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#6158
$63
4
;
2
:
"
.
:
:
瞻
​HYDROPATHY;
OR,
THE WATER-CURE.
$

Schwitzen. Sweating.
Tauchbad. Plunging Bath.
Wannenbad. Half Bath
Kopfbad. Head Bath
Sitzbad. Sitting Bath.
Douchbad. Douche Bath.
Endicott's Lith.
HYDROPATHY,
OR,
THE WATER-CURE:
ITS PRINCIPLES, MODES OF TREATMENT, &c.
Ellustrated with many Cases.
COMPILED CHIEFLY FROM THE MOST EMINENT EUROPEAN AUTHORS
ON THE SUBJECT,
BY JOEL SHEW, M. D.
SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED.
NEW YORK:
WILEY AND PUTNAM.
1845.
2
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1845, by
WILEY & PUTNAM,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern District of New-York.
J. P. WRIGHT. Printer,
122 Fulton st., N. Y.
PREFACE
TO THE FIRST EDITION.
Ir will at once be observed, that in the following pages there is
no claim to originality. The compiler has for a time had his atten-
tion directed to the water-cure, and has with interest witnessed its
progress. Having been perfectly convinced of its value, and of
its superiority as a system for the treatment of disease, he has
been engaged in writing with a view to publicity; but as different
works upon the subject have from time to time appeared in Eu-
rope-works of merit-some of which are of very recent date,
he has thought best to adopt the maxim that "amidst counsellors
there is safety," to substitute in a great measure portions of those
works in such a way as it is hoped will render the present work
one of value. The writings of the several authors will show for
themselves. Let it be understood, however, that the compiler
does not intend that it shall be inferred that he agrees with all
that is said.
Various have been the objections urged against hydropathy.
By high authority, we have it classed among the various delu-
sions that are, and that have been, and of which it is said, they
"In turns appear, to make the vulgar stare,
Till the swoll'n bubble bursts, and all is air."
So it has been ranked in this country; but nearer the retired
spot of the "primitive philosopher," Priessnitz, it is different.
There, in abundance, are to be found the "hard telling facts."
The actual cures have been performed. There has been raised
PREFACE.
vi
the cry of danger! danger! instead of delusion. As to the dans
gers in the practice of the water-cure, what are they? Precise-
ly not greater than are to be found elsewhere. Not greater than
to open a vein or an artery, and to draw out that fluid upon
which life so much depends, or to introduce into the stomach or
the circulation, the most virulent and deadly poisons in nature-
things of every-day practice. The administration of pure clean
water cannot certainly be attended with more danger.
That, by thousands, astounding cures have been performed in
the treatment, no one can question. And so was it in tractora-
tion. But there the mistake was as to the how. The objec-
tor who would class the water-cure with that delusion, has
not examined the subject,-does not even know what the water-
cure is.
In the case of tractoration, in which the cures were
performed, the subject exercised unbounded faith in the mysteri-
ous agency of the tractors. It is true, too, that Priessnitz inspires
his patients with confidence and courage, and so must any and
every practitioner of the healing art, to obtain success. But
more: let the objector, professional, or non-professional, get a lit-
tle way into the secrets of the water-cure (for to him as yet they
are secrets.) If he be an invalid, let him awhile, leave, of every
kind, his vile narcotics and stimulants-in every respect, his
hours keep regularly. Let him "daily wash and be clean," and
be throughout regular and temperate in his meals, and in all his
habits. Let him diminish, if need be, the amount of fluids in
the body, by most profuse perspiration, or, by the wet sheet, re-
duce the temperature of the body, and the velocity of the circula-
tion and heart's action, to any required extent. Let him purify
the blood, not by any of the thousand-and-one of the nostrums
of the quack, or of the multitudinous forms of drugs innumera-
ble, but by the cleansing effect of Nature's own best pure fluid.
Let him, if he can command courage, go to the bath, to the
douche; climb among the hills, and breathe freely the pure
mountain air of heaven, and all in proportion to his increasing
PREFACE.
vii
strength; let him be cheerful always; and at evening, according
to his inclinations, let him join in some of the social exercises-
the music and the dance; and when in time he finds his body has
become amazingly strengthened, and his mind active, cheerful,
vigorous and blithesome, and that his old ailments inveterate are
cast off, it will be a thing not easy to convince him that all is de-
lusion-a work of the imagination. By this time he finds that
though he will, as if to bring spirits from the "vasty deep,"
against the effects of the water-cure, it would be willing in vain.
There is at least something of physical truth in it. A greater
mistake cannot be than to class this with Tractoration, Sir Ke-
nelm Digby's sympathetic powder, or Hahneman's decillionth
grain doses of charcoal, flint, silica or cuttle-fish juice, made too
A wider difference can-
potent by ten shakes instead of two.
not be.
The unprofessional manner in which the water-cure is intro-
duced, has been a matter of objection by some. According to
Dr. Rush, a medical man should be a student his life long: he
should gather information from any and every source-should
even lay under contribution the experience of the old woman,
whom he might meet in a stage coach or elsewhere, to add to his
stock of facts in the healing art. Life is short, art is long,"
said Hippocrates, "the old man of Cos." Should an old wo-
man, or any one, discover a drug of which it should be said, on
good authority, that it was capable, in one dose, of producing the
most powerful sweating, and in another, of reducing the tempe-
rature of the body most efficiently, and of retarding the velocity
of the circulation to any required extent, and which consequently
could be made to fulfil every intermediate indication, the student-
like physician would most certainly set to work and test fairly
and fully the power of the old woman's drug. Yet who is there
at all willing to do it?
The great physiologist and physician, Magendie, makes the
strong assertions, that "the science of medicine is almost the
viii
PREFACE.
3
only one characterized by uncertainty and chance,"—that "the
existing system of medical study confers trifling good on society,"
-that "there is scarcely a sound idea on physiology abroad,"
that "the plan hitherto pursued in the study of medicine, has
been too narrow ever to lead to those happy results that dignify an
age by improving the condition of humanity,"—and that “the
prevalent mode of treating disease, harmonizes admirably with,
and is quite as senseless as, the method of reasoning in pathology.
The practitioner mixes, combines, and jumbles together vege-
table, mineral and animal substances; administers them right or
wrong, without for a moment considering the cause of the dis-
ease, and without a single clear idea on the why and wherefore
of his conduct." Another says,
Another says, "all things considered, it were
better for mankind if not a particle of medicine existed on the
face of the earth;" and the learned Hoffman of the seventeenth
century said, "avoid medicine and physicians, if you value your
health!"
However strong and sweeping these assertions may at first ap-
pear, if we carefully examine, we shall find that there is vastly
too much of truth in them. The study of the mere relation be-
tween symptoms and remedies, without sufficient reference to
the removing of the causes of disease, has been too much the
case in medicine. Hippocrates used but little medicine, and his
remedies were few and simple. His principal business was to
discover and remove the causes of disease.
Medicine has likewise been followed too much as a mere busi-
ness-a means of livelihood, or a source of emolument. And
then again, if we may hazard the opinion, it is too true that the
existing system of medicine is often found going in direct opposi-
tion to its fundamental principles. This it is claimed cannot in
truth be said of hydropathy. The practice in the water-cure is
consistent, rational and explainable.
Let us not be misunderstood in this matter.
Far be it from us
to depreciate, in any way, the value of the profession. It is
PREFACE.
ix
error, and not men, or any class of men, that we have to contend
with. The noble profession of our choice, we esteem,—a pro-
fession, than which there is none of more importance to society
and the race. But we could sooner doubt our very existence,
than that the healing art comes far short of doing its best work,
of conferring its best good upon society. That the profession is a
body of worthy and intelligent men, and that of this body are those
who are ranked among the highest benefactors of the human
family, society fully acknowledges. It is therefore the height of
folly for any one to act against the profession. The water-cure,
and improvements of whatever kind, wherever they may origi-
nate, must be. introduced to the public generally through this
profession.
As if perfection were to be found, and as if all medical men, un-
like those of other professions, were to be perfect moral beings, we
hear in glowing colors, by some, not a little said about the perse-
cutions in medicine. We hear the grave questions, Who de-
nounced Harvey, the glorious discoverer of the circulation of the
blood ?" "Who ridiculed vaccination and persecuted its discov-
erer, Jenner?" And then, again, when Lady Mary Montague
inoculated her child with the matter of small pox to mitigate the
severity of the disorder, it is said that on the part of some there
was manifested such an unwillingness to have the experiment
succeed, "that she never cared to leave the child alone with them
one second, lest in some secret way it should suffer from their
interference." Admit this all true-and more, and we have that
which will but poorly compare with the witch manias, and the
violent persecutions elsewhere. And be it remembered, tco, that
among the ignorant traducers of the profession, are to be found
those who are ever most ready to lend their names and influence
to quackery of every form, but when anything serious comes up-
on them, they are equally ready to avail themselves of the gra-
tuitous services of the insulted profession.
The water-cure presupposes that all due attention be given to
1*
X
PREFACE.
the removal of the causes of disease;-to the prevention as well as
the cure.
The great ignorance that exists as to the causes of dis-
ease, the means of prevention, and the best methods of curing, is
an ever fruitful source of quackery of every kind. Teach people
to understand the laws of life, health and disease, and then they
are incapable of the imposition of the mercenary and villanous
quack. And then, and not till then, will the profession attain its
true dignity. And then will the labors of the true physician be
rightly valued. Then will the physician's pay be more than now,
like that of Boerhaave, when he practised among his best patients,
as he called them-the poor.
The writer has high hopes in reference to what will yet result
in this country from the introduction of the water-cure. If he is
mistaken in his enthusiasm, in this new world, in the healing
art, (for Captain Claridge says, Priessnitz, like Columbus, dis-
covered a new world,) so it is: he will trust to the intelligence of
his country and the profession-to time and mature experience,
to convince him of his error. He is young, and can improve.
When a better way is shown, he will follow it. But from what
he has heard, seen, and knows, as yet he must be in his humble
way an advocate of the water-cure; and, in doing this, he
has incomparably more regard for the good which it is destined
to bring about in society, than for fame, reputation, or emolu-
ment.
As a matter of course, that always convenient word, "quack-
ery," will, by some, be applied to the water-cure treatment.
But let it be remembered that it is not Priessnitz, or any one,
that such are to contend with, but the thing itself. A method of
treatment of itself in perfect accordance with the laws of nature. A
natural remedy, only intensified by art. Real quackery will have
but little to do with hydropathy. There is in its very nature too
much of primitiveness and simplicity-not enough of mysticism—
of the wonderful and marvellous. Besides, the practice is too
laborious, often severely so, both for patient and practitioner. Let
PREFACE.
Xi
the water-cure be generally understood and practised, and the
very considerable firm of "Messrs. Humbug," professional and
non-professional, will turn bankrupt forthwith.
If the water-cure treatment is quackery, we have quackery
unique. With his vile preparations, and specifics infallible, the
quack may delude the ignorant, and, villain-like, drug mankind.
to death,―employing in every direction, his compeers, to practise
upon his thousands of patients whom he never sees or cares for,
if he can but cheat them out of their substance; but to stand by
the sufferer in disease, to guide the remaining energies of life, in
accordance with its own laws, in such a manner as to relieve
pain, "remove obstructions, relieve oppression, subdue diseased
action," and strengthen and invigorate the system, thus "placing
the body under the most favorable circumstances for resisting
disease," remains for another besides the quack to perform. And
this we contend can best be done, when in competent hands, by
the primitive natural treatment, the water-cure. Than this
to quackery, nothing can be more perfectly, more specifically an-
tipodal.
⭑
The simplicity or oneness of the remedy will be with some a
matter of objection. It should be understood that nothing is easier
than by the water-cure to produce, to any given extent, directly
opposite results; therefore its simplicity is greatly in its favor-
Why have drugs been multiplied without number? Precisely
because not one of them is to be depended upon. Not so in
hydropathy. It is contended that the remedy here can be relied
upon, and is always in competent hands, not only safe, but will
always do some good-which is not true of drugs.
To the non-professional inquirer, let it be said, no remedy can
be powerful for good that may not be made powerful for evil. It
may appear a simple thing to "wash and be clean,"—but even
this must be done rightly. Although the "sleeping in wet sheets
is by no means the disagreeable thing that it is usually conceived
to be," yet it must be done in the right way, or most disastrous
xii
PREFACE.
}
may be the consequences. The Russians find their snow-bath
exceedingly delightful after their sweating, but they know that it
can be continued but a few minutes. The Englishman finding it
at once pleasant, remained too long, and thus sacrificed his life to
his ignorance.
The water-cure implies temperance in detail. Those who wish
to adopt the better plan, prevention rather than cure, may be as-
sured, that in changing habits, mere feelings must not be taken as
a guide. If they do, a blind leader of the blind it will prove.
The invalid mendicant, while asking alms, declared that as long
as God should let him live, he would drink every day a dram,
because it gave him strength. The minister of the Gospel (not a
physiologist) said he would enjoy his tea and coffee and his pipe,
even if they did cut short his life, rather than be deprived of the
good things which God gives us. But whenever the drunkard re-
forms, however uncomfortable at first he may feel, we soon find
nature is true to herself. He feels like death, but yet he does not
die. Soon like life from the dead he is a new and renovated
man.
J. S.
;
PREFACE
TO THE SECOND EDITION.
THE Compiler will here state, that since the first edition of Hy-
dropathy, or the Water-Cure, was published, he has had nume-
rous opportunities of testing the efficacy of the new system; and
that his former confidence in it is not in the least diminished.
That confidence is, if possible, growing more and more strong.
The system, consisting, as it does, of an endless variety of appli-
cations of water, internal and external, warm, hot or cold, as the
case may require, together with the agencies of air, exercise, diet,
in-
clothing, &c. &c., is, if the writer is not altogether mistaken,
comparably more effectual than any other, for speedily relieving
pain, subduing inflammations and fevers of every kind, strength-
ening the body to the greatest possible extent, thus enabling it in
the most effectual manner to resist disease. The new system is
entirely without parallel-a significant fact, to be pondered by
the "scientific" objectors, who decry Priessnitz as being an "illi-
terate hind of the Silesian mountains." Let those improve upon
his work who can.
The writer commenced his experiments and investigations in
the new system, as indeed he did his first medical studies, with
an inflexible determination to ascertain truth. Long before he
had ever heard of the new system, and both before and after he
had commenced the study of the healing art, he was at a loss to
know how "setting one poison to catch another" was to be re-
conciled with reason;-how bleeding a person already nervous
xiv
PREFACE.
and debilitated—a thing often done-was any more rational than
the letting down of the strings of a musical instrument whose
tones already failed for want of sufficient tension ;-how it was
reasonable to excite the liver by mercury, causing a certain
weakness and derangement of the organ already weakened and
deranged—a thing of every-day occurrence in common practice,
-or how it was possible for a patient in a sinking state to be kept
alive, as was so often believed, by alcoholic (poisonous) stimu-
lants. In short, the writer fortunately early learned to distrust
the existing symptoms of medicine, and was on the constant look
out for something better. He has not been disappointed.
If the old allopathic or common practice of medicine were at
this day wholly set aside, there would immediately be a diminu-
tion of disease, suffering, and premature death; and far better
still even than now would it be if all drug medicines were at once
wholly abandoned, and people were compelled, with pure clean
water, right food, fresh air and invigorating exercise, to help them-
selves as they best could. There would at once be less of sick-
ness and unnatural death. But it is said quackery is the cause of
the mischief. Is there not quackery “scientific,” as well as un-
scientific? Do not the different sects, even in the established
practice, at least hint that the other sects kill their patients?
Who shall decide when doctors disagree?"
In the present edition of this work it was thought best to vary to
some extent the arrangement and matter from the former edition.
Contrary to the ordinary mode, a collection of well ascertained
facts, in the form of cases treated mostly at Graefenberg, are
placed first in the volume. First let us have facts-afterwards
theories. The volume, it is hoped, will not prove uninteresting.
65 BARCLAY STREET,
February, 1845.
J. S.
༨.
Hydropathy; or, the Water-Cure.
CHAPTER I.
}
FACTS IN WATER-CURE.
THIS chapter is made up of a collection of cases taken
from the work of Edward Johnson, M.D., of London, a
man well known both as a writer and practitioner in the
healing art. He observes, "Most of these cases fell under
my own immediate notice, and were examined by me per-
sonally, and their previous history and progress narrated to
me by the patients themselves. There are two or three, how-
ever, for the history of which I am indebted to George An-
thony, Esq., an English surgeon who had been residing at
Priessnitz's establishment for a considerable time, and who
took notes of such cases as fell under his notice. This gen-
tleman had quitted his profession for a very lucrative appoint-
ment in the East, to which he proceeds in the latter part of
this summer (1843)-that he went to Graefenberg merely
as a matter of curiosity, and to fill up his time previously
to his quitting Europe, and that the cases noted by him
cannot, therefore, be supposed to be colored favorably by
any interested bias towards hydropathy; against which, in-
deed, he evidently entertained at first a very natural and
professional prejudice.
"For two other cases I am indebted to Col. Bowen, late
of the Coldstream Guards; but the greatest bulk of them fell
under my own immediate notice and personal examination.
16
HYDROPATHY; OR,
"Before I proceed to the detail of cases treated at Graef-
enberg, I will mention two remarkable ones which I treated
myself by cold water alone, more than twenty years ago-
that is, before its efficacy as a remedial agent was known
even to Priessnitz himself. I mention these merely to show
how early in life I had been led, by observation and general
reasoning, to form a high opinion of cold, in the treatment
of disease."
Acute Rheumatic Fever.
Somewhat more than twenty years ago I became the sub-
ject of a very uncommonly severe attack of acute rheuma-
tic fever. I was attended by Dr. Birkbeck and Dr. Thomas
Davies, who afterwards became physician to the London
Hospital. I was also daily visited by some other medical
gentlemen living in my neighborhood. They were ex-
ceedingly kind and attentive to me, for which I shall never
cease to feel most grateful-and I am quite certain that my
case was treated in the most scientific manner, that is, ac-
cording to the accepted medical science of that day.
I was three times bled in the arm, and took frequently
repeated doses of calchicum, which produced excessive and
continued vomiting. These powerful means, however,
failed to remove the pain, but reduced me to so slow a degree
of exhaustion, that the fever began to assume the typhoid or
nervous character. My wife was now told not to calculate
upon my recovery, and ordered to give me brandy, repeat-
edly, and at short intervals, during the course of the night.
At this time my skin was excessively hot and the bed clothes.
oppressive. I begged and prayed for cold water to drink,
THE WATER-CURE.
17
and to have myself washed all over in cold water. Every-
thing that was delicious and desirable in the universe seemed
to be represented by these two words-cold water. My
wife at last yielded to my entreaties-and the more so, in-
asmuch as she had often heard me enlarge upon the efficacy
of cold ablution in fevers and many other diseases, and la-
ment that popular prejudice would not suffer me to employ
it so frequently as I desired. She had, moreover, herself, on
one occasion, been plucked from agony and sudden danger
by the use of snow.
The cold ablution, and large draughts of cold water, were
immediately exhibited, and industriously and frequently
repeated night and day.
In a week, with the exception of the debility consequent
on the loss of so much blood, I was quite well.
Inflammation and Swelling of the Breasts, with general Fever.
The second case occurred in the person of my wife about
On
a year previously to that which I have just mentioned.
the evening of the third day after her first accouchement, I
came home from Guy's Hospital, where I had been detained
since morning, and found her groaning and weeping with
intense pain, the breasts red, and enormously enlarged,
which the frightened nurse was vehemently rubbing with
brandy and oil. The skin was excessively hot and dry,
and the pulse was leaping along at the rate of 120. It was
in the month of January-so I walked into the street with a
pail, which I filled with snow, and bringing it into the sick.
room, I piled a heap of it over both breasts, continually add-
ing fresh snow as it melted. In a very few minutes the
milk span out in streams, to the distance of more than a
18
HYDROPATHY; OR,
foot, and the tears of torture were at once changed for those
of pleasure, accompanied by that hysterical sobbing, which
is the common result of a sudden transition from intense
suffering to perfect ease. The mere absence of pain in
these cases takes all the characters of the most delicious and
positive pleasurable sensations. In half an hour the in-
flammation had subsided, the breasts had become compara-
tively flaccid, the fever had entirely subsided, and not only
all danger, but all inconvenience, had utterly vanished. But
for this timely succor, suppuration must have supervened
in both breasts, and large abscesses would have been the
inevitable consequence.
Paralysis.
¿
Herr Von Wulffen, an officer in the Prussian army, was
seized in 1842 with a paralytic stroke. Of this he re-
covered. But the disease continued to recur at short inter-
vals, until he had almost entirely lost the use of one side of
the body-so that he could only walk very imperfectly and
with great difficulty. In addition to this, he was extremely
rheumatic, and the glands of the neck were swollen. After
resorting to an infinite variety of curative means, which
left him exactly where they found him, he came to Grae-
fenberg.
After his arrival at Graefenberg and commencement of
the treatment, this gentleman did not experience a single
attack for two months, although before his arrival he would
frequently be attacked two or three times in a month.
swelling of the glands of the neck subsided, his rheumatism
The
was entirely removed, and his health completely re-estab
lished.
THE WATER-CURE.
19
At the expiration of two months, however, he one day
took an extremely long walk among the mountains, and came
home very much fatigued, cold, and with wet feet. And
now, instead of going to bed, he went into the hot and
crowded billiard room, where he continued to play for some
time. After this he suddenly lost the power of distinct
utterance, could with difficulty articulate his words, and
began to talk, all at once, quite incoherently. Priessnitz
was sent for, who threw cold water over his face and chest,
and then ordered him a foot-bath, with three men to rub
his feet for half an hour. This recovered him. He was
then told to walk, but after having walked for ten minutes
he became so weak that he was obliged to go to bed. His
friends now left him in order to go to dinner. When they
returned they found him quite in his senses, but perfectly
speechless, and unable to write. In fact, his tongue and
right hand and foot were palsied. Priessnitz now ordered
him a wet sheet (merely damp) for ten minutes-then
another, a little wetter, for ten minutes more—and then a
third, very wet, indeed, for ten minutes more again.
verish symptoms now followed, with violent head-ache, and
great prostration of strength. For these symptoms he was
put into the tepid bath for half an hour, and well rubbed by
three men the whole time. Vomiting now took place, and
in the evening he was up in the saloon at supper as well
and as sensible as any one there; and laughingly assuring
his friends that he was now not only in full possession of
his tongue, but of his teeth too. Since this time, which is
now some months ago, he has had no return, has the perfect
use of all his limbs, and is otherwise in good health.
Fe-
Herr Regenhard, of Vienna, had suffered for many years
20
HYDROPATHY; OR,
from nervous disease and severe dyspepsia. Three years
since he had a paralytic seizure of the right half of the
- body-not severe-and from which he recovered. Six
months afterwards he had a second attack-more severe-
from which, however, he partially recovered. Four months.
later he had a third attack, and afterwards a fourth and
fifth, the intervals between the fits becoming shorter and
shorter, until they returned every fortnight. His right leg
and arm now became nearly useless. He was advised to
try the baths at Toeplitz, which he did, but without any
good result. He returned to Vienna; he took the best ad-
vice which that capital could afford, but entirely without
benefit. One of his physicians at last, with a candor and
honesty which done him honor, confessed that he believed
his case to be beyond the reach of any ordinary medical
treatment, and recommended him to try the water-cure.
He came to Graefenberg in company with my friend Mr.
Niemann, who was also going to Graefenberg on his own
account. He arrived there in May, and was then in his six-
tieth year. He was immediately put under a very mild treat-
ment (merely an abreibung, rubbing the head with a wet
cloth, and a coph-bath). In six weeks he had crises, but
(which is very remarkable) only on the side affected. Not
a single pimple appeared on the sound side. When the
crises appeared he took leintuchs with abgeschrecktes bath.
No cold-bath, no douche, no sitz-bath. He continued to
have crises till October (five months).
He then left per-
fectly recovered, never having had a single attack after he
commenced the treatment. His friends at Graefenberg have
since received two letters from him, perfectly well written.
by that same right hand which was paralyzed and useless
THE WATER-CURE.
21
when he first came to Graefenberg, and which had been
to him nearly a profitless member for the three previous
years.
In gratitude for his recovery, he has made several orna-
mental presents to the grounds about Graefenberg, which
still remain, and will remain there, monuments of the cura-
tive power of cold water. Indeed, Graefenberg abounds
with such monuments, both in iron and stone, erected by
Gratitude in commemoration of recovered health, and of a
size and durability which gives them a fair chance of en-
durance for hundreds of years.
Captain Wardle, of the Fiquelmont dragoons, the nephew
of Colonel Wardle, celebrated for certain charges which
he preferred against the Duke of York, became suddenly
deprived of the use of one entire side. He was blind of
one eye, deaf of one ear, and the leg and arm of one side.
were paralyzed. He was twenty-two years of age. Under
the water-cure he entirely recovered. The sight of the
eye was perfectly restored, his hearing entirely regained,
and the full use of his limbs returned. After his recovery,
Colonel Bowen saw him on guard at the theatre of Prague
the picture of youthful health and manly strength. He is
still on military duty at Prague.
Sciatica.
Mr. Wangler, merchant, had been affected with sciatica
for eighteen months. He was living at Milan, and the
physicians there recommended him to have the actual cau.
tery* applied to the part. This, however, he refused. He
* The actual cautery is a hot iron.
22
HYDROPATHY; OR,
then went to a water establishment in the Tyrol, superin-
tended by a physician, but one who was grossly ignorant of
the principles on which the water-cure proceeds. This gen-
tleman succeeded at last in persuading him to submit to
the actual cautery, for his sufferings were so great that he
would have submitted to almost any thing in the hope of
relief. He showed me the deep scar left by the hot iron,
and which was as large as my extended hand. From the
actual cautery, however, he received no benefit, and, in
consequence of injudicious treatment, he became exceed-
ingly ill, and then proceeded to Vienna, where he placed
himself under the most celebrated medical practitioners, and
underwent every conceivable mode of treatment. While
submitting to treatment at Vienna, his bowels suddenly be.
came constipated, and would never relieve themselves with-
out the aid of medicine; and his thigh dwindled away until
it was but little larger than his wrist; and he could not
walk a single step.
He was now brought to Graefenberg, where he has
resided for the last nine months. He gave me the history of
his case himself, and was good enough to let me examine
the affected parts. He is now perfectly well, entirely free
from pain, full of flesh and animal spirits, and the withered
thigh has entirely recovered its original very fleshy dimen-
sions. He is not in the slightest degree lame, and can
climb the mountains with the best of them, and in any
weather. He is covered with the usual critical eruption,
as soon as which subsides he will return to his family at
Milan. He is forty-eight years of age. His treatment
consisted of the lein-tuch, succeeded by the tepid bath, the
sitz bath, and douche.
THE WATER-CURE.
23
courage
Sciatica with Lumbago.
