouble.  He  had  recourse  to  cold  water,  and 
made  use  of  it  for  twelve  days.  He  could  not  suf- 
ficiently praise  its  effects ;  how  free  and  well  he  felt ! 
If  only  you  would  get  the  troublesome  open  wound 
on  the  leg  to  close  !  "  Whoever  does  this  will  shorten 
your  life,"  I  answered,  decidedly.  This  displeased  the 
frentleman,  and  he  left  me.  This  was  in  autumn :  in 
the  following  spring  he  went,  as  J  heard,  to  a  mineral 
bath,  and  after  returning  home,  he  employed  various 
means  in  order  to  induce  the  wound  to  close.  He 
succeeded  in  doing  so,  and  for  six  or  eight  weeks 
he  was  able  to  rejoice  in  his  recovered  leg.  Then 
suddenly  a  large  tumour  began  to  form  in  the  middle 
of  the  back  near  the  spine.  The  doctor,  believing  it 
to  be  a  boil,  attempted  to  open  it  by  means  of  a  sharp 
incision,  but  instead  of  matter,  they  came  upon  a  solid 


URINATION,   DIFFICULT.  261 

hard  lump.     Within  twelve  days  blood-poisoning  liad 
put  an  end  to  this  vigorous  existence. 

I  might  quote  many  more  such  instances  of  similar 
cases. 

Urination,  Difficult. 

I  was  once  hastily  called  to  a  carpenter,  seventy 
years  of  age,  in  order  to  prepare  him  for  death.  He 
had,  I  was  told,  fearful  pains,  and  could  no  longer 
make  water.  I  soon  reached  his  house ;  but  I  could 
not  fulfil  my  sacerdotal  duties,  for  the  man  was 
rushing  up  and  down  the  room  and  crying  out  with 
pain,^not  a  minute  could  he  remain  quiet.  His  wife 
was  also  crying  and  lamenting  loudly.  I  directed  her 
to  prepare  boiling  water  with  a  handful  of  shave- 
grass,  and  pour  it  into  the  close-stool.  It  must  be 
remarked  that  the  doctor  was  two  hours  off,  and 
would  certainly  not  have  found  the  man  alive.  The 
patient  seated  himself,  and  allowed  the  hot  vapour 
to  fumigate  the  painful  spots.  I  ordered  him  to  re- 
main there  sitting  from  twenty  to  thirty  minutes, 
and  then  go  to  bed.  In  one  hour  I  said  I  would 
return  and  prepare  the  patient  for  death.  I  came  at 
tlie  appointed  time,  but  found  the  man  lying  quietly 
in  bed,  and  in  violent  perspiration.  Joyfully  he  in- 
formed me  that  two  pints  of  water  had  gone  from 
him,  and  he  no  longer  felt  the  slightest  pain.  The 
preparation  for  death  was  unnecessary.  Next  day 
the  man  took  again  a  similar  vapour  application,  of 
twenty  minutes'  duration ;  the  third  day  he  rested, 
and  on  the  fourth  day  resumed  his  usual  work. 

The  man  had  caught  cold,  and  thus  his  complaint 
had  originated.     It  is  incredible  wdiat  help  and  re- 


262  DISEASES. 

lief  may  be  obtained  from  a  simple  herb  in  hours  of 
bitterest  suffering. 

It  may  also  be  recommended,  besides  the  outward 
application,  to  drink  daily  a  cupful  of  shave-grass  tea 
divided  in  two  doses. 

A  poor  labourer  suffered  from  this  same  complaint, 
which  increased  from  day  to  day.  He  applied  shave- 
grass  vapours,  but  without  much  effect  this  time. 
The  vapours  alone  were  too  weak,  and  required  to 
be  strengthened  by  other  means.  A  fourfold  linen 
cloth,  dipped  in  shave-grass  decoction,  was  therefore 
aj)plied  to  the  affected  spot.  One  vapour  application 
and  one  such  compress  daily,  applied  for  two  hours, 
sufficed  to  cure  him  in  a  few  days.  Catching  cold 
was  also  here  one,  though  not  the  sole,  reason  of  the 
complaint.  The  water,  when  voided,  showed  that 
much  unhealthy  matter  had  been  contained  in  the 
body. 

In  a  similar  case  I  have  employed  vinegar-and- 
water  instead  of  shave-grass  with  good  results. 

For  all  these  complaints,  as  for  gravel  and  stone, 
an  infusion  of  black-currant  leaves  is  excellent.  This 
tea  has  often  afforded  relief  even  in  the  severest 
cases. 

Vaccination,  Bad  Effects  of. 

A  gentleman  relates  :  "  I  have  been  healthy  all  my 
life.  Ten  years  ago,  when  smallpox  was  raging  in  my 
neighbourhood,  like  many  others  I  had  myself  vac- 
cinated. I  got  no  pustules,  but  the  vaccinated  spot 
on  the  right  arm  remained  of  a  reddish  colour,  and 
a  small  eruption  came  out  round  the  lancet  -  cuts. 
For  eight  years  I  merely  noticed  that  the  inllamed 


VOICE.  203 

spot  continued  to  grow  larger,  and  now  at  the  end  of 
ten  years  the  moist  eruption  has  become  so  trouble- 
some that  I  am  sometimes  deprived  of  rest  for  whole 
nights.  This  eruption  is  stronger  now  on  the  one  arm, 
now  on  the  other,  and  the  same  change  is  likewise  in 
the  feet.  I  have  tried  many  remedies,  have  rubbed 
the  most  poisonous  ointments  on  the  skin,  have  taken 
much  medicine,  but  all  in  vain." 

Here  tlie  blood  and  secretions  are  certainly  cor- 
rupted, and  the  eruption  is  but  an  outcome  of  the 
unhealthy  matter.  It  is  therefore  necessary  to  react 
upon  the  whole  body,  to  dissolve  and  remove  what- 
ever is  unhealthy  in  blood  and  secretions. 

Applications — 

1.  A  complete  lavation,  taken  from  bed,  three  times 
in  the  week. 

2.  Washing  the  eruption  two  or  three  times  daily 
with  a  decoction  of  fenugreek,  or  else  with  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  aloe  powder  dissolved  in  a  quart  of 
water. 

3.  Twice  weekly  a  Spanish  mantle. 

Continue  these  applications  from  two  to  three  weeks. 

Further  applications :  Once  weekly,  or  once  in  the 
fortnight,  a  warm  bath,  with  transition  into  cold.  It 
is  also  good  during  this  cure  to  drink  tea  of  worm- 
wood twice  daily,  each  time  three  or  four  spoonfuls. 

Voice. 

It  frequently  happens  that  a  person  loses  his  voice, 
either  wholly  or  partially,  without  apparent  cause. 

How  can  a  speaking  organ  be  unfit  for  use  if  it  be 
uninjured  and  free  from  pain  ?  If  I  tie  a  bandage  over 
a  person's  mouth,  he  will  be  unable  to  speak,  and  yet 


264  DISEASES. 

his  speaking  organs  are  not  injured.  It  would  be 
folly  were  I  to  seek  the  cause  of  his  silence  in  the 
throat.  I  must  remove  the  bandage  and  speech  will 
be  restored. 

When  idle  shepherd  boys  throw  stones  into  the 
stream  that  runs  down  the  valley,  and  hem  its  pro- 
gress with  mud  and  sand,  then  the  water  is  disturbed 
from  its  regular  course ;  it  is  forced  to  leave  its  bed, 
turning  aside  to  the  right  or  left  in  order  to  find  a  new 
issue,  and  sometimes  forming  stagnant  pools  in  hollows. 
The  same  process  takes  place  in  the  human  frame ;  if 
we  could  look  into  the  complicated  network  of  our 
veins,  we  should  see  that  just  such  obstacles  are  some- 
times placed  across  the  passage  of  our  blood,  and  that 
agglomerations,  swellings  of  the  mucous  membranes, 
&c.,  are  its  necessary  consequence. 

About  twelve  years  ago  there  came  to  me  a  priest 
who  for  long  had  been  unable  to  speak,  and  had  to 
communicate  with  his  fellow-creatures  by  means  of 
pencil  and  paper.  Various  gargles,  caustic,  electricity, 
had  all  been  resorted  to  without  the  slightest  effect. 
His  general  health  was  good,  and  he  felt  no  pains; 
neither  was  there  any  perceptible  disease  to  be  dis- 
covered in  the  speaking  organs.  But  his  complexion 
wanted  freshness,  and  he  had  a  sickly  appearance. 

The  first  upper  affusion  which  I  applied  revealed  to 
me  what  mighty  agglomerations,  almost  amounting  to 
tumours,  were  here  existing.  These  were  the  culprits 
which  were  holding  captive  the  voice  with  their  heavy 
chains,  llemove  these,  and  the  voice  is  free.  This 
result  was  achieved  by  means  of  various  applications. 
The  head  vapour-bath  must  first  be  apjilied,  in  order 
to  dissolve   the  supertiuous   matter.      This  produces 


VOICE.  265 

perspiration  over  the  whole  upper  body,  and  the 
subsequent  cold  affusion  (taken  directly  after  the 
vapour -bath)  carries  off  that  which  has  been  dis- 
solved, and  strengthens  the  whole  system.  This 
patient  being  stout,  the  determination  of  blood  to 
the  head  was  averted  by  means  of  a  vapour  foot- 
bath, succeeded  by  a  cold  affusion.  These  two  ap- 
plications (which  in  this  case  were  used  conjointly) 
can  be  taken  once  in  each  week ;  in  very  stout  sub- 
jects, as  often  as  twice. 

Another  application,  likewise  calculated  to  dissolve 
all  superfluous  matter,  is  the  Spanish  mantle ;  to  this 
are  added  cold  baths  (one  or  two  in  the  week  for 
one  minute  only),  semi-baths  reaching  to  the  armpits, 
with  vigorous  lavation  of  the  upper  body ;  one  upper 
and  one  lower  affusion  may  replace  the  semi-bath. 

These  applications,  punctually  performed,  and  com- 
bined with  a  regular  mode  of  life,  plenty  exercise, 
and  light  manual  labour,  soon  effected  the  cure,  and 
restored  the  patient's  voice  completely,  without  the 
assistance  of  either  medicine,  burning,  or  electricity. 
No  one  had  believed  it  possible  that  this  priest 
would  regain  his  power  of  speech.  At  the  end  of  six 
weeks  no  trace  remained  of  his  former  complaint; 
and  even  now,  after  a  period  of  twelve  years,  his 
voice  has  a  full  sonorous  tone  which  rejoices  all  those 
that  hear  it. 

A  girl,  aged  sixteen,  lost  her  voice  without  appa- 
rent cause :  she  was  completely  hoarse,  and  could  only 
make  herself  understood  with  great  difficulty.  The 
doctor  had  not  been  able  to  help  her.  Her  appe- 
tite was  good,  and  her  appearance  blooming :  the  head 
somewhat  round  and  full,  the  short  neck  slightly  in- 


266  DISEASES. 

flated.  She  seemed  to  breathe  with  some  difficulty. 
Her  feet  were  always  cold. 

In  six  weeks  the  girl  was  completely  cured.  By 
what  means  T  The  blooming  complexion,  hot  and  in- 
flated head,  and  cold  feet,  showed  clearly  that  she  suf- 
fered from  determination  of  blood  to  the  head.  The 
principal  object  to  be  attained,  therefore,  was  to  direct 
the  blood  downwards,  and  restore  equal  circulation 
and  warmth.  The  patient  took  daily  two  or  three  cold 
foot-baths  (each  one  minute  in  duration),  succeeded  by 
exercise  in  the  fresh  air.  She  likewise  walked  daily 
on  wet  stones  or  in  damp  grass.  These  applications 
were  calculated  to  draw  down  the  blood  from  above 
towards  the  extremities.  In  order  to  dissolve  and 
remove  the  agglomerations  in  head  and  throat,  tlie 
Spanish  mantle  was  used  daily  during  the  first  week. 
In  the  second  and  third  weeks  it  was  only  applied 
every  second  or  third  day,  and  later,  only  once  in  the 
week.  After  about  a  fortnight,  in  order  to  strengthen 
the  general  system,  one  semi-bath  of  one  minute  w\as 
taken  weekly,  in  combination  with  lavation  of  tlie 
upper  body.  The  semi-bath  and  lavation  might  like- 
wise have  been  successfully  replaced  by  an  upper  and 
lower  affusion. 

The  restoration  of  equal  warmth  was  therefore  the 
first,  dissolution  and  removal  of  unhealthy  agglomera- 
tions the  second,  and  bracing  of  the  general  system 
the  third  part  of  the  healing  process.  The  body  im- 
proved in  strength,  the  voice  became  clearer  and  more 
sonorous  than  it  had  ever  previously  been,  and  was 
excellently  adapted  for  singing,  an  art  wliich  the  girl 
continues  specially  to  cultivate. 


WOKMS.  207 

Worms. 

Among  the  vermin  by  which  onr  bodies  are  in- 
t'ectcd,  the  ascarides  and  other  sorts  of  worms  are 
those  most  calculated  to  derange  and  injure  the  organ- 
ism. Children  are  frequently  aßlicted  with  them,  and 
if  a  mother  be  not  careful  to  notice  this,  the  worms 
may  become  very  injurious.  They  are  formed  in  the 
rectum,  and  are  often  caused  by  eating  too  much 
farinaceous  food,  especially  black  bread.  Worms  are 
usually  expelled  from  below,  but  may  sometimes  come 
out  by  the  mouth.  The  principal  symptoms  are  :  great 
appetite,  uneasiness  and  pain  in  the  abdomen.  When 
children  put  their  fingers  in  the  nose,  it  likewise  often 
denotes  the  presence  of  worms.  The  children  also 
look  sickly,  because  the  worms  rob  nature  of  her 
proper  nourishment. 

Eemedies  against  worms  are : — 

1.  Cut  up  an  onion,  and  place  it  overnight  in  a 
quart  of  water.  In  the  morning  well  press  out  the 
onion  juice,  and  drink  this  water  fasting.  If  this 
remedy  be  used  three  or  four  days  in  succession,  the 
worms  will  certainly  be  killed  and  expelled. 

2.  Boil  a  spoonful  of  honey  in  a  quart  of  water  and 
drink  it.  The  worms  suck  themselves  full  of  this 
water,  and  if  subsequently  a  cup  of  wormwood  tea 
(which  is  poison  to  them)  be  drunk,  they  will  die 
and  come  out. 

3.  The  wormseed  is  the  strongest  remedy  of  all  for 
this  purpose.  It  is  the  seed  of  a  plant  thus  named, 
because  of  its  wonderful  properties. 

Three  large  worms  came  one  day  out  of  a  woman's 
mouth.     She  had  been  ailing  for  some  time,  and  was 


268  DISEASES. 

taking  medicine.  Two  spoonfuls  of  wormseed,  taken 
on  two  consecutive  days,  had  the  result  of  expelling 
no  less  than  seventy-eight  large  worms  within  three 
days. 

Wormseed  is  not  dear,  and  can  be  bought  in  any 
druggist's. 

Of  all  worms  the  tape-worm  is  tlie  most  pernicious. 
Eeliable  medicines  for  expelling  this  reptile  can  now 
be  obtained  in  every  apothecary's  shop,  along  with 
the  directions  for  use.  Pumpkin-seeds  have,  however, 
been  known  to  have  the  effect  of  killing  and  expelling 
the  tape- worm. 


INDEX, 


Abdomen,  compress  on  the,  27. 

■  conglutination  of,  126. 

Acidity,  126. 

Alfusions,  46  ct  scq. 

Almond-oil,  77. 

Aloe,  78. 

Alum,  79. 

An,£;elica,  79. 

Aniseed,  80. 

Apoplexy,  224. 

Appliances    for    hardening    and 

bracing  the  system,  19. 
Arnica,  80. 
Ashes,  81. 
Asthma,  127. 

Back  affusion,  the,  50. 
Barefooted  wal 
Bath,  foot,  27. 

the  cold  foot,  27. 

the  warm  foot,  28. 

Baths,  full,  33  ct  scq. 

Bed- wetting,  128. 

Bilberry,  81. 

Birth,  129. 

Bladder,  catarrh  of  the,  130. 

stone  in  the,  131. 

Blood,  decomposition  of  the,  131. 

poisoning,  45. 

poverty  of  the,  133. 

spitting  or  vomiting,  135. 

Bloody  flux,  138. 
Boils,  138. 


Bone,  caries  of  the,  139. 
Bone-dust,  82. 
Botanical  remedies,  71. 
Bowels,  complaint  of  the,  140. 

inflammation  of  the,  141. 

Brain,  inflammation  of  the,  142. 
Bran,  84. 

bread,  recipe    for  making, 

119. 
Burns,  143. 

Camomile,  85. 

Camphor,  85. 

Cancer,  144. 

Cataract,  179. 

Catarrh  or  cold,  145. 

Centaury,  85. 

Chalk,  86. 

Chewing  food,  QQ. 

Chicory-leaves,  116. 

Chilblains,  21. 

Chilly  persons  and  their  treat- 
ment, 17. 

Cholera,  146. 

Cholerine,  148. 

Close-stool  vapour  bath,  44. 

Clothing,  hints  on,  11. 

Cloves,  oil  of,  87. 

Cold  full  baths,  33. 

for  the  healthy,  33. 

for  invalids,  35. 

Cold-water  cure,  principles  of  the, 
4  ct  scq. 


270 


INDEX. 


Colic,  148. 

Coltsfoot,  87. 

Complete  affusion,  the,  51. 

lavation  for  invalids,  54. 

lavation    for    the    healthy, 

53. 
Compress,  the  lower,  26. 

the  upper,  25. 

Compresses,  25. 

upper  and  lower,  conjointly 

employed,  27. 
Congestions,  149. 
Constipation,  150. 
Consumption,  151. 
Cowslip,  88. 
Cramps,  156. 
Croup,  157. 
Cure,  method  of,  7. 

Danewort  or  dwarf  elder,  88. 

Debilitation,  158. 

Decline,  159. 

Delirium  tremens,  161. 

Diarrhoea,  162. 

Diphtheria,  164. 

Diseases  and  their  nature,  6. 

Dizziness,  166. 

Dog-bite,  45. 

Dropsy,  168. 

Dysentery,  171. 

Ear  complaints,  172. 
Ears,  singing  in  the,  173. 
Elder,  black,  89. 

dwarf,  88. 

Epile})sy,  174. 

Eruptions,  175. 

Erysipelas,  177. 

Extremities,  hardening  the,  23. 

Eye-bath,  40. 

Eyebright,  90. 

Eyes,  cataract  of  the,  179. 

catarrh  of,  181. 

Fees  at  Wörishofen,  xxii. 
Fennel,  91. 
Fenugreek,  92. 
Fever,  185. 
Flatulency,  97. 
Food,  attention  to,  10. 


Foot-swathing,  58. 

Friction  and  rubbing  superseded, 

18. 
Fruit,  use  of  ripe,  recommended, 

10. 

Gatherings  in  the  throat,  45. 
General  observations  on  the  prin- 
ciples of  water-cure,  1 5. 
Gentian,  yellow,  93. 
Goitre,  102. 
Gout,  185. 
Gravel  and  stone  comj)laint,  187. 

Hand  and  arm  baths,  39. 
Hardening  the  extremities,  23. 
Hay-flower  bath,  28,  33,  38. 
Headache,  189. 

nervous,  191. 

Head-bath,  39. 

Head-swathing,  55. 

Head  vapour  bath,  40. 

Heart  complaints,  192. 

Herpetic  eruptions,  195. 

Hoarseness,  198. 

Honey,  94. 

Honey-wine  or  mead,  recipe  for, 

120. 
Household    pharmacy,    contents 

of,  72. 
Hypercon    or    St    Jolin's    wort, 

95. 
Hypochondriasis,  199. 

Inflammation,    general    remarks 
on,  201. 

of  the  brain,  142. 

Influenza,  203. 
Insanity,  205. 
Insect-stings,  45. 
Itch,  210. 

• 
Jaundice,  211. 
Juniper,  96. 

Kidneys,  disease  of  the,  213. 
Knee    aflusion   for   bracing    tlic 

system,  23. 
Knee  affusion,  46. 
iufiamed,  214. 


INDEX. 


271 


Kneipp's   system   of  water-cure, 

vii. 
Knot-grass,  97. 

Lavations,  5S  et  seq. 
Lavender,  oil  of,  97. 
Lime-tree,  98. 
Linseed,  98. 
Lower  affusion,  51. 
Lungs,  emphysema,  214. 
inflammation  of,  217. 

Mallow,  99. 

Malt-husks,  foot-bath  of,  29. 

Marsh-clover,  99. 

mallow,  99. 

Medicaments,  77. 
Migraine  or  megrim,  218. 
Mineral  baths,  denounced,  39. 
Mint,  100. 
Mistletoe,  101. 
Mullein,  101. 

Nervous  ailment,  219. 

exhaustion,  221. 

surexcitation,  222. 

Nettle,  101. 
Nose-bleeding,  136. 

Oak  bark,  102. 

Oat-straw  bath,  29,  33,  38. 

Oats,  103. 

Oils,  76. 

Overheating,  avoid,  17. 

Palsy,  223. 
Partial  baths,  39. 

lavation,  55. 

Patients  at  Worisliofen,  xiii. 
Personality  of  Pfarrer  Kneipp,  xii. 
I'erspiration,  225. 
Pharmacy,  69  et  seq. 

household,    contents    of   a 

small,  121. 
Piles,  228. 
Pine-tree  bath,  38. 
Powder,  black,  82. 

grey,  83. 

white,  82. 

Powders,  76. 
Priessnitz,  ix. 


Rectum,  irritation  of  the,  102. 

Regulating  purgatives,  104. 

Resin,  106. 

Respiration,  difficult,  231. 

Rheumatism,  231. 

Ribwort,  106. 

Ringworm  of  the  scalp,  236. 

Rose-hips,  107. 

Rosemar}»-,  108. 

Rothschild,  Baron,  xxiv. 

Rue,  108. 

Rupture,  237. 

St  John's  wort,  96. 

St  Vitus's  dance,  239. 

Sage,  109. 

Salad-oil,  110. 

Sauerkraut  or  pickled  cabbage, 
110. 

Saunders,  110. 

Scarlet  fever,  240. 

Sciatica,  242. 

Secretive  oil.  111. 

Semi-baths,  30. 

Shave-grass,  112. 

grass  sitz-bath,  32. 

Shawl,  the,  57. 

Shirt,  the  wet,  63. 

Silverweed,  113. 

Sitz-baths,  cold  and  warm,  31 

Sleeplessness,  243. 

Slime  fever,  245. 

Sloe,  114. 

Smallpox,  246. 

Snow,  walking  barefooted  in  new- 
fallen,  21. 

S[)anish  mantle,  the,  and  its  uses, 
63. 

Spices  and  condiments,  avoid,  10. 

Spine,  247. 

curvature  of  the,  248. 

Steam,  application  of,  for  cura- 
tive purposes,  40. 

Stomach  complaints,  249. 

cramp,  252. 

tumours,  253. 

Strawberry,  114. 

Succory,  wild,  115. 

Susceptibility  to  disease,  9. 

Swathing,  lower,  the,  62. 


272 


INDEX. 


Swathing,  short,  the,  62. 
Swathings,  55  c^  scq. 

Tea-infusions,  75. 
Throat  complaints,  254. 

swathing,  56. 

Tight  -  lacing,   pernicious   effects 

of,  175. 
Tinctures  or  extracts,  74. 
Toothache,  snow  cure  for,  22. 
Typhus,  256. 

Ulcers,  258. 

Upper  affusion,  the,  47. 

Urination,  difficult,  261. 

Vaccination,  bad  effects  of,  262. 
Valerian,  116. 

Vapour  applications  on  isolated 
parts  of  the  body,  45. 

baths,  40. 

foot-bath,  42. 


Ventilation,  11. 
Violet,  117. 
Voice,  loss  of,  263, 
Vomiting  blood,  135. 

"Walking  barefoot,  19. 

in  water,  22. 

Warm  full  bath,  35. 

for  the  healthy,  37. 

for  the  sick,  ih. 

Water  applications,  25. 

as  a  curative  agent,  8. 

drinking,  65. 

Wet   grass,    barefooted    walking 

in,  20. 
stones,    barefooted   walking 

on,  20. 
Wood- ashes,  81. 
Woodruff,  115. 
Wörishofen,  x. 
Worms,  267. 
Wormwood,  118. 


'RINTEO  BY   WILMAM   BLACKWOOD   AND  RONS. 


CATALOGUE 


OP 


MESSRS  BLACKWOOD  &  SONS' 

PUBLICATIONS. 


PHILOSOPHICAL   CLASSICS   FOR   ENGLISH   READERS. 

Edited  by  WILLIAM  KNIGHT,  LL.D., 

Professor  of  Moral  Philosophy  in  the  University  of  St  Andrews. 

In  crown  8vo  Volumes,  with  Portraits,  price  3s.  6d. 

Noio  ready— 

— Vico,  by  Professor  Flint,  Edinburgh  — 
HoBBEs,  by  Professor  Groom  Robertson, 
London. — Hume,  by  the  Editor. — Spinoza, 
by  the  Very  Rev.  Principal  Caird,  Glasgow. 
— Bacon  :  Part  I.  The  Life  by  Professor 
Nichol,  Glasgow.— Bacon  :  Part  IL  Philo- 
sophy, by  the  same  Author. — Locke,  by 
Professor  Campbell  Fräser,  Edinburgh. 


Descartes,  by  Professor  Mahaffy,  Dub- 
lin.—Butler,  by  Rev.  W.  Lucas  Collins, 
M.  A. -Berkeley,  by  Professor  Campbell 
Fräser,  Edinburgh.— Fichte,  by  Professor 
Adamson,  Owens  College,  Manchester. — 
Kant,  by  Professor  Wallace,  Oxford.— 
Hamilton,  by  Professor  Veitch,  Glasgow. 
—  Hegel,  by  Professor  Edward  Caird, 
Glasgow.— Leibniz,  by  J.  Theodore  Merz. 

Mill, 


In  preparation. 


FOREIGN    CLASSICS   FOR   ENGLISH   READERS. 

Edited  by  Mrs  OLIPHANT. 

In  crowu  8vo,  2s.  6d. 


Dante,  by  the  Editor 
General     Sir    E.    B.    Hamley,    K.C.B 
—  Pascal,   by  Principal  TuUoch.— Pet 
RARCH,  by  Henry  Reeve,  C.B. — Goethe 


Contents  of  the  Series. 
Voltaire^  by    Editor.  —  Corneille    and    Racine,    by 
Henry     M.     Trollope.  —  Madame     de 
Sevigne,  by  Miss  Thackeray.— La  Fon- 

TAINE,    and     other     FrENCH     FaBULISTS, 


By  A.  Hay  ward,   Q.C.— Moliere,  by  the !  by  Rev.  W.  Lucas  Collins,  M.A.— Schil- 


Editor  and  F.  Tarver,  M.A. — Montaigne 
by  Rev.  W.  L.Collins,  M.A — Rabelais, 


LER,  by  James  Sime,  M.A.,    Author    of 
Lessing,  his  Life  and  Writings.' — Tasso, 


by  Walter  Besant,  M.A. — Galderon,  by  |  by  E.  J.  Hasell. — Rousseau,  by  Henry 
E.  J.  Hasell. — Saint  Simon,  by  Clifton  Grey  Graham.— Alfred  de  Müsset,  by 
W.   Collins,   M.A. —Cervantes,    by   the   C.  F.  Oliphant. 

In  preparation. 
Leopardi.    By  the  Editor. 


Now  Complete. 


ANCIENT    CLASSICS    FOR    ENGLISH    READERS. 

Edited  by  the  Rev.  W.  LUCAS  COLLINS,  M.A. 

Complete  in  28  Vols,  crown  Svo,  cloth,  price  2s.  6d.  each.     And  may  also  be  had  in 
14  Volumes,  strongly  and  neatly  bound,  with  calf  or  vellum  back,  £1,  los. 
Contents  of  the  Series. 
Homer:  The  Iliad,  by  the  Editor.—  ;  Terence,  by  the  Editor. — The  Commen- 
Homer:  The  Odyssey^  by  the  Editor. —  |  taries  of  Caesar,  by  Anthony  Trollope. 


Herodotus,  by  George  C.  Swayne,  M.A 
Xenopuon,  by  Sir  Alexander  Grant,  Bart., 
LL.D. — Euripides,  by  W.  B.  Donne. — 
Aristophanes,  by  the  Editor.— Plato,  by 


Tacitus,  by  W.  B.  Donne.— Cicero,  by 
the  Editor.— Pliny's  Letters,  by  the 
Rev.  Alfred  Church,  M.A.,  and  the  Rev. 
W.    J.    Brodribb.    M.A.— Livy.    by    the 


Clifton  W.  Collins,  M.  A.— Lucian,  by  the    Editor.— Ovid,  by   the   Rev.   A.  Church, 


Editor. — ffiscHYLUs,  by  the  Right  Rev 
the  Bishop  of  Colombo. — Sophocles,  by 
Clifton  W.  Collins,  M.A.— Hesiod  and 
Theognis,  by  the  Rev.  J.  Davies,  M.A.— 
Greek  Anthology,  by  Lord  Neaves. — 
Virgil,  by  the  Editor.— Horace,  by  Sir 
Theodore  Martin,  K.C.B. — Juvenal,  by 
Edward   Walford,    M.A.  — Plautus    and 


M.  A.— Catullus,  Tibullus,  and  Pro- 
pertius,  by  the  Rev.  Jas.  Davies,  M.A, 
—  Demosthenes,  by  the  Rev.  W.  J, 
Brodribb,  M.  A.— Aristotle,  by  Sir  Alex-^ 
ander  Grant,  Bart.,  LL.  D.— Thucydides, 
by  the  Editor.— Lucretius  ,  by  W.  H. 
Mallock,  M.  A.— Pindar,  by  the  Rev.  P, 
D.  Morice.  M.A. 


Saturday  Review.— "It  is  difficult  to  estimate  too  highly  the  value  of  such  a  series 
as  this  in  giving  'English  readers'  an  insight,  exact  as  far  as  it  goes,  into  those 
olden  times  which  are  so  remote,  and  yet  to  many  of  us  so  close." 


CATALOGUE 


OP 


MESSRS    BLACKWOOD    &    SONS' 
P  UBLICA  T  10  NS. 


ALISON.     History  of  Europe.    By  Sir  Archibald  Alison,  Bart., 

D.C.L. 

1.  From  tlie  Commencement  of  the  French  Revolution  to  the 

Battle  of  Waterloo. 

Library  Edition,  14  vols.,  with  Portraits.     Demy  8vo,  ;£io,  los. 
Another  Edition,  in  20  vols,  crown  8vo,  £6. 
People's  Edition,  13  vols,  crown  8vo,  £2,  iis. 

2.  Continuation  to  the  Accession  of  Louis  Napoleon. 

Library  Edition,  8  vols.  8vo,  £6,  7s.  6d. 
People's  Edition,  8  vols,  crown  8vo,  34s. 

3.  Epitome    of  Alison's    History   of    Europe.      Twenty. ninth 

Thousand, 7s.  6d. 

4.  Atlas  to  Alison's  History  of  Europe.    By  A.  Keith  Johnston. 

Library  Edition,  demy  4to,  £2,  3s. 
Pkople's  Edition,  31s.  6d. 

Life  of  John  Duke  of  Marlborough.      With  some  Account 

of  his  Contemporaries,  and  of  the  War  of  the  Succession.      Third  Edition. 
2  vols.  8vo.     Portraits  and  Maps,  30s. 

Essays :  Historical,  Political,  and  Miscellaneous.     3  vols. 


demy  8vo,  4.5s. 

ACTA   SANCTORUM   HIBERNI^  ;    Ex  Codice   Salmanticensi. 

Nunc  priinura  integre  edita  opera  Caroli  de  Smedt  et  Josephi  de  Backer, 
e  Soc.  Jesu,  Hagiographorum  BoUandianorum  ;  Auctore  et  Sumptus  Largiente 
Joanne  Patricio  Marchione  Bothae.  In  One  handsome  4to  Volume,  bound 
in  half  roxbarghe,  £2,  2s. ;  in  paper  wrapper,  31s.  6d. 

AIKMAN.  Manures  and  the  Principles  of  Manuring.  By  C.  M. 
Airman,  B.Sc,  &c.,  Lectui-er  on  Agricultural  Chemistrj',  West  of  Scotland 
Technical  College.     Cr.  8vo. 

Farmyard  Manure  :  Its  Nature,  Composition,  and  Treatment. 

Crown  Svo,  is.  6d. 

AIRD.     Poetical    Works  of  Thomas  ^Aird.     Fifth   Edition,    with 

Memoir  of  the  Author  by  the  Rev.  *'  Jardine  Wallace,  and  Portrait. 
Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

ALLARDYCE.     The  City  of  Sunshine.     By  Alexander  Allar- 

dyce.     Three  vols,  post  8vo,  £x,  5s.  6d. 

Memoir  of  the  Honourable   George    Keith  Elphinstone, 

K.B.,  Viscount  Keith  of  Stonehaven,  Marischal,  Admiral  of  the  Red.  8vo, 
with  Portrait,  Illustrations,  and  Maps,  21s. 

ALMOND.  Sermons  by  a  Lay  Head-master.  By  Hely  Hutchin- 
son Almond,  M.A.  Oxon. ,  Head-master  of  Loretto  School.     Crown  8vo,  5s. 

ANCIENT  CLASSICS  FOR  ENGLISH  READERS.     Edited  by 

Rev.  W.  Lucas  Collins,  M.A.    Price  2s.  6d.  each.    For  list  of  Vols.,  seepage  2. 

AYTOUN.     Lays  of  the  Scottish  Cavaliers,  and  other  Poems.     By 

W.  Edmondstoune  Aytoun,  D.C.L. ,  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and  BeUes-Lettres 
in  the  university  of  Edinburgh.     New  Edition.    Fcap.  8vo,  3s.  6d. 
Another  Edition.     Fcap.  8vo,  7s.  6d.    Cheap  Edition,     is.     Cloth,  is.  3d. 

An  Illustrated  Edition  of  the  Lays  of  the  Scottish  Cavaliers. 

From  designs  by  Sir  Noel  Paton.     Small  4to,  in  gilt  cloth,  21s. 

Both  well  :  a  Poem.     Third  Edition.     Fcap.   7s.  6d. 

Poems  and  Ballads  of  Goethe.     Translated  by  Professor 


Aytoun  and  Sir  Theodore  Martin,  K.C.B.    Third  Edition.    Fcap.,  6s. 


LIST   OF   BOOKS   PUBLISHED   BY 


AYTOUN.  Bon Gaultier'sBookof Ballads.  BytheSAME.  Fifteenth 

Edition.     With  Illustrations  by  Doyle,  Leech,  and  Crowquill.     Fcap.  8vo,  5s. 

The  Ballads  of  Scotland.      Edited  by  Professor  Aytoun. 

Fourth  Edition,    2  vols.  fcap.  8vo,  12s. 

Memoir  of  William  E.  Aytoun,  D.C.L.    By  Sir  Theodore 


Martin,  K.C.B.    With  Portrait.     Post  8vo,  12s. 

BACH.     On  Musical  Education  and  Vocal  Culture.    By  Albert 

B.  Bach.    Fourth  Edition.    8vo,  7s,  6d. 

The  Principles  of  Singing.    A  Practical  Guide  for  Vocalists 

and  Teachers.    With  Course  of  Vocal  Exercises.    Crown  8vo,  6s. 

The  Art  of  Singing.     With  Musical  Exercises  for  Young 


People.    Crown  Svo,  3s. 
The  Art  Ballad  :  Loewe  and  Schubert.     With  Music  Illu 

trations.     With  a  Portrait  of  Loewe.    Third  Edition.     Small  4to.     5s. 

BALLADS  AND  POEMS.  By  Members  of  the  Glasgow- 
ballad  Club.    Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d 

BELLAIRS.  The  Transvaal  War,  1880-81.  Edited  by  Lady  Bel- 
lairs.    With  a  Frontispiece  and  Map.    8vo,  15s. 

Gossips  with   Girls   and   Maidens,  Betrothed  and   Free. 

New  Edition,    Crown  8vo,  3s.  6d.     Cloth,  extra  gilt  edges,  5s. 

BESANT.      The  Revolt  of  Man.      By  Walter   Besant.    Ninth 

Edition.    Crown  8vo,  3s.  6d. 

Readings  in  Rabelais.     Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

BEVERIDGE.    Culross  and  Tulliallan ;  or  Perthshire  on  Forth.   Its 

History  and  Antiquities.  With  Elucidations  of  Scottish  Life  and  Character 
from  the  Burgh  and  Kirk-Session  Records  of  that  District.  By  David 
Beveridge.     2  vols.  Svo,  with  Illustrations,  42s. 

Between  the   Ochils  and  the  Forth  ;    or,  From  Stirling 

Bridge  to  Aherdour.     Crown  8vo,  6s. 