Monsieur Varnod was afflicted with sciatica for three
years so severely that it was with great difficulty he could
walk even with the aid of a stick. Every ordinary means
of cure had been resorted to without effect. He was at last
prevailed upon to visit a water establishment at Innspruck.
With great pain and difficulty he was got down to the side
of the cold bath; and here it required a great exertion of
in a lame man, and one who could not on any sud-
den emergency move his limbs without excruciating pain-
I quite agree with him, that it required great courage in
one so situated to allow himself to be tumbled heels over
head into the water. With fear and trembling, however, he
submitted, and to his utter astonishment found that while
in the water he could move his limb without the slightest
pain or inconvenience. The pain had entirely vanished, and
from that moment to this it has never returned, nor does he
exhibit the slightest indication of lameness or weakness in
either of his legs. He is now at Graefenberg for another
disease-a disease of the skin.
Constipation.
Herr Fricks, the father of the young man whose case I
am about to relate, put himself under treatment also, for
an obstinate constipation which had annoyed him, and in-
terfered greatly with his health, for 17 years. So obstinate
and torpid had the bowels become, that it would frequently
require four or five lavements before their contents could
be emptied.
This gentleman was treated by lein-tuchs and sitz baths
24
HYDROPATHY; OR,
-four of the former daily, (two in the morning, and two in
the evening, each couple of lein-tuchs being succeeded by
the tepid bath,) and two of the latter also daily.
In a fortnight this gentleman's bowels began to empty
themselves, without any assistance, daily and plenteously,
and have continued to do so up to the time when I left
Graefenberg.
Mr. Niemann, a gentleman about 35 years of age, was
affected by obstinate constipation. During five entire years
he never once was able to pass a motion, without the aid of
either medicine or an injection. He is now at Graefenberg,
and for the last four months has had a regular and healthy
evacuation every day, without the use either of injection,
or of a single grain of medicine of any kind whatever.
Had not this gentleman's constipated condition of bowels.
been thus fortunately removed, I feel quite sure that every
unprejudiced medical man will allow that, sooner or later,
severe disease, in some shape or other, must have been per-
fectly inevitable.
This gentleman had no crisis.
Dyspepsia.
Mr. 48 years of age, had been accustomed for many
years to indulge in a very free mode of living. His daily
regular allowance of wine was one full bottle, in addition
to sundry glasses of ale, and a couple of glasses of brandy
and water in the evening. This was his regular daily
quantity. Under this excitement his health soon began to
suffer, and it grew gradually worse, until, about twelve.
months since, he was in so shattered a condition, that he
found it necessary to adopt some rigorous and continued
THE WATER-CURE.
25
means to repair the mischief his constitution had sustained.
The symptoms of which he complained were, excessive lan-
guor, physical weakness, drowsiness, and depression of
spirits, foul tongue, relaxed throat, (to such an extent that
he was obliged to have his uvula removed by the surgeon's
knife,) capricious appetite, and all that long train of the
most distressing symptoms which characterize a severe case
of dyspepsia, accompanied by hypochondriasis. He had
been affected, too, for many years, with large furunculi, or
boils, of such severe and irritable character, that when one
appeared on the chin, it would cause the whole of one side
of the face to swell so violently as to entirely close the eye
of that side. For these furunculi he consulted a London
physician, who ordered him to take a pill every day before
dinner, consisting of aloes, rhubarb, and an extract of cam-
omile. These pills stopped the appearance of the furun.
culi, and from that moment all his distressing symptoms be-
came aggravated.
After very many fruitless efforts to regain his health, he
repaired to Graefenberg. At this time he was so weak that
he could not walk the length of a single street. At Dres-
den, which is a small city, in attempting to walk from one
exhibition to another, he found himself unable to do so, and
obliged to dispatch his servant for a coach while he waited
for its arrival. His breath, moreover, was so short that
he could not maintain a conversation for more than five
minutes together. In six weeks after his arrival at Graefen-
berg he could sing; and his strength is now so great, that
he walks up and down the snow-clad mountains, often ast
early as six o'clock in the morning, without any difficulty,
in all kinds of weather, and he declared to me that he be.
1
2
26
HYDROPATHY; OR,
i
lieved himself able to run continuously, at a moderate pace,
for a distance of three or four miles without stopping. Every
day I see him climbing the hill-side in large jack-boots,
breasting the acclivity with the firm and vigorous step of
perfect health and strength. This gentleman bathes, and
douches, and takes one or two wet sheets every day, wears
umschlags round the body, and drinks nothing but pure.
cold water. Yet this gentleman had been all his life ac-
customed to luxurious living, and the daily use of wine and
spirits. He declares that when he came to Graefenberg he
did not know even the taste of water--for when he cleaned
his teeth in the morning, he always took great care to expel
every drop of water with the tip of his tongue, fancying
that if he suffered it to enter the cavity of his mouth, it
could not fail of producing some deadly mischief; and he
would as soon have thought of swallowing poison, as of
drinking a cup of cold water. And this gentleman did not
leave off the use of stimulants gradually-he left them off
entirely at once--and so far from experiencing any evil
consequences, he immediately became sensible of relief.
I will just mention that this gentleman had for a great
many years (perhaps 20) a large fatty tumor on his back-
so large as to be quite visible through all his clothes, and
giving to him an appearance of deformity. When I ex-
amined this tumor a few days ago it had almost entirely
disappeared.
Dyspepsia and Rheumatism.
Herr Baumann, a builder, from Saxe Wiemar, 45 years
of age, suffering under rheumatism, dyspepsia, nervous de-
bility, and with a constitution, to all appearance, quite
THE WATER-CURE.
27
broken.
The first crisis made its appearance, in the form
of the usual eruption, and he felt himself relieved. Some
time after this, however, he had another crisis, consisting
of what are called furunculi, or boils. He now began to
mend rapidly. His dyspeptic symptoms left him, his rhcu-
matic pains ceased, his nervous debility gradually vanish-
ed, and his health is now firm, strong and good.
Mr. J. B. S——, a gentleman of Manchester, came to
Graefenberg in June last. I had the history of the case
from his own mouth. His case was one of confirmed and
obstinate dyspepsia of four years' standing. Being a man
of property he took the advice of the most eminent phy-
sician, who, having failed in relieving him, finally recom.
mended him to travel in a warmer climate. In obedience
to his advice he went to Rome. Here he improved a little
for a short time, and then became again as ill as he was
when he sat out.
While travelling on the continent he accidentally made.
the acquaintance of a Captain Fuminelli, of Venice, to
whom he related his case, and the object of his travel-a
search after health. The captain, now the strongest man in
Venice, and who had himself been raised from a sickly con-
dition to one of high health, by the sole use of cold water,
at once strongly recommended him to repair to Graefen.
berg, and he came accordingly. When he arrived his
symptoms were these-first, great general physical debility.
so that he could not walk even a small distance without
great fatigue and exhaustion. He was the subject of con-
stant heartburn--his tongue exceedingly foul--his appetite.
capricious-and his stools invariably presented the appear-
ance of little, hard, stony balls. He was perpetually annoyed
28
HYDROPATHY; OR,
by sighing and gaping, which he could not resist even when
engaged in conversation--proofs of great vital debility. In
addition to all this he had a constant and severe pain in his
left side.
This was his condition for four years. These were the
symptoms which had obstinately resisted the most judicious
medical treatment under the ablest medical advice in Eng-
land. The first sensible effects of the treatment were
manifested in the changed appearance of the alvine evacu-
ations. These became large, hard, dry and solid, and their
expulsion exceedingly painful. For this he was ordered a
wet bandage round the body, covering the whole abdomen.
and stomach. In two days his motions assumed a perfectly
natural and healthy appearance. He now made rapid pro-
gress. His tongue became cleaner, the pain in the side
greatly relieved, the heartburn left him, his appetite became
steady and good, his strength greatly increased, and he felt
so well that he made up h's mind to discontinue the treat-
ment and go home. He was not, however, yet quite well,
for as soon as he left off the treatment his health flagged.
and he describes his feelings as resembling those of one
who suddenly loses some long-continued cause of excite-
ment. He felt low, depressed, and was obliged to resume
the treatment. After having undergono the treatment for
some weeks longer, however, he entirely recovered both hist
health and strength, and could spend a whole day in climb-
ing the mountains without suffering more fatigue than
would necessarily be felt by a strong and healthy man. He
has now been in perfect health for four months, during the
whole of which time he has entirely discontinued the treat-
ment, with the exception of an ordinary cold bath every
THE WATER-CURE.
29
morning. He only remains at Graefenberg on his wife's
account, who has also been undergoing the treatment, and
whose case he has likewise kindly permitted me to publish.
Mr. J. B. S—————'s crisis occurred about the eighth week
after he commenced the treatment, in the form of a thick
rash, which entirely covered his legs, thighs, and arms.
Immediately after the appearance of this eruption, the pain
in the side began to decrease, and with it the eruption also
disappeared. He declares to me that he cannot remember
the time when he felt himself in such good health and
strength as he is at this moment.
Gout and Rheumatism, complicated with Venereal taint.
For thirteen years Captain Vogt had been the subject of
severe pains in his wrists, ancles, knees, and the long bones
of his legs and thighs. While suffering thus, he contracted.
the venereal disease, of which he was not properly cured.
From this time his rheumatic pains were aggravated tenfold;
so much so that he was at intervals confined to his bed for
several weeks at a time.
In this forlorn condition he arrived at Graefenberg, and
was immediately put under treatment. The first crisis
which manifested itself was a return of the chancre, which
he had contracted six years before. This, however, got
perfectly well in a fortnight. He has been here eight
months, and when I examined him a few weeks since he
was completely recovered, free from all pain, active with his
limbs, and able to take any reasonable amount of exercise
on foot or on horseback. He is covered with a critical
eruption all over his limbs and body, and he only waits for
the subsidence of this to return home, He was on full
30
HYDROPATHY; OR,
treatment the whole time, with the exception of the sweat-
ing blanket. He wore umschlags night and day, which,
during the day, were renewed five times.
Mr.
Gout in the Hands and Knees.
45 years of age, had gout in his hands and feet
for twelve years. He began the treatment in July, 1842.
At six in the morning, lein-tuch for half an hour-tepid
bath for five minutes. At eleven and at five the same
treatment repeated. He wore umschlags. On the second
day he sweated for two hours-took a tepid bath for two
minutes after which a cold bath for one minute-then
another tepid for two minutes. At eleven o'clock he
took a foot-bath for twenty minutes. At five o'clock he
took a lein-tuch, for half an hour, with tepid, &c. &c., as
in the morning. This treatment was pursued for ten days.
After the tenth day, immediately after the sweating, a
cold bath for a minute. In the third week he douched in
addition to the other treatment, and wore wet bandages on
the knees. He got well rapidly.
G-
Rheumatism with Psoriasis.
Mr. G—————, an officer in the army, aged 59 years, about
twenty years since began to be affected in the
uscular
At last
part of the legs and thighs with very severe pains.
they became so exceedingly sensible of cold and damp that,
in frosty weather, while sitting within doors, he was always
compelled to have the lower half of his body enveloped in
a cloak, and no barometer could indicate a coming change
in the weather with greater exactitude than this gentle-
man's legs. This state of things lasted, with little varia-
!
THE WATER-CURE.
31
tion, for twenty years, not confining him to the house, but
embittering his life, interfering with his prospects, and
poisoning all the springs of enjoyment. During these
twenty years he was three times sent home under a medical
board as unfit for duty-once from the West Indies, once
from the Mauritius, and once from New South Wales. His
legs, I forgot to mention, had also become, very early in the
disorder, covered with that obstinate itching disease, called
psoriasis; and for several years any attempt to lean forward
in the act of writing gave him acute pain in the region of
the stomach. After having taken the advice of a multitude
of physicians to no purpose, he was recommended to travel.
He visited Wild Bad, in the Black Forest, Wild Bad Gas-
tein, on the Norrishe Alys, Buxton, Bath, Ramsgate, and
spent one whole winter in Italy; but all in vain. At last
he heard of the water-cure and determined to visit Graef
enberg, where he still remains, the very merriest man of the
whole two hundred, who are now, in the very depth of win-
ter, and with the snow a foot thick, daily undergoing the
water treatment at that place.
He has had crises, both in the form of rash and of fur-
unculi. He has also had diarrhoea, which confined him to
his bed for three days. During these three days he wore
umschlags night and day changed every hour-with sitz-
baths. When the feet became very cold he had them rub.
bed with cloths dipped in cold water, and wrung out. In
the evening he became feverish, for which he was put into
a shallow bath for five minutes. This immediately removed
the fever. When he was first attacked with diarrhoea his
appetite went, and he could only take a little rusk in cold
water. It soon, however, returned and became better than
32
HYDROPATHY; OR,
ود
ever.
He is now in excellent health, his pains and the
eruption rapidly leaving him, and he is looking forward with
the utmost confidence to a perfect cure.
Case of Psoriasis. Communicated by George Anthony, Esq.,
an English Surgeon, now at Graefenberg.
Mr. Burch, a farmer from Somersetshire, aged 50 years,
a stout, strong man, came to Graefenberg in the middle of
October last (1842.) He was examined, and the progress
of his case watched, with great interest by Mr. Anthony,
and many others, resident at Graefenberg.
His whole body and limbs were literally covered with
that most obstinate, and, generally speaking, hitherto incu-
rable disease, called psoriasis. Deep fissures had formed in
many parts, and an enormous quantity of scurf and scales
were swept out of his bed every morning, while the itching
with which he was annoyed was almost intolerable. It was
that form of psoriasis which is sometimes called, though I
think erroneously, lepra figurata. He had been afflicted
with this abominable scourge for many years; and had con-
sulted many physicians of acknowledged eminence without
the slightest benefit. Every mode of treatment which he
had adopted had utterly failed of making the slightest im-
pression on the disease.
When he consulted Priessnitz he was told that he would
certainly get well. but that it was by far the worst case he
had ever seen, although he had seen great numbers, and
that it might take two or three years to effect a perfect
cure. On hearing this he became disheartened, since cir-
cumstances would not allow him to sacrifice so much time.
He was determined, however, not to return without making
THE WATER-CURE.
33
a trial. He went down the hill on which Graefenberg
stands, into the town of Friewaldau, in which many of
Priessnitz's patients, who cannot find room in Graefenberg,
take lodgings. He here commenced the treatment, drink-
ing large quantities of cold water, and confining his diet to
bread alone. He continued this plan for about six weeks,
when, to his joyful astonishment, as well as that of Priess-
nitz himself, the eruption almost entirely disappeared. In
this case, the crisis showed itself in the shape of diarrhoea.
In order to produce perspiration he slept under a German
feather bed, close to a German stove, which gave him a
profuse perspiration every night-an effect which his medi-
cal man had often labored to produce in vain, and which he
had never experienced for many years.
Having now remained as long as circumstances would
possibly permit, he left Friewaldau to all appearance per-
fectly well, with the exception of a few isolated spots. On
his way home he was accompanied as far as Prague by Mr.
Ellis, a gentleman who is still at Graefenberg undergoing
the water-cure. Here he all at once returned to a very
free diet. From a very scanty diet, and one consisting
solely of bread, milk, and water, he leaped at once to the
full diet of the fashionable continental hotels, with wine,
&c. The consequence of this was a fit of the gout and a
relapse. But from the very marked and powerful impres
sion which was made by the treatment upon the disease in
the short space of six weeks, no rational doubt can exist,
and no doubt was entertained by any of the gentlemen who
saw the progress of the case, some of whom were medical
men, that the disease would have been entirely removed
could the patient have submitted a little longer to the treat-
2*
34
HYDROPATHY; OR,
ment, and confined himself for a longer period to a more ri-
gorous diet. It should be remembered that this gentleman
was 50 years of age-that his disease had existed not merely
for many months, but for many years-and that the various
modes of treatment which he had adopted under the ablest
advice had not only been unable to cure it, but even to make
the slightest impression upon it.
Skin Disease-Psoriasis.
Mr. Spangenberg, a gentleman of Hamburg, a young
man of very high attainments, and the son of the late very
eminent Dr. Spangenberg, (about 24 years of age,) had
been afflicted with a scaly eruption over his face, and entire
body and limbs, for twelve years. The disease first made
its appearance in the form of red, itching patches. These
became covered with small scurfy laminæ, or scales, which
were easily rubbed off, leaving the patches red and shining
as before. In a very short time, however, the scales were
reproduced, and fell off as before. The itching was exces-
sive, and this distressing condition continued for twelve.
years, in spite of the most varied and persevering efforts,
under the most able medical advice, to remove it.
In this pitiable state he came to Graefenberg, covered
from head to foot, face and all, with a disease at once
loathsome, and, in an uncommon degree, distressing. His
complexion was exceedingly fair, his eyes blue, and his hair
flaxen-his temperament irritable. And it required a good
deal of tact to accommodate the intensity of the treatment
to the excessive sensibility of his skin, which made it fre
quently necessary to change it; for whenever it was urged
too far, the disease was aggravated. By constantly varying
THE WATER-CURE.
35
the treatment, however, his skin became gradually accus-
tomed to the impressions of the various baths, and when I
arrived at Graefenberg, his treatment consisted of two lein-
tuchs every morning, one immediately after the other, (the
former for half an hour, the latter for three-quarters,) im-
mediately succeeded by the cold bath. At twelve o'clock
he took a wet sheet, and sitz-bath. At five he took another
lein-tuch for an hour and a half, succeeded by another cold.
bath. All night he wore wet linen pantaloons, from his
ancles up to his arm-pits. He also wore wet bandages
round his arms. All day he wore wet bandages round the
entire body and arms, which were renewed five times daily.
In the summer months he took the blanket and douched;
but these it was found necessary to discontinue.
This gentleman's crisis assumed the form of diarrhoea,
immediately after the occurrence of which, his disease be-
gan to disappear. I saw him almost every day, and ex-
amined him repeatedly. When I left Graefenberg, he was
so nearly well that a few isolated dark-colored spots, indi.
cating the parts where the disease had been most virulent,
were all that were left.
Skin Disease following Gonorrhæa.
The following case I detail for an especial purpose-for
the purpose of showing in what manner the most obstinate
discases, especially of the skin, and painful rheumatic af
fections (so called), are constantly produced.
Herr Von Nehemet, a Hungarian gentleman, three years
ago contracted gonorrhoea. After having vainly endea
vored to rid himself of his malady for nine months, it sud-
denly disappeared on taking a large dose of cubebs.
A
36
HYDROPATHY; OR,
2.
Soon after this sudden disappearance, an eruption
showed itself on his face and nose, for which he took Pul-
nau water, which seemed to remove it. He was now, to
all appearance, well; but the suddenness with which both
the original disorder and the eruption had ceased, made him.
distrust the soundness and permanence of the apparent
cure. Distressed with this feeling of insecurity, and his
family being at Graefenberg, he determined to go thither
too, and submit himself to the Graefenberg treatment. He
was soon satisfied that his fears were but too well-founded.
For, shortly after he began to adopt the remedy, a crop of
small ulcers made their appearance round the fundament.
Similar ones soon showed themselves on his legs, and pre-"
sently his hands and fingers became covered with pustules.
By slow degrees, however, the whole of these symptoms.
vanished, and his health was perfectly restored. He left
Graefenberg while I was still there.
Now, I think it cannot be doubted that when this gen-
tleman's original disease so suddenly disappeared, his sys-
tem still retained the poison with which he had been first
inoculated. Nor can it be doubted, that if that poison had
not been thrown to the surface by the treatment adopted,
he must have become, at some future time, the subject of
severe disease, of some kind or other.
I am persuaded that multitudes of anomalous disorders,
whose causes seemed buried in obscurity, are occasioned by
suppressed poison-and often by a poison of the kind here
alluded to.
Fistula in Ano.
The young Count Thun, a youth sixteen years of age,
THE WATER-CURE.
37
1
became sensible of uneasiness in the neighborhood of the
rectum while passing his motions. This uneasiness grad-
ually increased until it became so severe as to prevent
him from riding on horseback. The parts were now ex-
amined by a surgeon, and found to be thickened, enlarged,
and hardened. In a short time the pain became excessive-
ly severe, and other advice was taken, both at Vienna and
Prague. It was determined to puncture the part. This
was done, and a discharge of matter mixed with blood en
sued. The disease was now pronounced to be fistula.
At-
tempts were made to effect a cure, by means of injections
thrown into the sinuses through the puncture; and that the
case was one of perfect or complete fistula is proved by the fact
that a portion of the injected matter always escaped through
the sphincter, proving beyond question that the sinus open-
into the bowel. A great variety of injections having
been used with no benefit whatever, the case was pronounced
to be incurable without an operation. To this measure
the young Count could not be persuaded to submit. He
had now been under medical and surgical treatment for
twelve months. He had five fistulous openings around the
anus, and his system had been so much reduced that it was
with the utmost difficulty he could walk, even when assist-
ed by the arm of his father.
When I saw him he had been at Graefenberg eight
mouths. For the first three months he took daily three
wet sheets of an hour each-each being immediately fol-
lowed by the cold bath. He wore umschlags round the
body, and under the crotch night and day. At the expira-
tion of three months he began to douche every day; and
he has only now just begun to undergo the sweating pro-
38
HYDROPATHY; OR,
cess.
cold.
crisis.
He takes all his food, both meat and drink, perfectly
He has never taken a sitz-bath; nor has he had any
After hearing the detail of the case from the father, whose
memory was assisted by the son himself, I requested that
I might be allowed to examine the parts. This request
was immediately complied with. The scars left by the
healing of the sinuses were distinctly visible. But the
thickening has disappeared, as well as the pain, which I
ascertained by making firm pressure entirely round the
anus, and especially upon the scarred parts. Four out of
the five openings were perfectly and soundly healed, but
there yet remained one, formerly as large as the tip of the
little finger, but now not larger than a pin's head, to be
healed.
Prepared as I already was by à priori reasoning from
the nature of animal life up to the nature of animal disease,
and from the nature of disease up to the true nature of
remedies, to award great efficacy to the cold water-cure,
yet I must confess that if I had not witnessed this case,
and also the one which follows, with my own eyes, I should
have had great difficulty in believing the truth of the state-
ment.
Urinary Fistula.
Baron Lauengen, of Lauengen, captain of cavalry,
struck himself a severe blow against the pommel of his
saddle. Inflammation and much tumefaction ensued.
After a time the swelling of the part was enormous, and
fluctuation was distinctly felt. An opening was made into
it, very low down, from which there immediately escaped.
THE WATER-CURE.
39
.:
a very large quantity of urine. This puncture never healed,
but the urine continued constantly to flow through it. He
suffered from this state of things for two years, which two
years were spent in fruitless endeavors, under the advice of
the very best continental surgeons, to heal this fistulous
sore. He then came to Graefenberg, where he has been,
if I remember right, only eight months. He was kind
enough to suffer me to examine the part, which I found to
be perfectly healed and sound, the scar where the opening
had been still remaining distinctly visible near the raphe.
Gonorrhea.
A gentleman of Transylvania, a healthy man, twenty-
eight years of age, contracted gonorrhoea. In spite of all
the means which could be devised by his medical advisers,
the disease continued for fifteen months. Four months after
he had got well he contracted the disease a second time.
The treatment he had gone through on the former occasion
had been so painful as well as unsuccessful, that he could
not make up his mind to submit to it again, but resolved to
go to Graefenberg. He was three weeks on the journey,
and he had had the disease three weeks before he start-
ed. The disorder was of a virulent kind. The treatment
which was adopted in this case was as follows: At half
past six in the morning he took a wet sheet. After the wet
sheet he took a tepid shallow bath, at twelve degrees of
Reaumur. After this (immediately) the cold bath, and di-
rectly after this the shallow bath again. At ten o'clock he
took a tepid sitz-bath, at twelve degrees, for half an hour.
At five o'clock the wet sheet and all the treatment of the
morning over again. He drank thirteen glasses of cold
40
HYDROPATHY; OR,
water daily, and wore umschlags round the abdomen day
and night. This treatment continued for a week, but on
the fourth day the disease had entirely disappeared. It
was thought desirable, however, to continue the treatment
a little longer. In the second week he took the two wet
sheets as at the beginning, but went immediately after each.
into the cold bath, without the intervention of the tepid
shallow bath. At ten o'clock in the morning he douched
for five minutes, but not on the seat of the disease, nor on
the stomach, nor on the head. At twelve o'clock he took
a sitz-bath cold for five quarters of an hour. At the end of
the second week he left perfectly cured.
Consumption.
Extracts (translated from the Italian) from a letter received by J. B.
S-
S—, Esq., at Graefenberg, from Captain A. F—, of the Marine
Artillery, Venice.
Venice, 10th Feb., 1843.
* * * * Mr. and Mrs. H. are much obliged by
your kindness, and have heard with great pleasure the good
effects of the cure, on which they sincerely congratulate
you, and return their kind compliments to you and your
lady. The reading of your letter has determined H-
to visit Graefenberg next summer.
He will profit by your
S-
advice, with respect to the method which you recommend
him to adopt while there. Colonel S―― is very well; he
says that he feels himself ten years younger, (since his visit
to Graefenberg, 1842,) and sends his compliments to you
both.
With regard to my own case, it is given in few words.
From my twenty-fifth to my thirty-first year, I was subject
THE WATER-CURE.
41
to frequent affections of the chest, for which my physicians
ordered me to lose blood, and gave me palliatives, which
treatment left me constantly liable to relapses. They said
I was of a plethoric habit, and that I must have the mass of
my blood diminished. These diseases were produced by
weakness brought on by a too sedentary life, too much ap-
plication to study, and too free indulgence in wine and spi-
rit. My constitution was extremely delicate, and the least
draught of air caused inflammation of the lungs.
These affections of the chest returned three or four times
a year, until the last time, 1827, the lungs were so much
weakened that I could scarcely breathe. At this same pe-
riod (I was then thirty-one years of age) I was at Zarra, in
Dalmatia, and had a severe attack, which lasted several
months, and of which I could not recover. I was confined
entirely to my room. The physician sail that it would be
death to me if I exposed myself to the open air. I had a
consultation of physicians, at which Dr. Pinelli, the princi-
pal physician in Dalmatia, attended, and I was declared
consumptive. I was studying at that time the German lan-
guage, and whilst reading the "Conversations Lexicon," I
was struck with the article "Huffeland." In this article
great praise was given to his (Huffeland's) work on Macro-
biotics, (or the art of prolonging life.) I obtained this work ;
and it seemed to me that I recognized my own case in it.
As I was already quite given up by the faculty, I thought
that in my position as an officer it would be best for me to
attempt an heroic cure, and to put an end to my disorders,
either by death or recovery. I bade adieu to all my phy.
sicians, in a half-dying state, and began to wash myself in
my room with fresh water, by means of a sponge-repeat.
42
HYDROPATHY; OR,
ing this operation several times a day-and limiting my diet
to vegetables, fruit, and water.
I began to feel benefit in a few days, and soon acquired
courage to go out. In the course of the forty days I was
strong enough to begin sea-bathing. It was the month of
August, 1827.