BIRCH.      Examples   of  Stables,  Hunting-Boxes,  Kennels,  Racing 

Establishments,  &c.  By  John  Birch,  Architect,  Author  of  Countrj'  Archi- 
tecture,' 'Picturesque  Lodges,'  &c.     With  30  Plates.     Royal  Svo,  7s. 

Examples  of  Labourers'  Cottages,  &c.  With  Plans  for  Improv- 
ing the  Dwellings  of  the  Poor  in  Large  Towns.     With  34  Plates.    Royal  Svo,  78. 

BLACK.      Heligoland  and  the  Islands   of  the  North  Sea.      By 

William  George  Black.    Crown  Svo,  4s. 

BLACKIE.     Lays  and  Legends  of  Ancient  Greece.      By  John 

Stuart  Blackie,  Emeritus  Professor  of  Greek  in  the  University  of  Edin- 
burgh.   Second  Edition.     Fcap.  Svo.     5s, 

The  Wisdom  of  Goethe.    Fcap.  8vo.    Cloth,  extra  gilt,  6s. 

Scottish  Song  :  Its  Wealth,  Wisdom,  and  Social  Signifi- 
cance.   Crown  Svo.    With  Music.    7s.  6d. 

A  Song  of  Heroes.     Crown  8vo, 


BLACKWOOD'S    MAGAZINE,  from  Commencement  in  1817  to 

July  1892.     Nos.  I  to  921,  forming  151  Volumes. 

Index  to  Blackwood's  Magazine.     Vols,  i  to  50.     Svo,  158. 

BLACKWOOD.     Tales  from  Blackwood.     Price  One  Shilling  each. 

in  Paper  Cover.     Sold  separately  at  all  Railway  Bookstalls. 
They  may  also  be  had  bound  in  cloth,  iSs.,  and  in  half  calf,  richly  gilt,  30s. 
Or  12  volumes  in  6,  roxburghe,  21s.,  and  half  red  morocco,  288. 

Tales  from  Blackwood.  New  Series.  Complete  in  Twenty- 
four  Shilling  Parts.  Handsomely  bound  in  12  vols.,  cloth,  30s.  Tn  leathci 
back,  roxburghe  style,  37S.6d.   In  half  calf,  gilt.  52s.  6d.    In  half  morocco,  558 

Tales    from  Blackwood.      Third    Series.      Complete   in  6 

vols.  Handsomely  bound  in  cloth,  15s.  ;  or  in  12  vols.  i8s.   Bound  in  roxburghe, 
21S.     Half  calf,  25s.     Half  morocco,  28s.    Also  in  12  parts,  price  is.  each. 

Travel,     Adventure,     and     Sport.      From    *  Blackwood's 

Magazine."    Uniform  with  'Tales  from  Blackwood.'    In  Twelve  Parts,  each 
price  18.    Or  handsomely  bound  in  6  vols.,  15s.    Half  calf,  25s. 


WILLIAM    BLACKWOOD   AND   SONS. 


BLACKWOOD.   New  Uniform  Series  of  Three-and- Sixpenny  Novels 

(CopjTight).    Crown  8vo,  cloth.     Now  ready  :- 


Reata.     By  E.  D.  Gerard 
Beooar  my  Neighbour.    By  the  Same. 
The  Waters  of  Hercules.    By  the  Same. 
Sons  and  Daughters.    By  Mrs  Oliphant. 
Fair  to  See.     By  L.  W.  M.  Lockhart. 
The  Revolt  of  Man.    By  Walter  Besant. 
Mine  is  Thine.     By  L.  W.  M.  Lockhart. 
Altiora  Feto.     By  Laurence  Oliphant 
Doubles  and  Quits.  By  L.  W.  M.  Lockhart 
Lady  Baby.     By  D.  Gerard. 


HuRRisH.    By  the  Hon.  Emily  Lawless. 
The    Blacksmith    of    Voe.      By   Paul 

Gushing. 
The  Dilemma.    By  the  Author  of  'The 

Battle  of  Dorking.' 
My  Trivial  Life  and  Misfortune.    By 

A  Plain  Woman. 
Poor  Nellie.     By  the  Same. 
Piccadilly.   By  Laurence  Oliphant.  With 
Illustrations. 
Others  in  preparation. 

Standard   Novels.     Uniform  in  size  and  legibly  Printed. 

Each  Novel  complete  in  one  volume. 
FLORIN  SERIES,  Illustrated  Boards.     Or  in  New  Cloth  Binding,  2S.  6d. 
Tom  Cringle's  Log.     By  Michael  Scott.        Pen  Owen.     By  Dean  Hook. 
The  Cruise  OF  THE  Midge.    By  the  Same.     Adam  Blair.     By  J.  G.  Lockhart. 
Cyril  Thornton.    By  Captain  Hamilton.     Lady  Lee's   Widowhood.      By   General 
Annals  of  the  Parish.    By  John  Gait.  Sir  E.  B.  Hamley. 

The  Provost,  &c.      By  John  Gait.  Salem  Chapel.     By  Mrs  Oliphant. 

Sir  Andrew  Wylie.    By  John  Gait.  [  The  Perpetual  Curate.     By  Mrs  Oli- 

The  Entail.     By  John  Gait.  I      phant. 

Miss  Molly.    By  Beatrice  May  Butt.  j  Miss  Marjoribanks.     By  Mrs  Oliphant. 

Reginald  Dalton.     By  J.  G.  Lockhart,     i  John  :  A  Love  Story.     By  Mrs  Oliphant. 

SHILLING  SERIES,  Illustrated  Cover.     Or  in  New  Cloth  Binding,  is.  6d. 
The  Rector,  and  The  Doctor's  Family.     Sir  Frizzle  Pumpkin,  Nights  at  Mes?, 

By  Mrs  Oliphant.  &c. 

The  Life  of  Mansie  Wauch.     By  D.  M.      The  Subaltern, 

Moir.  Life  in  the  Far  West.    By  G.  F.  Ruxton. 

Peninsular  Scenes  and  Sketches.    By     Valerius  :   A  Roman  Story.     By  J.  G. 
P.  Hardman.  Lockhart. 

BLACKMORE.     The  Maid  of  Sker.     By  R.  D.  Blackmore,  Author 

of  '  Lorna  Doone,'  &c.    New  Edition.    CroVn  8vo,  6s. 

BLAIR.     History  of  the  Catholic  Church  of  Scotland.     From  the 

Introduction  of  Christianity  to  the  Present  Day.  By  Alphons  Bellesheim, 
D.D.,  Canon  of  Aix-la-Chapelle.  Translated,  with  Notes  and  Additions,  hy 
D.  Oswald  Hunter  Blair,  O.S.B.,  Monk  of  Fort  Augustus.  Complete  in 
4  vols,  demy  8vo,  with  Maps.    Price  12s.  6d.  each. 

BONN  AR.     Biographical  Sketch  of  George  Meikle  Kemp,  Architect 

of  the  Scott  Monument,  Edinburgh.  By^  Thomas  Bonnar,  F.S.A.  Scot., 
Author  of  '  The  Present  Art  Revival,'  '  The  Past  of  Art  in  Scotland,'  '  Sugges- 
tions for  the  Picturesque  of  Interiors,'  &c.  With  Three  Portraits  and  numerous 
Illustrations.     Post  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

BOSCOBEL   TRACTS.     Relating  to  the   Escape  of  Charles   the 

Second  after  the  Battle  of  Worcester,  and  his  subsequent  Adventures.  Edited 
by  J.  Hughes,  Esq.,  A.M.  A  New  Edition,  with  additional  Notes  and  Illus- 
trations, including  Communications  from  the  Rev.  R.  H.  Barh am.  Author  of 
the  '  Ingoldsby  Legends.'    8vo,  with  Engravings,  i6s. 

BROUGHAM.  Memoirs  of  the  Life  and  Times  of  Henry  Lord 
Brougham.  Written  by  Himself.  3  vols.  Svo,  £2,  8s.  The  Volumes  are  sold 
separately,  price  i6s.  each. 

BROWN.      The  Forester  :    A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Planting, 

Rearing,  and  General  Management  of  Forest-trees.  By  James  Brown,  LL.D,, 
Inspector  of  and  Reporter  on  Woods  and  Forests.  Fifth  Edition,  revised  and 
enlarged.    Royal  8vo,  with  Engravings,  36s. 

BROWN.     A   Manual  of  Botany,  Anatomical  and   Physiological. 

For  the  Use  of  Students.  By  Robert  Brown,  M.A.,  Ph.D.  Crown  8vo,  with 
numerous  Illustrations,  12s.  6d. 

BRUCE.    In  Clover  and   Heather.     Poems  by  Wallace  Bruce. 

New  and  Enlarged  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  4s.  6d. 
Ä  limited  number  of  Copies  of  the  First  Edition,  on  large  hand-inade  paper,  123.  6d. 

BRYDALL.    Art  in  Scotland  ;  its  Origin  and  Progress.    By  Robert 

Brydall  Master  of  St  George's  Art  School  of  Glasgow.    8vo,  12s.  6d. 


LIST   OF   BOOKS   PUBLISHED   BY 


BUCHAN.     Introductory  Text-Book  of  Meteorology.     By  Alex- 

ANDER  BucHAN,  M.A.,  F.R.S.E.,  Secretary  of  the  Scottish  Meteorological 
Society,  &c.       Crown  8vo,  with  8  Coloured  Charts  and  Engravings,  4s.  6d. 

BUCHANAN.     The  Shir^  Highlands  (East  Central  Africa).     By 

John  Buchanan,  Planter  at  Zomba.     Crown  8vo,  5s. 
BURBIDGE.      Domestic    Floriculture,  Window    Gardening,   and 

Floral  Decorations.  Being  practical  directions  for  the  Propagation,  Culture, 
and  Arrangement  of  Plants  and  Flowers  as  Domestic  Ornaments.  By  F.  W 
BuRBiDGE.    Second  Edition.    Crown  8vo,  with  numerous  Illustrations,  78.  6u 

— —     Cultivated  Plants  :    Their  Propagation  and  Improvemenl 

Including  Natural  and  Artificial  Hybridisation,  Raising  from  Seed,  Cuttings , 
and  Layers ,  Grafting  and  Budding,  as  applied  to  the  Families  and  Genera  in 
Cultivation.    Crown  8vo,  with  numerous  Illustrations,  12s.  6d. 

BURTON.     The  History  of  Scotland  :  From  Agricola's  Invasion  to 

the  Extinction  of  the  last  Jacobite  Insurrection.  By  John  Hill  Burton, 
D.C.L.,  Historiographer-Royal  for  Scotland.  New  and  Enlarged  Edition. 
8  vols.,  and  Index.    Crown  8vo,  £3,  3s. 

History  of  the  British  Empire  during  the  Reign  of  Queen 

Anne.    In  3  vols.  8vo.    36s. 

The  Scot  Abroad.    Third  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  los.  6d. 

The  Book- Hunter.    New  Edition.    With  Portrait.    Crown 


8vo,  7S.  6d. 
BUTE.     The  Roman  Breviary  :    Reformed  by  Order  of  the  Holy 

CEcumenical  Council  of  Trent ;  Published  by  Order  of  Pope  St  Pius  V, ;  and 
Revised  by  Clement  VIII.  and  Urban  VIII. ;  together  with  the  Offices  since 
granted.  Translated  out  of  Latin  into  English  by  John,  Marquess  of  Bute, 
K.T.    In  2  vols,  crown  8vo,  cloth  boards,  edges  uncut.    £2,  2s. 

The  Altus  of  St  Columba.    With  a  Prose  Paraphrase  and 

Notes.    In  paper  cover,  2s.  6d. 

BUTLER.      Pompeii :     Descriptive    and    Picturesque.      By     W. 

Butler.    Post  8vo,  5s. 

BUTT.    Miss  Molly.    By  Beatrice  May  Butt.    Cheap  Edition,  2p. 

Ingelheim.     A  Novel.     3  vols,  crown  8vo,  25s.  6d. 

■     Eugenie.     Crown  8vo,  6s.  6d. 

Elizabeth,  and  Other  Sketches.     Crown  8vo,  6s. 

Novels.   New  and  Uniform  Edition.    Crown  8vo,  each  28.  6d. 

Delicia.     Now  ready. 
CAIRD.     Sermons.    By  John  Caird,  D.D.,  Principal  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Glasgow.    Sixteenth  Thousand.    Fcap.  8vo,  5s. 
Religion  in  Common  Life.     A  Sermon  preached  in  Crathie 

Church,  October  14,  1855,  before  Her  Majesty  the  Queen  and  Prince  Albert. 
Published  by  Her  Majesty's  Command.    Cheap  Edition,  3d. 

CALDER.       Chaucer's    Canterbury   Pilgrimage.       Epitomised    by 

William  Calder.  With  Photogravure  of  the  Pilgrimage  Company,  and  other 
Illustrations,  Glossary,  &c.    Crown  8vo,  4s. 

CAMPBELL.    Critical  Studies  in  St  Luke's  Gospel :  Its  Demonology 

and  Ebionitism.  By  Colin  Campbell,  B.D.,  Minister  of  the  Parish  of  Dun- 
dee, formerly  Scholar  and  Fellow  of  Glasgow  University.  Author  of  the  '  Three 
First  Gospels  in  Greek,  arranged  in  parallel  columns.     Post  8vo,  78.  6d. 

CAMPBELL.  Sermons  Preached  before  the  Queen  at  Balmoral. 
By  the  Rev.  A.  A.  Campbell,  Minister  of  Crathie.  Published  by  Command 
of  Her  Majesty.    Crown  8vo,  48.  6d. 

CAMPBELL.     Records  of  Argyll.    Legends,  Traditions,  and  Re- 
collections  of  Argyllshire  Highlanders,  collected  chiefly  from  the  Gaelic 
With  Notes  on  the  Antiquity  of  the  Dress,  Clan  Colours  or  Tartans  of  tLt. 
Highlanders.     By  Lord  Archibald  Campbell.    Illustrated  with  Nineteen 
full-page  Etchings.    4to,  printed  on  hand-made  paper,  £2,  3s. 

CANTON.     A  Lost  Epic,  and  other  Poems.    By  William  Canton. 

Crown  8vo  5s.  g 


WILLIAM   BLACKWOOD   AND   SONS.  7 

CAREICK.     Koumiss  ;  or.  Fermented  Mare's  Milk :  and  its  Uses 

in  the  Treatment  and  Cure  of  Pulmonary  Consumption,  and  other  Wasting 
Diseases.  With  an  Appendix  on  the  best  Methods  of  Fermenting  Cow's  Milk. 
By  George  L.  Carrick,  M.D.,  L.R.C.S.E.  and  L.R.C.P.E.,  Physician  to  the 
British  Embassy,  St  Petersburg,  &c.     Crown  8vo,  los.  6d. 

CARSTAIRS.   British  Work  in  India.  By  R.  Carstairs.  Cr.  8vo,  6s. 
CAUVIN.      A  Treasury  of  the  English  and  German  Languages. 

Compiled  from  the  best  Authors  and  Lexicographers  in  both  Languages. 
By  Joseph  Cauvin,  LL.D.  and  Ph.D.,  of  the  University  of  Göttingen,  &c. 
Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

CAVE-BROWN.      Lambeth   Palace  and  its  Associations.      By  J. 

Cave-Brown,  M.A.,  Vicar  of  Detling,  Kent,  and  for  many  years  Curate  of  Lam- 
beth Parish  Church.  With  an  Introduction  by  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury. 
Second  Edition,  containing  an  additional  Chapter  on  Medieval  Life  in  the 
Old  Palaces.     8vo,  with  Illustrations,  21s. 

CHARTERIS.    Canonicity ;  or,  Early  Testimonies  to  the  Existence 

and  Use  of  the  Books  of  the  New  Testament.  Based  on  Kirchhofifer's  '  Quel- 
lensammlung. '  Edited  by  A.  H.  Charteris,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Biblical 
Criticism  in  the  University  of  Edinburgh.    Svo,  iSs. 

CHRISTISON.     Lite  of  Sir  Robert  Christison,  Bart.,  M.D.,  D.C.L. 

Oxon.,  Professor  of  Medical  Jurisprudence  in  the  University  of  Edinburgh. 
Edited  by  his  Sons.  In  two  vols.  Svo.  Vol.  I. — Autobiography.  i6s.  Vol.  II. 
— Memoirs.     i6s. 

CHRONICLES    OF   WESTERLY:    A  Provincial  Sketch.     By  the 

Author  of  'Culmshire  Folk,'  'John  Orlebar,'  &c.     3  vols,  crown  Svo,  25s.  6d. 

CHURCH   SERVICE    SOCIETY.     A   Book  of  Common  Order  : 

Being  Forms  of  Worship  issued  by  the  Church  Service  Society.  Sixth  Edi- 
tion.    Crown,  8vo,  6s.     Also  in  2  vols,  crown  Svo,  6s.  6d. 

CLOUSTON.     Popular  Tales  and  Fictions  :  their  Migrations  and 

Transformations.  By  W.  A.  Clouston,  Editor  of  '  Arabian  Poetry  for  Eng- 
lish Readers,'  &c.     2  vols,  post  Svo,  roxburghe  binding,  25s. 

COCHRAN.     A  Handy  Text-Book  of  Military  Law.     Compiled 

chiefly  to  assist  Ofiicers  preparing  for  Examination ;  also  for  all  OflBcers  of 
the  Regular  and  Auxiliary  Forces.  Comprising  also  a  Synopsis  of  part  of 
the  Army  Act.  By  Major  F.  Cochran,  Hampshire  Regiment  Garrison  In- 
structor, North  British  District.    Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

GOLQUHOUN.     The    Moor   and  the   Loch.     Containing  Minute 

Instructions  in  all  Highland  Sports,  with  Wanderings  over  Crag  and  Corrie, 
Flood  and  Fell.  By  John  Colquhoun,  Seventh  Edition.  With  Illustra- 
tions.     Svo, 2lS. 

COTTERILL.     Suggested  Reforms  in  Public  Schools.     By  C.  C. 

CoTTERiLL,  M.A.     Crown  Svo,  ^s.  6d. 

CRANSTOUN.     The  Elegies  of  Albius  Tibullus.     Translated  into 

English  Verse,  with  Life  of  the  Poet,  and  Illustrative  Notes.  By  James  Cran- 
STOUN,  LL.D.,  Author  of  a  Translation  of*  Catullus.'    Crown  Svo,  6s.  6d. 

The  Elegies  of  Sextus  Propertius.    Translated  into  English 

Verse,  with  Life  of  the  Poet,  and  Illustrative  Notes.    Crown  Svo,  7s.  6d. 

CRAWFORD.     Saracinesca.     By  F.  Marion  Crawford,  Author  of 

'  Mr  Isaacs,' '  Dr  Claudius,' '  Zoroaster,'  &c.  &c.    Sixth  Ed.    Crown  Svo,  6s. 

CRAWFORD.     The   Doctrine  of  Holy   Scripture   respecting   the 

Atonement.  By  the  late  Thomas  J.  Crawford,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Divinity  in 
the  University  of  Edinburgh.     Fifth  Edition.     Svo,  12s. 

The    Fatherhood    of    God,    Considered   in   its    General 

and  Special  Aspects.     Third  Edition,  Revised  and  Enlarged.    Svo,  9s. 

The  Preaching  of  the  Cross,  and  other  Sermons.   8vo,  7s.  6d. 

The  Mysteries  of  Christianity.     Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 


CRAWFORD.     An  Atonement  of  East  London,  and  other  Poems. 

Bv  Howard  Crawford,  M.A.     Crown  Svo,  5s. 

GUSHING.     The  Blacksmith  of  Voe.     By  Paul  Gushing,  Author 

of  '  The  Bull  i'  th'  Thorn.'    Cheap  Edition.     Crown  Svo,  3s.  6d. 

Cut  with  his  own  Diamond.    A  Novel.   3  vols.  cr.  8vo,  25s.  6d. 


LIST   OF   BOOKS    PUBLISHED   BY 


D  AVIES.  ISTorfolk  Broads  and  Kivers  ;  or,  The  Waterways,  Lagoon  ^ 
and  Decoys  of  East  Anglia.  By  G.  Christopher  Davies.  Illustrated  wit  i 
Seven  full-page  Plates.    New  and  Cheaper  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  6s. 

Our   Home  in  Aveyron.     Sketches   of    Peasant  Life  in 

Aveyron  and  the  Lot.  By  G.  Christopher  Davies  and  Mrs  Broughall. 
Illustrated  with  full-page  Illustrations.    8vo,  i^s.    Cheap  Edition,  7s.  6d. 

DAYNE.     Tribute  to  Satan.     A  Novel.     By  J.  Belford  Dayne, 

Author  of  '  In  the  Name  of  the  Tzar.'    Crown  8vo,  2s.  6d. 

DE   LA   WARR.      An  Eastern  Cruise  in  the  'Edeline.'     By  the 

Countess  De  la  Warr.     In  Illustrated  Cover.     2s. 

DESCARTES.  The  Method,  Meditations,  and  Principles  of  Philo- 
sophy of  Descartes.  Translated  from  the  Original  French  and  Latin.  With  a 
New  Introductory  Essay,  Historical  and  Critical,  on  the  Cartesian  Philosophy. 
By  Professor  Veitch,  LL.D.,  Glasgow  University.    Ninth  Edition.    6s.  6d. 

DICKSON.    Gleanings  from  Japan.     By  W.  G.  Dickson,  Author 

of  '  Japan :  Being  a  Sketch  of  its  History,  Government,  and  Officers  of  the 
Empire.'    With  Illustrations.     Svo,  i6s. 

DOGS,    OUR    DOMESTICATED  :   Their  Treatment  in  reference 

to  Food,  Diseases,  Habits,  Punishment,  Accomplishments.  By  '  Magenta. 
Crown  Svo,  2s.  6d. 

DOMESTIC   EXPERIMENT,  A.     By  the  Author  of 'Ideala :  A 

study  from  Life.'    Crown  Svo,  6s. 

DR  HERMIONE.     By  the  Author  of  'Lady  Bluebeard,'  *Zit  and 

Xoe,'    Crown  Svo,  6s. 

DU  CANE.     The  Odyssey  of  Homer,  Books  I.  -XII.    Translated  into 

English  Verse.    By  Sir  Charles  Du  Cane,  K.C.M.G.     8vo,  ios.  6d. 

DUDGEON.      History   of  the   Edinburgh   or   Queen's   Regiment 

Light  Infantry  Militia,  now  3rd  Battalion  The  Royal  Scots ;  with  an 
Account  of  the  Origin  and  Progress  of  the  Militia,  and  a  Brief  Sketch  of  the 
old  Royal  Scots.  By  Major  R.  C.  Dudgeon,  Adjutant  3rd  Battalion  The  Royal 
Scots.    Post  Svo,  with  Illustrations,  los.  6d. 

DUNCAN.  Manual  of  the  General  Acts  of  Parliament  relating  to 
the  Salmon  Fisheries  of  Scotland  from  1828  to  1882.  By  J.  Barker  Duncan. 
Crown  8vo,  5s. 

DUNSMORE.     Manual  of  the  Law  of  Scotland  as  to  the  Relations 

between  Agricultural  Tenants  and  their  Landlords,  Servants,  Merchants,  and 
Bowers.     By  W.  Dunsmore.    Svo,  7s.  6d. 

DUPRE.     Thoughts  on  Art,  and  Autobiographical   Memoirs    of 

Giovanni  Dupre.  Translated  from  the  Italian  by  E.  M.  Peruzzi,  with  the 
permission  of  the  Author.  New  Edition.  With  an  Introduction  by  W.  W. 
Story.    Crown  8vo,  los.  6d. 

ELIOT.     George  Eliot's  Life,  Related  in  her  Letters  and  Journals. 

Arranged  and  Edited  by  her  husband,  J.  W.  Cross.  With  Portrait  and  other 
Illustrations.    Third  Edition.    3  vols,  post  Svo,  42s. 

George  Eliot's   Life.     (Cabinet  Edition.)    With   Portrait 

and  other  Illustrations.     3  vols,  crown  Svo,  15s. 

George  Eliot's  Life.    With  Portrait  and  other  Illustrations. 

New  Edition,  in  one  volume.    Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

Works  of  George  Eliot  (Cabinet  Edition).     Handsomely 


printed  in  a  new  type,  21  volumes,  crown  8vo,  price  ;^5,  5s.    The  Volumes 
are  also  sold  separately,  price  5s.  each,  viz.  :— 

Romola.  2  vols.— Silas  Mamer,  The  Lifted  Veil,  Brother  Jacob.  1  vol.— 
Adam  Bede.  2  vols.— Scenes  of  Clerical  Life.  2  vols.— The  Mill  on  the  Floss. 
2  vols.— Felix  Holt  2  vols.— Middlemarch.  3  vols.— Daniel  Deronda.  3 
vols.— The  Spanish  Gypsy,  i  vol. — Jubal,  and  other  Poems,  Old  and  New. 
I  vol. — Theophrastus  Such,     i  vol.— Essays,     i  vol. 

-  Novels  by  George  Eliot.     Cheap  Edition.     Adam  Bede.     Il- 

lustrated. 3s.  6d.,  cloth.— The  Mill  on  the  Floss.  Illustrated.  3s.  6d.,  cloth. 
—Scenes  of  Clerical  Life.  Illustrated.  3s.,  cloth.— Silas  Mamer:  the  Weaver 
of  Raveloe.  Illustrated.  2s.  6d.,  cloth.— Felix  Holt,  the  Radical.  Illus- 
trated.    3s.  6d.,  cloth.— Romola.     With  Vignette.     3s.  6d.,  cloth. 

-  Middlemarch.    Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d, 


WILLIAM   BLACKWOOD   AND   SONS.  9 

ELIOT.     Daniel  Deronda.     Crown  8vo,  78.  6d. 

Essays.     New  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  5s. 

Impressions  of  Theophrastiis  Such.   New  Ed.    Cr.  8vo,  58. 

The  Spanish  Gypsy.     New  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  5s. 

The  Legend  of  Jubal,  and  other  Poems,  Old  and  New. 

New  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  5s. 

Wise,  Witty,  and  Tender   Sayings,  in   Prose  and   Verse. 

Selected  from  the  Works  of  George  Eliot.     Eighth  Edition.    Fcap.  8vo,  6s. 

The  George  Eliot  Birthday  Book.     Printed  on  fine  paper, 


with  red  border,  and  handsomel}' bound  in  cloth,  gilt.  Fcap.  8vo,  cloth,  38.  6d. 
And  in  French  morocco  or  Russia,  5s. 

ESSAYS  ON  SOCIAL  SUBJECTS.     Originally  published  in  the 

'  Saturday  Review.'   New  Ed.    First  &  Second  Series.    2  vols.  cr.  8vo,  6s.  each. 

EWALD.     The   Crown   and  its   Advisers  ;   or.   Queen,   Ministers, 

Lords  and  Commons.   By  Alexander  Charles  Ewald, F. S.A.    Crown8vo,5S. 

FAITHS   OF   THE   WORLD,  The.     A  Concise  History  of  the 

Great  Religious  Systems  of  the  World.     By  various  Authors.    Crown  8vo,  5s. 

FÄRBER.     A  Tour  in   Greece  in  1880.     By   Richard   Ridley 

Farrer.  With  Twenty -seven  full -page  Illustrations  by  Lord  Windsor. 
Royal  8vo,  with  a  Map,  21s. 

FERRIER.      Philosophical  Works  of  the  late  James  F.  Ferrier, 

B.  A.  Oxon. ,  Professor  of  Moral  Philosophy  and  Political  Economy,  St  Andrews. 
New  Edition.  Edited  by  Sir  Alex.  Grant,  Bart.,  D.C.L.,  and  Professor 
LüSHiNGTON.     3  vols,  crowu  8vo,  34s.  6d. 

Institutes  of  Metaphysic.     Third  Edition.     los.  6d. 

Lectures  on  the  Early  Greek  Philosophy.     3d  Ed.    los.  6d. 

Philosophical  Remains,  including  the  Lectures  on  Early 

Greek  Philosophy.     2  vols.,  24s. 

FITZROY.     Dogma  and  the  Church  of  England.    By  A.  I.  FiTzRoY. 

Post  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

FLINT.     The    Philosophy   of   History  in   Europe.    By  Robert 

Flint,  D.D. ,  LL.D.,  Professor  of  Divinity,  University  of  Edinburgh.  3  vols. 
8vo,  [Nevj  Edition  in  preparation. 

Theism.     Being  the  Baird  Lecture  for  1876.     Eighth  Edi- 
tion.    Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

Anti-Theistic  Theories.    Being  the  Baird  Lecture  for  1877. 


Fourth  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  los.  6d. 

Agnosticism.     Being  the  Croall  Lectures  for  1887-88. 

[In  the  press. 
FORBES.      Insulinde  :  Experiences  of  a  Naturalist's  Wife  in  the 

Eastern  Archipelago.    By  Mrs  H.  O.  Forbes.    Crown  8vo,  with  a  Map.    4s.  6d. 

FOREIGN   CLASSICS    FOR    ENGLISH    READERS.      Edited 

by  Mrs  Oliphant.     Price  2s.  6d.    For  List  of  Voluvies  published,  see  page  2. 

FOSTER.     The  Fallen  City,  and  Other  Poems.     By  Will  Foster. 

Crown  8vo,  6s. 

FRANCILLON.     Gods  and  Heroes  ;   or.  The  Kingdom  of  Jupiter. 

By  R.  E.  Francillon.     With  8  Illustrations.     Crown  8vo,  5s. 

FULLARTON.     Merlin  :  A  Dramatic  Poem.     By  Ralph  Macleod 

Füllarton.    Crown  8vo,  5s. 
GALT.     I^ovels  by  John  Galt.     Fcap.  8vo,  boards,  2s. ;  cloth,  2s.  6d. 

Annals  of  the  Parish. — The  Provost. — Sir  Andrew  "VVylie. — 

The  Entail. 
GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  SCOTLAND. 

Prayers  for  Social  and  Family  Worship.     Prepared  by  a 

Special  Committee  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland.    En- 
tirely New  Edition,  Revised  and  Enlarged.     Fcap.  8vo,  red  edges,  2s. 
Prayers  for  Family  Worship.     A  Selection  from  the  com- 


plete book.    Fcap.  8vo,  red  edges,  price  is. 


10  LIST   OF   BOOKS   PUBLISHED   BY 

GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  SCOTLAND. 

Scottish  Hymnal,  with  Appendix  Incorporated.  Pub- 
lished for  Use  in  Churches  by  Authority  of  the  General  Assembly,  t.  Large 
type,  cloth,  red  edges,  2s.  6d.  ;  French  morocco,  ^s.  2.  Bourgeois  type,  limp 
cloth,  IS.;  French  morocco,  2s.  3.  Nonpareil  type,  cloth,  red  edges,  6d. ; 
French  morocco,  is.  4d.  4.  Paper  covers,  3d.  5.  Sunday  -  Schooi  Edition, 
paper  covers,  id.  No.  i,  bound  with  the  Psalms  and  Paraphrases,  French 
morocco,  8s.  No.  2,  bound  with  the  Psalms  and  Paraphrases,  cloth,  2s.  ; 
French  morocco,  3s. 

GERARD.      Reata:    What's  in  a   Name.      By  E.   D.   Gerard. 

Cheap  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  3s.  66.. 

■     Beggar  my  Neighbour.    Cheap  Edition.   Crown  8vo, 3s.  6d. 

The  Waters  of  Hercules.  Cheap  Edition.  Crown  8vo,  3s.  6d. 

GERARD.      The  Land  beyond  the  Forest.      Facts,  Figures,  and 

Fancies  from  Transylvania.    By  E.  Gerard.     In  Two  Volumes.     With  Maps 
and  Illustrations.     25s. 

Bis  :  Some  Tales  Retold,     Crown  8vo,  6s. 

A  Secret  Mission.     2  vols,  crown  8vo,  17s. 

GERARD.     Lady  Baby.     By  Dorothea  Gerard.     Cr.  8vo,  3s.  6d. 

Recha.     Second  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  6s. 

GERARD.    Stonyhurst  Latin  Grammar.     By  Rev.  John  Gerard. 

Second  Edition,  fcap.  Svo,  3s. 

GILL.    Free  Trade  :  an  Inquiry  into  the  Nature  of  its  Operation. 

By  Richard  Gill.    Crown  Svo,  7s.  6d. 

Free  Trade  under  Protection.     Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

GOETHE'S  FAUST.  Translated  into  English  Verse  by  Sir  Theo- 
dore Martin,  K.C.B.  Part  I.  Second  Edition,  post  Svo,  6s.  Ninth  Edi- 
tion, fcap.,  3S.  6d.    Part  II.    Second  Edition,  revised.    Fcap.  8vo,  6s. 

GOETHE.    Poems  and  Ballads  of  Goethe.     Translated  by  Professor 

Aytoun  and  Sir  Theodore  Martin,  K.C.B.    Third  Edition,  fcap.  8vo,  6s. 

GOODALL.     Juxta  Crucem.     Studies  of  the  Love  that  is  over  us. 

By  the  late  Rev.  Charles  Goodall,  B.D.,  Minister  of  Barr,    With  a  Memoir 
by  Rev.  Dr  Strong,  Glasgow,  and  Portrait.     Crown  8vo,  6s. 

GORDON  GUMMING.  Two  Happy  Years  in  Ceylon.  By  C,  F. 
Gordon  Cumming.  With  19  full-page  Illustrations  and  a  Map.  Fourth  Edi- 
tion.    2  vols.  Svo,  30S. 

At  Home  in  Fiji.  Fourth  Edition,  post  8vo,  With  Illus- 
trations and  Map.    7s.  6d. 

A  Lady's  Cruise  in   a   French    Man-of-War.       New  and 

Cheaper  Edition.  ^  Svo.    With  Illustrations  and  Map.    12s.  6d. 

Fire-Fountains,    The  Kingdom  of  Hawaii :  Its  Volcanoes, 

andthe  History  of  its  Missions.   With  Map  and  Illustrations.  2  vols.Svo.ass. 

Wanderings  in  China.     New  and  Cheaper  Edition.     8vo, 

with  Illustrations,  los. 

Granite  Crags :  The  Yö-semite  Region  of  California.     Il- 


lustrated with 8  Engravings.    New  and  Cheaper  Edition.    Svo,  8s.  6d 
GRAHAM.      The  Life  and  Work  of  Syed  Ahmed  Khan,  C.S.I. 

By  Lieut. -Colonel  G.  F.  I.  Graham,  B.S.C.     8vo,  148. 

GRAHAIM.      Manual  of  the  Elections  (Scot.)  (Corrupt  and  Illegal 

Practices)  Act,  1800.  With  Analysis,  Relative  Act  of  Sederunt,  Appendix- 
containing  the  Corrupt  Practices  Acts  of  1883  and  1885,  and  Copious  Index. 
By  J.  Edward  Graham,  Advocate.    Svo,  48.  6d. 

GRANT.     Bush-Life  in   Queensland.     By  A.  C.  Grant.     Nev 

Edition.    Crown  8vo,  6s. 

GUTHRIE-SMITH.    Crispus  :   A  Drama.    By  H.  Guthrie-Smith, 

In  one  volume.     Fcap.  4to,  5s. 

HAINES,     Unless  !    A  Romance,    By  Randolph  Haines.     Crown 

Svo,  63. 

HALDANE.     Subtropical  Cultivations  and  Climates,     A  Handy 
Book  for  Planters,  Colonists,  and  Settlers.    By  R.  C.  Haldane.  PostSvo,  9s. 


WILLIAM   BLACKWOOD   AND   SONS.  H 


HALLETT.     A  Thousand  Miles  on  an  Elephant  in  the  Shan  States. 

By  Holt  S.  Hallett,  M.  Inst.  C.E.,  F.R.G.S.,  M.R.A.S.,  Hon.  Member  Man- 
chester and  Tyneside  Geographical  Societies.  8vo,  with  Maps  and  numerous 
Illustrations,  21s. 

HAMERTON.  Wenderholme  :  A  Story  of  Lancashire  and  York- 
shire Life.  By  Philip  Gilbert  Hamerton,  Author  of  'A  Painter's  Camp.'  A 
New  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  6s. 

HAMILTON.  Lectures  on  Metaphysics.  By  Sir  William  Hamil- 
ton, Bart,  Professor  of  Logic  and  Metaphysics  in  the  University  of  Edinburgh. 
Edited  by  the  Rev.  H.  L.  Mansel,  B.D.,  LL.D.,  Dean  of  St  Paul's  ;  and  John 
Veitch,  M.A.,  LL.D.,  Professor  of  Logic  and  Rhetoric,  Glasgow.  Seventh 
Edition.     2  vols.  8vo,  24s. 

Lectures  on  Logic.    Edited  by  the  Same.    Third  Edition. 

2  vols.,  24s. 

Discussions  on  Philosophy  and  Literature,  Education  and 


University  Reform.     Third  Edition,  8vo,  21 

Memoir  of  Sir  William  Hamilton,  Bart.,  Professor  of  Logic 

and  Metaphysics  in  the  University  of  Edinburgh.    By  Professor  Veitch,  of  the 
University  of  Glasgow.     Svo,  with  Portrait,  iSs. 