The sea-bathing, which I took every morning, in all
weathers, joined with exercise immediately after the bath,
continually strengthened me more and more, and in the
space of five months I found myself the strongest and the
healthiest of any of my companions. From that time to
the present day I have had no illness of any kind. I drink
no wine, because I do not like it. But I could drink
without any evil result.
I prefer vegetable diet; but, for several years that I was
at sea, I took animal food, without the least inconvenience.
I expose myself to all weathers—and go without a cloak,
even in winter, in order to put my health to the proof. I
go from a hot atmosphere into a cold one, et vice versa,
without any precaution. I wear no flannel, and lead a very
irregular life.
In 1835, when I was on board ship, I was attacked, in
the Port of the Piraeus, with an epidemic fever, which
raged there on account of the marshes; and which attacked
three-fourths of the crew. On the second and third attack
of fever, I took, each time, a bath in the sea, and recovered,
while my companions were ill for several months.
The only precaution which I observe is to bathe every
day in the sea, in all weathers, and in all seasons, when I
have the opportunity; and to take a douche bath* for one
* Three buckets of water poured over him.
THE WATER-CURE.
43
:
minute, and wash myself all over with cold water, as soon
as I get out of bed. I drink a great deal of cold water-
from twenty to twenty-five beakers every day-chiefly in
the morning before breakfast. But whenever I have been
so situated that I could do none of these things, I have still
felt myself perfectly well.
In short, at the age of forty-seven, I feel myself stronger
than I was at twenty-five, before I was attacked by disease
in my chest. This is the method which I followed before I
had any knowledge of the method of Priessnitz, with which
I only became acquainted five years ago when I returned
from the Levant; and which has determined me to continae
it, and to recommend it to all my friends.
If Dr. Johnson wishes to make use of this information
I have no objection whatever. I only request him to put
merely the initials of my name.
I request you to write to me before you leave Graefen.
berg, and to believe that I am, and shall always be, with
the most perfect esteem, &c. &c.
A. F.
Captain of the Marine Artillery.
Cough, Weakness of the Chest, and Injury of the Back.
Mrs. J. B. S--'s case, related in her own words.
From a child I never recollect to have had strong health.
I was constantly suffering from the illness incident to chil.
dren, besides much cough, with tendency to weakness of
the chest, for which at an early period I was ordered to wear
a flannel dress next the skin. When at school and whilst
playing, I fell backwards over a garden roller, to which I
paid no attention, although finding it difficult either to
walk fast or to run for a few days. From this circumstance
44
HYDROPATHY; OR,
I think may be dated the weakness in my back, which was
first evinced in a difficulty to rise from the ground, if I had
been stooping or kneeling whilst at work in my garden; the
feeling being a total prostration of strength from the lower
region of my back, (precisely the part hurt) to the knees.
Still I struggled against the weakness until I found myself
incapable of walking up a slight hill with ease. Application
was then made to the physician, by whom I was ordered to
rub the part well with a liniment principally composed of
essential oils, and which produced a discharge equal to that
of a perpetual blister, and for a time restored strength to
my back; but the disease invariably returned.
This state of debility continued until 1841, when I think
it increased; if I walked up a long staircase, my strength
was exhausted; the same indeed after any slight exertion.
In 1842 I came to Graefenberg. I was ordered to leave off
flannel, a lein-tuch for one hour, to be succeeded by the
abgeschrecktes bath, in which I was well rubbed for a few
minutes; an abreibung and sitz-bath at eleven o'clock, and
the same at four o'clock in the afternoon. In a fortnight I
was ordered to plunge once in the cold bath, returning thence
to the abgeschrecktes to assist the circulation of the blood.
At the expiration of five weeks from my first arrival at
Graefenberg, I was suddenly seized with an utter prostra-
tion of strength, so much so that my legs dragged, and I
feared paralysis. This was succeeded by ague, shiverings,
and burnings, pains from head to foot, but principally across
the loins. A profuse natural perspiration relieved me of
much uneasiness, and, when Herr Priessnitz came, he or-
dered an immediate abreibung with umschlags around the
waist, to be repeated frequently so long as the pain con.
THE WATER-CURE.
45
-"
tinued violent in the loins. If I were better in the morning
the bathing was to be continued as usual. This was done.
When I attempted to walk after being dressed, I found
myself incapable of the exertion, being weak almost as an
infant. During two days I ate only a little bread and drank
water, the food that my appetite asked for. In four days
my strength had considerably returned, and in a week I
was well as usual. After this fever I was ordered to
douche, which in a very short period produced considerable
swelling in my left foot; then I was ordered a foot-bath,
Priessnitz saying, it was probable a crisis was approach-
ing;" which took place in a few days, and which discharged
as an issue for seven weeks. Another succeeded, which
lasted for five, and another afterwards for three weeks, more
violent than the preceding, with a multitude of little ones;
and after each one I felt stronger and stronger, and now
have to rejoice that all pain in the back, with that prostra-
tion of strength, and every other symptom of debility,
head-ache, &c. &c., have apparently bid me farewell.
Deafness.
While I was staying at Graefenberg, during the first
week in January of the present year (1843), Herr Fricks,
a young Prussian, aged twenty-seven years, arrived from
Stettin.
He had been totally deaf for ten years, his deafness having
been produced by a severe attack of typhus fever. During
the course, however, of the whole ten years his hearing re-
turned three times, but only remained a day or two, when
he became again as deaf as ever. Having undergone treat.
ment for twelve days, a large quantity of matter issued from
46
HYDROPATHY; OR,
..
his nose.
He immediately regained his perfect hearing, and
remained quite well up to the time when I left Graefenberg
-a period of about six weeks.
I will here relate an accident which befel this young man,
in order to show that the water treatment is an edged tool
which cannot with impunity be trifled with—and that, like
every other remedy which is not mere chip in porridge, it
is only safe in the hands of those who know how to adapt
its use to the peculiarities and powers of individual consti-
tutions.
He had been packed in the blanket; but, after having
lain there for three hours, did not perspire. He was ordered
therefore to be taken out and put into the tepid bath. The
bath-servant, however, either to save trouble, or from mis-
understanding, put him in the cold bath. The moment he
came out he fell down, and remained perfectly senseless for
more than an hour. Constant friction, however, with the
wet hands, at length restored him.
General Baron Esch, commanding the cavalry at Prague,
a gentleman well known in the military world, and who
made his first campaign with the Duke of York, at Dun-
kirk, in 1799, was afflicted with a confirmed deafness of
several years' standing, for which the most celebrated phy-
sicians in Austria had all been repeatedly consulted without
relief. At last he was induced to go to Graefenberg, and
consult Priessnitz, who told him he thought he could cure
him, but would not say what length of time it might
require. He was immediately put under treatment, and
at the expiration of six weeks he had perfectly recovered
his hearing. This case was related to me by Colonel
THE WATER-CURE.
47
Bowen, late of the Coldstream Guards, who is now under-
going the treatment for chronic inflammation of the eyes,
and who was a personal friend of General Esch, and had
the statement from his own lips. The General also related
to Colonel Bowen, the case of a young dragoon officer under
his command.
"
Hip Disease.
One of the first cases which attracted my attention, after
my arrival at Graefenberg, was a case of hip disease, in
Elizabeth St-
a child eight years of age, and the
daughter of highly respectable parents at Hamburg. On
inquiry of the child's governess, she stated that the hips
had become enlarged rather more than two years ago—that
the tumefaction gradually increased—that the child con-
stantly complained of pain in the knee-that the leg and
thigh became gradually wasted-that the knee joint became
firmly contracted, and bent nearly at right angles, so that
she could only walk with two crutches, the other limb being
weak, and the general habit of the child delicate, and, in
fact, scrofulous. Every medical man, if any such be pre-
sent, will immediately recognize in this account a very com-
mon form of scrofulous disease of the hip joint. When I
saw the child, however, all these symptoms had disappeared,
excepting some remaining enlargement of the hip, and a
little limping in the gait, arising from a trifling shortening
of the limb. But the account thus given of the child's
condition, when she first went to be submitted to the
treatment, was fully confirmed by the testimony of more
than a dozen persons who saw the child when she was fir s
brought to Graefenberg, and who had watched her pro-
48
HYDROPATHY; OR,
gress with great interest. But besides this, the shortening
of the limb, the appearances of the hip, with the general
constitutional aspect of the little patient, were precisely
such as would have led any surgeon to foretel, without
information, that the patient had suffered, or was about to
suffer, the peculiar train of symptoms which the governess
mentioned.
When I left Graefenberg, I saw this child galloping about
in the snow, by the side of her governess, without anything
to distinguish her from a perfect healthy child, excepting a
little limp in her gait.
Scarlet Fever.
In the month of May, 1842, Mrs. Klauke, (aged about
25,) was seized with pains in the head and back and calves
of the legs. Her face, neck, arms, and legs, and subse-
quently the whole body, became brightly scarlet, and she
complained of a soreness in the throat. The pulse was
rapid, and skin dry. She was packed in the lein-tuch for half
an hour; then rubbed all over in a tepid bath for twenty
minutes with the wet hand. She was now ordered to wear
an umschlag round her stomach night and day. When
she felt cold, she was rubbed down with the wet sheet-
when hot, packed in the lein-tuch; and so on all through.
The tepid bath was suspended, until by the application of
a succession of sheets the fever was reduced. Then the
tepid bath was repeated. Every morning she was packed
up in a blanket, in which she was allowed to perspire for an
hour; then she was put into the tepid bath. This treat-
ment was continued for a fortnight. At the close of the
THE WATER-CURE.
49
sixth day all fever was extinguished, and at the close of the
whole treatment her strength was undiminished.
In addition to the above a lavement of cold water was
administered every night. During the whole time she ate
and drank as usual, and one evening went to a ball, (in the
saloon of Priessnitz's establishment,) and danced for hours,
whilst her whole body was crimsoned with scarlatina. On
returning home from the dance she was rubbed down with
a wet sheet, went to bed, and slept soundly.
Symptomatic Fever. (Related by the Mother.)
Alexander Klauke, aged three years, was a fine lively
child, but with a disposition to inflammatory affections of
the stomach and bowels. A month previous to the present
disease he had an attack of inflammation of the stomach,
accompanied with strong fever, and determination to the
head.
In the evening the child was put into a bath not
quite cold, in which he remained about twenty minutes, ad-
ditional cold water being added as the temperature arose
by the heat from the child. During this time cold water
was poured from a tumbler glass on the head, repeated at
intervals of a minute, and, as is usual, his whole body was
rubbed cautiously, by the maid. He was then taken out
of the bath and placed on the sofa, covered over with a
sheet and blanket, with the back part of his head in cold
water, for ten minutes. By this time reaction had taken
place, when wet compresses were applied to the head and
back part of the neck, and the body, from the armpits to
the hips, wrapped in a similar way. He slept quietly till
three o'clock in the morning, when the same process was
3
50
HYDROPATHY; OR,
repeated, the previous symptoms having returned. The
child was again placed in bed, where he slept till morning,
and was then found to be quite well, and went out as usual.
A month after this attack he was taken ill in a similar
way, but with symptoms much more severe. The fever
running high and accompanied by delirium. The treat-
ment was commenced by placing him successively in nine
wet sheets, from which the water was but slightly wrung
out. In each of these he remained about five minutes.
Towards the last, the heat being diminished, he was al-
lowed to remain ten minutes. To the head and breast a
thick wet compress was applied in addition, these being the
parts where the heat was greatest. The feet were cold, and
as long as they remained so, the wet sheet was only applied
down to the knees; in the mean time the feet and legs
were rubbed strongly with the hands. While the extreme
heat continued, the wet sheet was covered by a thick dry
one instead of a blanket, as is usual, the feet only being
covered (with the blanket). After the last wet sheet he
was placed at once in a tepid bath, where he remained an
hour, the same process of rubbing and pouring water over
the head being practised. The first day the same process
was repeated four times, the duration of the last being not
so long, when the fever was not so high. During the
night the wet cloth was changed every half hour. On the
morning of the second day the child refused to go into the
water, calling out himself at intervals for additional wet
sheets. Orders were given that the inclination of the child
should be obeyed. In the course of the morning the child
desired himself that he might be put into the bath, where
Se
THE WATER-CURE.
51
he remained until the heat in the armpits and on the back
of the neck was the same as on the rest of the body; this
being the general guide for the duration of a bath.
The same treatment slightly varied was continued four
days, when the child was well, and was sent out to play
with the other children. In eight days after this a pustule
appeared on the foot, which discharged matter freely.
"
Catarrh, or Cold.
Mrs. an English lady now at Graefenberg, on her
husband's account, was subject, in England, to very severe
attacks of catarrh, which usually lasted her a month before
she could get entirely rid of it. Soon after her arrival at
Graefenberg she had a very severe attack. She was treated
by the wet sheet and tepid bath alternately for two days,
which entirely removed every trace of the catarrh.
Baldness.
Assessor Willert came under the hydrotherapeutic treat-
ment for a very old rheumatic affection. When he arrived
at Graefenberg his entire head was perfectly bald and
smooth. I had an opportunity of examining his head soon.
after I myself reached Graefenberg; which I did with the
more care, having heard that it was expected, during his
treatment, that his hair would probably return. Shortly be-
fore I left Graefenberg I was requested to go and examine
Assessor Willert's head once more. I did so, and found it
everywhere covered with a fine new hair, nearly half an
inch in length. There can be no doubt whatever that this
gentleman's head will shortly be covered with hair as lux-
uriant as at any former period of his life. His age, judg.
52
HYDROPATHY; OR,
ing from his appearance, (for I did not inquire,) is about
seven or eight and thirty.
Head-Ache, with Giddiness.
To Herr Slatinsky, a gentleman (about forty years of
age) whose case I am now about to relate, I was introduced
by Mr. Niemann. On going to his room I found his body
literally covered all over with large dark brown spots, some
about the size of a farthing, some as large as a half-penny,
and others somewhat larger, and many of them running
one into another, giving to his skin a dark marbled appear-
ance. He had also had crises in another form about his
legs and arms, very much resembling what, in England, are
commonly called boils. They seemed to me to partake of
the nature of what are denominated, in medical phraseolo-
gy, furunculi-not malignant, but in a very mild form-
discharging a ropy matter from one small pin-hole in the
centre. All these, excepting one on the breast, were per-
fectly healed.
The eruption on the body, however, had but just made
its appearance, and the patient was in high glee, and ex-
hibited his mottled skin with all the pride and satisfaction
with which a man exhibits to his friends some long-desired
object—a horse for instance, or some precious antique--
which he has just succeeded in obtaining after much labor
and difficulty. The whole time he was undressing a smile
of exultation was playing round his mouth, which plainly
said: "What a happy fellow am I! and how much I am
sure you will envy me when you see the treasure I am about
to show you the blessed blotches wherewith I am bless-
ed !" And this is the feeling which is common to all
?
THE WATER-CURE.
53
the patients at Graefenberg on the appearance of the crisis
-for it is invariably hailed as a certain harbinger of a
speedy and perfect restoration to health. As the crisis dis-
appears the health returns-and I have never either seen or
heard of a single case in which these eruptions did not en-
tirely vanish again, leaving the skin perfectly healthy and
clear as before.
For the three years previously to his coming to Graefen-
berg, this gentleman had been grievously afflicted with vio-
lent pains in the head, accompanied by dizziness. He was
unable to attend to any kind of business. He could
neither read nor write for more than two or three min-
utes together. He felt as though two nails, one on
either side of the forehead, were being violently thrust
into his brain. And he could never stoop nor turn round
without imminent danger of falling. This was his con-
dition for three years, from which all the ordinary me-
dical treatment had failed to relieve him.
I forgot to mention that, in addition to his other suf-
ferings, he was afflicted with piles.
On the appearance of the first crisis all his symptoms
were relieved, but not removed. Since the appearance.
of the second, however, his head-ache, his giddiness, his
piles, have entirely left him, and he now only waits till
the critical eruption shall also leave him, when he will
return to his country, his family, his friends, and his
home, freed from a load of misery and disease which
could not but render life rather a curse than a blessing.
Secondary Syphilitic Symptoms.
Count Pyatcshavich, a Polish count, contracted syphilis.
54
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Under a course of mercury all his sores healed except a
large one in the groin, which resisted all medical treat.
ment. His health at last began to flag. He lost both
his flesh and his strength, and became reduced in sub-
stance even to emaciation. This state of things con-
tinued for one entire year, when, hopeless of relief by
ordinary means, he yielded to entreaty, and, in spite of
strong prejudice against the treatment, came to Graef-
enberg. In six weeks he was perfectly well, and I my-
self saw him depart, the picture of health and strength
-a fine young man standing six feet without his shoes,
and as strong as a giant.
Another Case of Secondary Syphilis.
Robertson, Esq., a Scottish gentleman, contracted
chancre in Sicily, 1838, which was healed by external mer-
curial applications. He took mercury internally also, but
it failed in producing ptyalism. The chancre returned in
a short time, and continued to heal and return at intervals,
during the space of six months. During these six months
he took four pounds by weight of Lafecteur's rob (a con-
centrated preparation of sarza and other drugs,) and sixteen
pounds by weight of Dupuytren's rob. He was then or-
dered to rub in mercury for what were called secondary
ulcers; and these ulcers never healed until all these medi-
cines and all mercurial applications were discontinued.
But under the use of simple purgatives, washing the sores
with nothing but goulard water, they healed in eight days.
But by this time his system had become so broken up that
pressing fears were entertained for his life. He had be-
come quite emaciated-the slightest exertion, or a sudden
THE WATER-CURE.
55
noise, would cause him to faint-his spirits were depressed
even to frequent weeping-the inside of his mouth, his
tongue, cheeks, and throat, were covered with excoriations
and sores-the skin of his face and forehead was covered
with blotches-and his stomach and bowels in so irritable a
condition that when he took a plate of hot soup he was
obliged to sit upon a commode while eating it. For this
excessive irritability he was obliged to take large quantities
of opium, which he did under the advice of his physician.
At this time the joint of his knee was larger than the
thickest part of his thigh. He was now removed to Naples,
and placed under the care of another physician, who gave
him iodide of potassium. From this he derived great ben-
efit, the sores healing and the blotches disappearing. He
was desired to travel, but never to return to a hot climate.
His health now became considerably better, but the disease
was still in him, for it was not long before the blotches re-
turned, and he was obliged to have recourse again to the
iodide of potassium. And indeed he soon found that, in
order to keep the disease under, it was necessary to take
the iodide of potassium constantly. He now took warm
sea-bathing at Peterhead, which brought out several ulcers
in the part first affected. After this he took sulphur baths,
and also some iodine administered by Mr. Callaway, one of
the surgeons to Guy's Hospital in the Borough.
He now came to Graefenberg, and submitted himself to
a full course of the water-cure. When he came there, the
skin of his face was so excessively irritable that he could
never go out without an umbrella to protect his face from
the wind.
He had not been under the treatment long before the dis-
56
HYDROPATHY; OR,
ease, which had been hitherto only suppressed, was driven
by the water to the surface of the body. He became co-
vered with venereal eruptions, and no fewer than twenty.
one ulcers reappeared on the part originally infected. As
soon as these appeared, his general health began to mend,
and in a few months he was perfectly well, and offered for
a wager of any amount to walk eighty miles in two days-
forty miles each day. He has just left Graefenberg for
Vienna, and related his case to me only a few days before
he went. This gentleman was so popular at Graefeuberg,
and (having the command of several languages) so kind in
interpreting for foreigners when they first arrived, that a
dinner was given to him at Friewaldau, at which I had the
honor to be present.
This gentleman also mentioned to me a case of gleet
which came immediately under his own notice. It had ex-
isted for seven years, and obstinately withstood every mode
of treatment which could be devised. Under the influence
of the water treatment he got perfectly well in a few
weeks.
Third Case of Secondary Syphilis.
Mr. Kindermann, a government reporter at Frankfurt on
the Oder, was affected with secondary symptoms. He had
a venereal fungous growth on the verge of the anus. There
were also deep ulcerations on his thighs. Having failed to
obtain any relief, and his health having been to all appear-
ance utterly ruined, it was proposed to convey him to La
Charité, the great hospital at Berlin, as a last resource. His
physician, however, declared that such a step would be per-
fectly useless, and nothing could save his life. Soon after
THE WATER-CURE.
57
this he was strongly urged to visit Graefenberg, whither he
was conveyed in the latter end of March last year. In the
beginning of July of the same year he left Graefenberg in
perfect health and strength, and is now again residing at
Frankfurt on the Oder.
This gentleman is about twenty-six years of age.
He sweated every morning, with cold bath-two lein-
tuchs in the afternoon with cold bath again-once a day he
took a sitz-bath-and he wore umschlags night and day.
He was covered with crises, observed a strict diet, and al-
most lived in the open air.
Fourth Case of Secondary Syphilis.
About seven years ago Herr Von Goltzsch contracted
chancre, which was cured by mercury. From that time
his general health began to decline. Every now and then
he had sore throat, and was scarcely ever free from what he
at that time believed to be rheumatic pains. For six years
this state of things continued, during the whole of which
time he was so weak that a strong child running against him
was sufficient to push him down. At last his shin-bones
became attacked with the most excruciating pains the mo-
ment he became warm in bed, which made it impossible for
him to sleep. Shortly after this, nodosities made their ap-
pearance along the whole course of the bones.
He was now
strongly urged to come to Graefenberg, where I had the
pleasure of seeing him, and of examining his legs. He
has been under treatment for eight months, during which
time his throat has not once been sore. He has entirely
lost all his pains, and, on questioning him as to the state of
his physical strength, his emphatic reply was: "When I
}
3*
58
HYDROPATHY; OR,
came here I was as weak as a child; but now I would not
turn my back upon ten devils."
Impuissance, complicated with Gout.
The uncle of the reigning Duke of Nassau, between
sixty and seventy years of age, had been afflicted with gout
so severely, that when he arrived at Graefenberg, he was
almost bent double. In addition to this he had become im-
puissant.
He remained at Graefenberg for two years, married while.
there, and in due time became the father of two children;
and was, moreover, perfectly cured of the gout.
There are probably no two affections over which the hy.
dropathic remedy exercises a more marked and beneficial.
influence than it does over the two just mentioned.
Contracted Joints.
A Hungarian girl was brought here with the knee joint so
much contracted that she was obliged constantly to walk
with two crutches. In six weeks she left Graefenberg
walking exceedingly well without any crutch at all.
Hernia.
A young man affected with inguinal hernia, consulted a
surgeon at Milan, who undertook to cure him.
The surgeon applied a plug of wood to the rupture, sup-
ported by a strong band of iron, which produced ulceration
At the end of six months
to a great and painful extent.
the hernia was no better, and he suffered severely from
the ulcerations.
He then repaired to Graefenberg, where he has been
THE WATER-CURE.
59
prosecuting the hydropathic treatment for six months.
The ulcerations are quite healed, and his rupture so much
better that he has already left off his truss, and Priess-
nitz assures him that there is no doubt of his perfect re-
covery.
Hematuria, or Voiding of Blood from the Urinary Organs.
Herr Zelowski had bleeding from the urinary organs al
most daily for six months before his arrival at Graefenberg.
On one occasion he voided a large tumbler-full of pure blood.
He was also the subject of piles. After ten weeks of treat-
ment he was entirely free from both disorders. He gave me
the history of his case himself, on the evening before he
left Graefenberg.
Cerebro-Spinal Disease.
Monsieur De Gallette, an officer in the Imperial Guard
of Russia, aged thirty five years, was affected about two
years since with severe giddiness in the head. He could
not look vertically upward without falling either on his
knees or on his side. Any sudden motion of the head de-
prived him in a moment of the use of his lower extremities,
which immediately yielded to the weight of his body, and
let him down.
He lost also the perfect command of his tongue, so that he
could not articulate the words which he desired to utter.
His memory too quite failed him, and all his faculties were
so disordered that he became quite foolish and unfit for so-
ciety. One day, in a room full of company, he took up a
decanter of water and emptied it completely upon his own.
head, not knowing what he was about, and wondering where
60
HYDROPATHY; OR,
the water came from, which was running down his clothes.
This gentleman has been four months under the water-cure.
His giddiness has left him, he can articulate every word
with the greatest facility, he has quite recovered his me-
mory, and all his mental faculties are as perfect as ever they
were. He complains now of nothing but physical weak-
ness, from which, however, he is daily recovering. But
the most remarkable part of this case still remains to be told.
This gentleman has been quite bald for fifteen years over the
entire roof of his head, and down on either side to within
an inch of the tips of his ears, for which he has always
worn a wig. When he had related his case, he requested
me and some other gentlemen to raise the candle and ex-
amine the bald part of his head. We did so, and then per-
ceived that a fine downy hair is beginning to grow all over
the bald part, which promises in a month or two entirely to
cover it, and supersede the necessity of a wig. The hair
is already a full quarter of an inch in length, but exceedingly
fine. A hundred persons can vouch for the truth of this
statement, amongst others Colonel Bowen, Mr. Hoppner,
and Mr. Anthony, an English surgeon, who examined the
case with me.
Suppressed Measles.
In June, 1812, Major Heise, in the Hanoverian service,
while on active duty, had measles, during which disease he
received orders to march to Valladolid in Spain, and per-
formed the route from Madrid to Valladolid on horseback.
On the march he was exposed day and night to the open
air. The measles suddenly disappeared. Six months after
this his body and limbs became covered over with a dry
THE WATER-CURE.
61
scaly eruption, exhibiting a yellowish brown patchy appear-
ance, when the scales fell off, accompanied by intolerable
itching. Every expedient was tried in order to get rid of
this eruption. He visited the baths of Germany, Switzer-
land, and Italy. He took Russian vapor baths for twenty
years. But all perfectly in vain. Six years ago he was at-
tacked with diarrhoea and prolapsus ani, occasioning from
ten to twelve motions daily, with constant desire to return
to the water-closet. With these symptoms he came to
Graefenberg. Added to this, he had nervous twitchings of
two years' standing. Two weeks after he had been under
treatment he had fever, with delirium, with loss of sleep and
appetite, for which he took lein-tuchs and tepid bath. This
lasted a week, and was succeeded by good appetite and re-
turning strength. Crises, consisting of furuncles, now set
in, which lasted nine weeks. At the end of three months
he was ordered to go to Vienna and to adopt the following
more moderate treatment, viz., three abreibungs daily.
Five days after his arrival, diarrhoea and frequent desire for
stool left him. At first his treatment consisted of lein-tuchs,
cold baths, sitz-baths. On returning from Vienna he took
six lein-tuchs of half an hour each, and each being immedi
ately succeeded by a cold bath daily-douche for five min-
utes daily. Umschlags were worn night and day on his
body, legs and head. He was here six months, at the end
of which time he went away perfectly free from all pain, in
fresh and strong health, and in all respects perfectly well.
Just before I left Graefenberg, Priessnitz received a letter
from Major Heise, in which he expressed his great gratitude
for his recovered health.
62
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Ague.
A general officer in the British army, well known at the
Horse Guards, still staying at Boemischdorf, and whose per-
mission I have to give his name to any private applicant,
was attacked with ague. After enduring two or three fits,
in the hope that it would leave him, he sent for Priessnitz.