Sir   William    Hamilton  :    The  Man   and  his  Philosophy. 

Two  Lectures    delivered  before  the  Edinburgh    Philosophical   Institution, 
January  and  February  1S83.    By  the  Same.    Crown  8vo,  2s. 

HAMLEY.     The  Operations  of  War  Explained  and  Illustrated.     By 

General  Sir  Edward  Bruce  Hamley,  K.  C.B.,  K.C.M.G.,  M.P,    Fifth  Edition, 

revised  throughout.    4to,  with  numerous  Illustratious,  30s. 

National  Defence  ;  Articles  and  Speeches.     Post  8vo,  6s. 

Shakespeare's  Funeral,  and  other  Papers.     Post  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

Thomas  Carlyle  :  An  Essay.     Second  Ed.     Cr.  8vo,  2s.  6d. 

On  Outposts.     Second  Edition.     8vo,  2s. 

Wellington's  Career  ;  A  Military  and  Political  Summary. 

Crown  8vo,  2s. 

Lady  Lee's  Widowhood.  Crown  8vo,  2s.  6d. 

Our   Poor  Relations.      A  Philozoic  Essay.      With   Illus- 


trations, chiefly  by  Ernest  Griset     Crown  8vo,  cloth  gilt,  3s.  6d. 
HAMLEY.     Guilty,  or  Not  Guilty?     A  Tale.    By  Major-General 

W.  G.  Hamley,  late  of  the  Royal  Engineers.  New  Edition.   Crown  8vo,  3s.  6d. 

HARRISON.  The  Scot  in  Ulster.  The  Story  of  the  Scottish 
Settlement  in  Ulster.  By  John  Harrison,  Author  of '  Oure  Tounis  Col- 
ledge.'    Crown  8vo,  28.  6d. 

HASELL.     Bible  Partings.     By  E.  J.  Hasell.     Crown  Svo,  6s. 

Short  Family  Prayers.     Cloth,  is. 

HAY.    The  Works  of  the  Right  Rev.  Dr  George  Hay,  Bishop  of 

Edinburgh.     Edited  under  the  Supervision  of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Strain. 
With  Memoir  and  Portrait  of  the  Author.    5  vols,  crown  8vo,  bound  in  extra 
cloth,  ;^i,  IS.     The  following  Volumes  may  be  had  separately— viz. : 
The  Devout  Christian  Instructed  in  the  Law  of  Christ  from  the  Written  Word.    2 

vols.,  8s.— The  Pious  Christian  Instructed  in  the  Nature  and  Practice  of  the  Principal 

Exercises  of  Piety,     i  vol..  3s. 

HEATLEY.      The  Horse-Owner's  Safeguard.     A  Handy  Medical 

Guide  for  every  Man  who  owns  a  Horse.    By  G,  S.   Heatley,  M.R.C.V.S, 
Crown  Svo,  5s. 

The  Stock-Owner's  Guide.     A  Handy  Medical  Treatise  for 

every  Man  who  owns  an  Ox  or  a  Cow.    Crown  8vo,  4s.  6d. 

HEDDERWICK.     Lays  of  Middle  Age  ;   and  other  Poems.     By 

James  Hedderwkk,  LL.D.    Price  ^s.  6d. 

Backward   Glances;     or.    Some    Personal    Recollections. 

With  a  Portrait.    Post  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

HEMANS.     The  Poetical  Works  of  Mrs  Hemans.    Copyright  Edi- 
tions.—Royal  8vo,  5s.— With  Engravings,  gilt  edges,  7s.  6d.— Six  Vols,  in 
Three,  fcap.,  12s.  6d. 
Select  Poems.    Fcap.,  cl.,  gilt  edges,  3s. 


12  LIST   OF   BOOKS   PUBLISHED   BY 


HERKLESS.     Cardinal  Beaton  :  Priest  and  Politician.     By  John 

Herkless,  Minister  of  Tannadice.    "With  a  Portrait.     Post  8vo,  ys.  6d. 

HOME   PRAYERS.     By  Ministers  of  the  Church  of  Scotland  and 

Members  of  the  Church  Service  Society.    Second  Edition.    Fcap.  8vo,  3s. 

HOMER.  The  Odyssey.  Translated  into  English  Verse  in  the 
Spenserian  Stanza.  By  Philip  Stanhope  Worsley.  Third  Edition,  2  vols, 
fcap.,  12s. 

The  Iliad.     Translated  by  P.  S.  Worsley  and  Professor 

CoNiNGTON.     2  vols.  crown  8V0,  2IS. 

HUTCHINSON.     Hints  on  the  Game  of  Golf.     By  Horace  G. 

Hutchinson.     Seventh  Edition,  Enlarged.     Fcap.  8vo,  cloth,  is. 

IDDESLEIGH.     Lectures   and    Essays.      By   the    late    Earl   of 

Iddesleigh,  G.C.B.,  D.C.L.,  &c,     8vo,  i6s. 

Life,  Letters,  and  Diaries  of  Sir  Stafford  Northcote,  First 

Earl  of  Iddesleigh.    By  Andrew  Lang.     With  Three  Portraits  and  a  View  of 
Pynes.     Third  Edition.     2  vols.     Post  8vo,  31s.  6d. 
Popular  Edition.     In  one  volume.     With  two  Plates.     Post  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

INDEX  GEOGRAPHICUS  :  Being  a  List,  alphabetically  arranged, 

of  the  Principal  Places  on  the  Globe,  with  the  Countries  and  Subdivisions  of 
the  Countries  in  which  they  are  situated,  and  their  Latitudes  and  Longitudes. 
Imperial  8vo,  pp.  676,  2ts. 

JEAN  JAMBON.    Our  Trip  to  Blunderland  ;  or,  Grand  Excursion 

to  Bluudertown  and  Back.  By  Jean  Jambon.  With  Sixty  Illustrations 
designed  by  Charles  Doyle,  engraved  by  Dalziel.  Fourth  Thousand. 
Cloth,  gilt  edges,  6s.  6d.     Cheap  Edition,  cloth,  3s.  6d.    Boards,  2s.  6d. 

JENNINGS.    Mr  Gladstone :  A  Study.     By  Louis  J.  Jennings, 

M.P.,  Author  of  '  Republican  Government  in  the  United  States,'  'The  Croker 
Memoirs,' &c.    Poimlar  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  is. 

JERNINGHAM.      Reminiscences  of  an  Attache.      By    Hubert 

E.  H.  Jerningham.    Second  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  5s  . 

Diane  de  Breteuille.     A  Love  Storv.     Crown  8vo,  2s.  6d. 

JOHNSTON.     The    Chemistry   of   Common   Life.     By    Professor 

J.  F.  W.  Johnston.  New  Edition,  Revised,  and  brought  down  to  date.  By 
Arthur  Herbert  Church,  M.A.  Oxon.  ;  Author  of  'Food:  its  Sources, 
Constituents,  and  Uses,'  &c.   With  Maps  and  102  Engravings.    Cr.  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

Elements  of  Agricultural  Chemistry  and  Geology.     An 

entirely  new  Edition  from  the  Edition  by  Sir  C.  A.  Cameron,  M.D., 
P.R.C.S. I.,  &c.  Revised  and  brought  down  to  date  by  C.  M.  Aikman, 
M.A.,  B.Sc  ,  F.R.S.E.,  Lecturer  on  Agricultural  Chemistry,  West  of  Scot- 
land Technical  College.     Fcap.  8vo.  [In  preparation. 

Catechism  of  Agricultural  Chemistry  and  Geology.     An 

entirely  new  Edition  from  the  Edition  by  Sir  C.  A.  Cameron.  Revised  and 
Enlarged  by  C.  M.  Aikman,  M.A.  [In preparation. 

JOHNSTON.     Patrick  Hamilton  :  a  Tragedy  of  the  Reformation 

in  Scotland,  1528.    By  T.  P.  Johnston.    Crown  8vo,  with  Two  Etchings.     58; 

KEBBEL.      The  Old  and  the  New  :   English  Country  Life.      By 

T.  E  Kebbel,  M.A.,  Author  of  'Agricultural  Labourers,'  ' Essays  in  History 
and  Politics,'  'Life  of  Lord  Beaconslield.'    Crown  8vo,  5s. 

KING.     The  Metamorphoses  of  Ovid.    Translated  in  English  Blank 

Verse,  By  Henry  King,  M.A.,  Fellow  of  Wadham  College,  Oxford,  and  of 
the  Inner  Temple,  Barrister-at-Law.     Crown  8vo,  los.  6d. 

KINGLAKE.    History  of  the  Invasion  of  the  Crimea.    By  A.  W. 

KiNOLAKE.  CabinetEdition,  revised.  With  an  Index  to  the  Complete  Work. 
Illustrated  with  Maps  and  Plans.   Comidete  in  9  Vols.,  crown  8vo,  at  6s.  each. 

History    of   the   Invasion    of  the    Crimea.      Demy   8vo. 

Vol.  VI.  Winter  Troubles.  With  a  Map,  i6s.  Vols.  VII.  and  VIII.  From 
the  Morrow  of  Inkerman  to  the  Death  of  Lord  Raglan.  With  an  Index  to 
the  Whole  Work.    With  Maps  and  Plans.     28s. 

Eothen.    A  New  Edition,  uniform  with  the  Cabinet  Edition 


of  the  '  History  of  the  Invasion  of  the  Crimea,' price  6s. 


WILLIAM   BLACKWOOD   AND   SONS.  13 


KNEIPP.     My  Water-Cure.     As  Tested  through  more  than  Thirty 

Years,  and  Described  for  the  Healing  of  Diseases  and  the  Preservation  of  Health. 
By  Sebastian  Kneipp,  Pai'ish  Priest  of  Worishofen  (Bavaria).  With  a  Portrait 
and  other  Illustrations.  Authorised  English  Translation  from  the  Thirtieth 
German  Edition,  by  A.  de  F.     Crown  8vo,  5s. 

KNOLL YS.     The  Elements  of  Field-Artillery.     Designed  for  the 

Use  of  Infantry  and  Cavalry  Officers.  By  Henry  Knollys,  Captain  Royal 
Artillery;  Author  of  'From  Sedan  to  Saarbrück,' Editor  of 'Incidents  in  the 
Sepoy  War,'  &c.     With  Engravings.     Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

LAMINGTON.     In  the  Days  of  the  Dandies.     By  the  late  Lord 

Lamington.    Crown  8vo.     Illustrated  cover,  is.  ;  cloth,  is.  6d. 

LAWLESS.     Hurrish  :  a  Study.     By  the  Hon.  Emily  Lawless, 

Author  of  'A  Chelsea  Householder,'  &c.     Fourth  Edition,  crown  Svo,  3s.  6d. 

LAWSON.  Spain  of  To-day  :  A  Descriptive,  Industrial,  and  Finan- 
cial Survey  of  the  Peninsula,  with  a  full  account  of  the  Rio  Tinto  Mines.  By 
W.  R.  Lawson.     Crown  Svo,  3s  6d. 

LEES.     A  Handbook  of  the  Sheriff  and  Justice  of  Peace  Small 

Debt  Courts.     8vo,  7s.  6d. 

LIGHTFOOT.     Studies  in  Philosophy.     By  the  Rev.  J.  Lightfoot, 

M.  A. ,  D.Sc. ,  Vicar  of  Cross  Stone,  Todraorden,    Crown  8vo,  4s.  6d. 

LINDSAY.      The   Progressiveness   of  Modern   Christian   Thought. 

By  James  Lindsay,  M.A..  B.D.,  B.Sc,  F.R  S.E.,  F.G.S.        Crown  Svo,  6s.; 

LLOYD.     Ireland  under  the  Land  League.     A  Narrative  of  Personal 

Experiences.     By  Clifford  LLoyd,  Special  Resident  Magistrate.     Post  Svo,  6s. 

LOCKHART.      Novels    by   Laurence    W.    M.    Lockhart.      See 

Blackwoods'  New  Series  of  Three-and-Sixpenny  Novels  on  page  5. 

LORIMER.     The  Institutes  of  Law  :  A  Treatise  of  the  Principles 

of  Jurisprudence  as  determined  by  Nature.  By  the  late  James  Lorimer, 
Professor  of  Public  Law  and  of  the  Law  of  Nature  and  Nations  in  the  Uni- 
versity of  Edinburgh.     New  Edition,  revised  and  much  enlarged.    8vo,  iSs. 

The  Institutes  of  the  Law  of  Nations.     A  Treatise  of  the 

Jural  Relation  of  Separate  Political  Communities.  In  2  vols.  8vo.  Volume 
I.,  price  i6s.     Volume  II.,  price  20s. 

LOVE.     Scottish  Church  Music.    Its  Composers  and  Sources.    With 

Musical  Illustrations.     By  James  Love.     Post  Svo,  7s.  6d. 

M'COMBIE.     Cattle  and  Cattle-Breeders.    By  William  M'Combie, 

Tillyfour.  New  Edition,  enlarged,  with  Memoir  of  the  Author.  By  James 
Macdonald,  of  the  '  Farming  World.'     Crown  Svo,  3s.  6d. 

MACRAE.      A   Handbook   of    Deer -Stalking.      By  Alexander 

Macrae,  late  Forester  to  Lord  Henry  Bentinck.  With  Introduction  by 
Horatio  Ross,  Esq.     Fcap.  8vo,  with  two  Photographs  from  Life.     3s.  6d. 

M'CRIE.     Works  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  M'Crie,  D.D.     Uniform  Edi- 

tion.    Four  vols,  crown  8vo,  24s. 

Life  of  John  Knox.  Containing  Illustrations  of  the  His- 
tory of  the  Reformation  in  Scotland.     Crown  Svo.  6s.    Another  Edition,  3s.  6d. 

Life  of  Andrew  Melville.    Containing  Illustrations  of  the 

Ecclesiastical  and  Literary  History  of  Scotland  in  the  Sixteenth  and  Seven- 
teenth Centuries.     Crown  8vo,  6s. 

History  of  the  Progress  and  Suppression  of  the  Reforma- 


tion in  Italy  in  the  Sixteenth  Century.    Crown  Svo,  4s. 
-     History  of  the  Progress  and  Suppression  of  the  Reforma- 
tion in  Spain  in  the  Sixteenth  Century.    Crown  8vo,  3s.  6d. 
Lectures  on  the  Book  of  Esther.     Fcap.  8vo,  5s. 


MACDONALD.  A  Manual  of  the  Criminal  Law  (Scotland)  Pro- 
cedure Act,  1887.  ßy  Norman  Doran  Macdonald.  Revised  by  the  Lord 
Justice-Clerk.    Svo,  cloth,  los.  6d. 

MACGREGOR.     Life  and  Opinions  of  Major-General  Sir  Charles 

MacGregor,  K.G.B.,  CS. I.,  CLE  ,  Quartermaster-General  of  India.  From 
his  Letters  and  Diaries.  Edited  by  Lady  MacGregor.  With  Portraits  and 
Maps  to  illustrate  Campaigns  in  which  he  was  engaged.     2  vols.  8vo,  35s. 


14  LIST    OF   BOOKS   PUBLISHED   BY 


M'INTOSH.    The  Book  of  the  Garden.     By  Charles  M'Intosh, 

formerly  Curator  of  the  Royal  Gardens  of  his  Majesty  the  King  of  the  Belgians, 
and  lately  of  those  of  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Buccleuch,  K.G.,  at  Dalkeith  Pal- 
ace.    2  vols,  royal  8vo,  with  1350  Engravings.    ,^4,  7s.  6d.     Vol.   I.  On  the 
Formation  of  Gardens  and  Construction  of  Garden  Edifices.     £2,  los. 
Vol.  II.  Practical  Gardening.    £\,  17s.  6d. 

MACINTYHE.     Hindu-Koh  :  Wanderings  and  Wild  Sports  on  and 

beyond  the  Himalayas.     By  Major-General  Donald  Macintyre,  V.C.,  late 
Prince  of  Wales'  Own  Goorkhas,  F.R.G.S.    Dedicated  to  H.R.H.  The  Prince  of 
Wales.       New  and  Cheaper  Edition,  revised,  with  numerous  Illustrations 
post  8vo,  78.  6d.  ' 

MACKAY.      A  Sketch   of  the   History  of  Fife  and  Kinross.     A 

study  of  Scottish  History  and  Character.    By  M.  J.  G.  Mackay,  Sheriff  of 
these  Counties.     Crown  Svo,  6s. 

MACKAY.  A  Manual  of  Modern  Geography  ;  Mathematical,  Phys- 
ical, and  Political.  By  the  Rev.  Alexander  Mackay,  LL.D.,  F.R.G.S.  nth 
Thousand,  revised  to  the  present  time.     Crown  8vo,  pp.  688.     7s.  6d. 

Elements  of  Modern  Geography,  55th  Thousand,  re- 
vised to  the  present  time.    Crown  8vo,  pp.  300,  3s. 

The  Intermediate  Geography.    Intended  as  an  Intermediate 

Book  between  the  Author's  '  Outlines  of  Geography '  and  '  Elements  of  Geo- 
graphy.'   Seventeenth  Edition,  revised.     Crown  8vo,  pp.  238,  2s. 

Outlines  of  Modern  Geography.     1 88th  Thousand,  revised 

to  the  present  time.     i8mo,  pp.  118,  is. 

First  Steps  in  Geography.     105th  Thousand.     i8mo,  pp. 

56.    Sewed,  4d.  ;  cloth,  6d. 

Elements    of    Physiography    and    Physical    Geography 

With  Express  Reference  to  the  Instructions  issued  by  the  Science  and  Ai; 
Department.    30th  Thousand,  revised.     Crown  8vo,  is.  6d. 

Facts  and  Dates  ;  or,  the  Leading  Events  in  Sacred  and 


Profane  History,  and  the  Principal  Facts  in  the  various  Physical  Sciences. 
For  Schools  and  Private  Reference.    New  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  3s.  ed. 

MACKAY.     An  Old  Scots  Brigade.     Being  the  History  of  Mackay's 

Regiment,  now  incorporated  with  the  Royal  Scots.  With  aii  Appendix  con- 
taining many  Original  Documents  connected  with  the  History  of  the  Regi- 
ment.    By  John  Mackay  (late)  of  Herriesdale.    Crown  8vo,  5s. 

MACKENZIE.    Studies  in  ßoman  Law.    With  Comparative  Views 

of  the  Laws  of  France,  England,  and  Scotland.  By  Lord  Mackenzie,  one  of 
the  Judges  of  the  Court  of  Session  in  Scotland.  Sixth  Edition,  Edited  by 
John  Kirkpatrtck,  Esq..  M.A.,  LL.B.,  Advocate,  Professor  of  History  in 
the  Uuiversity  of  Edinburgh.     8vo,  12s. 