When Priessnitz arrived he was in the third or sweating
stage. He was immediately placed in a bath at 16 degrees
of Reaumur, or 68 of Fahrenheit. Here he was kept for
twenty minutes, being well rubbed all the time by two
men. After this he walked about the apartment for half an
hour, and then went to bed. The ague left him and never
returned.
Deafness.
Colonel Bowen, late of the Guards, has been residing at
Graefenberg seven months, without the slightest benefit in
his own case. He cannot, therefore, be reasonably supposed
to be blinded by any violent prejudices in favor of hydro-
pathy. But he related to me the following circumstances
concerning an intimate friend of his own—and it was after-
wards confirmed by many others who were themselves un-
der treatment at the same time with the colonel's friend.
General Baron Esch, lately dead, but at that time com-
manding the cavalry at Prague, a gentleman extensively
known in the military world, and who made his first cam-
paign with the Duke of York, at Dunkirk, in 1799, was af-
flicted with deafness, of several years' standing, and which
had resisted the most judicious treatment. He was at last
prevailed on to submit himself to the water remedy—and in
!
THE WATER-CURE.
63
six weeks he had perfectly recovered his hearing, in the full-
est sense of the word. Witnessing, with his own senses,
the singular effect which had thus been wrought on his
friend's ears, it was this which determined Colonel Bowen to
try the same remedy on his own eyes-but hitherto without
effect.
Epilepsy.
The next case which I shall mention is one of epilepsy.
On being introduced to this patient, a young Hungarian
of about 27, he told me that he had been the subject of
epilepsy for four years, having a recurrence of the fits
about every ten days.
He had been under treatment
for four months, and was kept on a very scanty diet
the whole of that time. He is now perfecrly recover.
ed, having had only one fit since he commenced the
treatment, and that occurred shortly after his first arrival
at the establishment. He was very pale, and consider-
ably wasted, but was then gradually returning to a full
diet, with a view to his returning home.
I suppose this case to be one of epilepsy, depending
on irritation, set up in the brain, by the presence of
some foreign body, probably a clot of blood; and that
this clot, under the deprivation of food, had entered into
combination with oxygen, in order that it might assist
in protecting the vital organs from the destructive action
of that element, and had quitted the system in the form
of oxydised products. The cases, of palsy probably de-
pended on similar causes, which are removed by similar
means.
This gentleman has made copious notes, both of his case
64
HYDROPATHY; OR,
and his treatment, which he intends to publish as soon as
he returns to Pesth.
Hypochondriasis, Psoriasis, and Sciatica.
The gentleman, (an Englishman,) about 60 years of age,
who was the subject of these three severe afflictions, be-
longed formerly to the civil service in India. I made his
acquaintance at Graefenberg immediately on my arrival,
and am indebted to him for introductions to several valu-
able cases besides his own. He had labored under these
affections for eight years. Shortly after he had become the
subject of sciatica and psoriasis, (which latter disease his
French medical advisers denominated dartre farineuse,) his
mind became excessively excited by some family occur.
rences, with the particulars of which he did not, of course,
think it necessary to acquaint me. In a short time, what
with this excitement, the torture arising from his sciatica,
(inflammation of the sheath of the great sciatic nerve
where it passes through the structure of the hip,) and the
intolerable itching produced by the skin disease, the equili
brium of his mind became so much disturbed that he was
not considered in a fit condition to be left by himself.
Always in a state of high excitement, there were times
when he was perfectly insane.
For eight years the sufferings of this poor gentleman,
bodily and mental, were indeed awful. When I asked him
to give me a detailed account of his sufferings, he sat
thoughtful for a moment, and then, going to a table, he
took up a small pocket book, and opening it at a particular
page, and placing his forefinger between the leaves, he re-
seated himself. "Some time ago," he said, "I was per-
THE WATER-CURE.
65
""
using the book of Deuteronomy; and in the course of my
reading, the passages which I have copied into this pocket-
book riveted my attention. They were so exactly charac-
teristic of my sufferings, that I almost fancied myself the
particular object of the divine wrath, and that I was even
then realizing the fearful denunciations which those pas
sages of scripture contained. No language of mine can so
truthfully or so forcibly convey to you the horrors under
which I was laboring both in body and mind. Read them,"
continued he, "and judge whether I have not great reason
to be thankful that I am now such as you see me. He
handed me the book, and I read as follows: "The Lord
will smite thee with the botch of Egypt and with the em.
erods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou
canst not be healed. The Lord shall smite thee with
madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart. The
Lord shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs,
with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of
thy foot to the top of thy head: and thy life shall hang
in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night,
and shalt have none assurance of thy life. In the morn-
ing thou shalt say, 'Would God it were even;' and at
even thou shalt say, 'Would God it were morning!'
"At the time," continued he, when I had done reading,
"that I was perusing those passages, those terrible denun-
ciations were most of them actually realized in my person.
I trembled as I read for at that moment I was covered,
'from the sole of my foot to the top of my head' with an
intolerable itching botch. I was even then smitten in the
knees and in the legs with a sore botch,' and was covered
with scabs. Madness, and blindness of the understanding,
"
爨
​66
HYDROPATHY; OR,
and astonishment of heart, were also mine. I had indeed
no assurance of my life,' for I was often sorely tempted
to destroy it; and every morning I wished it were night,
and at night I longed for the morning-and every effort I
had made to get 'healed' had been ntterly in vain."
This gentleman had then been under the water-cure
about three months. His sciatica had entirely left him-
the eruption was nearly gone-the itching had wholly
ceased-while the state of his mind was perfectly calm,
cheerful, rational, and full of thankfulness.
So fully satisfied was he that he should get entirely well,
that he left Graefenberg about a week before myself, in
order to bring the whole of his family back with him-
partly that he might have the comfort of their society for
the rest of the time that it would be necessary for him to
remain under the cure, and partly in order to submit his
daughter, who had ill health, to the same remedy which had
proved so signal a blessing to himself.
THE WATER-CURE.
67
A
CHAPTER II.
THIS chapter is composed of a list of cases given by Sir
Charles Scudamore, M.D., F.R.S., of London, a gentle.
man well known for his writings, some of which were, years
ago, republished in this country. Sir Charles, in April and
May, 1843, made a medical visit to Graefenberg, for the ex-
press purpose of investigating the merits of the Water-Cure
Treatment. He also submitted his own case to the treat-
ment, as will be seen by the following case :
Nervous Headache, Deafness and Constipation.
That I may present to the reader a familiar picture of
the nature of the different processes of water-cure, I will
give some account of my own treatment; adopting the
maxim of Seneca,
tr
Longum iter per præcepta, breve et efficax per exempla."
I have for many years experienced inconvenience from
rheumatic and nervous head-ache, with noises and deafness
in the left ear; always dependent on medicine for the
function of the bowels, yet very seldom requiring active
treatment.
I waited a few days, to recover from the fatigue of tra-
velling, before I began the treatment. At 6 A. M. Tuesday,
April 18, I was visited by Priessnitz and the bath attender,
68
HYDROPATHY; or,
who rubbed me down with the wet sheet for two or three
minutes; following it with an equally diligent application
of the dry one. The cold application being accompanied
with such immediate friction, no severe shock was expe-
rienced. It was merely disagreeable, and that only in the
first impression. The reaction was quickly established,
and a safer mode of bathing cannot, I think, be imagined.
The best results must follow from this effective cleansing
process for the skin, tending to maintain it in health and
to remove its diseased conditions. By the recommendation
of Priessnitz, I put my flannel waistcoat over my linen.
The wet bandage was applied round my body, the dry
part being closely rolled over it. The cold sensation was
unpleasant at first, but quickly removed by exercise. I
next used hand-rubbing for my head most freely with cold
water in a basin, and was careful, by Priessnitz's desire, to
chill the nape of the neck. I next took a long walk, and
drank three half-pints of water at suitable intervals.
At 11 a. м. sheet process repeated, and, in addition, a
sitz-bath, with water at 65° Faht. to reach to the navel. I
continually rubbed the abdomen and loins with the water,
and remained a quarter of an hour. The unpleasant first
impression does not last more than a minute, and it is not
disagreeable to remain for any length of time, unless the
water should be changed. At 5 P. M. this treatment was
repeated. I came in from a walk, much heated by exercise
in the sun, waited a few minutes till the pulse became quiet,
and then had the wet sheet applied with a most refreshing
and satisfactory effect.
19th.
Placed in the wet sheet; the first lying down on
it and investment with it were very disagreeable ; but, im-
THE WATER-CURE.
69
mediately after the packing up with the blanket, &c. suffi-
ciently comfortable; and, in a few minutes more, so much
so that the effect was quite soothing and tending to sleep.
At the end of three quarters of an hour, warmth came
which would have produced perspiration, and, this not being
desired, I was taken out, and immediately entered the shal-
low bath, at 62°, and was well rubbed with the water for
about two minutes. The immersion being so slight, the
impression of the cold water was very bearable, and the
warmth of surface was afterwards quickly restored. Rub-
bing wet sheet at 11 A. M. and at 5 P. M., this and the sitz-
bath at 62°. Each time rubbed the head.
20th. Same treatment. Examined my animal heat be-
fore being rubbed with the wet sheet; it was 97.5, and the
sheet 50°; no alteration produced-shewing the mildness
of this refrigerant process.
After the lein-tuch this morning, went first into the shal-
low bath at 62°, and then into the plunging bath, which was
44°, and cutting cold; returned quickly to the shallow bath,
which now seemed pleasantly tepid. I found the animal
heat reduced one degree by the plunging bath, although the
sensible reaction was excellent; and, after the dry rubbing
and dressing, I was comfortably warm.
23d. Same treatment. In using the sitz-bath found the
temperature of the water raised by the warmth of the body
2 degrees in 5 minutes, 4 in 10, and 6 in 15. Hence the
necessity of a change of the water, if a continued cold sit-
ting be desired.
Being, in the common language, bilious from the change
of diet, and such a free use of milk mornings and evenings,
the bilious secretion suspended with loss of appetite, took
70
HYDROPATHY; OR,
blue pill and colocynth at night, and next morning the im-
proved Cheltenham salts. It was my object to save time;
and I was confident that I should have this error more
quickly corrected than by leaving it to the sole influence of
the water-cure treatment.
25th. I used the lying sheet and shallow tepid bath yes-
terday, but no other treatment. Every success and benefit
from the medicine.
26th. To-day resumed the plunging bath, and went on
with the same treatment to the end of the month, but
changed the mid-day process for the use of the regular head-
bath and foot-bath; having recourse to the latter also, from
being much subject to coldness of feet. I received the
head-bath for a quarter of an hour, allotting five minutes to
the back, and the same to each side of the head.* I lay
on the floor, and had a good proof of the superior conduct-
ing power of air over water for sound, in the strong percep-
tion of any contiguous accidental noises. From this appli-
cation of cold water I always felt sensible invigoration of
the nerves of the head.
The foot-bath was also sensibly useful, tending to com-
fortable warmth of the feet; and the further rubbing of the
ankles and muscles of the leg much relieved the conse-
quences of fatigue.
May 1st. In using the lein-tuch this morning, applied a
long towel, wetted, from the arm-pit down the side, and
found its effects agreeable; the sensations, from the com-
plete contact of wet linen, more pleasant on that side than
* I find a shallow wooden vessel, with a rounded groove to receive
the neck, answer the purpose for this process very well.
THE WATER-CURE.
71
the other. Indeed, the effect of this process is very sooth-
ing; and it becomes a punishment to be unpacked. Every
one would willingly go to sleep in the wet sheet. If, in
any particular case, the feet fail to become warm with the
rest of the body, socks may be worn.
May 5th.-To-day used the douche, the temperature of
which was 44°, for two minutes: it immediately reduced
the animal heat one degree; but I had a comfortable reac-
tion. I felt very sensibly how much the most active this is
of all the processes, when the douche is strong and the
water cold. I used it afterwards occasionally during my
stay, but not regularly, as I did not require full treatment.
I proceeded regularly till the 16th, when I tried the ex-
periment of lying on three wet sheets instead of one. The
first impression on lying down was that of greater coldness;
but, when packed up, this subsided into a sense of pleasant
coolness that was refreshing. This remained, so that at the
end of an hour and a quarter I was not warmer than I had
been in ten minutes with the one sheet. It was particular-
ly agreeable that the back remained cool so long. In an
hour and a half, I had the same general warmth as with
half an hour of the one sheet. In another quarter of an
hour, I was becoming so warm that the animal heat had
risen half a degree. Had I remained longer, I should,
doubtless, have perspired freely. I was much satisfied with
the experiment, as shewing the long-continued refrigerant
power of the three sheets, in comparison with the one.
Two days after, I made the experiment of using the
sweating blanket. On awaking at 5 A. M. I had some
head-ache: pulse rather full, at 56°; animal heat 98°. In
the course of ten minutes after being packed up, I was com
72
HYDROPATHY; OR,
:
fortably warm; least so in the feet, where I desired more
weight. At the end of an hour and ten minutes, when the
warmth of the whole body was much increased without
sensible perspiration, the pulse was increased to 66°, full
and soft; the animal heat 99°. At the end of two hours,
the perspiration was universal, but not copious, pulse 68,
animal heat 100°. In another half hour, perspiration
in a greater degree, but not streaming, pulse 68, animal
heat 101°. At the end of two hours and three quar-
ters, I quitted the bed, for the full bath, into which
I plunged instantly, while hot and perspiring, made two
immersions, and came out exceedingly refreshed.* On be-
ing dressed, the pulse was as in the beginning, and the
animal heat 97.5.
On the following day, returning from a long mountain
walk, the sun shining, my pulse was excited and my
animal heat 101°.
I waited a few minutes only for a quiet circulation; I
wiped off the flowing perspiration, and then, while yet
hot and perspiring, was freely rubbed down with the wet
sheet, holding more water than usual. I was highly re-
freshed and agreeably cooled: my pulse became natural,
and the animal heat, examined during dressing, was 98°.†
* It is to be considered that with the elevation of the animal heat, the
nervous energy also is simultaneously increased, or more diffused.
† In a paper on heat, which I had the honor of reading at the even-
ing meeting of the College of Physicians, March 5th, 1838, I quoted
the experiment of Sir Joseph Banks, Dr. Fordyce, and others, shewing
the impunity of passing immediately from an apartment heated to 260°
Faht. into a very cold atmosphere; the effect indeed being agreeable,
refreshing, and useful.
THE WATER-CURE.
73
Hence another proof of the perfect safety of applying
sudden cold to the heated body with perspiring surface,
when the animal heat is raised beyond the natural
standard.
I proceeded with regular treatment to the 20th, and
then desisted. After this period, in consequence of a se-
vere cold from remaining in wet clothes, when I had no
opportunity of changing them, I was attacked with slight
general fever, rheumatic pains, and severe throbbing
head-ache. I immediately had recourse to a lein-tuch,
followed by the shallow tepid bath, and two affusions
with cold water. The relief was immediate: the ani.
mal heat, which had been increased to 100°, was im-
mediately reduced to 97.5. One repetition of this treat-
ment was so successful, that in twenty-four hours I found
myself quite well.
The final result of the whole proceedings has been a
most satisfactory improvement of my health, in all the fail-
ings which I mentioned; and I have not found the least oc-
casion for medicine during the last two months.
On my
journey homewards, which was most extremely fatiguing, I
took every opportunity in my power to use, on first rising,
the rubbing wet sheet, hip bath, head and foot bath, and al-
ways with the greatest comfort and advantage: a plan
which, together with early rising, drinking cold water freely,
and an active walk, I follow up with the highest advantage
and sensible comfort and benefit.
In relating the following cases, I avoid all mention of
names; knowing that the violation of this proper delicacy
has given great offence at Graefenberg, and disturbed the
feelings of many persons.
4
74
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Indigestion, Severe Head-Ache, &c.
A. B., aged 44, for the last seven years during a residence
in India, liable to severe head-aches; complaining frequent-
ly of heat on the top of the head, and a weight at the back.
After a time, these head-aches became much worse period-
ically, accompanied with sickness approaching to faintness,
and a momentary loss of recollection. These periodical
returns at length becoming so frequent as every twenty-five
days, and the illness much more severe, accompanied with
pain in the lower part of the spine, he was advised to try
change of air from the sultry climate of India, to the Neil-
gherry hills, where, during a residence of two years, he be
came much better, the periodical returns being forty-five and
forty-six days apart. As his general tone of health improved,
the illness also became slighter. His health not being how-
ever established, he was directed to return to his native cli-
mate, and proceeded to Europe by the overland route, via
Malta, where he changed his route, and proceeded to Graef-
enberg, via Naples, Leghorn, Florence, Trieste, Vienna.
During this journey, his complaint returned every twen-
ty-sixth, thirtieth, or thirty-sixth day, and the illnesses were
not so slight as they had been during the latter period of
his residence on the Neilgherries. He complained a good
deal of cold feet and frequent head-aches. The latter might
perhaps be attributed to improper diet at the hotels, and the
fatigue and irregularity incident to travelling. It was the
opinion of his medical friends in India, that there was no
organic disease, and that his complaint was to be attributed
to indigestion and the exposure to the climate of India.
He had a return of illness on the 29th of March, in the
THE WATER-CURE.
75
carriage between Olmutz and Graefenberg.
Priessnitz
saw him on the 30th, and commenced treatment on the
31st, with abreibung and head-bath, the back and sides be-
ing immersed for a quarter of an hour. On the 1st of
April, he had lein-tuch at 5 A. M. followed by a tepid bath.
Lein-tuch again at 12, followed by an abreibung and head-
bath; at 5 P. M. an abreibung. This treatment continued
until the 20th of April, when he had a return of illness in
the night. Priessnitz being sent for, he directed his head
to be wetted before using the lein-tuch, and an abreibung
after it, instead of the tepid bath; the abreibung to be repeat-
ed at 9 A. M., 12 noon, 3 P. M., 6 P. M., and 9 o'clock P.M.; in
addition to which he was to have an abreibung every fifteen
minutes for one hour after the faintness. This treatment
of six abreibungs a day and lein-tuch at 4 in the morning,
head-bath at 9 A. M. and 12 noon, continued several days;
was then reduced to five abreibungs in a day, then to four; and
lastly, he went back to the former treatment, which contin-
ued until the first of May, when he had another return of
illness. Priessnitz was then of opinion that the present
treatment proved too severe for him, and must be modified;
that the tepid baths were to be left off; but that he must
continue the lein-tuch once in the day, head-bath once, four
or five abreibungs in the course of the day, and a foot-bath
twice in the day; and that as soon as the present illness had
passed off, the head-bath was to be discontinued, and the
head to be simply rubbed with water. He directed an
abreibung every fifteen minutes, to be repeated four times.
after any faintness; also one foot-bath after a paroxysm.
On being told that the patient was fatigued with the exer-
tion of dressing and undressing every fifteen minutes whilst
76
HYDROPATHY; OR,
ill, he directed that he should go into bed between each
abreibung, be kept quiet, and that if he fell asleep, he was
not to be disturbed.
During the first three weeks of the time that this gentle.
man was under treatment, he was remarkably well: had no
head-ache whatever, and never complained of indigestion.
since the 20th of April (it is now 12th of May); he has
occasionally complained of head-ache, but is nevertheless
better than he was before he arrived; his general tone of
health is improved; the pain in his back quite gone, so that
he can run down a hill without uneasiness, whereas even
walking fast down a hill formerly used to shake and jar hist
system. His feet are always warm; he no longer starts in
his sleep as he used to do, and can sleep on his back as well
as on his side, which he could never do before, since he re-
sided in India; and he no longer complains of indigestion
after dinner. Before adopting the treatment, he was al-
ways dependent on the aid of medicine for the bowels;
since, he has not had the least occasion for any. It must
also be mentioned, that, although the two last attacks of ill-
ness occurred within very short intervals of time, the head-
aches were slight and the illness only a mild one. His
chest appears to me to have become wider. I saw this
gentleman almost daily, and left him in a fair way of re-
covery.
Indigestion, Nervous Debility, and Hypochondriasis.
A gentleman, aged 25, had brought himself into a state
of great nervous debility from excess of study. He was at
length incapable of any mental application, had great ner-
vous depression, and was hypochondrical. The sight so
THE WATER-CURE.
1717
He ob-
much weakened that he could neither read nor write, and
even blindness was apprehended. Often had severe head-
ache. Greatly lost both flesh and strength; the digestive
functions torpid. He related to me that he first came to
Graefenberg three years ago, in the state of indisposition
above described. His treatment then as follows: The
plunging-bath in the morning on first quitting the bed. Af
ter breakfast, the douche from five to ten minutes, even in
the coldest weather. In the afternoon, a sitz-bath for half
an hour drank water in the usual quantity. For five
months there was no change in the treatment.
serves, “I had no crisis, not even the water-rash; my
health improved gradually. After this, I returned home,
where I used a cold bath every morning, and avoided all
sorts of spices and fermented liquors. My health improved.
more and more; my eyes grew stronger again, I could read
and write; and, of my former complaint, there remained
merely a pressure on the chest; inability for strong mental
exertion, accompanied with some dislike for society. Three
months ago
I returned to Graefenberg, when Priessnitz or.
dered me to be packed up in a wet sheet morning and af-
ternoon, followed by the plunging bath; to douche for two
minutes; to take two head-baths; and a sitz-bath for a
quarter of an hour. He recommended me to make a prac-
tice of walking in the air with my head uncovered, how-
ever cold the weather." I saw much of this very interest-
ing person, who quitted Graefenberg during my stay. He
was quite well. The digestive functions became regular
very soon after the commencement of the treatment. This
is an example of no sensible crisis occurring, although the
treatment was very active.
78
HYDROPATHY, OK,
Asthma and Hernia, following Bronchitis.
A female servant, aged 35, has suffered from difficulty of
breathing during the last five or six years, in consequence
of an acute attack of bronchitis, which she underwent in
India; was unable to ascend a hill or to make any extraor-
dinary continued exertion without much distress.
Has also,
during the last few years, whilst residing in India, suffered
from severe affections of the bowels. One of these, the
last, occurred in August, 1842, and was very severe, and
attended with symptoms of much inflammation, for which
she was leeched and blistered. She recovered but slowly
from this attack, and it was shortly followed by psoas ab-
scess, which pointed below Poupart's ligament (in the groin),
and was opened. Towards the end of September, she was
obliged to travel with her master and mistress on the way
to Bombay, but was conveyed in a palanquin. During her
stay in Bombay, in November, whilst still very weak, she
was exposed, in a tent, to wet feet during an entire day, in
the discharge of her duties, and caught cold, which brought
on, as she states, inflammation of the bowels; and being
also at this time much occupied in the care of children, one
an infant, and in the packing and lifting of trunks, her
hernia (femoral) occurred at this time, on the same side on
which the abscess had been shortly before. She continued
in delicate health till her arrival in Malta, where she sought
medical advice for the first time since the occurrence of the
hernia in the end of February. She left her service early
in March, being unable to carry the children, and went to
Graefenberg, to place herself under the treatment of Priess-
She was very asthmatic at this time.
nitz.
THE WATER-CURE.
79
He commenced her treatment the first week in April, or-
dering her a lein-tuch every morning, to be succeeded by
an abreibung, and this followed by a sitz-bath; the abrei-
bung and sitz-bath to be repeated at 12 o'clock, and the
lein-tuch, abreibung and sitz-bath, at 4 o'clock P. M. every
day; to wear a wet bandage, night and day, round her
loins, and to wear a truss upon the situation of the hernia,
which was not to be removed night or day.
After having been a month under the fore-mentioned
treatment, she complained of very severe pain in the region
of the bowels; upon being informed of which, Mr. Priess-
nitz directed that she should have an abreibung every ten
minutes until she should obtain relief, and to walk up and
down the room wrapped in a dry blanket between each.
Every abreibung relieved her; and when she had taken six,
she became quite comfortable.
In the course of the treatment, the catamenia occurring,
apprehension was entertained at the probable injury from
continuing the treatment; in consequence of which, the
advice of Priessnitz was sought, and he directed that there
should not be allowed any interruption. The effect was,
complete relief from the distressing pains habitually attend-
ing the performance of this function, the quantity of the
discharge was much increased, but did not continue longer
than the usual time, and no weakness was experienced.
Upon the return of the periodical function, the same relief
from pain was experienced, the quantity was not excessive,
the interval was nearer to the natural period than usual,
and the discharge did not continue. She now enjoys good
general health and strength (May 24th), and no longer suf
fers from asthma. Her hernia also she considers decidedly
>>
80
HYDROPATHY; OR,
better. The truss is still worn; but she has not noticed, as
formerly, any tendency to the descent of the bowel.
Nervous Debility from Excessive Study.
A gentleman, aged 25, tall and slight, had brought on de-
bility by excess of study, attended with circumstances dis-
tressing his mind. For two years, suffered from great and
almost continued pain in the head, chiefly in the back part;
with pains of the teeth and down the cheek; constant
noises in the ears. Was also generally weak, and in a very
nervous state. Circulation irregular, with ice-cold feet.
Bowels torpid. Had been at Graefenberg six months. The
treatment :-Lein-tuch in the first of the morning for half
an hour, followed by the abreibung. Both repeated in the
afternoon. Used also daily head-bath, and foot-bath, the
feet being well rubbed for half an hour. Was desired, in
addition to the regular head-bath, to rub the head very
freely with cold water, whenever it was painful. Drank
water as usual. In the first week, the functions of the
bowels became quite regular, and he was released from his
former necessity of taking one or other kind of medicine.
This benefit arising from the water-cure treatment is one of
the highest magnitude, and happens, as far as my inquiry
went, almost without exception. This gentleman assured
me that he found himself well at the end of three months,
and only remained at Graefenberg longer in order to con-
firm the establishment of his strength. It was pleasing to
hear him describe the altered state of his nerves for the bet
ter, the loss of all pains of the head and face; and the im-
provement of his circulation. He was no longer troubled
with coldness of the feet.
THE WATER-CURE.
81
Indigestion and Pain in the Side.
A gentleman, aged 40, arrived at Graefenberg, in a
weak state, with bad digestion and constant pain in
the right side. He went at once from the lein-tuch into
the cold bath. He abstained from the douche when the
weather was severely cold, and never took it more than two
minutes. He was several months before he got a crisis s;
but was cured of his indigestion before that time. When
the crisis came, it was on the opposite side, a large boil, very
painful, accompanied by much irritative fever for near a
week; but it has cured the pain in his side, for which he
could get no remedy before.
Great Suffering from Nervous Weakness.
The wife of this gentleman was an invalid in many re-
spects-had pains in the loins and in one leg; had for years
been a great sufferer from general nervous weakness. She
is now quite well.
Until the crisis, which appearad in the form of several
large boils on one leg, her treatment was—lein-tuch one
hour, then cold bath; at eleven, abreibung and sitz-bath;
at half-past four, lein-tuch one hour; then, either the cold
bath or abreibung, whichever she pleased.