M'KERLIE.     Galloway  :  Ancient  and  Modern.     An  Account  of  the 

Historic  Celtic  District.  By  P.  11.  M'Keulie,  F.S.A.  Scot.,  F.R.G.S,,  &c. 
Author  of  '  Lands  and  their  Owners  in  Galloway.'     Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

M'PHERSON.      Golf  and  Golfers.     Past  and  Present.     By  J.  G. 

M'Pherson,  Ph.D.,  &c.  With  an  Introduction  by  the  Right  Hon.  A.  J. 
Balfour,  and  a  Portrait  of  the  Author.     Fcap.  8vo,  is.  6d. 

MAIN.     Three  Hundred  English  Sonnets.    Chosen  and  Edited  by 

David  M.  Main.     Fcap.  8vo,  6s. 

MAIR.    A  Digest  of  Laws  and  Decisions,  Ecclesiastical  and  Civil, 

relating  to  the  Constitution,  Practice,  and  Affairs  of  the  Church  of  Scotland. 
With  Notes  and  Forms  of  Procedure.  By  the  Rev.  William  Mair,  D.D., 
Minister  of  the  Parish  of  Earlston.     Crown  8vo.    With  Supplements,  8s. 

MARMORNE.     The   Story  is  told   by  Adolphus   Segrave,  the 

youngest  of  three  Brothers.    Third  Edition.    Crown  8vo,  68. 

MARSHALL.      French   Home   Life.      By   Frederic   Marshall, 

Author  of  '  Claire  Brandon.'     Second  Edition.     5s, 

It  Happened  Yesterday.     A  Novel.     Crown  8vo,  6s. 

MARSHMAN.     History  of  India.    From  the  Earliest  Period  to  the 

Close  of  the  India  Company's  Government ;  with  an  Epitome  of  Subsequent 
Events.  By  John  Clark  Marshman,  C.S.I.  Abridged  from  the  Author's 
larger  work.     Second  Edition,  revised.    Crown  8vo,  with  Map,  6s.  6d. 


WILLIAM   BLACKWOOD   AND   SONS.  15 


MARTIN.    Goethe's  Faust.    Parti.    Translated  by  Sir  Theodore 

Martin,  K.C.B.     Second  Ed.,  crown  8vo,  6s.    Ninth  Ed.,  fcap.  8vo,  3s.  6d. 

Goethe's  Faust.     Part  II.    Translated  into  English  Verse. 

Second  Edition,  revised.     Fcap.  8vo,  6s. 

The  Works  of  Horace.     Translated  into  English  Verse, 

with  Life  and  Notes.    2  vols.     New  Edition,  crown  8vo,  21s. 

Poems  and  Ballads  of  Heinrich  Heine.     Done  into  Eng- 
lish Verse.     Second  Edition.    Printed  on  papier  verge,  crown  8vo,  8s  . 

The  Song  of  the  Bell,  and  other  Translations  from  Schiller, 


Goethe,  Uhland,  and  Others.     Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

-  Catullus.  With  Life  and  Notes.  Second  Ed.,  post  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

-  Aladdin  :  A  Dramatic  Poem.     By  Adam  Oehlenschlae- 

QER.     Fcap.  8vo,  5s. 

-  Correggio  :   A  Tragedy.     By  Oehlenschlaeger.     With 

Notes.    Fcap.  8vo,  3s. 

King  Rene's  Daughter :    A  Danish  Lyrical  Drama.    By 


Henrik  Hertz,     Second  Edition,  fcap.,  2s.  6d. 

MARTIN.    On  some  of  Shakespeare's  Female  Characters.     In  a 

Series  of  Letters.  By  Helena  Faucit,  Lady  Martin.  Dedicated  by  per- 
mission to  Her  Most  Gracious  Majesty  the  Queen.  New  Edition,  enlarged. 
8vo,  with  Portrait  by  Lane,  7s.  6d. 

MATHESON.      Can  the  Old  Faith  Live  with  the  New?  or  the 

Problem  of  Evolution  and  Revelation.  By  the  Rev.  George  Matheson,  D.D. 
Third  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

The  Psalmist  and  the  Scientist ;  or.  Modern  Value  of  the 

Religious  Sentiment.    New  and  Cheaper  Edition.     Crown  Bvo,  5s. 

Spiritual  Development  of  St  Paul.    3d  Edition.    Cr.  8vo,  5s. 

Sacred  Songs.     New  and  Cheaper  Edition.     Cr.  8vo,  2s.  6d. 

MAURICE.      The   Balance   of  Military    Power  in   Europe.     An 

Examination  of  the  War  Resources  of  Great  Britain  and  the  Continental  States. 
By  Colonel  Maurice,  R.A.,  Professor  of  Military  Art  and  History  at  the  Royal 
StaflF  College.     Crown  Svo,  with  a  Map.    6s. 

MAXWELL.     Meridiana  :    Noontide  Essays.     By  Sir  Herbert  E. 

Maxwell,  Bart.,  M.P.,  F.S.A.,  &c.,  Author  of  'Passages  in  the  Life  of  Sir 
Lucian  Elphin,'  &c.     Post  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

MEREDYTH.  The  Brief  for  the  Government,  1886-92.  A  Hand- 
book for  Conservative  and  Unionist  Writers,  Speakers,  &c.  Second  Edition. 
By  W.  H.  Meredyth.     Crown  8vo,  2s.  6d. 

MICHEL.     A  Critical  Inquiry  into  the  Scottish  Language.     With 

the  view  of  Illustrating  the  Rise  and  Progress  of  Civilisation  in  Scotland.  By 
Francisque-Michel,  F.S.A.  Lond.  and  Scot.,  Correspondant  de  I'lnstitut  de 
France,  &c.    4*0.  printed  on  hand-made  paper,  and  bound  in  Roxburgh e,  66s. 

MICHIE.     The  Larch  :  Being  a  Practical  Treatise  on  its  Culture 

and  General  Management.  By  Christopher  Y.  Michie,  Forester, Cullen  House. 
Crown  8vo,  with  Illustrations.    New  and  Cheaper  Edition,  enlarged,  5s. 

The  Practice  of  Forestrv.   Cr.  8vo,  with  Illustrations.     6s. 

MIDDLETON.      The   Story   of  Alastair   Bhan   Comyn  ;  or.   The 

Tragedy  of   Dunphail.      A   Tale  of   Tradition  and  Romance.      By  the  Lady 
MiDDLETON.    Square  Svo    los.     Cheaper  Edition,  5s. 
MILLER.    Landscape  Geology.    A  Plea  for  the  Study  of  Geology  by 
Landscape  Painters.    By  Hugh  Miller,  of  H.M.  Geological  Survey.  Cr.8vo,  3s. 
Cheap  Edition,  paper  cover,  is. 

MILNE -HO  ME.      Mamma's   Black   Nurse   Stories.     West  Indian 

Folk-lore.  By  Mary  Pamela  Milne-Home.  With  six  full-page  tinted  Illus- 
trations.    Small  4to,  5s. 

MINTO.  A  Manual  of  English  Prose  Literature,  Biographical 
and  Critical :  designed  mainly  to  show  Characteristics  of  Style.  By  W.  Minto, 
M.A.,  Professor  of  Logic  in  the  University  of  Aberdeen.  Third  Edition, 
revised.    Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 


16  LIST   OF   BOOKS   PUBLISHED   BY 


MINTO.    Characteristics  of  English  Poets,  from  Chaucer  to  Shirley 

New  Edition,  revised.     Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

MOIR.     Life  of  Mansie  Wauch,  Tailor  in    Dalkeith.     By  D.  \\ 

MoiR.     Witli   8   Illustrations  on  Steel,  by  the   late   George   Cruikshak;: 
Crown  Svo,  3s.  6d.     Another  Edition,  fcap.  Svo,  is.  6d. 

MOMERIE.     Defects  of  Modern  Christianity,  and  other  Sermont. 

By  Alfred  Williams  Momerie,  M.A.,  D.Sc,  LL.D.  4th  Edition.  Or.  8vo,  5s. 

The  Basis  of  Religion.     Being  an  Examination  of  Natural 

Religion.    Third  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  2s.  6d. 

The  Origin  of  Evil,  and  other  Sermons.     Seventh  Edition, 


enlarged.    Crown  Svo,  53. 

Personality.    The  Beginning  and  End  of  Metaphysics,  and 

a  Necessary  Assumption  in  all  Positive  Philosophy.   Fourth  Ed.   Cr.  8vo,  38. 

Agnosticism.    Fourth  Edition,  Revised.    Crown  8vo,  5s. 

Preaching    and    Hearing ;    and    other    Sermons.     Third 

Edition,  Enlarged.    Crown  8vo,  5s. 

Belief  in  God.     Third  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  3s. 

Inspiration  ;  and  other  Sermons.    Second  Ed.    Cr.  8vo,  5 

Church  and  Creed.     Second  Edition.     Crown  Svo,  4s.  6d; 

MONTAGUE.    Campaigning  in  South  Africa.     Reminiscences  of 

an  Officer  in  1879.     By  Captain  W.  B.  Montague,  94th  Regiment,  Author  of 
'  Claude  Meadowleigh,'  &c.     8vo,  ids.  6d. 

MONTALEMBERT.      Memoir  of  Count  de   Montalembert.      A 

Chapter  of  Recent  French  History.     By  Mrs  Oliphant,  Author  of  the  'Life 
of  Edward  Irving,'  &c.     2  vols,  crown  8vo,  £1,  4s. 

MORISON.     Sordello.     An   Outline   Analysis  of  Mr   Browning 

Poem.    By  Jeanie  Morison,  Author  of  'The  Purpose  of  the  Ages,'  'Al<. 
Booke  of  Ballades,'  &c.     Crown  8vo,  3s. 

Selections  from  Poems.     Crown  8vo,  4s.  6d. 

There  as  Here.     Crown  8vo,  3s. 

*^(.*  A  limited  impression  on  handmade  paper,  bound  in  vellum,  7s.  6d. 

"  Of  Fifine  at  the  Fair,"  "Christmas  Eve  and  Easter  Day, 

and  other  of  Mr  Browning's  Poems.     Crown  Svo,  3s. 

MOZLEY.     Essays  from  '  Blackwood.'     By  the  late  Anne  Mozley. 

Author  of  '  Essays  on  Social  Subjects ' ;  Editor''of  '  The  Letters  and  Correspori' 
ence  of  Cardinal  Newman,'  '  Letters  of  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Mozley,'  &c.  With 
Memoir  by  her  Sister,  Fanny  Mozlky.     Post  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

MUNRO.     On  Valuation  of  Property.     By  William  Munro,  M.A., 

Her  Majesty's  Assessor  of  Railways  and  Canals  for  Scotland.    Second  Edition. 
Revised  and  enlarged.     8vo,  3s.  6d. 

MURDOCH.    Manual  of  the  Law  of  Insolvency  and  Bankruptcy 

Comprehending  a  Summary  of  the  Law  of  Insolvency,  Notour  Bankrnptc\ , 
Composition -contracts.  Trust-deeds,  Cessios,  and  Sequestrations;  and  the 
Winding-up  of  Joint-Stock  Companies  in  Scotland  ;  with  Annotations  on  the 
various  Insolvency  and  Bankruptcy  Statutes ;  and  with  Forms  of  Procedur- 
applicable  to  these  Subjects.  By  James  Murdoch,  Member  of  the  Faculty  . 
Procurators  in  Glasgow.     Fifth  Edition,  Revised  and  Enlarged,  8vo,  £1,  10s. 

MY  TRIVIAL    LIFE  AND   MISFORTUNE  :    A   Gossip   with 

no  Plot  in  Particular.    By  A  Plain  Woman.    Cheap  Ed.,  crown  Svo,  38.  6d. 
By  the  Same  Author. 
POOR    NELLIE.     Cheap  Edition.      Crown  8vo,  3s.  6d. 
NAPIER.      The  Construction  of  the  Wonderful  Canon  of  Logar- 
ithms.    By  John  Napier  of  Merchiston.      Translated,  with  Notes,  and  a 
Catalogue  of  Napier's  Works,  by  William  Rae  Macdonald.     Small  4to,  158. 
A  few  large-paper  copies  on  Whatvuin  paper,  30s. 

NEAVES.     Songs  and  Verses,  Social  and  Scientific.     By  an  Old 

Contributor  to  'Maga.'    By  the  Hon.  Lord  Neaves.     Fifth  Ed.,  fcap.  8vo,  48. 

The   Greek  Anthology.     Being  Vol.    XX.    of    'Ancient 

ClasBics  for  English  Readers.'    Crown  8vo,  as.  6d. 


WILLIAM   BLACKWOOD   AND   SONS.  17 


NICHOLSON.     A  Manual  of  Zoology,  for  the  Use  of  Students. 

With  a  General  Introduction  on  the  Principles  of  Zoology.  By  Henrv  Al- 
LEYNE  Nicholson,  M.D.,  D.Sc,  F.L.S.,  F.G.S.,  Regius  Professor  of  Natural 
History  in  the  University  of  Aberdeen.  Seventh  Edition,  rewritten  and 
enlarged.     Post  8vo,  pp.  956,  with  555  Engravings  on  Wood,  18s. 

Text-Book  of  Zoology,  for  the  Use  of  Schools.  Fourth  Edi- 
tion, enlarged.    Crown  Svo,  with  188  Engravings  on  Wood,  7s.  6d. 

Introductory  Text-Book  of  Zoology,  for  the  Use  of  Junior 

Classes.    Sixth  Edition,  revised  and  enlarged,  with  166  Engravings,  3s. 

Outlines  of  Natural  History,  for  Beginners  ;  being  Descrip- 
tions of  a  Progressive  Series  of  Zoological  Types.  Third  Edition,  with 
Engravings,  is.  6d. 

A    Manual   of  Palaeontology,  for  the   Use  of  Students. 

With  a  General  Introduction  on  the  Principles  of  Palaeontology.  By  Professor 
H.  Alleyne  Nicholson  and  Richard  Lydekker,  B.A.  Third  Edition.  Re- 
written and  greatly  enlarged.    2  vols.Svo,  with  Engravings,;^ 3,  3s. 

The  Ancient  Life-History  of  the  Earth.     An  Outline  of 

the  Principles  and  Leading  Facts  of  Palaeontological  Science.  Crown  8vo, 
with  276  Engravings,  los.  6d. 

On  the  "Tabulate  Corals  "of  the  Palaeozoic  Period,  with 

Critical  Descriptions  of  Illustrative  Species.  Illustrated  with  15  Litho- 
graph Plates  and  numerous  Engravings.    Super-royal  8vo,2is. 

Synopsis  of  the  Classification  of  the  Animal  King- 
dom.   8vo ,  with  106  Illustrations,  6s. 

On  the  Structure  and  Affinities  of  the  Genus  Monticuli- 


pora  and  its  Sub-Genera,  with  Critical  Descriptions  of  Illustrative  SpecieF. 
Illustrated  with  numerous  Engravings  on  wood  and  lithographed  Plates. 
Super-royal  8vo,  i8s. 

NICHOLSON.     Communion   with    Heaven,  and    other    Sermons. 

By  the  late  Maxwell  Nicholson.  D.D.     Crown  Svo,  5s.  6d. 

Rest  in  Jesus.    Sixth  Edition.     Fcap.  8vo,  4s.  6d. 

NICHOLSON.     A   Treatise  on   Money,  and  Essays   on   Present 

Monetary  Problems.  By  Joseph  Shield  Nicholson,  M.A.  ,  D.Sc,  Professor 
of  Commercial  and  Political  Economy  and  Mercantile  Law  in  the  university 
of  Edinburgh.    8vo,  los.  6d. 

Thoth.     A  Romance.     Third  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  4s.  6d. 

A   Dreamer   of  Dreams.     A   Modern   Romance.     Second 

Edition.     Crown  8vo,  6s. 

NICOLSON  AND  MURE.  A  Handbook  to  the  Local  Govern- 
ment (Scotland)  Act,  1889.  With  Introduction,  Explanatory  Notes,  and 
Index.  By  J.  Badenach  Nicolson,  Advocate,  Counsel  to  the  Scotch  Educa- 
tion Department,  and  W.  J.  Mure,  Advocate,  Legal  Secretary  to  the  Lord 
Advocate  for  Scotland.     Ninth  Reprint.    8vo,  5s. 

OLIPHANT.      Masollam  :   a  Problem  of  the  Period.      A  Novel. 

By  Laurence  Oliphant.    3  vols,  post  8vo,  25s.  6d 

Scientific  Religion  ;  or,  Higher  Possibilities  of  Life  and 

Practice  through  the  Operation  of  Natural  Forces.    Second  Edition.  8vo,  i6r. 

Altiora  Peto.     Cheap  Edition.    Crown  8vo,  boards,  2s.  6d. ; 

cloth,  3s.  6d.     Illustrated  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  cloth,  6s. 

Piccadilly.     With  Illustrations  by  Richard  Doyle.     New 

Edition.  3s.  6<1.     Cheap  Edition,  boards.  2s.  6d. 

Episodes  in  a  Life  of  Adventure  ;  or.  Moss  from  a  Rolling 

stone.    Fifth  Edition.     Post  8vo,  6«. 

Haifa  :  Life  in  Modern  Palestine.   2d  Edition.    8vo,  7s.  6d 


The  Land  of  Qilead.    With  Excursions  in  the  Lebanon. 

With  Illustrations  and  Maps.    Demy  8vo,  21  s 

Memoir  of  the  Life  of  Laurence  Oliphant,  and   of  Alice 

Oliphant,  his  Wife.    By  Mrs  M.  O.  W.  Oliphant.    Seventh  Edition.    In  2  vols, 
post  8vo,  with  Portraits.     21s. 
Popular  Edition.    With  a  New  Preface.     Post  Svo.     With  Portraits,  7s.  6d. 


18  LIST   OF  BOOKS   PUBLISHED  BY 


OLIPHANT.     Katie  Stewart.     By  Mrs  Oliphant.     2s.  6d. 
Two  Stories  of  the  Seen  and  the  Unseen.     The  Open  Door- 

—Old  Lady  Mary.    Paper  Covers,  is. 

Sons  and  Daughters.     Crown  8vo,  3s.  6d. 

Diana  Trelawny  :  The  History  of  a  Great  Mistake.     2  vols. 


Crown  8vo,  17s. 

OLIPHANT.     Notes  of  a  Pilgrimage  to  Jerusalem  and  the  Holy 

Land.     By  F.  R.  Oliphant.     Crown  8vo,  3s.  6d. 

ON  SURREY   HILLS.    By  "A  Son  of  the  Marshes."    Third 

Edition.     Crown  8vo,  6s. 

By  the  Same  Author. 

Annals  of  a  Fishing  Village.     Edited  by  J.  A.   Owen. 

Cheap  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  6s.     With  7  full-page  Illustrations,  7s.  6d. 

Within  an  Hour  of  London  Town.     Among  Wild  Birds  and 

their  Haunts.     Crown  8vo,  6s.  1 

OSSIAN.     The  Poems  of  Ossian  in  the  Original  Gaelic.    With  a 

Literal  Translation  into  English,  and  a  Dissertation  on  the  Authenticity  of  ü\v 
Poems.    By  the  Rev.  Archibald  Clerk.     2  vols,  imperial  8vo,  £1,  us.  6d. 
OSWALD.     By  Fell  and  Fjord  ;  or,  Scenes  and  Studies  in  Iceland. 

By  E.  J.  Oswald.    Post  8vo,  with  Illustrations.     7s.  6d. 

PAGE.     Introductory  Text-Book  of  Geology.      By  David  Page, 

LL.D.,  Professor  of  Geology  in  the  Durham  University  of  Physical  Science 
Newcastle,  and  Professor  Lapworth  of  Mason  Science  College,  Birniingliani. 
With  Engravings  and  Glossarial  Index.  Twelfth  Edition,  Revised  and  En- 
larged.   3S.  6d. 

Advanced  Text-Book  of  Geology,  Descriptive  and  Indus- 
trial. With  Engravings,  and  Glossary  of  Scientific  Terms.  Sixth  Edition,  re- 
vised and  enlarged,  7s.  6d. 

Introductory  Text-Book  of  Physical  Geography.     With 

Sketch-Mapsandlllustrations.  Editedby  Professor  Lapworth,  LL.D.,F.G.S., 
&c.,  Mason  Science  College,  Birmingham.     12th  Edition.    2s. 6d. 

Advanced    Text -Book    of   Physical  Geography.     Third 

Edition,  Revised  and  Enlarged  by  Prof,  Lapworth.    With  Engravings.     5s. 

PATON.     Spindrift.    By  Sir  J.  Noel  Paton.    Fcap.,  cloth,  5s. 

Poems  by  a  Painter.     Fcap.,  cloth,  5s. 

PATON.     Body  and  Soul.     A  Romance  in  Transcendental  Path- 
ology.   By  Frederick  Noel  Paton.    Third  Edition.    Crown  8vo,  is. 
PATRICK.       The   Apology   of  Origen    in    Reply   to    Celsus.       A 

Chapter  in  the  History  of  Apologetics.      By  Rev.  J.  'Patrick,   B.D.      P<j.st 

8vo,  7s.  6d. 

PATTERSON.      Essays  in  History  and  Art.     By  R.  Hogarth 

Patterson.     Bvo,  12s. 

The   New    Golden  Age,  and  Influence  of   the  Precious 

Metals  upon  the  World.     2  vols.  8vo,  31s.  6d. 

PAUL.     History  of  the  Royal  Company  of  Archers,  the   Queen'? 

Body-Guard  for  Scotland.  By  James  Balfour  Paul,  Advocate  of  the  Scottish 
Bar.     Crown  4to,  with  Portraits  and  other  Illustrations.     £3,  2s. 

PEILE.     Lawn  Tennis  as  a  Game  of  Skill.     With  latest  revised 

Laws  as  played  by  the  Best  Clubs.  By  Captain  S.  C.  F.  Pkile,  B.S.C.  Choai*er 
Edition,  fcap.  cloth,  is. 

PETTIGREW.      The   Handy  Book    of  Bees,  and  their  Profitable 

Management.  By  A.  Pettiorew.  Fifth  Edition,  Enlarged,  with  Engrav- 
ings.    Crown  8vo,  3s.  6d. 

PHILIP.     The  Function  of  Labour  in  the  Production  of  Wealth. 

By  Alexander  Philip,  LL.B.,  Edinburgh.     Crown  Svo,  3s.  6d. 

PHILOSOPHICAL    CLASSICS    FOR    ENGLISH     READERS. 

Edited  by  William  Knight,  LL.D.,  Professor  of  Moral  Philosophy,  Uni- 
versity of  St  Andrews.    In  crown  Svo  volumes,  with  portraits,  price  38.  6<1. 

[For  list  0/  VoluTMS  published,  see  pcijc  2. 


WILLIAM   BLACKWOOD   AND   SONS.  19 


POLLOK.    The  Course  of  Time  :  A  Poem.     By  Robert  Pollok, 

A.M.  Small  fcap.  8vo,  cloth  gilt,  2S.  6d.  Cottage  Edition,  321110,  8d.  The 
Same,  cloth,  gilt  edges,  is.  6d.  Another  Edition,  with  Illustrations  by  Bii'ket 
Foster  and  others,  fcap.,  cloth,  3s.  6d.,  or  with  edges  gilt,  4s. 

PORT  ROYAL  LOGIC.  Translated  from  the  French  ;  with  Intro- 
duction, Notes,  and  Appendix.  By  Thomas  Spenckr  Baynes,  LL.D. ,  Pro- 
fessor in  the  University  of  St  Andrews.    Tenth  Edition,  i2mo,  4s. 

POTTS  AND  DARNELL.  Aditus  Faciliores  :  An  easy  Latin  Con- 
struing Book,  with  Complete  Vocabulary.  By  the  late  A.  W.  Potts,  M.A., 
LL.D.,  and  the  Rev.  C.  Darnell,  M.A.,  Head-Master  of  Cargilfleld  Prepara- 
tory School,  Edinburgh.    Tenth  Edition,  fcap.  8vo.  3s.  6d. 

Aditus  Faciliores  Graeci.    An  easy  Greek  Construing  Book, 

with  Complete  Vocabulary.    Fourth  Edition,  fcap.  Svo,  3s. 

POTTS.     School  Sermons.     By  the  late  Alexander  Wm.  Potts, 

LL.D.,  First  Head-Master  of  Fettes  College.  With  a  Memoir  and  Portrait. 
Crown  Svo,  7s.  6d. 

PRINGLE.    The  Live-Stock  of  the  Farm.     By  Robert  0.  Pringle 

Third  Edition.    Revised  and  Edited  by  James  Macdonald.    Cr.  Svo,  7s.  6d 

PUBLIC   GENERAL    STATUTES   AFFECTING    SCOTLAND 

from  i707toi847,  with  Chronological  Table  and  Index.  3  vols,  large  8vo,  £2»  3S. 

PUBLIC  GENERAL  STATUTES  AFFECTING  SCOTLAND, 

COLLECTION  OF.     Published  Annually  with  General  Index. 

RADICAL  CURE  FOR  IRELAND,  The.     A  Letter  to  the  People 

of  England  and  Scotland  concerning  a  new  Plantation.  With  2  Maps.  Svo,  ys.  6d. 

RAE.    Tlie  Syrian  Church  in  India.    By  George  Milne  Rae,  M.A., 

Fellow  of  the  University  of  Madras ;  late  Professor  in  the  Madras  Christian  Col- 
lege.   With  6  full-page  Illustrations.     Post  Svo,  los.  6d. 

RAMSAY.      Scotland  and   Scotsmen  in  the  Eighteenth  Century. 

Edited  from  the  MSS.  of  John  Ramsay,  Esq.  of  Ochtertyre,  by  Alexander 
Allardyce,  Author  of  'Memoir  of  Admiral  Lord  Keith,  K.B.,'  &c.  2  vols. 
8vo,  31S.  6d. 

RANKIN.     A  Handbook  of  the  Church  of  Scotland.     By  James 

Rankin,  D.D.,  Minister  of  Muthill ;  Author  of  'Character  Studies  in  the 
Old  Testament,'  &c.  An  entirely  New  and  much  Enlarged  Edition.  Crown 
8vo,  with  2  Maps,  7s.  6d. 

The  Creed  in  Scotland.     An  Exposition  of  the  Apostles' 

Creed.  With  Extracts  from  Archbishop  Hamilton's  Catechism  of  1552,  John 
Calvin's  Catechism  of  1556,  and  a  Catena  of  Ancient  Latin  and  other  Hymns. 
Post  Svo,  7S.  6d. 

First  Communion  Lessons.     23d  Edition.     Paper  Cover,  2d. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  TERCENTENARY  FESTIVAL  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  EDINBURGH.  Celebrated  in  April  1884.  Published 
under  the  Sanction  of  the  Senatus  Academicus.     Large  4to,  £2,  12s.  6d. 

ROBERTSON.      The  Early  Religion  of  Israel.      As  set  forth  by 

Biblical  Writers  and  Modern  Critical  Historians.  Being  the  Baird  Lecture  for 
18S8-89.  By  James  Robertson,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Oriental  Languages  in 
the  University  of  Glasgow.     Crown  Svo,  los.  6d. 

ROBERTSON.    Orellana,  and  other  Poems.    By  J.  LoGiE  Robert- 
son. M.  a.    Fcap.  Svo.    Printed  on  hand-made  paper.    6s. 

ROBERTSON.     Our  Holiday  Among  the  Hills.    By  James  and 

Janet  Logie  Robertson.  Fcap.  8vo,  3s  6d. 

ROBERTSON.     Essays  and  Sermons.     By  the  late  W.  Robertson, 

B.D.,  Minister  of  the  parish  of  Sprouston.   With  a  Memoir  and  Portrait.    Crown 

Svo,  5s.  6d. 

ROSCOE.     Rambles  with  a  Fishing-rod.    By  E.  S.  Roscoe.    Crown 

8vo,  4S,  6d. 

ROSS.     Old  Scottish  Regimental  Colours.     By  Andrew  Ross, 

S.S.C,  Hon.  Secretary  Old  Scottish  Regimental  Colours  Committee.  Dedi- 
cated by  Special  Permission  to  Her  Majesty  the  Queen.    Folio.    £2,  12s.  6d. 

RUSSELL.      The  Haigs  of  Bemersyde.     A  Family  History.     By 
John  Russell.    Large  8vo,  with  Illustrations.    21s. 


20  LIST   OF  BOOKS   PUBLISHED  BY 

RUSSELL.  Fragments  from  Many  Tables.  Being  the  Recollections  of 
some  Wise  and  Witty  Men  and  Women.    By  Geo.  Russell.    Cr.  8vo,  4s.  6d. 

RUTLAND.    Notes  of  an  Irish  Tour  in  1846.     By  the  Duke  of 

Rutland,  G.C.B.  (Lord  John  Manners).     New  Edition.    Crown  8vo,  2s.  6d. 

Correspondence  between  the  Right  Honble.  William  Pitt 

and  Clxarles  Duke  of  Rutland,  Lord  Lieutenant  of  Ireland,  1781-1787.    With  In- 
troductory Note  by  John  Duke  of  Rutland.    8vo,  7s.  6d. 

RUTLAND.    Gems  of  German  Poetry.    Translated  by  the  Duchess 

OF  Rutland  (Lady  John  Manners),  [New  Edition  in  preparation. 

Impressions  of  Bad-Homburg.  Comprising  a  Short  Ac- 
count of  the  Women's  Associations  of  Germany  under  the  Red  Cross.  Crown 
8vo,  is.  6d. 

Some  Personal  Recollections  of  the  Later  Years  of  the  Earl 

of  Beaconsfield,  KG.     Sixth  Edition,  6d. 

Employment  of  Women  in  the  Public  Service.    6d. 

Some  of  the  Advantages  of  Easily  Accessible  Reading  and 

Recreation  Rooms,  and  Free  Libraries.     With  Remarks  on   Starting  and 
Maintaining  Them.    Second  Edition,  crown  8vo,  is. 


A  Sequel  to  Rich  Men's  Dwellings,  and  other  Occasional 

Papers.     Crown  8vo,  2s.  6d. 

Encouraging  Experiences  of  Reading  and  Recreation  Rooms, 

Aims  of  Guilds,  Nottingham  Social  Guild,  Existing  Institutions,  &c.,  &c. 
Crown  8vo,  is. 

SCHILLER.     Wallenstein.     A  Dramatic  Poem.    By  Frederick 

VON  Schiller.    Translated  by  C.  G.  A.  Lockhart.    Pcap.  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

SCOTCH  LOCH  FISHING.     By  "Black  Palmer."    Crown  8vo, 

interleaved  with  blank  pages,  4s. 

SCOUGAL.     Prisons  and  their  Inmates;  or,  Scenes  from  a  Silent 

World.     By  Francis  Scougal.    Crown  Svo,  boards,  2s. 

SELL  AR.     Manual  of  the  Education  Acts  for  Scotland.     By  the 

late  Alexander  Craig  Sellar,  M.P.  Eighth  Edition.  Revised  and  in 
great  part  rewritten  by  J.  Edward  Graham,  B.A.  Oxon.,  Advocate. 
With  Rules  for  the  conduct  of  Elections,  with  Notes  and  Cases.  With  a 
Supplement,  being  the  Acts  of  1889  in  so  far  as  affecting  the  Education  Acts. 
8vo,  I2S.  6d. 
[Supplement  to  Sellar's  Manual  of  the  Education  Acts.     8vo,  2s.] 

SETH.     Scottish  Philosophy.     A  Comparison  of  the  Scottish  and 

German  Answers  to  Hume.  Balfour  Philosophical  Lectures,  University  of 
Edinburgh.  By  Andrew  Seth,  M.A.,  Professor  of  Logic  and  Metaphysics 
in  Edinburgh  University.     Second  Edition.     Crown  8vo,  58. 

Hegelianism  and  Personality.     Balfour  Philosophical  Lec- 
tures.   Second  Series.    Crown  8vo,  5s. 

SETH.      Freedom  as  Ethical  Postulate.     By  James  Seth,  M.A., 

George  Munro  Professor  of  Philosophy,  Dalhousie  College,  Halifax,  Canada. 

8vo,  is. 

SHADWELL.     The  Life  of  Colin  Campbell,  Lord  Clyde.    Illus- 

trated  by  Extracts  from  his  Diary  and  Correspondence.  By  Lieutenant- 
General  Shadwell,  C.B.    2  vols.  8vo.   With  Portrait,  Maps,  and  Plans.    768. 

SHAND.    Half  a  Century  ;  or.  Changes  in  Men  and  Mancers.    By 

Alex.  Innes  Shand,  Author  of  'Against  Time,'  &c.  Second  Edition,  Svo, 
I2S.  6d. 

Letters  from  the  West  of  Ireland.     Reprinted  from  the 

'Times.'    Crown  8vo.  58. 

Kilcarra.     A  Novel.     3  vols,  crown  8vo,  25s.  6d. 

SHARPE.      Letters  from   and    to    Charles    Kirkpatrick    Sharpe. 

Edited  by  Alexander  Allardvce,  Author  of  '  Memoir  of  Admiral  Lord 
Keith,  K.B.,'  kc.  With  a  Memoir  by  the  Rev.  W.  K.  R.  Bedkord.  In  two 
vols.  8vo.     Illustrated  with  Etchings  and  other  Engravings.    £2,  128.  6d. 

SIM.     Margaret  Sim's  Cookery.    With  an  Introduction  by  L.  B. 
Walford,  Author  of  '  Mr  Smith  :  A  Part  of  His  Life,'  &c.    Crown  Svo,  5s. 


WILLIAM   BLACKWOOD  AND   SONS.  21 


SKELTON.     Maitland  of  Lethington  ;  and  the  Scotland  of  Mary 

Stuart.  A  History.  By  John  Skelton,  C.B.,  LL.D. ,  Author  of  '  The  Essays 
of  Shirley.'    Demy  8vo.    2  vols.,  28s. 

The  Handbook  of  Public  Health.  ,  A  Complete  Edition  of 

the  Public  Health  and  other  Sanitary  Acts  relating  to  Scotland.  Annotated, 
and  with  the  Rules,  Instructions,  and  Decisions  of  the  Board  of  Supervision 
brought  up  to  date  with  relative  forms.     8vo.         [Ncvj  Edition  in  iireparaUon. 

Supplement  to  Skelton's  Handbook.     The  Administration 

of  the  Public  Health  Act  in  Counties.    8vo,  cloth,  is.  6d. 

The  Local  Government  (Scotland)  Act  in  Relation  to  Public 


Health.  A  Handy  Guide  for  County  and  District  Councillors,  Medical  Offi- 
cers, Sanitary  Inspectors,  and  Members  of  Parochial  Boards.  Second  Edition. 
With  a  new  Preface  on  appointment  of  Sanitary  Officers.    Crown  3vo,  2s. 

SMITH.     Thorndale  ;  or,  The  Conflict  of  Opinions.    By  William 

Smith,  Author  of 'A  Discourse  on  Ethics, '&c.    New  Edition.    Cr.  Svo,  los.  6d. 

Gravenhurst ;    or,  Thoughts  on  Good  and  Evil.     Second 

Edition,  with  Memoir  of  the  Author.     Crown  Svo,  8s. 

The    Story  of   William   and    Lucy    Smith.      Edited    by 

George  Merriam.    Large  post  8vo,  12s.  6d. 

SMITH.      Memoir    of   the    Families   of    M'Combie    and    Thoms, 

originally  M'Intosh  and  M'Thomas.  Compiled  from  History  and  Tradition. 
By  William  M'Combie  Smith.     With  Illustrations.    8vo,  7s.  6d. 

SMITH.      Greek   Testament  Lessons   for  Colleges,  Schools,  and 

Private  Students,  consisting  chiefly  of  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount  and  the 
Parables  of  our  Lord.  With  Notes  and  Essays.  By  the  Rev.  J.  Hunter 
Smith,  M.  A.,  King  Edward's  School,  Birmingham.    Crown  8vo,  6s. 

SMITH.     Writings  by  the  Way.    By  John   Campbell  Smith, 

M.  A. ,  Sheriff-Substitute.    Crown  8vo,  9s. 

SMITH.     The  Secretary  for  Scotland.    Being  a  Statement  of  the 

Powers  and  Duties  of  the  new  Scottish  Office.  With  a  Short  Historical 
Introduction  and  numerous  references  to  important  Administrative  Docu- 
ments.    By  W.  C.  Smith,  LL.B.,  Advocate.    8vo,  6s. 

SORLEY.     The  Ethics  of  Naturalism.    Being  the  Shaw  Fellowship 

Lectures,  1884.  By  W.  R.  Sorley,  M.A.,  Fellow  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge, 
Professor  of  Logic  and  Philosophy  in  University  College  of  South  Wales. 
Crown  8vo,  6s. 