When the boils were painful and discharging, she had
tepid bath after lein-tuch, instead of cold bath. From
being very debilitated, she has become strong enough for
any exertion. This lady has returned to Graefenberg, out
of gratitude to the place where she and her husband re-
ceived the blessing of health. I saw him on the day of my
4*
82
OR,
HYDROPATHY
departure. They will now use only slight treatment, to
confirm the general strength.
General Fever.
A gentleman, aged 44, of full habit, thus describes his
case: "I was troubled and annoyed, four days or more,
with pain of the left side opposite the heart. I met Priess-
nitz and informed him of it. He called the next morning
at 9 o'clock; the pain still continuing, he ordered me, at
11, to take an abreibung for five minutes, that is to say, I
was to be rubbed, and rub myself, that time in a wet sheet,
standing upright. I was then to wait ten minutes, walking
about the room; then take another abreibung for five min-
utes; then to walk half an hour and take a sitz-bath for
twenty minutes. All this I did. At half-past 3, I was or-
dered to do precisely the same things over again. How-
ever, after the morning operations, I found that I had taken
a severe cold, or that the operations had made me ill. I had
pains all over me; my limbs, my back, and my head, were
in pain; and I became very hot and feverish.
The pains
and feverish symptoms increased; at four o'clock, I took an
abreibung five minutes, then walked about half an hour;
then I had a lein-tuch for one hour, then a tepid bath five
minutes, at 68°. All the pains soon left me. I walked out
för half an hour, had supper, and went to bed. At five in
the morning, my attendant came; and, as I had been fe.
verish in the night, was so then, and had some pain in the
head after the lein-tuch, which I took for an hour, I used a
tepid bath at 64° for four minutes, receiving also one cold
affusion over the head. Without further treatment, I found
myself next day quite recovered.
THE WATER-CURE.
83
Indigestion and Sore Throat.
(By the Patient, aged between 40 and 50.)
"I arrived at Graefenberg 15th July, 1842; my com-
plaint, as described by my physician, being 'bad digestion
and sore throat.'
:
"I have always been subject to irritation of the throat,
more or less, from a boy within the last eight years, it
has troubled me more, and given either real or fancied cause
of uneasiness.
"For years, previous to 1835, I was subject to beils, which
gave me much pain and annoyance. Up to this period, my
throat gave me little or no trouble; was generally, though
relaxed, free from phlegm. The end of 1835, I began an
aperient pill; I took one, generally, daily till 1842, up to
the time of my coming here. Soon after I began to take
this pill, the boils ceased, and my throat gradually grew
worse though I felt more comfortable in my digestion, my
throat got worse-more and more troublesome.
"For nearly twenty years I had constantly taken wine
and spirits freely. When I came here I was much more
corpulent than I am now; and my whole system seemed
deranged. I was nervous, and like a barometer. I could
not venture, after exercise, into a church, or into any large
cold building, for fear of taking cold, which I almost inva-
riably did, and this always affected my throat; sometimes
laid me up for a week in my bed-room. I attribute this sen-
sitiveness to having taken, seven years ago, a quantity
of mercury, which has come out here, making my mouth.
sore, and affecting my breath strongly occasionally. This,
I believe, has now ceased. I am less sensible now to
84
HYDROPATHY; OR,
changes of temperature. For years I have been unable to
take walking exercise in a week, equal to that which I can
now take in a day. Previously to coming here I always rode
every where. I had pains in the stomach and in the feet,
with redness in the hands and knuckles, and in the legs: in
all these there is now no pain, having had crises in them.
The arms are still painful, but I have had no boils or crises in
them yet. My digestion is better, my throat is better, and
progressively improving. I have no pain.
"Treatment, commenced July 16, 1842. The first five
weeks, leintuch, at 5 in the morning, one hour; then, ab-
geschreckte (tepid) bath, 13° Reaumur, 3 minutes; an um-
schlag round the body; then walk an hour; then break-
fast; at 11, abreibung; then wait a quarter of an hour,
then sitz-bath a quarter of an hour; then walk, then dine.
The same at 4 P. M.; got better daily.
"For six weeks, all the operations, as above, were con-
tinued; and the douche at 9 A. M. for 2 minutes, which
was gradually increased to 7 minutes, I took regularly for
six months, and during the winter.
"The 9th week, in addition to the sitz-bath, I took the
cold bath every morning; then-lein-tuch one hour, tepid
bath one minute, cold bath 2 plunges, then tepid again one
minute. I have lately omitted the douche and cold bath,
in consequence of having crises. When I was first en-
veloped in the wet sheet, a strong sour smell, like mellow
apples, proceeded from me, and filled the room; and was of
so subtle a quality as to be with difficulty washed out of the
blankets. I had never experienced this odor before. Priess-
nitz told me that it must all come out, for I could never get
THE WATER-CURE.
85
better till it was entirely removed. This smell has not been
perceptible the last three days.
"I have daily, by order, taken 10 or 12 glasses of water,
5 before breakfast, the rest distributed at intervals. Before
breakfast, much mucus has been rejected from the stomach,
very sour and bitter, sometimes of a green color, sometimes
yellow. I have still eructations of water before breakfast,
but not sour; and now and then a little froth and phlegm.
Upon the whole, I am quite satisfied, and consider my com-
ing here providential; for, in England, I could find no cer-
tain remedy for one thing that did not cause inconvenience
and disorder of some other kind.
"When I shewed Priessnitz my throat, he said, 'This is
caused by your stomach, which must be set right before
your throat will be better ;- besides, your nervous system is
all wrong; but I have hopes I can make a different man of
you; you must get thinner, and then your digestion and
throat will both get better.""
He had pursued active treatment for ten months; a du.
ration that may appear surprising. The throat has been
his greatest trouble. The mucous membrane had long been
diseased; and at one time the uvula had become so elon-
gated, that a portion of it was excised. He might probably
have desisted from such a regular proceeding as he was still
pursuing, some time past; but his determination was to stay
at Graefenberg, under treatment, as long as a vestige of
complaint remained; so truly did he enjoy and estimate
the great improvement which he had received. The odor
of which he speaks was connected, I have no doubt, with
the gouty diathesis. He had experienced occasional gout.
He told me that, on his first arrival, he had scarcely the feel.
86
HYDROPATHY; OR,
ing of energy to cross the road. I saw abundant proof of
his acquired activity; and he looked strong and well.
Inflammation of the Stomach and Bowels.
A fine, lively boy, aged three years, in general well, yet
subject to inflammation of the stomach and bowels.
He had an attack of inflammation of the stomach, ac-
companied by sickness, with strong fever and determination
to the head. In the evening, the child was placed in a bath
at 70° Fahrenheit, in which he remained 20 minutes; cold
water was added as the temperature rose. During this
time, cold water was poured from a tumbler on his head,
repeated at intervals of a minute; and, as usual, his whole
body was carefully rubbed. He was then taken out and
placed on the sofa, and covered with a sheet and blanket,
with the back of his head in cold water for 10 minutes.
By this time, reaction had taken place, and when wet
compresses were applied to the head and back of the neck;
and the body, from under the arms to the hips, was wrapped
in a similar way. He slept quietly till three in the morn-
ing, when the previous symptoms having partially returned,
the first treatment was repeated; after which the child was
again placed in bed, where he slept till morning, and was
then quite well, and went out as usual.
One month after this attack, he was taken ill in a similar
way, but with symptoms much more severe : the fever run-
ning high, accompanied with delirium. The treatment was
commenced by placing him successively in nine wet sheets,
from which the water was but slightly wrung out. In each
of these he remained about 5 minutes; towards the last,
the heat being diminished, he was allowed to remain 10
THE WATER-CURE.
87
minutes. The feet were cold; and, as long as they re-
mained so, the wet sheet was only applied down to the
knees; meantime, the feet and legs were rubbed strongly
with the hands.
While the extreme heat continued, the wet sheet was
covered by a thick, dry one, instead of a blanket, as is usual.
After the application of the last wet sheet, he was placed in
a bath of 70°, where he remained nearly an hour; the same
process of rubbing and pouring water over the head being
practised. The first day, the same process was repeated
four times; the duration of the bath being not so long when
the fever was not so high. During the night, the wet
sheet was changed almost every hour. On the morning of
the second day, the child refused to go into the bath, calling
out himself, at intervals, for additional wet sheets. Orders
were given that his inclination should be complied with. In
the course of the morning, the child himself desired that he
might be put into the bath, where he remained till the heat
under the arms and on the back of the neck was the same as
the rest of the body; this equality of temperature being the
general guide for the duration of a bath. It is worthy of re-
mark, that the more the fever was reduced, the more quiet
the little patient became, till at last he remained in the bath
perfectly tranquil. The same treatment, slightly varied,
was continued four days, when the child was well, and was
sent out to play with the other children. In eight days
after this, a pustule appeared on the foot, containing matter,
which discharged freely.
Observation. This case might probably have passed into
continued infantile fever had it not been in this manner
promptly and successfully treated. When fever runs very
!
88
HYDROPATHY; OR,
high, as shewn by the burning skin, delirium, and other
symptoms, it is a good modification of the use of the lein-
tuch to cover it with a dry sheet, instead of the blanket, and
packing up in the usual manner.
Nervous Debility, with frequent Cramps.
A gentleman, aged 45, tall and stout, received two inju
ries of the head by a fall, one of which was in hunting,
about seven years ago. The nervous system was much de-
ranged, especially since the second accident, five years ago,
when the spine received a strong contusion and shock. For
a long time he had been very nervous, and unable to com.
pose himself during any sedentary occupation; having also
heavy and stupid feelings of the head; muscæ volitantes;
constant singing in the ears; prickings and numbness of the
limbs, with frequent cramps; unrefreshing nights, often
sleepless, and in the morning more tired than when he went
to bed. He neglected himself after the first accident; but
after the second, having the use of the limbs so much im-
paired that it was with great difficulty he could walk half
a mile, he went to Bareges: first used the baths at St.
Sauveur, for 2 weeks; lay in them for an hour and a half
to 2 hours: then, at Bareges, douched every day for 10
minutes; after which, was put into bed, where he had most
copious sweating; and then, covered with a blanket, was
carried to his lodgings. At the end of four months, his
amendment was very satisfactory; and he quitted early in
August. Relapsed at the end of the year, and passed a bad
winter. Next year, he used hot sulphurous baths in Swit-
zerland, with advantage, but remained a great invalid. He
had several symptoms indicating a disposition to gout. He
THE WATER-CURE.
89
did not use any further treatment till coming to Graefen.
berg, nine months ago. He has had all the processes, and
been on full treatment, without having received any decided
benefit to his nerves. Yet his muscles have become
stronger, and his digestion is improved. He found it neces-
sary to douche very cautiously; for, if he received it with
great force and much continuance, he found his head ex-
ceedingly disordered by it. It was his intention to give up
the treatment and quit Graefenberg, if he did not improve in
two months more.
+
It seems probable that more than functional error in the
membranes of the brain and spinal marrow exists in this
case, so persistent have all the distressing symptoms been.
I do not expect that he will be benefitted by the water-cure
treatment, and think that he might receive advantage from
undergoing a regular course of alterative and purgative
medicine, to be followed by the use of the baths and
douche at Buxton. It is probable that he may have recourse
to such measures, should he be finally disappointed at
Graefenberg.
Nervous Debility and Sleeplessness.
A lady, aged 27, had typhus fever, from which she dates
her loss of health. Subsequently, she had a fall from a
horse, causing concussion of the brain; and, on another oc-
casion, a severe contusion of the head, with a wound by the
falling of a beam. For a long while, she experienced in-
tense sufferings, from which she never recovered; and she
came to Graefenberg with the following symptoms: fre-
quent severe pains of the head, with a strong sensation of
burning heat of the scalp; hearing and sight affected; al-
90
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Ch
together in a highly nervous state, and seldom sleeping
more than an hour in the night; all the functions irregular ;
the feet almost constantly affected with icy coldness; with
frequent pains and oppression in the hypogastric region.
She had always received more benefit from cold water ap-
plications than any other means, and especially from using
the mer de glace (a stream derived from the melting of ice
and snow from the mountains), in Switzerland, as a bath.
Very active medical treatment had been used at different
periods; leeches and blisters to the spine again and again;
and courses of medicine of various kinds.
On her arrival she was put on the following treatment.
In the morning early, lein-tuch, tepid bath (Reaumur 14°),
and plunging bath in immediate succession. Abreibung
and sitz-bath in the middle of the day; a regular head-
bath once in the day; and whenever painful and heated, to
apply cold water freely by the hand, and leave wet com-
press on any heated part. The foot-bath once or twice a
day; rubbing the legs also with the water, for they were
affected with weakness and swelling. An eruption of irri-
table pimples appeared, which was treated with wet ban-
dages covered by dry. Priessnitz was glad to see this early
crisis. The body bandage was used. She drank a medi.
um quantity of water, and was much in the air; but she
could not take great exercise. At a particular period, the
nervous system was greatly disturbed; and there was some
hysteria, with much affection of the head. In these cir-
cumstances, Priessnitz directed 4 abreibungs in the morn-
ing and 4 in the afternoon, with intervals of half an hour,
during which she went into bed, to gain composure and
THE WATER-CURE.
91
warmth. She did not complain of this troublesome treat-
ment, and acknowledged the very sensible relief which it
afforded her. On my quitting, I compared her state with
what it was on her arrival, with great satisfaction. Her
health was in every respect materially improved; and the
head so relieved that she could sleep comfortably. There
was every promise of the case proceeding to a favorable
issue.
Indigestion, Distress, and Depression of Spirit.
A clergyman and schoolmaster, aged 35, had too intensely
exercised his mind and feelings, and brought on so distress-
ing a state of nervousness, that, in preaching, he became
painfully confused in a quarter of an hour. He had severe
indigestion with opposite states of the bowels, but most
commonly inert; head-ache with confusion, noises of the
ears, and dimness of sight; as in the last case, heat of the
scalp and extreme coldness of the feet; depression of spirits,
with distress that he was incapable of any mental exertion,
being an ardent student. He was much affected by every
change of weather. His treatment consisted of lein-tuch
and tepid bath, with plunging bath, sitz-bath, head-bath 3
times a day, foot-bath twice a day, the soles of the feet be-
ing diligently rubbed; the body bandage. He drank water
freely; and he had abreibung whenever the head was more
than usually uncomfortable. After about a fortnight, the
use of the douche was added to the treatment.
He described, in glowing terms, the happy improvement
which he received after 10 days' treatment, and especially
in his digestion and the state of his head; but when he
92
HYDROPATHY; OR,
had employed the douche for a week, he was apprehensive
that it did not suit his nerves, for his head became painful
and confused after using it.
In all these cases of great morbid sensibility of the nerves
of the head, it appears to me that the application of the
volume douche, if ever used, should be much delayed; and
that the jet shower bath, applied with only moderate force,
continued from one to three minutes, is a more appropriate
remedy.
It is very obvious that, in the management of all delicate
and difficult cases, a good medical judgment is required to
adapt the treatment to the many changing circumstances
which must occur.
Gout and Rheumatism.
A gentleman, aged 44, of slight frame and delicate appear-
ance, had received great trials to his constitution, from liv-
ing in various climates under circumstances of immense
exertion of mind and body; so that he incurred a severe
liver disease, followed by both gout and rheumatism. His
father had been a sufferer from gout and from tic-doulou-
reux. He, therefore, had the hereditary predisposition. By
treatment, his health was improved up to November, 1839,
when, from exposure to wet in shooting, he experienced
painful rheumatism or gout, for each name was given, in
one knee-joint. It was so swollen and misshapen, that some
thought it was dislocated. The frequent use of leeches
of iodine, externally and internally; of calomel; sarsapa-
rilla and other medicines, formed the chief treatment. The
disease increased severely. He describes that "the leg
wasted away; that the hip had the appearance of being dis-
THE WATER-CURE.
93
located; and that some inflammation became visible at the
lower part of the spine, with frequent aching pain. The
knee was so bent, from contraction, that the limb was drawn
up almost to doubling, and quite useless; in addition to
which, he was reduced to a skeleton, having lost all appe-
tite and sleep." The actual cautery to the spine was pro-
posed; but not having profited by any of the various means
employed, he fell into despair, and was urged to try the
water-cure at home. He here says, "I was so weak that
I could only allow gentle measures. My diet was strictly
regulated. I drank plenty of pure water; morning and
evening had an abreibung and shallow tepid bath (66° Fah.);
in the middle of the day, free ablutions of the whole limb,
and wet bandage covered by dry. From the commence-
ment I began to feel differently. Sleep and appetite soon
returned; and, my strength gradually improving, I was
able to bear the use of the sweating blanket, followed by
the half-bath. Ere long, numerous boils appeared on the
legs, which afforded great relief to the deep seated pains."
Had sitz-baths. In one month he was so much improved
that he could use crutches for half an hour; and at the end
of three months he had gained sufficient strength to under-
take the journey to Graefenberg. But still having a very
large number of boils in a state of suppuration, his nerves
were greatly disturbed, and he was rendered very ill by
travelling 500 miles; was much affected with cramps and
hysteria. He arrived. Priessnitz told him he would re-
cover, but a long time would be required. At first, his
treatment was moderate, and afterwards increased, with a
cautious use of the douche. He drank wa er very freely.
For a time, its early morning use was slightly emetic; but
94
HYDROP ATHY; OR,
this relieved him of bile and phlegm. In October, 1840,
he could walk a little with two sticks. The boils increased
over the body. In November, the weather being unfavor
able, he took cold severely from accidental exposure, and
new symptoms arose. An abscess gradually formed be-
tween the bladder and the rectum, and at length broke; the
matter being discharged partly by the rectum, and partly
by the urethra. His cramps and pains of the bladder and
bowels were so severe, that his life was in imminent danger.
For a fortnight he was without sleep, could not take any
food, and for ten days had water only to support him, if
support it could be called. Cold-water lavements, half and
quarter baths, fomentations, and wet linen rubbings, all more
tepid than usual (80°), were freely employed. When the
abscess found free vent, the symptoms so much abated, that
a little sleep and the capability of taking some nourishment
returned. He gradually improved, so that by the middle.
of January, 1841, he could again walk with two sticks.
about the house. Now more active treatment was resumed ;
and even the sweating in the blanket twice a week, and
the cautious use of the douche. The progress of cure be-
came very favorable. Before the end of summer he was
able to take exercise and enjoy the mountain air; and ap-
petite and sleep returned favorably.
In April 1842, he was sufficiently recovered to leave
Graefenberg, with the use of the limb quite restored, all
contraction being removed, and the general flesh, strength,
and spirits quite regained. He was the wonder of Graef
enberg! I saw this gentleman about 10 weeks ago. He
was in good health and spirits; but felt the necessity of
avoiding great fatigue; as in such case he was reminded,
THE WATER-CURE.
95
by achings, that his limb, although so happily restored,
could not possess the vigor of one that had never been dis-
eased. In a review of all the circumstances of this im-
portant case, infinite praise was due to Priessnitz for its
management. He had been indefatigable in his atten-
tions.
Syphilitic Eruption, Hernia, Sciatica, Biliousness,
Indigestion, &c.
A gentleman, aged 27, tall and stout, very muscular,
came to Graefenberg nine months ago, having a cutaneous
eruption of a syphilitic character, a hernia humoralis, en-
larged tonsils, sciatica, and great disposition to general
rheumatism, with a bilious countenance, much indigestion,
and great nervousness and depression of spirits. Priessnitz.
at once told him that his case would require a long period.
for the cure. The treatment was at first mild; but, with-
out unnecessary delay, was made active; when he sweated
in the blanket each other day; and, after four months'
douching every day, had two sitz-baths every day, lasting
an hour, the water being changed twice or thrice; with also
abreibung, lein-tuch, head-baths, and foot-baths; for this
patient was very liable to pain and congestion of the head,
with great coldness of the feet. He was exceeded by none
in his zeal in drinking water. His usual quantity was 16
pints daily; and one day he was ambitious to take four
pints more; from which he had all the feeling of having
drunk too much wine, attended with a vertigo; and being
alarmed by these symptoms, he returned to and continued
his former quantity without inconvenience. He had passed
the last winter at Graefenberg, and was in the habit of
96
HYDROPATHY; OR,
taking his first morning walk before the rising of the sun,
and in an atmosphere of from 6° to 10° Faht.; much en-
joying the sight of the glorious orb first appearing in the
horizon. After breakfast, he used with great satisfaction
the icy douche! for 8 minutes; but when I found him at
Graefenberg, the duration was 10, and twice a-day. He
had been there nine months. He was the picture of health;
and described himself as being strong and free from all in-
convenience. His muscles were large and firm, and many
remarked that his chest had considerably expanded. In the
general history which he gave me, he stated that in the
first instance he had been freely treated by mercury and
iodine, sometimes with the effect of removing the immedi-
ate symptoms; but they recurred; and at length, feeling
much incommoded by the medicines, and having some ad-
dition of complaint, after an interval, he had recourse to the
water-cure treatment. Under it, he had repeated severe
crises of boils, from which he was persuaded that he had re-
ceived most material benefit. In this case, the copious
draughts of water certainly appeared highly useful, and par-
ticularly to the bladder, the mucous membrane of which
had been so much affected, that in the beginning the urine
was passed with great difficulty, and highly charged with
mucus; but it must be observed that, when using these
great libations, he took immense exercise, often walking 6
or 8 miles before breakfast.
Indigestion, Rheumatism, and Spitting of Blood.
A gentleman, aged 40, tall and slight, appearing free from
complaint, gave me the following account. When a boy
at school in Germany, he was compelled, with the rest of
THE WATER-CURE.
97
the boys, to take a purgative every Saturday morning ; and
thinks that from this unfortunate and absurd practice he
acquired the subsequent necessity, and that an increased
one, of resorting to medicine. He was subject to great de-
pression of spirits, inaptitude to exertion, rheumatic pains,
shortness of breath on ascending a hill, and occasional spit-
ting of blood of a scarlet hue. He had tried various medi-
cines, and long persisted with a slight mercurial alterative;
but, he says, without improvement. He was dependent on
lavements for any action of the bowels. He went to an
establishment near his home, where he was sweated in the
blanket every day, had the plunging-bath and other means;
but he did not feel equal to the perseverance in such treat-
ment, and went to Graefenberg, where he had been nine
months when I first saw him, remaining, however, more
from choice than necessity. His treatment had been lein-
tuch in the first of the morning, avoiding the perspiring, fol-
lowed by the tepid and plunging baths in succession; an
occasional abreibung; two sitz-baths every day, at first te-
pid, afterwards cold; body bandage.* He drank from 10
to 12 glasses of water. After two months, he used a douche
daily. His recovery was perfect, and he was an excellent
specimen of the good effects of the water-cure. In a few
weeks after using it, his digestion became quite regular.
Gout.
An Austrian officer, aged 47, tall and robust, had acquired
gout in the ankle and side of the foot at 37, and since in
various parts, never escaping a winter till the last, and hav-
* In future this is to be understood, if not mentioned; the exception
to its use being very rare.
5
98
HYDROPATHY; OR,
ing fits of from 6 to 9 weeks' duration. He had been at
Graefenberg 11 months. On his first arrival, the limbs
were very infirm, the ankles swollen, and the feet and knees
severely affected with chronic pains, giving him a dread of
attempting walking exercise. He had previously been treated.
with various medicines, and with calomel very freely. He
began with the use of from two to four abreibungs daily;
then two lein-tuchs, followed by the shallow bath; after-
wards by the plunging bath: next, the sweating in the
blanket each other day, until crisis formed extensively on
the legs, when it was discontinued; and he had also a strong
vesicular rash on the body, with a line of demarcation exact
with the bandage.
He experienced immediate and very complete relief to
the pains in the knees and ankles when the boils appeared.
Afterwards, they formed also on the knees, arms, and shoul-
ders. When the crisis subsided, he douched twice a day for
eight minutes, instead of using the plunging-bath, as he
thought it suited him better, and proved more favorable in
producing good crises; for the chronic pains had returned
occasionally, but were invariably relieved by the formation
of boils. When I saw him he was almost perfectly restored
to health. He related that he had derived great strength to
his ankles from the daily use of a cold foot-bath, deeper than
usual; that when he did use the blankets, he found the after-
noon more favorable than the morning for the producing of
perspiration; and this, he thought, especially as he had a
quick digestion. For those who might have a weak and
slow digestion, he considered it, from observations he had
made, an unfavorable time. This gentleman was so well
recovered that he was about to leave Graefenberg.
THE WATER-CURE.
99
*
Gout and Rheumatism.
A gentleman, aged 47, robust and plethoric, subject to re-
gular gout, hereditary, for 10 years, the fits severe and very
protracted, once had a rheumatic fever, and now often suf-
fers from rheumatism, especially in the shoulders and the
arms. He related that he had been regularly treated in his
fits with mercurial purgatives and colchicum, with a sure
control over the symptoms, but without lasting benefit; that
the last fit, of two months' duration, had been left more to it-
self; and one knee had remained so much swollen, stiff, and
painful, that locomotion was extremely difficult. The usual
liniments and lotions being ineffectual, although in combina-
tion with the internal use of iodide of potassium, he had re-
course to a part of the water-cure treatment, using wet ban-
dage, covered by dry, constantly to the knee; and every
morning, on first rising, a cold bath. This bold practice was
so successful, that he soon recovered the power of walking.
He had tried every kind of regimen as a preventive-meat
without vegetables, and then a farinaceous diet without meat,
total abstinence from wine and beer; and yet his prudence
was not rewarded by success. Since he had drank water
freely, he had not found any necessity, as far as his feelings
dictated, of being at all mindful in his diet, so perfect was
his digestion, doubtless rendered better by the acquired
power, from the improvement in the limbs, of taking free.
exercise. There were chalkstone deposits in the fingers and
elbows.
His treatment was as follows:-In the morning, early,
sweating in the blanket, followed by plunging bath; a walk
and free drinking of water; at 11 A. M. a douche for five
Uor M
100
HYDROPATHY; OR,
minutes, having begun with three; on his return from the
long walk to and from the douche, an abreibung, which
much refreshed him; at 5 P. м. 2 abreibungs, within half an
hour of each other; umschlags to all the affected parts. I
left him making very favourable progress towards his cure.
I should observe, that this patient was not desired to make
use of the body bandage, as he had so regular and perfect a
state of digestion.
Hereditary Gout.
A gentleman, aged 50, of middling bulk and stature, had
hereditary gout first 20 years ago, brought on by violent ef
forts in swimming, to save himself from drowning, on a win-
ter's day; was for years subject to fits of great severity, and
of 6 or 8 weeks' duration; has chalkstones in various parts,
particularly in the hands and feet; disappointed by allopa-
thic medicine, of which colchicum and mercury formed part,
he tried homœopathic, with no other result than the longer
staying away of the gout; and this benefit he attributed to
the care in diet. The fits were of equal severity when they
did return. For some time he adhered to a diet of fish and
vegetables, and for several years has wholly abstained from
wine. Five years ago, went to Toplitz and Carlsbad, with-
out benefit, and afterwards to Wiesbaden, going through a
full course of treatment there, still without apparent advan-
tage. He next proceeded to Franzens-bad, in Bohemia, and
tried the mud baths for a month, sitting in the mud, up to
his neck, at 97° Fahrenheit, for half an hour, each other day,
with no other good result than curing his lumbago, which
has never returned. He came to Graefenberg three years
and nine months ago, in a state of such lameness and con-
tinued suffering, that he felt himself fast approaching to a
THE WATER-CURE.