SPEEDY.     Sport  in  the  Highlands  and  Lowlands  of  Scotland  with 

Rod  and  Gun.  ByToMSPEEDV.  Second  Edition,  Revised  and  Enlarged.  With 
Illustrations bv Lieut. -Gen.  HopeCrealocke,C.B., CM. G., and  others.  8vo,i5S. 

SPROTT.     The  Worship  and  Offices  of  the  Church  of  Scotland. 

By  George  W.  Sprott,  D.D.,  Minister  of  North  Berwick.    Crown  8vo,  6s. 

STAFFORD.     How  I  Spent  my  Twentieth  Year.    Being  a  Record 

of  a  Tour  Round  the  World,  1886-87.  By  the  Marchioness  of  Stafford. 
With  Illustrations.     Third  Edition,  crown  8vo,  8s.  6d. 

STARFORTH,    Villa  Residences  and  Farm  Architecture  :  A  Series 

of  Designs.  By  John  Starforth,  Architect.  102  Engravings.*  Second  Edi- 
tion, medium  4to,  £2,  17s.  6d. 

STATISTICAL   ACCOUNT    OF   SCOTLAND.     Complete,  with 

Index,  IS  vols.  Svo,  £16,  i6s. 
Each  Countvsold  separately,  with  Title,  Index,  and  Map,  neatlv  bound  in  cloth. 

STEPHENS'  BOOK   OF  THE   FARM.     Illustrated  with  numer- 

ous  Portraits  of  Animals  and  Engravings  of  Implements,  and  Plans  of  Farm 
Buildings.  Fourth  Edition.  Revised,  and  in  great  part  rewritten  by  James 
Macdonald,  of  the  '  Farming  World,' &c.  Complete  in  Six  Divisional  Vol- 
umes, bound  in  cloth,  each  ics.  6d.,  or  handsomely  bound,  in  3  volumes,  with 
leather  back  and  gilt  top.  £2,  3s. 

The   Book   of  Farm    Implements   and    Machines.       By 

J.  Slight  and  R.  Scott  Burn,  Engineers.  Edited  by  Henry  Stephens.  Large 
8vo.  £-2,  2S. 

STEVENSON.    British  Fungi.   (Hymenomycetes.)    By  Rev.  John 

Stevenson,  Author  of '  Mycologia  Scotia,'  Hon.  Sec.  Cryptogamic  Society  of 
Scotland.    Vols.  I.  and  II.,  post  Svo,  with  Illustrations,  price  12s.  6d.  each. 


22  LIST   OF    BOOKS  PUBLISHED   BY 

STEWART.    Advice  to  Purchasers  of  Horses.    By  John  Stewart, 

V.S.     New  Edition.    2s.  6d. 

Stable  Economy.      A   Treatise  on   the   Management  of 

Horses  in  relation  to  Stabling,  Grooming,  Feeding,  Watering,  and  Working. 
Seventh  Edition,  fcap.  8vo,  6s-.  6d. 

STEWART.  A  Hebrew  Grammar,  with  the  Pronunciation,  Syl- 
labic Division  and  Tone  of  the  Words,  and  Quantity  of  the  Vowels.  By  Rev. 
Duncan  Stewart,  D.D.     Fourth  Edition.     8vo,  3s.  6d. 

STEWART.     Boethius  :  An  Essay.    By  Hugh  Eraser  Stewart, 

M.A,,  Trinity  College,  Cambridge.     Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

STODDART.    Angling  Songs.    By  Thomas  Tod  Stoddart.    New 

Edition,  with  a  Memoir  by  Anna  M.  Stoddart.    Crown  Svo,  7s.  6d. 

STORMONTH.     Etymological  and  Pronouncing  Dictionary  of  the 

English  Language.  Including  a  very  Copious  Selection  of  Scientific  Terms. 
For  Use  in  Schools  and  Colleges,  and  as  a  Book  of  General  Reference.  By  the 
Rev.  James  Stormonth.  The  Pronunciation  carefully  Revised  by  the  Rev. 
P.  H.  Phelp,  M.A.  Cantab,  Tenth  Edition,  Revised  throughout.  Crown 
Svo,  pp.  800.     7s.  6d. 

Dictionary     of    the     English    Language,     Pronouncing, 

Etymological,  and  Explanatory.  Revised  by  the  Rev.  P.  H.  Phelp.  Library 
Edition.    Imperial  8vo,  handsomely  bound  in  half  morocco,  31s.  6d. 

The  School  Etymological    Dictionary    and    Word-Book. 

Fourth  Edition.    Fcap.  8vo,  pp.  254.    2s. 

STORY.     Nero  ;  A  Historical  Play.     By  W.  W.  Story,  Author  of 

'  Roba  di  Roma.'    Fcap.  8vo,  6s. 

Vallombrosa.     Post  8vo,  ss. 

Poems.     2  vols,  fcap.,  7s.  6d. 

Fiammetta.     A  Summer  Idyl.    Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

Conversations  in  a  Studio.     2  vols,  crown  8vo,  12s.  6d. 

Excursions  in  Art  and  Letters.     Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

STRICKLAND.     Life   of   Agnes   Strickland.     By   her    Sister. 

Post  Svo,  with  Portrait  engraved  on  Steel,  12s.  6d. 

STURGIS.     John-a- Dreams.     A    Tale.    By  Julian   Stürgis. 

New  Edition,  crown  8vo,  3s.  6d. 

Little  Comedies,  Old  and  New.    Crown  Svo,  7s.  6d. 

SUTHERLAND.     Handbook   of-  Hardy  Herbaceous   and   Alpine 

Flowers,  for  general  Garden  Decoration.  Containing  Descriptions  of  up- 
wards of  1000  Species  of  Ornamental  Hardy  Perennial  and  Alpine  Plants; 
along  with  Concise  and  Plain  Instructions  for  their  Propagation  and  Culture. 
By  William  Sutherland,  Landscape  Gardener ;  formerly  Manager  of  the 
Herbaceous  Department  at  Kew.     Crown  8vo,  7s.  6d. 

TAYLOR.    The  Story  of  My  Life.     By  the  late  Colonel  Meadows 

Taylor,  Author  of  'The  Confessions  of  a  Thug,'  &c.  &c.  Edited  by  his 
Daughter.    New  and  cheaper  Edition,  being  the  Fourth.    Crown  Svo.  6s. 

TELLET.     Pastor  and  Prelate.     A  Story  of  Clerical  Life.     By  Roy 

Tellet,  Author  of  '  The  Outcasts,'  &c.     3  vols,  crown  8vo,  25s,  6«i. 

THOLUCK.     Hours  of  Christian  Devotion.     Translated  from  the 

German  of  A.  Tholuck,  D.D.,  Professor  of  Theology  in  the  University  of  Halle. 
By  the  Rev.  Robert  Menzies,  D.  D.  With  a  Preface  written  for  this  Transla- 
tion  by  the  Author.    Second  Edition,  crown  Svo,  78.  6d. 

THOMSON.     Handy  Book  of  the  Flower-Garden  :  being  Practical 

Directions  for  the  Propagation,  Culture,  and  Arrangement  of  Plants  in  Flower- 
Gardens  all  the  year  round.  With  Engraved  Plans.  By  David  Thomson, 
Gardener  to  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Buccleuch,  K.T.,  atDrumlanrig  Fourth 
andChoaper  Edition,  crown  8vo,  58.  . 

The  Handy  Book  of  Fruit-Culture  under  Glass:  being 

a  series  of  Elaborate  Practical  Treatises  on  the  Cultivation  and  Forcing  of 
Pines,  Vines,  Peaches,  Figs,  Melons.  Strawberries,  and  Cucumbers.  With  En- 
gravings of  Hothouses,  &c.    Second  Ed.    Cr.  Svo,  7s.  6d. 


WILLIAM  BLACKWOOD   AND   SONS.  23 

THOMSON.     A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Cultivation  of  the  Grape 

Vine.    By  William  Thomson,  Tweed  Vineyards.    Tenth  Edition,  8vo,  5s. 

THOMSON.      Cookery  for  the  Sick   and  Convalescent.     With 

Directions  for  the  Preparation  of  Poultices,  Fomentations,  &c.    By  Barbara 
Thomson.    Fcap.  8vo,  ts,  6d. 

THORNTON.     Opposites.     A  Series  of  Essays  on  the  Unpopular 

Sides  of  Popular  Questions.    By  Lewis  Thornton.    8vo,  12s.  6d. 

TOM    CRINGLE'S    LOG.      A   New  Edition,  with   Illustrations. 

Crown  Svo,  cloth  gilt,  5s.     Cheap  Edition,  2s. 

TRANSACTIONS    OF    THE    HIGHLAND    AND    AGRICUL- 

TUBAL  SOCIETY  OF  SCOTLAND.    Published  annually,  price  55. 

TULLOCH.  Rational  Theology  and  Christian  Philosophy  in  Eng- 
land in  the  Seventeenth  Century.  By  John  Tulloch,  D.D.,  Principal  of  St 
Mary's  College  in  the  University  of  St  Andrews ;  and  one  of  her  Majesty's 
Chaplains  in  Ordinary  in  Scotland.     Second  Edition.     2  vols.  Svo,  i6s. 

Modern  Theoriesin  Philosophy  and  Religion.     8vo,  15s. 

Luther,  and  other   Leaders  of  the  Reformation.      Third 

Edition,  enlarged.    Crown  Svo,  3s.  6d. 

Memoir    of    Principal    Tulloch,    D.D.,  LL.D.      By  Mrs 


Oliphant,  Author  of  '  Life  of  Edward  Irving.'  Third  and  Cheaper  Edition. 
Svo,  with  Portrait.     7s.  6d. 

TWEEDIE.     The  Arabian  Horse  :  his  Country  and  People.     With 

Portraits  of  Typical  or  Famous  Arabians,  and  numerous  other  Illustrations ; 
also  a  Map  of  the  Country  of  the  Arabian  Horse,  and  a  descriptive  Glossary  of 
Arabic  words  and  proper  names.  By  Colonel  W.  Tweedie,  C.S.I.,  Bengal  Staff 
Corps,  H.B.M.'s  Consul-General,  Baghdad.  [/)i  tlie^wess. 

VEITCH.  Institutes  of  Logic.  By  John  Veitch,  LL.D.,  Pro- 
fessor of  Logic  and  Rhetoric  in  the  University  of  Glasgow.    Post  Svo,  12s.  6d. 

The  Feeling  for  Nature  in  Scottish  Poetry.  From  the  Ear- 
liest Times  to  the  Present  Day.    2  vols.  fcap.  Svo,  in  roxburghe  binding.    15s. 

Merlin  and  Other  Poems.     Fcap.  8vo.  4s.  6d. 

Knowing  and  Being.     Essays  in  Philosophy.     First  Series. 

Crown  Svo,  5s. 

VIRGIL.      The  ^neid  of  Virgil.    Translated  in   English  Blank 

Verse  by G.  K.  Rickards.M. A.  ,and  Lord  Ra vensworth.    2  vols.  fcap.  Svo,  los. 

WALFORD.  Four  Biographies  from  *  Blackwood '  :  Jane  Taylor, 
Hannah  More,  Elizabeth  Fry,  Mary  Somerville.  By  L.  B.  Walford.  Crown 
Svo,  5s. 

WARREN'S  (SAMUEL)   WORKS:— 

Diary  of  a  Late  Physician.     Cloth,  2S.  6d. ;  boards,  2S. 

Ten  Thousand  A- Year.     Cloth,  3s.  6d. ;  boards,  2S.  6d. 

Now  and  Then.    The  Lily  and  the  Bee.    Intellectual  and  Moral 

Development  of  the  Present  Age.    4s.  6d. 

Essays  :  Critical,  Imaginative,  and  Juridical.     58. 
WARREN.     The  Five  Books  of  the  Psalms.    With  Marginal  Notes. 

By  Rev.  Samuel  L.  Warren,  Rector  of  Esher,  Surrey;  late  Fellow,  Dean, 
and  Divinity  Lecturer,  Wadham  College,  Oxford.    Crown  Svo,  5s. 

WEBSTER.    The  Angler  and  the  Loop-Rod.    By  David  Webster. 

Crown  Svo,  with  Illustrations,  7s.  6d. 

WELLINGTON.     Wellington  Prize  Essays  on  «the  System  of  Field 

Manoeuvres  best  adapted  for  enabling  our  Troops  to  meet  a  Continental  Army." 
Edited byGeneralSirEDWARDBRucEHAMLKY,  K.C.B.,K.C.M.G.  Svo,  12s.  6d. 

WENLEY.     Socrates  and  Christ :  A  Study  in  the  Philosophy  of 

Religion.  By  R.  M.  Wknley,  M.A.,  Lecturer  on  Mental  and  Moral  Philoso- 
phy in  Queen  Margaret  College,  Glasgow;  Examiner  in  Philosophy  in  the 
University  of  Glasgow.     Crown  Svo,  6s. 


24  LIST  OF  BOOKS,   ETC. 

WERNER.     A  Visit   to   Stanley's   Rear-Guard  at  Major  Bartte- 

lot's  Camp  on  the  Aruhwimi.  "With  an  Account  of  River-Life  on  the  Congo. 
By  J.  R.  Werner,  F.R.tr.S.,  Engineer,  late  in  the  Service  of  the  Etat  Inde- 
pendant  du  Congo.    With  Maps,  Portraits,  and  other  Illustrations.    8vo.    16s 

WESTMINSTER  ASSEMBLY.  Minutes  of  the  Westminster  As- 
sembly, while  engaged  in  preparing  their  Directory  for  Church  Government, 
Confession  of  Faith,  and  Catechisms  (November  1644  to  March  1649).  Edited 
by  the  Rev.  Professor  Alex.  T.  Mitchell,  of  St  Andrews,  and  the  Rev.  John 
Struthers,  LL.D.  With  a  Historical  and  Critical  Introduction  by  Professor 
Mitchell.    8vo,  15s. 

WHITE.    The  Eighteen  Christian  Centuries.    By  the  Rev.  Jameb 

White.    Seventh  Edition,  post  8vo,  with  Index.  6s. 

History  of  France,  from  the  Earliest  Times.  Sixth  Thou- 
sand, post 'bvo,  with  Index,  68. 

WHITE.    Archaeological  Sketches  in  Scotland — Kintyre  and  Knap- 

dale.  By  Colonel  T.  P.  White,  R.E.,  of  the  Ordnance  Survey.  With  numerous 
Illustrations.    2  vols,  folio,  £\,  4s.    Vol.  I.,  Kintyre,  sold  separately,  £1,  2s. 

The  Ordnance  Survey  of  the  United  Kingdom,     A  Popular 

Account.    Crown  Bvo,  5s. 

WILLIAMSON.      The   Horticultural  E.xhibitors'    Handbook.      A 

Treatise  on  Cultivating,  Exhibiting,  and  Judging  Plants,  Flowers,  Fruits,  and 
Vegetables.  By  W.  Williamson,  Gardener.  Revised  by  Malcolm  Dunn,  Gar- 
dener to  His  Grace  the  Duke  of  Buccleuch  and  Queensberry,  Dalkeith  Park. 
Crown  Bvo,  3s.  6d. 

WILLIAMSON.      Poems   of    Nature  and   Life.      By  David   Pv. 

Williamson,  Minister  of  Kirkmaiden.    Fcap .  8vo,  3s. 

WILLIAMSON.      Light    from    Eastern    Lands    on    the    Lives    of 

Abraham,  Joseph,  and  Moses.  By  Rev,  Alex.  Williamson,  Author  of  'The 
Missionary  Heroes  of  tlie  Pacific,'  'Sure  and  Comfortable  Words,'  *  Ask  and 
Receive,'  &c.     Crown  Bvo,  3s.  6d. 

WILLS  AND  GREENE.     Drawing-room  Dramas  for  Children.     By 

W.  G.  Wills  and  the  Hon.  Mrs  Greene.    Crown  8vo,  68. 

WILSON.    Works  of  Professor  Wilson.    Edited  by  his  Son-in-Law, 

Professor  Ferrier.     12  vols,  crown  Bvo,  £1,  8s. 

Christopher  in  his  Sporting- Jacket.    2  vols.,  8s. 

Isle  of  Palms,  City  of  the  Plague,  and  other  Poems.     4s. 

Lights  and  Shadows  of  Scottish  Life,  and  other  Tales.    4?. 

Essays,  Critical  and  Imaginative.     4  vols.,  lös. 

The  Noctes  Ambrosianse.     4  vols.,  lös.  [Svo,  4s. 

Homer  and  his  Translators,  and  the  Greek  Drama.    Crown 

WINGATE.     Lüy  Neil     A  Poem.     By  David  Wingate.    Crown 

8vo,  4s.  6d. 

WORDSWORTH.     The  Historical  Plays    of  Shakspeare.     With 

Introductions  and  Notes.  By  Charles  Wordsworth,  D.C.L.,  Bishop  of  S. 
Andrews.  3  vols,  post  8vo,  cloth,  each  price  7s.  6d.,  or  liandsomely  bound  in 
half-calf,  each  price  9s.  gd. 

WORSLEY.      Poems   and   Translations.      By   Philip    Stanhope 

WoRSLRY,  M.A.   Edited  by  Edward  W0R8LEY.  2d  Ed.,  enlarged.  Frap.8vo,6s. 

YATE.    England  and  Russia  Face  to  Face  in  Asia.     A  Record  of 

Travel  with  the  Afghan  Boundary  Commission.  By  Captain  A.  C.  Yatf, 
Bombav  Staff  Corps.     Bvo,  with  Maps  and  Illustrations,  21s. 

YATE.       Northern  Afghanistan  ;    or,    Letters  from   the    Afghan 

Boundary  Commission.  By  Major  C.  E.  Yate,  C.S.I.,  C.M.O.  Bombay  Stafl 
Corps,  P.R.G.S.    8vo.  with  Maps.     iBs. 

YOUNG.    A  Story  of  Active  Service  in  Foreign  Lands.     Compiled 

from  letters  sent  home  from  South  Africa,  India,  and  China,  1856-1882.  By 
Surgeon-General  A.  Graham  Youno,  Author  of  '  Crimean  Craclj^s.  grown 
8vo,  Illustrated,  7s.  6d.  .  •'  . 

YULE.  Fortification  :  for  the  Use  of  Officers  m  the  Army,  and 
Readers  of  Military  History.    By  Gol.  Yolb,  Bengal  Engineers.    Svo.  with 


7/92. 


numerous  Illustrations,  los.  6d.     ^  ^  -^  ^ 


PLEASE  DO  NOT  REMOVE 
CARDS  OR  SLIPS  FROM  THIS  POCKET 

UNIVERSITY  OF  TORONTO  LIBRARY 


BioMe<J