101
bed-ridden state.
For the space of two years, with the in-
terruption only of two months, he made daily use of the
sweating blanket, with this frequency more by his own desire.
than the wish of Priessnitz, wishing to force crisis; but he
is convinced that it was an error, and that he was weakened.
In six weeks, he had boils on the insteps, which remarkably
relieved the chronic pains; and, some time after, the urine
deposited much substance, which appeared to him like wet
chalk. In the beginning of the treatment, Priessnitz exam-
ined him, first at the half-bath, then after the plunging, and
told him his complaint would be cured in time, and even en-
couraged him to expect the recovery of the hands; but I am
persuaded there was too much disorganization of parts to ad-
mit of it. In some of the joints of the fingers there was an-
chylosis, and here and there absorption of cartilage. How-
ever, much of the chalkstone deposit had been removed by
the treatment, and I doubt not he will obtain further im-
provement. After five months, he had an acute attack?
which at first he left to itself, but afterwards used rubbings
in the shallow tepid bath, with tepid affusions and umschlags;
all with much advantage. He remained the whole winter,
but considers that the "winter cure" did not suit him, the cold
being often severe, from 4° to 10° Faht. for a continuance;
but he says that the atmosphere was so clear and still, with
often a full sun, that the cold was agreeable to those who
could take very active exercise. When restored from the fit,
he resumed treatment. His skin was with difficulty excited
to perspiration; and Priessnitz had desired him to use two
douches a-day, and even advised three occasionally; but he
continued with two, sometimes using a plunging bath also,
and always, twice a week, after the sweating in the blanket.
102
HYDROPATHY; OR,
He quitted Graefenberg for a time, and returned. He has
used umschlags always, and drunk 10 or 12 half-pints of
water daily. He related to me that the gout now very rarely
and very slightly affects him, and that he can walk ten miles
with more ease than one formerly. He looked well. He
had not touched medicine since he had been under the water.
cure treatment, which he extols in the highest terms.
Cutaneous Eruptions and Universal Pains.
A gentleman, aged 49, robust and rather corpulent, after
syphilis five years ago, had a fever in Italy, for which he
was bled so freely that his strength was exceedingly reduced.
He kept his bed three months; was bled from the arm 15
times, and had leeches, also, very freely applied to different
parts. On recovering sufficient strength, he went to Graefen-
berg, then having universal pains of a doubtful character,
with much cutaneous eruption; sweated in the blanket every
morning for four months; and, instead of being weakened,
gained strength regularly; always the plunging bath after it.
At that time the lein-tuch was seldom used, except in fevers.
He douched also occasionally, and drank from 12 to 15.
glasses of water daily. He recovered perfectly, and re-
mained well three years. By many acts of imprudence he
lost his health again; had an inflammatory attack on the
chest, for which he was freely bled, and with relief at the
moment; but other evils followed-lumbago and sciatica, of
the most painful description.
Leeches and blisters were ap.
plied to the hip repeatedly, without relief. He consulted the
most eminent physicians in Germany; and, by their advice,
used leeches, blisters, and mercurial frictions; in opposition
THE WATER-CURE.
103
to which the sciatica increased. He went to a water es-
tablishment in his neighbourhood, his convenience not per-
mitting him to travel to Graefenberg. He used, first, a plung-
ing bath, then the vapor bath for one hour, and next the
plunging bath again; but this treatment much disagreed,
causing particularly oppression of the chest. The sciatic
pain still increased, and at length became so intolerable, that
the actual cautery was extensively applied to the hip, of
which I saw the evidence. He took mercurial purgatives
frequently.
By these means the violence of the disorder was broken;
but he got cold, and had inflammation of the larynx. After
much interval, it was with great difficulty he could accom-
plish the journey to Graefenberg, where his anxious thoughts
were directed. At length, he again presented himself to
Priessnitz; then having severe sciatica; pain also of the
femoral nerve; indigestion; hæmorrhoidal suffering; hy.
pochondriasm, and general debility. At first, the treat.
ment consisted of lein-tuch, shallow tepid baths, sitz-baths;
and wet bandages, covered by dry, to the affected parts.
Afterwards, he sweated in the blanket, and used the plung.
ing bath, not finding any disagreement, as he had done with
the vapor bath, &c. After three or four months, had gene.
ral crises, but no boils in the affected limb till eight months
had elapsed, when also the thigh was covered with a scaly
rash. The pains were entirely relieved when the last boils
had suppurated freely. He next used the douche very re-
gularly; and, when I saw him, did so for eight minutes
every day. The limb had recovered its size and power
he could walk almost any distance without inconvenience.
104
HYDROPATHY; OR,
He remarked that, till within the last few weeks, the bad
limb had never perspired when the other parts of the body
freely yielded to the influence of the blanket process.
This was a very important case, and one that did infinite
credit to Priessnitz and the water-cure means. It shews
also the necessity of their being used with judgment; for,
till he came to Graefenberg, he had been injured rather than
assisted.
Great Nervousness.
A military man, aged 32, had used mercury for a long
time, which created great nervousness eventually; and, in
a state of much debility, with wandering pains, he went to
Graefenberg. He began with two lein-tuchs, a shallow
tepid bath, and sitz-bath. Soon after, a plunging bath was
added every other day. But his zeal led him into error;
he would go far beyond his instructions in every thing.
One morning, he drank eight large glasses of water, instead
of the four prescribed, before breakfast; and, omitting the
necessary walking exercise, went into the billiard-room.
The kidneys had not actively secreted. His feet became
cold, and he was altogether uneasy. He went out for a
walk, accompanied by a friend. He soon fell into inco-
herent conversation, and was got home with some difficulty.
He did not quite lose consciousness, but was speechless;
made signs for pen and ink, but could not write. He had
violent head-ache. Priessnitz directed a tepid (62°) foot-
bath, with free rubbing; sprinkled water on the face and
head; and shortly after were applied three abreibungs in
the course of half an hour; and wet bandages to the head :
he was put to bed. Intense pain of the head ensued, with
THE WATER-CURE.
105
some general fever and extreme feebleness of the limbs.
Priessnitz, at his next visit, a few hours after, ordered two
abreibungs, with an interval of ten minutes; then a foot-
bath for an hour, the water being changed two or three
times; next, a lein-tuch for 20 minutes, followed by the shal-
low tepid bath, in which he was rubbed for half an hour by
two attendants, with occasional affusions of cold water over
the head. He now vomited freely, and this gave relief.
The whole treatment was so successful, that, in another
hour, he recovered sense and speech, and lost the pain of
the head. In a few days, general treatment was resumed,
and continued with great regularity. He was now always
careful to take free exercise before and after every process.
Numerous boils formed chiefly in the upper part of the
back, but also in the thighs, and they suppurated favorably.
He was called away suddenly by military duty, but pursued
treatment at home to a certain extent: and a letter from
him to Priessnitz, a short time ago, announced the com-
plete recovery of his health.
Urinary Fistula, or Opening.
A gentleman, aged 18, slight and rather delicate, received
a severe contusion in the perineum and neighboring parts
by a fall from a horse; to which was attributed the forma-
tion of a fistula, and one of a complicated nature, attended
with much ulceration and very severe pain and inconveni-
The surgeons wished to operate, but his father de-
termined on taking him to Graefenberg. Priessnitz di.
rected an abreibung twice a day, and umschlags to the af-
fected parts. In the progressive treatment were used lein-
tuchs, plunging-bath, and douche; and, at the end of a
ence.
--
5*
106
HYDROPATHY; OR,
month, he obtained a perfect cure. The healing was com-
plete.
This case cannot fail to interest the surgical reader.
The symptoms had been of an urgent character; the blad-
der and rectum being affected with very painful irritation;
and, at the commencement of the water-cure, the ulcerated
parts appeared in a very unhealthy condition.
Hemiplegia, or Paralysis of one Side.
A gentleman, aged 60, had suffered many years from
dyspepsia and general debility of the nervous system, with
often universal pains, which were called both rheumatic and
nervous. He was seized with hemiplegia; the right side
affected. He got better for a short time, but had a severe
relapse was sent, after a time, to Toeplitz and Marienbad,
but became worse. The mind and body were equally pros-
trate; the digestion was languid; the bowels wholly inac-
tive without medicine or lavement. In April, 1842, he
went to Graefenberg, in opposition to the advice of his phy-
sicians. Priessnitz prescribed, at first, two abreibungs in
the day, and a head-bath for 15 minutes; and, as he be-
came stronger, two lein-tuchs, omitting one abreibung, to-
gether with the shallow tepid bath. At the end of three
months, boils formed in the head, arm, and leg, only on the
affected side, from which evidently great benefit resulted.
Neither plunging bath nor douche were used in this case.
He received his health entirely at the end of seven months;
nervous energy was restored; he had the power to climb
the hills, to write his letters, and again enjoy his spirits in
society.
THE WATER-CURE.
107
Catalepsy, or Trance, General Debility, Indigestion, &c.
A Russian nobleman, aged 36, had reduced the vigor of
his constitution by dissipation; and, on a severely cold day,
at St. Petersburg, 10° below zero, paid a visit of ceremony,
insufficiently clothed. He had scarcely entered the room,
when he was seized with catalepsy, and appeared like a
statue! The ladies who were present were at first amused,
thinking that he was acting! but soon they took the alarm.
He could not speak; but, retaining his senses, made signs
that he wanted water. He was affused all over from buckets,
soon drank freely, and in less than an hour recovered his
power of moving. But from this day he became an inva-
lid, suffering especially from pain and nervousness of the
the head, with general debility and depression of spirits, also
having severe indigestion. He was under medical treat-
ment for two years, and visited Carlsbad, Toeplitz, and
other baths in Bohemia, without any marked benefit; then
went to a water establishment near St. Petersburg. He
used the vapor bath, as being considered preferable to the
blanket, and after it the plunging bath for five minutes, fol-
lowed by cold water lavement, all without taking exercise
to produce reaction. The treatment was repeated, but so
much disagreed that he soon left the establishment. He
consulted an eminent physician, who advised another water-
cure, establishment; but that he should first go to Kissingen
for a few weeks, to improve the state of the digestive
organs. He followed this advice. He thought himself
rather injured than benefitted by Kissingen. In the second
trial of the water-cure, the shower-bath in a continuous
mass was applied to the head for some minutes, eight days
108
HYDROPATHY; OR,
in succession; he also used the plunging bath. His ex-
pression was that he thought he should have gone mad ;
and, in despair, he quitted for Graefenberg. Priessnitz
gave him every encouragement, but thought mild treatment.
necessary at first :-for two days one abreibung and one
sitz-bath, then two of each; and in this manner for ten
days, when he became stronger. He proceeded gradually
to the use of active treatment, but never to the fullest ex-
tent the douche, once a day, was the strongest part of it.
In half-a-year, he perfectly recovered, and was again in
possession of his spirits and the use of his faculties, which
had become impaired by the disorder of his nerves. He
said he owed his cure to the superior method of treatment
pursued at Graefenberg, and to the fine mountain air.
Seminal Weakness, with Greal Nervous Debility.
A superintendent of mines, aged 24, had found his nerv.
ous system much deranged by the unwholesome atmosphere
in which he lived; and at length experienced an involun-
tary discharge of prostatic liquor, and occasionally of semi-
nal secretion from slight exertion, attended with pain in the
spine and loins, occasionally severe. He was in a miser-
able state of nervous suffering, and went to Graefenberg.
For a considerable time he could bear only very mild treat-
ment; yet, after four months, the discharges ceased. The
pain remained, and also his feebleness. He douched and
received the water particularly on the spine and loins. Boils
and "dartres" formed near the seat of pain, and immedi-
diately gave the greatest relief. His recovery was com-
plete in 11 months. It is unquestionable that the crisis in
THE WATER-CURE.
109
!
this case was highly advantageous. The boils suppurated
favorably; and the pain, which had been of long duration,
gradually passed away, and has never returned.
Debility, Nervousness, and Baldness, following the Use of
Mercury.
A gentleman, aged 33, having used mercury with great
freedom, and been careless in exposing himself in unfavor-
able weather, fell into a state of great debility and nervous-
ness, and gradually became almost bald. He went to
Graefenberg in this state, and was described to look more
like a corpse than a living person. His first treatment was
a sitz-bath, two lein-tuchs, followed by a shallow tepid bath
and free drinking of water. Afterwards, he sweated in the
blanket, and used the plunging bath every other day;
douching also on most days, but omitting one lein-tuch, and
not using any on the day of the blanket. He drank water
freely, and took as much exercise on the mountains as his
strength would allow. Soon after his arrival, the few hairs
on the head which he brought with him disappeared, and
the baldness was complete. Boils formed particularly at
the nates, and suppurated freely; when the treatment was
reduced to the use of two lein-tuchs and a sitz-bath. Soon
after, an eruption appeared over the whole body; first vesi-
cular, and afterwards scaly ; also more boils. The linen was
stained with appearances which were supposed to arise from
mercury. At the end of six months, he gained some color
of the cheeks, and became stronger; but also new shoots
of hair appeared on the head, and which in two months
more so increased, that when I saw him, two months later,
110
HYDROPATHY; OR,
he had a fine head of hair! He was pursuing regular
treatment, and evidently was quite in a fair way of re-
covery.
Does Water bring Mercury from the System?
During my stay at Graefenberg, I heard frequent men-
tion of the stains of mercury and of iodine appearing in
the lein-tuchs, either of blue or reddish color; but Priess-
nitz assured my friend, Dr. Buxton, that he had seen mer-
curial globules issue at the ends of the fingers after a con-
tinued course of the water-cure, in patients who had made
a great employment of mercury either internally or exter-
nally, or both, notwithstanding that they had desisted from
all use of the medicine for even several years! This ap
pears almost incredible. I cannot doubt the veracity of
Priessnitz; and Liebig, with whom I discussed the subject,
had no doubt of such a fact, and offered this explanation:
that mercury combines with animal matter, and may re-
main so combined for an indefinite time; and that the quick
change of matter which belongs to the water.cure treat-
ment would tend to the separation of the mercury, which
might appear in a globular or other form.
4
I have witnessed examples of the latent stay of mer-
cury in the system, and shall cite the following: I pre-
scribed to a poor woman, afflicted with rheumatism of the
wrist joint, threatening anchylosis, a mercurial ointment,
which she rubbed in with only occasional intervals from
January to the end of May. No mercury was taken inter-
nally; none used externally after May. In November
following, she was seized with the most violent salivation
that can be imagined.
THE WATER-CURE.
111
Defective Hearing and Smelling, with General Debility.
A gentleman, aged 24, of healthy appearance, when 12
years old, had a nervous fever, which exceedingly weakened
his constitution and rendered him very deaf; from that pe-
riod, he had been weak and sickly, and unequal to much
exertion. When he arrived at Graefenberg, four months
and a half ago, such was his state, with a bad appetite and
almost a loss of smell. His hearing always very defective.
Began treat...ent very gently with abreibung, lein-tuch, and
sitz-bath; to drink water very freely and take abundant
exercise. After a fortnight, his appetite and strength were
improved; and treatment was increased to the use of the
sweating blanket, followed by plunging bath twice a week.
The douche on the other days; head-bath twice a day;
and to sniff water freely several times in the day.
There ensued a critical diarrhoea several times, after
which the hearing improved. When this diarrhoea occurs,
boils seldom happen also. The sniffing of water was at
first disagreeable; but finding advantage from it, he perse-
vered; and when I last saw him, his hearing and smell were
both recovered. He was strong, active, and in good spirits.
High Fever, with Delirium.
A young man, aged 21, on his way to Graefenberg, for
the treatment of a rheumatic complaint, found himself un-
well at Vienna, but travelled on, and, when he reached his
destination, was in a high fever, with delirium. Until this
was reduced, an abreibung was kept applied in the quickest
succession; so immediately hot did the wet linen become.
The delirium quickly subsided. When the fever was much
112
HYDROPATHY; OR,
10 Ar..
abated, he was put into the lein-tuch, and this was followed
by the shallow bath. Very soon a copious small-pox erup-
tion appeared. Lein-tuchs were continued, according to
the state of the skin. There was no return of fever; the
appetite was natural.
V
In ten days, he was able to walk out
of doors. He had been vaccinated in his infancy; but,
notwithstanding, the pustules were universal and of full
size. No pitting ensued.
It is unquestionable that the water-cure treatment, ap-
plied at the beginning especially, is admirably adapted to
the cure of eruptive fevers; small-pox, measles, and scar-
latina.
Dyspepsia, Sleeplessness, and Nervousness.
An Austrian officer, aged 60, had been very stout and re-
markable for the goodness of his appetite; but by degrees
he became dyspeptic, very nervous, and, above all, lost hist
sleep more and more by degrees, till at length he was not
able to procure more than one hour of dosing in the twenty-
four, for upwards of two years. He had no regular sleep
whatever opiates would not succeed, and he was in a most
wretched state when he went to Graefenberg. Three
months passed away without any decided improvement.
It was in the beginning of spring; the weather very cold,
and he was not strong enough to take much exercise.
Hence a slower improvement. Treatment: in the first of
the morning a lein-tuch followed by a shallow tepid bath;
an abreibung twice a-day; usually a second lein-tuch, fol-
lowed either by an abreibung or shallow bath. By degrees
he improved, gained some appetite, and sleep returned, at
first for an hour only; then more and more, till, by the mid-
THE WATER-CURE.
113
dle of summer, he could sleep comfortably for seven hours;
and he quitted Graefenberg recovered from every inconve
nience.
Rheumatic Neuralgia.
His
A gentleman, aged fifty, of the nervous temperament,
yet appearing to have good muscular power, had lived many
years in the West Indies, and become enfeebled in consti-
tution by dyspepsia and complaint of the liver. On return-
ing to England he contracted rheumatic neuralgia, which
principally affected the thighs and legs. They were mor-
bidly sensitive both to heat and cold, not being able to bear
the heat of the fire even at some distance; and instant se-
vere pains occurred in going into the cold air. The skin
would not endure flannel. He wore wash-leather.
whole nervous system was so deranged that he could not
bear the least mental application; not even to write a let-
ter. At successive periods he went to the two Wildbads in
Germany, last to that in Gastein, and from both received
benefit. The strong douche was used, and which acted so
powerfully on him that he could not continue it. On his
return home, he caught cold, and had a severe return of the
pains. He was advised to go to Bath, and to use the baths
of so high a temperature as 106° ! Instantly he found his
head congested as if filled with blood, had singing of the
ears, and a general distress. He left the bath quickly;
afterwards bathed at 102° to 100°, a few times, but thought
himself much injured. On a subsequent occasion, he went
to Buxton, and was much benefitted. He was highly satis-
fied both with the baths and douche.
The water-cure treatment, however, attracted his notice,
114
HYDROPATHY; OR,
and he went to Graefenberg about a year ago. He has
pursued very regular treatment, has had several crises, and
is materially benefitted, but still has some returns of neural-
gia. He bears the douche and the plunging bath, and cer-
tainly is greatly improved in nervous energy; and is by no
means so sensitive to heat and cold. For example, he bore
the Graefenberg winter, and could, when I saw him, take
exercise in the sun. Priessnitz expected his cure to be com
pleted in three or four months.
Gout.
An Austrian field-marshal, eighty-two years of age, had
been a gouty martyr through a long life, and visited
Graefenberg four years ago, when in such a state of infir-
mity that he could scarcely put his feet to the ground.
Mild treatment was used, but it proved sufficient to produce
boils, which formed near the affected joints. He gra-
dually improved, and finally threw away his sticks, walking
and riding on horseback with almost the activity of former
years.
An old Polish general, nearly eighty years of age, also
received equal benefit from the treatment of his gouty suf
ferings and infirmity.
Menorrhagia, or Excessive and Debilitating Menstruation.
A lady, aged forty-three, of full habit, for a long time
subject to menorrhagia to such an extent as to make her
feel enfeebled, had much shortness of breath on exertion;
with indigestion and disturbance of the head. A year ago
had paralytic distortion of the face: this did not last.
Had been upwards of four months at Graefenberg. Treat
THE WATER-CURE.
115
ment: lein-tuch in the morning early, followed by the shal-
low tepid bath. A sitz-bath, at first tepid, afterwards cold,
twice a day, for twenty minutes, but not during the cata-
menia. At that period, the wet bandage around the body.
was to be changed every half hour; but at other times, only
when it should become dry. Such, with moderate drinking
of water, was the principal treatment. Crises (boils) formed
on the legs; and the discharge from them was considerable
and continued. She obtained a favorable recovery, and
the periods became satisfactorily regular. When I quitted
Graefenberg, she could ascend hills without difficulty, and
was attentive to take regular exercise.
Great Debility and Depression of Spirits, following
Nervous Fever.
A young lady, aged nineteen, having been strong and
healthy, was reduced to a state of great debility by a se-
vere nervous fever, and became the subject of intense head-
ache, attended with great depression of spirits. She went
to Graefenberg in October. First treatment: a lein-tuch
twice a day, one sitz-bath, and one head-bath. Soon after,
from exposure to damp evening air, she had a short feverish
attack, for which eight abreibungs were applied on the first
day; followed by a lein-tuch. In less than thirty hours
the fever was quite removed. Ere long, crises (boils) formed
in different parts, and from that time she scarcely expe-
rienced any head-ache. She drank water freely, and had
umschlags, but never had stronger means used than I have
mentioned; and she perfectly regained her health and
strength. When she arrived, she appeared, as I learnt,
pale and very weak. On quitting, after five months' so-
·
116
HYDROPATHY; OR,
journ, she had a nice color, and was cheerful, strong, and
active.
Insensibility, following an Improper Bath.
A gentleman, aged twenty-three, not appearing delicate,
of middling bulk, was undergoing treatment for deafness.
After very slight preliminary means, he used the sweating
blanket in the morning early. He was desired to go into
the shallow tepid bath, before entering the cold bath; but
he was disobedient, and at once plunged into the latter, on
a severely cold day, when the temperature of the water
was little more than 40° Fahr. On quitting the bath, he
fell down insensible. Priessnitz was called to him, who di-
rected the most free rubbing of the lower extremities with
cold water, and then the shallow tepid bath, with abundant
and universal friction, together with moderate tepid affusion
over the head. He was quite restored in about an hour.
This example shews how careful the patient should be to
obey instructions, and not attempt to judge for himself
when using the active processes of the water-cure treat-
ment.
Insensibility, following Over-Drinking.
A lady, aged thirty-two, disposed to corpulency and hav-
ing a short neck, drank, on first rising, four pints or more
of water, in a short space of time, taking only a slow walk
in the garden. She was suddenly seized with an universal.
feeling of coldness over the chest and in the extremities,
very quickly followed by insensibility. Her state appeared
very alarming. Similar treatment to that mentioned in
the last case was adopted, and with eventual success; but
THE WATER-CURE.
117
she was not quite restored till the expiration of twenty-four
hours, and for a long time after, she was reminded of the
shock from which she had suffered. This case is sufficient
to point out the infinite importance of taking active exer-
cise when much water is drunk. Here, the kidneys had
not acted. There was a temporary plethora of the vessels;
and some effect must be attributed to the influence of the
cold water as a sedative to the nerves of the stomach and
first intestines.
Secondary Syphilis-(A horrible Case.)
A gentleman, aged 34, was attacked, in the year 1828,
with secondary syphilitic symptoms, having had primary
disease seven months before, and which, he said, was very
badly treated. He exposed himself carelessly during the
use of mercury. Afterwards measures were used with ap-
parent success, for he got and remained pretty well for seve
ral years. At length, no fresh cause having existed, a swell-
ing appeared on the forehead, painful, persisting, and resist-
ing all treatment. He went in the summer of 1837 to Aix-
la-Chapelle, and used the baths with only slight advantage.
An abscess formed in the forehead, and was opened. No
healing process afterwards. He continually grew worse.
Twenty months ago he went to Graefenberg; then having
three foul ulcers, deep, and each the size of a sixpence, at-
tended with deep-seated pains, and often prickings near the
surface. He had also a painful node on the shin of the left
leg. His constitution was much weakened, and I was told
that his appearance then was alarming, from the signs of
exhaustion and distress. He was without appetite, and pro-
cured but little sleep.
Priessnitz ordered a lein-tuch, followed by a shallow
•
120
HYDROPATHY; OR,
In this instance the treatment was out of proportion to the
occasion. I suppose that Priessnitz apprehended internal
inflammation. I take the liberty of thinking that it was an
error in diagnosis; the knowledge of which is always so
important in the administration of any kind of treatment.
I saw this gentleman immediately after his recovery, and
received from him a very minute account.
Debility, Sleeplessness, Depression of Spirits, &c., from
excessive mental application.
A lady, aged 30, brought on a state of extreme nervous
debility, with impaired digestion, headache and confusion,
with loss of sleep, depression of spirits, and many other ner-
vous symptoms, by a course of severe literary application.
She had the highest medical advice in London; but, although
relieved in her most troublesome symptoms, she continued
in a state of such great debility, that she could not walk
across the room without assistance. She tried change of
air and scene without success; and, as a last resource, went
to a water establishment in England. An abreibung twice
a day, and a sitz-bath once, with body bandage, and free
drinking of water, constituted her treatment. In three
weeks, her amendment was such as to enable her to walk
out of doors; and after a few months, she was strong enough
to travel. She felt convinced that her nervous debility re-
quired further and most skilful treatment. She arrived at
Graefenberg shortly before I quitted; and she was in good
spirits, with the prospect of her perfect recovery.
Miss
Scrofulous Disease of the Knee Joint.
-, aged five years, a child of nervous tempera-
THE WATER-CURE.
121
She
When
ment, first suffered, four years ago, from a painful inflam-
mation of one knee, appearing otherwise in good health.
Leeches and evaporating lotions were applied freely; and
afterwards repeated blisters. At a later period, malt and
hop baths at 88° Fahr. for one hour at a time, two or three
times in a week, in alternation with warm salt water.
had been at Graefenberg about fifteen months.
she first arrived, she could not put the foot to the ground,
and used crutches with difficulty. The knee was painful in
stormy weather. I examined the joint, which was evidently
diseased from scrofula. There was still enlargement; but
I was told by the nurse it was very much reduced in size;
and this indeed was manifest from the loose state of the
skin. It was almost free from tenderness. There was
some motion in the joint. She could walk very nimbly
without a stick or any assistance; first moving on the heel,
then on the toe. The limb was shortened and the tendons
of the hams were contracted; but the improvement was
very satisfactory. She had been delicate and weak. She
was become strong and healthy. The case is so important
that I shall particularise the treatment.
At six A. M. the lein-tuch for an hour, followed by a shal-
low-bath at 64° for five minutes; wet bandages to the waist
and around the knee covered as usual: to go out before
breakfast, and drink three small glasses of water. At nine,
the knee was rubbed for five minutes with the wet hand,
and wet applications were again put on. At 11, repeated,
and a sitz-bath for 10 minutes. At one P. M
At one P. M., the local
treatment and waist bandage. At half-past two, same
treatment. At four P. M. sitz-bath for 10 minutes; tem-
perature at a later period reduced to 60°; the knee again
6
122
HYDROPATHY; OR,
:
rubbed with cold water, and a bandage re-applied. At
five P. M. lein-tuch and shallow bath, which also was re-
duced in temperature by degrees to 60°. Local treatment
repeated. Since last June she had douching at 11, and
omitted the sitz-bath; but when the weather proved unfa-
vorable, this treatment was reversed.
Scrofulous Enlargement of the Knee Joint.
A little boy, aged five years, of calm disposition, when
two years old had a fall, by which the knee was injured.
This, like the last, was a scrofulous enlargement of the
knee-joint. He was just arrived at Graefenberg. The
leg was drawn up two inches from the ground. Priessnitz
observed that the tendons were so contracted and rigid, that
a division of them by the surgeon would become necessary,
but he would treat the enlargement of the joint. The treat-
ment directed was, a lein-tuch for half an hour three times
a day, followed by shallow tepid bath with local application
of water, and the drinking of water, as in the last case.
Having related, I believe, a sufficient number of cases to
display the powers of the water.cure treatment, I shall only
add to their number by alluding, in a cursory manner, to a
few other examples, the details of which would require
more space than I can afford on the present occasion.
I witnessed two cases of incipient inflammation of the
lungs, with much inflammatory affection of the throat, and
of the mucous membrane of the trachea, promptly and suc-
cessfully treated by abreibungs, lein-tuchs, tepid shallow
baths, and umschlags.
In a case of homoptysis, it was evident to me that the
THE WATER-CURE.
123
free drinking of the water had proved injurious; although in
other respects the general treatment had been very useful.
I am convinced that in this disorder the patient should be
even painfully restricted in the quantity of drink. I should
prescribe iced water, in very small quantities at a time, as
almost the only beverage; and the same principle of man-
agement I should observe, in any case of arterial hæmor-
rhage.
I witnessed many urgent cases of disease of the skin,
various in their nature. They were chiefly impetiginous
or herpetic. Dartres is the common name assigned by the
foreign patients to most of the eruptions.
One of the worst examples of lepra that I ever saw, pre-
sented itself to me in the case of a gentleman, 23 years of
age. It was universal from head to foot. He had been at
Graefenberg one year; and for a long time had been on
full treatment, using the douche every day, and sweating,
in the blanket three times a week, with other processes.
He considered himself to be very materially improved: the
patches were much less scaly than formerly; and in various
parts the skin had assumed a healthy cicatrized appearance.
Priessnitz told him that in these cases the water treatment
prospered most during the spring. He expected to be suc-
cessful in the cure. There is no description of cutaneous
malady in which, according to my experience, it is so diffi-
cult to be effected. This patient had formerly taken va-
rious mercurial and other alteratives; had been at Carls-
bad; at Gastein in Tyrol; and at Kreuzenach, a celebra-
ted place for diseases of the skin.
I believe that the water treatment is more adapted than
any other to the relief or cure of obstinate diseases of the
Uor M
124
HYDROPATHY; OR,
skin. The continued frictions, ablutions, perspiring pro-
cesses, douches, &c. must have a powerful influence in
exciting an entirely new action of the vessels of the skin;
but in any case in which, after a fair trial, the water means
did not seem competent to meet the evil, I should not hesi-
tate to add the use of some mild alternative. I saw many
cases of scrofula, some of which were materially benefitted.
In others, it was doubtful whether any improvement had
been effected.
In the melancholy diseases of tetanus and hydrophobia,
I should consider the employment of the most active of the
water-cure processes well deserving a trial. Priessnitz as-
sured me that he had cured a dog of hydrophobia by inces-
sant douching with the coldest water. Many years ago,
one of my horses was seized with locked jaw, and the poor
animal appeared to be fast approaching to a hopeless condi
tion, the farrier having exerted all his skill in vain. The
late Professor Coleman by chance arrived at the time, and
advised repeated affusions of the spine with the coldest
water from buckets. After about an hour, according to my
recollection, the spasms of the jaw, and of the several af-
fected muscles, became relieved. A complete recovery en-
sued. I have thought it not unbecoming to relate these
comparative cases.
THE WATER-CURE.
125
CHAPTER III.
HYDROPATHY-ITS HISTORY, &c.
THE word Hydropathy, as used to denote the Water-
Cure, has been objected to, as not being etymologically cor-
rect in signification. It is derived from two Greek words,
together meaning, water-disease. It is, however, a term
well understood. Hydrotherapeutics,-which means, healing
with water,—has been substituted, and is decidedly a better
term, as far as etymological correctness is concerned. Hy-
driatics has also been used. The best term is the plain
English one, the Water Cure. But whichever term is used,
it is not less correct than many others in common use among
the best speakers and writers.
That parts of the Water Cure have, to some extent, been
practised in the healing art, no one will pretend to deny.
As a general thing, water was used to a greater extent, as
a remedy, in the earlier periods of the history of medicine,
than in later times.
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, determined that, in
certain kinds of baths, warm water would produce a chill,
while cold water would produce a contrary effect.
We are
also told, that to produce diaphoresis, or sweating, he did not
resort to the use of internal remedies, but merely poured
warm water over the head and body, and then heaped clothes
upon the patient, which would produce the desired effect,
without the irritation of the internal organs, consequent upon
$
126
HYDROPATHY; OR,
the administration of powerful diaphoretics. This, as will
be seen hereafter, somewhat resembled the sweating process
of the water-cure. He also recommended the use of water
in various ways, and in the most serious diseases. Celsus
and Galen also recommended the use of water, both in sick-
ness and health; and many similar examples might be quo-
ted.
The honor of making certain various discoveries, in the
application of water to the human body as a remedial agent,
is due Vincent Priessnitz, a peasant and native of a small
colony called Graefenberg, situated two miles from the town
of Freiwaldau, and about half way up one of the mountains
of the Sudates in Austrian Silesia, Germany. This has al
ways been his place of residence, and was also that of his
father before him.
His discoveries were at first the result of accident. He
was, in the common acceptance of the term "unlearned,"
having at most only a very limited education, but possessed
naturally a strong and observing mind.
He tells us it was in the year 1816, when he crushed one
of his fingers, and, as it were, by instinct plunged the in-
jured part into water until it ceased bleeding. He felt the
coolness agreeable to the benumbed part, and found that by
repeatedly holding it in water, without the least inflamma-
tion or suppuration, after secreting only a little white mu
cous matter, it healed in a very short time. Then he was
told, as he says, by some old men of the neighborhood, that
they could relate many instances where cold water had been
used in similar cases, and had always proved salutary above.
every other remedy. In the year 1819, he met with the
misfortune to break the ribs upon one side, by a loaded wag-
THE WATER-CURE.
127
gon. The physician, calléd from the nearest town, declared
the injury incurable thus far: that there would be lumps
formed, which, on the least exertion, would cause pain, and
thus continue through life. He prescribed some herbs, a de-
coction of which, in wine, was to be laid upon the injured
parts. These fomentations gave him so much pain that he
was obliged to tear them off. Recollecting his cured finger,
he commenced using swathings of cold water, and thus ob
tained immediate relief. Then, to press out his ribs to their
natural position, he stretched himself, with the abdomen
over the edge of a chair, thus leaving the upper part of the
body free; and then, by repeatedly holding in the breath,
he was able to extend the ribs towards the natural position.
He persevered in this way, and with the wet sheets, and in
a few days, without having any wound fever, he was able to
walk, and finally effected a perfect cure.
Having thus gained a little experience, he afterwards,
from time to time, found opportunity for performing cures
among his neighbors, and kinsfolks, until he had finally
a lopted all the various forms of applying water to the hu-
man body, and which has enabled him to practise the heal-
ing art with greater success than any other individual that
has ever lived in any age.
Gaining thus at first a kind of celebrity among his imme-
diate neighbors, it gradually spread until his house began to
be frequented by considerable numbers of sick persons from
adjoining parts. And although his cures were often of the
most astonishing kind, and generally performed gratuitously,
there were not wanting those who were anxious to put an end
to the "mischief," as it was called. The laws of the coun-
try are particularly severe upon quackery of every form;
128
HYDROPATHY; OR,
and no one is allowed to sell medicines of any kind except
those who are regularly certificated for that purpose.
One physician alleged that the sponges used by Priessnitz.
contained some remedial property, which, if true, would have
placed him under the jurisdiction of the law.
His sponges
were accordingly dissected and examined, and of course no-
thing found.
Another prosecuted him for quackery, pretending that he,
and not Priessnitz, had cured a certain miller of the gout.
Accordingly both the physician and Priessnitz, together with
the miller, were summoned before the court. The miller, in
answer to the question, who had relieved him, answered,
'both the doctor of my money and Priessnitz of my
gout." And thus Priessnitz was acquitted from this charge.
His government afterwards sent a commission of medical in-
quiry to Graefenberg, and finding that there was no quack-
ery about the establishment, that the only agent used was
pure water, with attention to air, exercise and diet, and that
his practice was not only entirely safe, but highly beneficial,
he was, on their favorable report, allowed to continue his
operations.
He has thus continued to go on, using only the simple
agent, pure water, for the treatment of all curable diseases,
and the relief of those that are incurable. Persons of all
ranks, grades, and professions, have placed themselves under
his charge; a large proportion being such as had failed by
every attempt to get relief in any other way. At present,
says Captain Claridge, (1841,) there are under his treatment.
an archduchess, ten princes and princesses, at least one
hundred counts and barons, military men of all grades, se.
THE WATER-CURE.
129
veral medical men, professors, advocates, &c.,-in all about
five hundred.
At first his numbers were comparatively small. In 1829
the number was only 45. In 1840, it was 1576. Between
1832 and 1842, he had treated in all 7500 patients, and of
this number Captain Claridge informs us he lost but 36.
This will appear remarkable, when it is remembered how
large a proportion of the whole number go there only as a
last resort, and whose diseases had withstood every other
kind of treatment, and, in many instances, for a great
length of time. Since 1840, his numbers have been a little
lessened, by the numerous similar establishments that have
been formed in different parts. Austria and Prussia have
afforded him the largest number.
The water-cure has now stood the test of more than
twenty years' experience. Some ten years ago the es-
tablishment of Priessnitz was the only one of the kind in
existence. Since that time they have increased in all to
about one hundred. They are scattered all over Germany.
Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Belgium, all have their water.
cure establishments. The government of France, like that
of Austria, sent an efficient medical officer to the Graefen-
berg establishment to inquire into its merits, and according-
ly they are rapidly multiplying there; and, latterly, Eng.
land is following the example of her continental neigh-
bors.
Of the correctness of the reports respecting the cures at
the Graefenberg establishment, and of the great power of
water, there can be no sort of question whatever.
Dr. Edward Johnson, for years a pupil of Sir Astley
6*
130
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Cooper, a practitioner of more than twenty years, in which
time he has had occasion to write at different times as
many as twenty thousand prescriptions in a single year,
a man well known as an author as well as a practitioner,
after remaining at Graefenberg during a whole winter, try-
ing the various processes upon his own person, and after
having abundant opportunity of witnessing the cures per-
formed there, says, "Priessnitz in his practice has met with
an amount of success perfectly unparallelled in the history
of disease and its treatment." And he further says, "I
am perfectly convinced that I can cure a greater number
of diseases, and in a shorter time, by the hydropathic treat-
ment, than I can by the exhibition of drugs; and that there
are many diseases which I can thus cure which are wholly
incurable by any other known means.
""
Again: Dr. Johnson says, "There is no well-educated
man in England, who dare, for his reputation's sake, refuse
to admit that a remedy which can produce (at will) the
most profuse perspiration, and which can also (at will) lower
the temperature, and the velocity of the heart's action, to
any given degree, even to the extinction of life-I say
there is no well-educated man in England who dare deny
that such a remedy must possess an immense power over
diseases of every kind."
Sir Charles Scudamore, in his valuable work on Hydro-
pathy, says, "The principles of the water-cure treatment
are founded in truth and nature, and rest, therefore, on an
immutable basis. The practice may be occasionally abused,
and then evil, instead of good, will result. If I could think
that such a consequence was necessary, I would not for one
moment be its advocate. But, convinced, as I am, that we
THE WATER-CURE.
131
have in our power a new and most efficacious agent, for the
alleviation of disease in various forms; and in proper hands
safe and effectual, I should be no friend to humanity nor to
medical science, if I did not give my testimony in its re-
commendation."
The Rev. John Wesley, A. M., published a work in 1747,
which went through thirty-four editions, called “Primitive
Physic, or, An Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most
Diseases." After deprecating the manner in which drugs
were employed in the healing art, he proceeds to speak of
the healing virtues of water; and it would seem by the list
of diseases given by him, as curable by the use of water,
that his observations were strikingly correct as to its pow-
ers as a remedy.
Of medicines, he says, "The common method of com-
pounding and decompounding medicines, can never be re-
conciled to common sense. Experience shows that one
thing will cure most disorders, as well as twenty put toge-
ther. Then why do you add the other nineteen? How
often, by thus compounding medicines of opposite qualities,
is the virtue of both utterly destroyed? Nay, how often
do those joined together destroy life, which singly might
have preserved it?"
This occasioned that caution of the great Boerhaave,
against mixing things without evident necessity, and with-
out full proof of the effect they will produce when joined.
together, as well as of that they produce when asunder;
seeing that several things which, separately taken, are safe
and powerful medicines, when compounded, not only lose.
their former powers, but become a strong and deadly poi-
son.
132
HYDROPATHY; OK,
As to the merits of the discoveries of Priessnitz, there
seems to be some difference of opinion, even among those
who admit his great and unexampled success in the treat-
ment of disease. Some would appear to inculcate that he
is only wisely, ingeniously, and energetically carrying out
principles and practices which have been understood and
practised from the time of Hippocrates down.
On this point, Sir Charles Scudamore holds the following
language "I think that some writers on Hydropathy
have not expressed sufficient praise and acknowledgment to
Priessnitz, as the inventor of a treatment constituting a
complete, systematic plan. To follow in a path, is always
comparatively easy. It is quite true, that parts of the whole
plan, and the principles, have been known and practised
since the time of Hippocrates, and by none more ably and
scientifically than the late Dr. Currie of Liverpool. But
all that can be quoted from history, bears no comparison.
with the regular and systematic whole which Priessnitz has
so happily constructed, and by which he has raised himself
an imperishable fame."
Of the abilities of Priessnitz, all are agreed, that for good
judgment, clearness, and decision of character, he is pecu-
liar. To the phrenologist, a few admeasurements of his
head will be interesting. As given by R. Beamish, Esq.,
they are as follows:
Circumference across brows,..
Circumference across causality,
Lateral arch from root of nose to occiput,.
Transverse arch, from ear to ear,
22 inches.
21
13%
14
12
"L
111
7
Height from root of nose to comparison,.
3
Anterior arch, from ear to ear,……...…..
Posterior,.
Anterior lobe,………….
THE WATER-CURE.
133
No line divides the perceptions from the reflecting pow-
ers, marking rapidity in forming a judgment on what the
perceptions take cognizance of. The middle line is well
developed, viz: Individuality, Eventuality, and Compari-
son. The perceptions are large; so also, Constructiveness
and Acquisitiveness; reflecting organs full. Of the senti
ments, Firmness, Benevolence, and Hope, are large; Con-
scientiousness is full, but Veneration only moderate. Self-
esteem and Approbation are large, Concentration full, the
domestic groupe moderate, Secretiveness very large, De-
structiveness large, Combativeness and Caution moderate.
The eyes are small, and are in constant motion; the lips,
are frequently compressed. The temperament is highly
nervous.
Priessnitz, notwithstanding his accumulation of wealth
(upwards of £50,000), his astounding success, and the man-
ner in which he is courted and respected by the first nobles
of Germany, is said to retain the humility of his former
station of life, that of a peasant.
"Some complain that he says too little," says Captain
Claridge;" "and some who go there merely to learn the
treatment, complain that he never explains any thing to
them." "It must be evident," he continues, "that a man
who has the whole year round from 500 to 600 patients,
besides the peasantry of the neighborhood that may require
his aid, cannot have much breath to throw away. Let any
person speak to him of his own, or of his family's case, and
they will find his reply that of a man of profound sense-
a reply which he never wishes to retract, and for which he
will give his reasons in the most unaffected manner possi-
ble. But in respect to the second complaint, it must be
134
HYDROPATHY; OR,
avowed that he has no very great regard for medical men,
because no one has suffered more from their vindictive feel-
ings than himself; besides, he has ever found it a work of
supererogation to endeavor to dispossess them of their pre-
judices; nor has he time or inclination to enter into dis-
putes upon a mode of treatment which he knows, as directly
emanating from nature, to be always true to herself."
As to theories respecting the action of water upon the
system, it cannot be expected that Priessnitz would be able
to give them in a very scientific form or mode of expression.
He deals more in facts than in theories.
His assertions are short, comprehensive, and full of mean-
ing. He says that the application of cold water cures
diseases by strengthening the general health and fortifying
the system; and this is precisely in accordance with Liebig,
when he says that the abstraction of heat cures diseases by
exalting and accelerating the transformation of tissues. And
again, when Priessnitz declares, as he does, that cold water
has a tendency to bring "bad stuff" out of the system, it
is in exact accordance with Liebig's declaration, that it pro-
motes the union of certain matters with oxygen, by which
they are carried out of the system, and which matters, if not
so carried out, become causes of disease. And the same
kind of reasoning on the nature of things has taught Priess-
nitz, as it has Liebig, and all other medical philosophers,
that all diseases must be cured by the inherent energies of
the living system itself. According to Dr. Gregory, "all
remedies are merely to be employed with the view of placing
the body under the most favorable circumstances for resist-
ing diseases."
According to Scudamore, he has "one single theory of
THE WATER-CURE.
135
disease, which serves for all persons and all disorders; that,
viz., of the humoral pathology, upon a general principle, not
attempting any division of the humors, according to the
ancient physicians, but contented to believe, that in every
disease the blood is more or less charged with morbid mat-
ter; and which nature is always ready to throw out of the
system, if properly assisted in her efforts. He considers
that the use of medicine of every kind is a false interference
with nature, and tends to interfere with her efforts; and
that, on the other hand, if fortified and assisted by the
agency of water, internally and externally, in conjunction.
with good air, abundant exercise, and the avoidance of
hurtful stimulants, she will acknowledge the help given, and
will, in a longer or shorter time, throw off disease; usually
rendering a proof of such salutary operation, by the pro-
duction of some kind of crisis."
Respecting this doctrine, the Humoral Pathology, by
which all diseases are attributed to a diseased state of the
fluids of the body, it may be said physicians are beginning
to admit that there is more of truth in it than has generally
been admitted.
The simplicity of the remedy in the water-cure is a mat-
ter of objection by many, and may be the means of leading
those into its practice who are in every way unqualified.
The agent being one of great power for good or evil, it will
in such hands be liable to the most disastrous consequences.
Priessnitz never treats two patients precisely alike. This
shows the necessity, not only of understanding all the vari
ous applications of water, but also of possessing a thorough
knowledge of the human system, both in health and disease.
Priessnitz, by his doings, has proved to the world two
136
HYDROPATHY; OR,
things: first, that the water-cure is the most natural and
best system of treatment; and second, that he is a man
possessing a genius most remarkable. As an example of
the power of the remedy, of his skill, and of the necessity
of understanding well the treatment, take the following
case from Captain Claridge:
A person who had recently lost his wife and two children,
was attacked with brain fever. Priessnitz ordered him a
tepid bath, in which he sat and was rubbed by two men,
who were occasionally changed. The man became so de-
ranged, that it was with difficulty that he could be kept in
the bath. In ordinary cases, this disease succumbs to the
treatment in two or three hours; but the patient in this
case became speechless at the end of this time.
Priessnitz, with that coolness which is so leading a fea-
ture in his character, said, "Keep on until he either talks
much or goes to sleep." The latter the man at last did,
but not until he had been in the bath for nine hours and a
half, when he fell asleep from exhaustion at half past ten at
night. He was then put to bed, and the next day the fever
had left him, and, though weak, he was able to walk about.
If, in this case, Priessnitz had become alarmed, after the
first two or three hours, and had discontinued the mode of
treatment, to try some other experiment, the consequence
might have proved fatal.
THE WATER-CURE.
137
CHAPTER IV.
Dr. Billing's Theory of Disease. By Dr. Ed. Johnson.
THE "First Principles of Medicine," by Dr. Billing, is a
work too well known, and too universally esteemed, to need
any encomium from me. For years no medical work has
issued from the press, which was received by medical critics
and the medical profession at large with such universal ap-
probation as this of Dr. Billing. In every medical library.
it took its place at once, as a standard work, and remains
so to the present hour. Though essentially theoretical, yet
its theories are everywhere so completely supported by mul
tiplied practical facts and illustrations, which its author's
position as a senior physician to the London hospital enabled
him to accumulate-and the amount of clinical information.
with which it abounds is so great, the simplicity of its style
so felicitous, while the common sense plainness with which
the questions are argued is so strong and convincing, that
its hypotheses have almost the force of facts.
It will be observed how beautifully Liebig's theory of life,
(as far as it regards morbid actions,) and Billing's theory of
disease, reciprocally support each other-and both, the prin
ciples of the water-cure.
Dr. Billing's theory is, that "all" diseases are caused by
impressions made on the nervous centres or their nerves, by
which the nervous influence, (whatever it be,) is exhausted
or morbidly diminished. That the capillary blood-vessels
138
HYDROPATHY; OR,
}
which (in health) are always held in a state of semi-con-
traction (tone) by virtue of this nervous influence, shed upon
them by the nerves, become relaxed and weakened—(Liebig's
diminution of vital resistance)—having their diameters en-
larged, whenever the exhausted nerves fail in supplying
them with the quantity of nervous influence necessary to
preserve their tone, or state of semi-contraction upon their
contents. That the weakened, relaxed, and enlarged capil
laries now admit a larger current of blood, whose motion
through them becomes slower. That they are, in fact, in a
state of congestion. And that altered function or functional
disease is the result of this altered condition of the capil-
laries, and altered size and altered velocity of the stream of
blood which they carry. When this congestion takes place
in the veins, it constitutes simple congestion-when in the
arteries, it is accompanied by degeneration of the arterial
coats-and now takes the name of inflammation. This de-
generation of the coats of the inflamed arteries is Liebig's
excessive action of the destructive force of oxygen-the
enlarged arteries now containing an excessive quantity of
oxydised blood, while the resistance opposed to its influence
is (as we have just seen) diminished. This degeneration does
not take place in the veins, observes Dr. Billing. No-
because the veins do not contain oxydised blood.
Man is almost entirely composed of capillary vessels. His
body may be compared to a sack stuffed with hair, every
hair being a tube, of a determinate diameter, (which particu
lar diameter is necessary to the condition of health,) and
carrying a stream of fluid, which stream must also be of a
determinate size. And this bundle of capillary or hair-like
tubes is everywhere permeated by nervous filaments or
THE WATER-CURE.
139
threads, which shed upon them their electroid influence,
whose office it is to preserve their tone or necessary diameter
upon the preservation of which their healthy functions
depend. When any cause deprives them of a due supply
of the electroid or nervous influence, by exhausting the
nervous system or any part of it, the healthy diameter is
lost, becoming larger, and they now admit too large a cur.
rent of fluid, and the velocity of its fluxion is retarded, pro-
ducing congestion.
When any cause, as the exhibition of stimulants, elicits
from the nerves too great a quantity of nervous influence,
then also the healthy diameter is lost, but in a contrary di-
rection. The diameter now becomes too small-the vessels
contract too much-and the size of the current of fluid is
now too much diminished. This illustration will, I trust,
enable the unprofessional reader clearly to understand Dr.
Billing's beautiful theory of disease.
Inflammation, then, consists of weakened, relaxed, en.
larged, arterial capillaries, admitting a too large current of
blood, whose progress through them is also retarded, giving
rise to congestion or engorgement, degeneration of their
coats, and consequent alteration of their secretions.
"All the business," says Dr. Billing, "of constant sup-
port and renewal of parts, and supply of secretions, as the
growth or repair of bone, muscle, membrane, and other
structures, the formation of bile, saliva, mucous, and other
secretions, is carried on by the extreme minute branches of
the blood vessels; and whilst these preserve their proper
size and tone, all goes on well; when their action is de-
ranged, disease commences, often prefaced by pain, or other
disorders of the nerves." "Some capillaries are too small
140
HYDROPATHY; OR,
to admit many of the red particles (oxydised blood-globules)
unless when they are enlarged by inflammation, as in the
eye, which, when inflamed, changes from white to red; be-
sides that, even the red capillaries are so minute, that they
are not visible individually to the naked eye, till enlarged
by inflammation." "During health the capillary arteries go
on with their work of nutrition and secretion, the muscles
are fed, the mucous surfaces are lubricated just enough to
prevent any sensation from the substances which pass along
them, the serous surfaces are made sufficiently moist to
slide upon each other without sensation, and the skin is
kept soft by an insensible vapor. Al this time there is
another process going on also, which is the removal of su-
perfluous matter by the absorbents: if it were not for these,
there would be inconvenient accumulation of what is de.
posited by the arteries."
"The deposit or precipitation of solid matter by the arte-
ries is not difficult to be understood; and we can, by refer-
ence to chemical action, account for the removal also of
solids; for solids become fluid or gaseous, by what is called
spontaneous decomposition," (Liebig calls it transformation
of tissues by the chemical action of oxygen,) " and thus re-
movable by absorbents."
"The action of the arteries also is acknowledged to be
contraction, whether considered muscular or not; but there
is some difference of opinion as to the degree of action of
the arteries in inflamed parts. It is very common to say,
that in inflammation there is an increase of arterial action ;
but a consideration of the phenomena, and of the nature of
arterial action, will show that in INFLAMED PARTS the CA-
PILLARY ARTERIES ARE WEAKER in their action; that there
THE WATER-CURE.
141
is diminished ARTERIAL ACTION, for the action of arteries
is contraction. Now the arteries in inflamed parts are evi-
dently larger than before-less contracted-that is, acting
less."
"It is the opinion of some persons even at the present
day, that the motion of the blood is accelerated in inflamed
parts; though the experiments of Parry and others prove
the contrary to be the case, as follows from the capillary ar-
teries being enlarged; inasmuch as where fluid passes
through a given space, the current beyond that will be
slower in proportion to the wideness of the channel; as in
a wide part of a river, where the current becomes slower;
and the same may be observed by passing water, mixed with
grains of amber, through a glass tube with a bulbous en-
largement in the middle; the current will slacken in the
bulb, and resume its velocity beyond it."
"The difference between congestion and inflammation is,
that in congestion there is merely distension of the vessels;
in inflammation there is, in addition, alteration of tissue-
actual deterioration, more or less of the structure of the
capillaries. **** The fault commences in the tissue. As
soon as a want of that harmony between the nerves and
capillaries, which is necessary to organization, takes place,
their fine tissue begins to compose," (the action of oxygen
becomes, according to Liebig, greater than the resistance
of the vital force-the same sense expressed in different
language,)"the particles which were held together by this
inscrutable agency begin to be precipitated from one ano-
ther, &c., &c."
"When accidental mechanical injury, or other cause,
changes the action of the capillaries, either by a direct im-
142
HYDROPATHY; OR,
:
pression on themselves, or by primarily injuring their
nerves, the derangement of their action is the commencement
of disease-secretions become altered, checked, or profuse
nutrition is either diminished so as to produce emaciation,
or there is an excessive deposition-vapory exhalations are
diminished to dryness, or increased to fluid-bony matter is
deposited in wrong places-or albuminous, fatty, or other
particles, so as to constitute tumors-the nerves of parts
become morbidly sensible, so as to derange the func-
tions of those parts-portions, on losing their vitality, un-
dergo spontaneous decomposition, (destructive action of
oxygen, either owing to an unwonted quantity of oxydised
blood being carried to the part, or from the diminished re-
sistance of the vital force,) and are removed by the absorb-
ents."
66
Irritation, continued excitation of the nerves of a
healthy part, as just shown, at last produces inflammation,
by exhausting that nervous influence which gives the capil
laries power; they thus become weakened, allow of over-
distension, and the part is in the state of inflammation or
congestion." "Thus, in a part inflamed, there is dimi-
nution of organic action, (contraction,) in consequence of
which the blood is admitted in excess. As long as the ca-
pillaries are supplied with nervous influence, as long as they
possess perfect organic action (contraction) they preserve a
due size; when they lose it, either from the influence not
being supplied from the nervous system, or are robbed of it
by heat, electricity, cantharides, or any other cause, they give
way, and admit more blood than before.”
Having given this explanation of the nature of inflam.
mation, (which is also maintained by many other very able
THE WATER-CURE.
143
writers, as Professor Macartney, I think, and several others,
and proved by the microscopic observations of German ex-
perimentalists,) he proceeds to show that fever and that
class of diseases called neuroses, or nervous disorders, as
chorea, hysteria, tetanus, epilepsy, &c.-all those diseases
which are characterized by irritation or morbid sensibility-
consist in inflammation, that is, a relaxed, enlarged, and
congested condition of the capillary arteries of the nerves
—in a word, inflammation of the nerves. Indeed, if Dr.
Billing be right in his assertion, (and I see not how it can
possibly be refuted,) that all diseases have exhausted nervous
influence for their cause, then it follows that all diseases
whatever must consist essentially in weakened, enlarged,
and congested capillaries, since the relaxation of the capil
laries must be the first effect which is produced by exhaust-
ing that influence which alone preserves to them their normal
size or diameter.
Thus there
Such being the one proximate cause or essential nature
of all disease, the principle of cure is one also.
is (properly) but one disease, and one cure.
The proximate cause is relaxation and enlargement of
the capillaries-the indication of cure, therefore, is to con-
stringe the capillaries, to cause them to contract and resume
their healthy dimensions.
Dr. Billing having established this position by a multitude
of illustrations and practical facts well known to medical
men, together with illustrative cases of particular diseases,
as rheumatism, palsy, dropsy, consumption, skin diseases,
hysteria, nervous affections, locked jaw, gout, &c. &c.,
then proceeds to show that all medicines, numerous as they
are, together with bleeding, produce their good effects on
144
HYDROPATHY; OR,
disease by the power, and in proportion to the power, which
they possess, directly or indirectly, of causing the relaxed
capillaries to contract and resume their healthy dimensions.
He reduces all medicines whatever to no more than four
-sedatives, tonics, narcotics, stimulants.
Sedatives, direct and indirect, amongst which are includ-
ed purgatives, emetics, and bleeding, are such as "diminish
the action of the heart and other organs by repressing the
nervous influence," thus lessening the velocity with which
the capillaries are supplied with blood by the injecting force
of the heart; and such as, by emptying the capillaries, fa-
cilitate their contraction by removing or lessening the re-
sistance offered to their contracting sides by the contained
blood.
Tonics are such as, being circulated in the blood through
the capillaries, have the direct effect of constringing them;
or causing them to contract upon their contents, and thus
to force or squeeze the fluid onwards.
Stimulants are such as elicit from the nerves a tempora-
ry, forced, and more than ordinary quantity of nervous in-
fluence, causing a corresponding degree of capillary con-
traction. But the effect of these last remedies is but tem-
porary, since all forced excitement of the nervous centres
must ever be followed by a corresponding degree of exhaus-
tion.
Narcotics are such as, by dulling the sensibility of the
nervous system, procure sleep, and thus afford an opportu-
nity to the inherent curative power, or vis medicatrix na-
turæ, to restore the tone, or normal degree of contraction,
of the capillaries.
Thus, then, however numerous be the forms or symptoms
THE WATER-CURE.
145
of disease, there is, de facto, but one disease. And, how.
ever numerous may be the means and appliances of the
healing art, there is in fact but one intention to be fulfilled
-the restoration of the capillaries to their normal dimen-
sions by constringing their coats.
I was once asked by a physician, for whose talents I en-
tertain the highest respect, how I reconciled with this theory
that disease called worms in the bowels. But to this I re-
plied, that a worm in the bowels, UNTIL IT HAS PRODUCED
IRRITATION, is no more a disease than a fly on the hand, or
a flea on the back-and when that irritation has been pro-
duced, then it is that IRRITATION which constitutes the dis-
ease, of which the worm was the REMOTE CAUSE, as a mus-
quito is the remote cause of the inflammation which i's bite
produces-and we have already seen that irritation, (which
Dr. Billing with much more propriety calls morbid sensibil-
ity,) consists in inflammation of the capillaries of the nerves.
But no one would think of calling a musquito a disease !
It is the inefficiency of drugs which has multiplied their
number. Two, or two thousand, are required, because there
is not one which can be depended on. If one could be dis-
covered which would always effectually produce the neces-
sary degree of capillary contraction, then that one would be
sufficient.
'In some cases of discase," says Dr. Billing, "when the
secretions of the skin and kidneys are deficient, we renew
them by bleeding, digitalis, antimony, &c., which lower the
force of the pulse, thereby diminishing the distension of the
capillaries, in conformity with the above statement.
Medicines, such as mercury, iodine, &c., have an effect
on the arteries themselves, directly or through the nerves,
7
146
HYDROPATHY; OR,
so as to make the inflamed capillaries CONTRACT independ-
ently of the consideration of the vis à tergo (state of the
heart's action) or quantity of circulating fluid.
"Inflammation is always the same debility of capillaries."
"We see that solutions of metallic salts, such as nitrate
of silver, tartar emetic, acetate of lead, bichloride of mercu-
ry, &c., and some acrid vegetables, such as mezereon, &c.,
act on the capillaries as ASTRINGENTS.'
"We know that substances applied to the primæ viæ, or
skin, are absorbed and carried into the circulation, and we
judge that in this way these metallic salts, oxydes, &c., are
carried to the capillaries of diseased parts, and strengthen
and cure.
"All organic action is contraction." All organic or ani-
mal strength, therefore, depends upon the power of the dif
ferent parts of the body to contract. And, for the same
reason, all animal weakness depends upon a loss, more or
less, of the power of contraction. And again, for the same
reason, all remedies which strengthen can only do so by in-
creasing the power of contraction.*
"Mercury and iodine remove morbid growths by starving
them, which they effect by contracting the capillaries."
I therefore consider mercury neither stimulant nor seda-
tive, but tonic; that is, by its specific action on the capilla-
ries, whether directly on their tissue, or through the medium
of their nerves, it causes them to contract."
"When introduced into the system, it (mercury) circu-
lates through the capillaries, and gives them tone to contract.
* See this same argument enforced under the head of contracting, in
my work on "Life, Health, and Disease."
THE WATER-CURE.
147
Liquor arsenicalis (solution of arsenic), nitrate of silver, the
sulphates of copper and iron, mezereon, dulcamara, calchi-
cum, &c., have a similar action. This is also the rationale
of the mode of operation of the so-called alteratives, and of
what is called stimulating the secretions of the internal or-
gans. When their capillaries are weak, they have their tone
restored by mercury, and the secretions are thus renewed;
but it should not be forgotten that mercury, like some other
tonics, in excess becomes poisonous; and may cause inflam-
mation in other parts, as it does in the gums, on the princi-
ple adduced before, that one degree of contraction of the ca-
pillaries is necessary to reduce inflammation, while a still
further degree will stop nutrition and bring on wasting and
disease."
"And to this influence (constringing the capillaries) I at-
tribute the universal efficacy of antimony as an antiphlo-
gistic remedy, it being doubly valuable in acute cases, from
its sedative effects on the heart and pulse, combined with
its locally tonic or astringent effects on the capillaries of in-
flamed or congested parts, as well as on those of all the se-
creting structures.
"I think from the various statements already made, it
may be deduced, that the diseases of morbid sensibility,
were it proved that they depend upon inflammation," (and
Dr. Billing has endeavored to show that they do,) are not
curable by common depletion: the medullary tissue is too fine
to be affected by the force of the circulation, or relieved by
taking off the vis à tergo, by bleeding, digitalis, &c.: hence
neuralgia, tetanus, hydrophobia, chorea, hysteria, &c., must
be reached through the circulation, by what have been called
148
HYDROPATHY; OR,
tonics, iron, bark, arsenic, &c."-and we have seen that
these operate only by constringing the capillaries.
"Inflammation is that which destroys the life of the part,
whereupon the separation of the dead portion takes place :"
this is nothing more than Liebig's theory of the destructive
force of oxygen, told in other and more general terms.
But it is not necessary further to multiply quotations from
Dr. Billing's first principles. The whole scope and tenden-
cy of that work is to prove the position that there is but one
immediate cause of disease, viz. weakness, or exhausted ner-
vous energy—but one disease, viz. a relaxed and congested
condition of the vital capillaries-and but one remedy, viz.
the restoration of the capillaries to their normal or natural
dimensions.
It is true Dr. Billing admits of four different kinds of re-
medies, but we have already seen that these are but four
different instruments for enabling us to produce one grand
effect, and this is, in every case, the restoration of the ca-
pillaries to their healthy size. Even narcotics, given to pro-
cure sleep, would be of but little service, if they did not more
than this; for the pain or other disease would return on
waking. But they do, indirectly, more than this-for, by
procuring sleep, they give time and opportunity to the in-
herent powers of the system to restore the capillaries to their
healthy standard degree of semi-contraction-in one word,
to recover their tone.
Now how does all this bear upon the hydropathic treat-
ment of disease? In what manner does Dr. Billing's theory
of disease support, and justify, and recommend that treat-
ment? It bears upon it immediately, and in the strongest
and most conclusive manner. According to Dr. Billing's
THE WATER-CURE.
149
theory, the great object is, in all cases, to unload the en-
gorged capillaries, and to constringe their coats. What are
the two main features of the hydropathic treatment ?-pro-
fuse sweating, and the application (partial or general, as cir-
cumstances may require) of cold- that is, profuse sweating
to unload the capillaries, and the application of cold to con-
stringe their coats. For I suppose it will not be denied by
any one, for a moment, that cold possesses this power of con-
stringing the living fibre in a most remarkable degree. Both
surgery and medicine are perpetually compelled to resort to
cold water and even ice for this express purpose, as, for in-
stance, in hæmorrhages, the reduction of strangulated her-
nia, &c. The efficacy of cold wet cloths, applied either in
the inside of the thighs, or to the back, in bleeding from the
nose, is sufficiently well known, and even proverbial. That
feeling of creeping, chilliness, and even shivering, which is
produced by the application of cold, is a very common and
well marked proof of the very powerful influence of cold in
constringing the capillary vessels.
The mode of operation of the hydropathic treatment may
be illustrated by what is done in the dropsy of the belly.
The surgeon first taps the belly, and draws off the water.
Then he applies around it a bandage, in order to support its
loose and flaccid sides, and assist it in recovering its natural
dimensions. This is precisely what the hydropathic treat-
ment does in ordinary diseases-inflammations, fevers, the
neuroses, &c., &c.,-it taps the capillaries (by sweating),
and then supports and constringes their sides, by the cold
bath.
Dr. Billing himself seems fully aware of the value of cold
water and cold air, as a remedy. At page 23, after des-
150
HYDROPATHY; OR,
cribing inflammation to consist of weakened, relaxed, and
congested capillaries, he says: "The way to diminish the
inflammation is by increasing the action (contraction) of
the arteries, as by cold or astringents, which make the ar-
teries contract, that is, increase their action."
"When the congestion or inflammation subsides without
solution of continuity, it is called resolution; and it is very
intelligible how cold and astringents promote this desirable.
termination." Again: "A still farther proof that they
(the capillaries) are in a state of morbid congestion, is the
effect of cold to the loins, in renewing the secretions; AND
THE CONSTRINGING EFFECT OF COLD WATEK, or cool air, in
promoting the secretion of insensible perspiration, and there-
by softening the congested skin, in scarlatina."
66
By studying the operations of nature,* we are led to
imitate by analogy. Independently of the regulation of
temperature, the usual benefit derived from a poultice is that
of preventing premature scabbing, by the soft moisture as-
sisting the pus to protect the granulations. The German
water-dressing has much the advantage over the poultice."
And again:
"Cold will cause the vessels to shrink.” The
effect of cold water in constringing the capillaries, that is,
in causing them to shrink, may at any time be witnessed
by plunging the hand, when hot, into cold water. When
a person has been heated by exercise, the veins on the back
of the hand will be observed, in most persons, to be very
enlarged and in delicate, thin, and weakly persons, they
are almost always so towards evening. Whenever these
* It is this "studying the operations of nature" to which the late Sir
A. Cooper was so largely indebted for his cxtraordinary success in
surgical practice.
THE WATER-CURE.
151
veins are in this condition, if the hand be plunged into cold
water, and held there for a short time, they will be found
greatly diminished in size when the hand is withdrawn.
"But often," says Dr. Billing, "the case is more obsti-
nate, and a torpid, congested, or perhaps we should say sub-
acutely inflamed, state of the liver, requires not merely re-
peated doses of calomel or other materials, but leeches and
poultices, or cold wet cloths to the epigastrium," (region of
stomach.) And here, in a note, he observes, "the applica-
tion of cold is, I think, not sufficiently often used in inflam-
mation of the viscera of the chest and abdomen when the
surface becomes decidedly hot."
"Some years ago, a
Speaking of consumption, he says:
gentleman of the name of Stewart adopted a rational mode
of treatment, with which he had considerable success; but,
because he could not work miracles, his plan was unjustly
depreciated. His method was entirely tonic, and especially
the cautious use of cold and tepid ablutions of the skin-a
modification of cold bathing—a remedy that is found so
universally beneficial in promoting the resolution of stru
mous (scrofulous) tumors.
"One thing of which I am convinced is, that the true
principle of treating consumption is to support the patient's
strength to the utmost"-and it must be remembered that
the grand aim and principal effect of the water-cure,
is to strengthen the system, thereby giving the inherent
curative power the fairest opportunity of doing its own
work.
Again: “Schwann, (Muller's Handbuch der Physiologie,
Coblenz, 1833,) by experiment on the mesenteric arteries.
of small living animals, has demonstrated that I was right
152
HYDROPATHY; OR,
as to the modus operandi of cold as a remedial agent in
inflammation”—viz. that it acts by constringing the capil-
laries.
With regard to the oneness of the effect to be produced,
in treating diseases, notwithstanding the hosts of different
drugs and chemicals with which our national pharmacopoeia
groans, Dr. Billing has the following observations: “I have
explained how some medicines become useful in such a
variety of diseases as almost to realize the dreams of the
ancients and alchymists respecting a panakeia, or an elixir
vitæ ; and thus why one empirical remedy, antimony, held
the reins of the "currus triumphalis" until superseded by
the more modern blue pill. I have shown that tonics are
not stimulants; and why they may be combined advanta-
geously with sedatives, with stimulants, or with narcotics
(the ultimate effect of all being the same); how stimu
lants are tonic; how sedatives are tonic; how narcotics are
tonic. I have shown how every medical man has his hobby
to carry him to the same point, which, though he thinks it
very different from his neighbor's, is as like it as one four-
legged jade is to another; how one man thinks he has made
a discovery that he can cure cholera with sugar of lead,
and that there is nothing equal to it; whilst tartar emetic,
calomel, Epsom or Glauber's salts, or common salt, or mus-
tard, or lemonade, or vinegar and water, &c., &c., will do
the same thing; though none of them more quickly carry
off the vomiting and purging than two of these hobbies in
double harness-tartar emetic with some neutral salt, I care
little which."
Thus, then, it will be perceived that the reason why we
have such a multiplicity of effects to be produced, is be.
THE WATER-CURE.
153
cause there is not one out of all our drugs which can be re-
lied on, at all times, for producing the one effect desired.
That one effect is the constringing of the capillaries to
their normal diameters, when they have become weakened,
enlarged, and congested-and in producing this effect cold
water never fails.
These last observations of Dr. Billing (and indeed his
whole theory) are a complete answer to those who object
to the water-cure on account of its apparent oneness and
simplicity; since he shows that there is but one proximate
cause of all diseases, and that but one remedy is necessary;
and that the great multitude of drugs has only arisen from
the inefficiency of any one of them, at all times, to produce
the desired effect. According to Dr. Billing, there is
scarcely any one drug which would not alone be sufficient
to cure almost any disease, provided that one could always
be relied on to empty and constringe the capillaries. And
he clearly states that different drugs are only so many dif
ferent means by which different practitioners produce the
same effects.
Now, then, if it be true that the one great effect to be
brought about in the treatment of all diseases be to unload
and constringe the capillaries, how can this be better
achieved than by profuse perspiration and the cold bath?
The hydropathic treatment, which unloads the capillaries
by sweating, and constringes them by cold, is clearly an
efficient substitute for bleeding, purging, vomiting, uva ursi,
digitalis, antimony, mercury, arsenic, nitrate of silver, sul-
phate of copper, iodine, iron, and multitudes of other re-
medies, enumerated by Dr. Billing as being beneficial
7*
154
HYDROPATHY; OR,
merely by their powers of unloading and constringing the
capillaries.
"In fact," says Dr. Billing, "experience proves that
cold to the head, with moderate saline and other sedative
medicine, will cure typhus, or prevent the typhous state.
from occurring in synocha; whereas when wine, with or
without opiates, is employed, the disease frequently proves.
fatal. I had one very useful opportunity of seeing the con-
trast of the different modes of practice during the fever
which prevailed in Italy, 1817, the proportionate mortality
being very much greater in an hospital, where the stimulant
practice prevailed, than in that under the direction of Dr.
Aglietti, in Venice, who (I suppose out of compliment) called
his manner of practice the English, consisting of contra
stimulants (sedative evacuants), antimony, salts, purgatives,
&c., internally, with the external application of cold water
and free ventilation.'
""
Such are the opinions of Dr. Billing with regard to the
nature of disease, and with regard also to the modus oper-
andi of all medicines whatever, in curing it, viz., by empty-
ing, constringing, and strengthening the weakened, relaxed,
and gorged capillary arteries. And if these opinions be
true, the hydropathic treatment is obviously and even
glaringly a remedy of almost universal application-if not
to cure, at least to relieve-since its two grand features are
those of sweating, and then of constringing, strengthening,
and giving tone to the whole capillary system. And yet,
opposed as this treatment is, without consideration, by the
great body of medical men, if I were to repeat all the lauda-
tions bestowed on Dr. Billing's book, both by the medical
THE WATER-CURE.
155
press, and private individual practitioners, they would fill a
volume.
But it requires very close attention, habits of reflection,
and a perfect freedom from all prejudice, in order to dis-
cover how completely principles sometimes agree even
where the practice is exceedingly different. And indeed to
illustrate the truth is one of the objects of Dr. Billing's
work-to show how the different hobbies of different medi-
cal men are all carrying their unconscious masters to one
and the same point-capillary contraction. And when we
recollect that all the functions of life are performed in and
by these same capillaries, we ought not to be at all surprised
to find that it is upon these that all causes of disease pro-
duce their first impressions; these are the organs whose ac-
tions first become deranged: and that it is upon these that
all remedial agents must be made to operate, in the treat-
ment and cure of all disorders.
Such are the views and opinions of Dr. Billing. And it
must be remembered that Dr. Billing is no obscure physi-
cian-all theory, and no practice-but that he has been for
years, and is still, senior physician to one of the largest hos-
pitals in England, viz., the London-enjoying a field for
practical observation and experiment which can fall to the
lot of but few.
I will make only one more quotation-its object is still
farther to show that the simplicity and apparent oneness of
the hydropathic treatment is no argument against it, disease
itself being more simple and more unique than is generally
supposed. Thus Dr. Billing cures ague, blue cholera, and
influenza, on the same principles, and with the same reme-
:
156
HYDROPATHY; OR,
dies, epsom salts, and antimony, and sometimes bleeding.
Yet there can scarcely be three diseases more apparently
dissimilar-and certainly no three diseases can differ more
as to severity and the degree of danger. "There is,"
says Dr. Billing, "but one simple fever, and which is ex-
anthematous (eruptive), petechial, though the rash may
never be sensibly developed, as in scarlatina maligna; and
it is continued, synochous, (synocha, duvexw), whether with
high or low pulse, high or low temperature; and that, when
the sensorium is oppressed in addition, it is typhous." This
whole passage is printed, in Dr. Billing's book, in italics.
It is surprising to me how Dr. James Johnson could speak.
in such high terms of praise concerning Dr Billing's views
of disease, and of the modus operandi of all remedial treat-
ment, and yet that he should write disparagingly concerning
hydropathy-since the whole of Dr. Billing's work is, de
facto, one long argument in its favor.
Thus I have shown that the principles of hydropathy are
in strict harmony with the opinions held, and the doctrines
publicly taught, by two of the most celebrated and scientific
men (each in his own department,) with regard to the na-
ture of life, health, and disease, and the true end and object
of all remedial treatment, viz., Liebig and Billing—the two
Atridæ of medical science-the Agamemnon and Menelaus
-the duw xoonTogs hawv-of the medical profession.
I will now quit the more particular arguments of science,
and endeavor to show that all general reasoning—all anal-
ogy-all the deductions of experience-also unite to add.
their testimony to that already given.
With regard to any danger to be apprehended from the
hydropathic treatment, it only differs from ordinary prac-
THE WATER-CURE.
157
tice just thus much. In ordinary practice, even in the most
skilful hands, there is always more or less danger, in the ad-
ministration of the most common and useful drugs, for all
these are poisons of the most virulent kind, as mercury,
arsenic, prussic acid, opium, oil of vitriol, aquafortis, lunar
caustic, iodine, strychnine (nux vomica), copperas, &c.,
&c., all medicines daily and hourly administered internally,
whereas in the practice of hydropathy there is never any
danger at all-provided always it be practised by competent
persons.
It is evident to the most ordinary understanding that such
virulent poisons as those mentioned above, and which are
in hourly use, cannot be introduced into the human sto-
ach, even in minute doses, without always doing a certain
amount of mischief-and indeed this is admitted on all
hands—and that even minute doses may, and often do, in
delicate habits, or from some peculiar diathesis, produce
very powerful and dangerous effects. A case in point oc-
curred, some time since, in one of our hospitals. A wo-
man had been taking mercury-and one day, while sitting
up in bed, eating some broth, her head fell suddenly forward,
and she died instantly. A post-mortem examination ex-
plained the mystery. The atlas-a pivot which supports
the head, and on which it turns-had been eaten away by
the mercury until it became too weak to support the weight
of the head. It snapped while bending over her broth, the
neck became bent double, and instant death ensued, the in-
evitable consequence of compression of the spinal cord by
the doubling of the neck.
Strychnine, according to Andral, produces softness of the
brain. A young lady, having paralysis of the lower ex-
158
HYDROPATHY; OR,
tremities, after trying many remedies, was recommended by
her physician to rub in strychnine. After a time she went
to a watering place, and there died. Dr. Pereira, of the
London Hospital, commenting on this case in his lectures,
declared that he had no doubt that this young lady's death
was hastened by the strychnine.
In a case of paralysis at the Dreadnought Hospital, strych-
nine was exhibited, at first in doses of one-sixteenth of a
grain three times a-day, then one-eighth, then one-fourth,
then one-half, all without any apparent effect. But one
night the surgeon was suddenly called to the man, who was
said to be in a fit. It was a first attack of tetanus, or
cramp. This first attack was almost succeeded by a se-
cond, which killed him. There can be no doubt that it was
the strychnine which destroyed him.
That hydropathy can kill-and that it may kill--in the
hands of the ignorant practitioner-is perfectly true. It
would not be worth two straws if it could not. For that
which, when abused, can do no harm, cannot be capable of
much good when properly used. Such a remedy is mere
chip in porridge." But where hydropathy has destroyed
a single victim, the practice of medicine has slain its tens
of millions-a position so notoriously true that I scarcely
think any medical man of character will be found to ques-
tion it. And the danger to be dreaded from the use of
deadly drugs is greatly augmented by the great diversity of
opinions which are entertained as to the effects which they
produce on the body, frequently causing one drug to be
given with the view of producing two opposite effects.
In a very learned and laborious work published by Dr.
THE WATER-CURE.
159
Pereira, one of the physicians to the London Hospital, and
chemical professor at that institution, entitled "Elements
of Materia Medica," occur the following passages on the
subjects of opium and mercury, two drugs more universally
in use than any other two in the whole list. "Several
physicians," says Dr. Pereira, "as Dr. John Murray, and
Dr. Anthony Todd Thomson, consider opium to be prima-
rily stimulant; some, as Drs. Cullen and Barbier, regard it
as sedative" (that is, just the contrary to stimulant); “one,
viz. Dr. Mayer, as both—that is, a stimulant to the nerves
and circulatory system, but a sedative to the muscles and
digestive organs; another, viz. Orfila, regards it as neither;
while others, as Muller, call it alterative." Now here are
five different men holding no fewer than five different opin-
ions with regard to the effects produced on the body by this
deadly drug, opium. When these five physicians give opi-
um, it is clear that they give it with the view of producing
five different and contradictory effects!
But Dr. Pereira proceeds thus with regard to mercury:
"Again, mercury is, by several writers, as Drs. Cullen,
Young, Chapman, and Eberle, placed in the class of sialo-
gogues; by many, as Drs. A. T. Thomson, Edwards, Va-
vasseur, Trouseau, and Pidoux, among excitants; by some,
as Conradi, Bertele, and Horn, it is considered to be seda-
tive; by one, Dr. Wilson Philip, to be stimulant in small
doses, and sedative in large ones; by some, as Dr. John
Murray, it is placed among tonics; by another, viz. Vogt,
among the resolventia alterantia; by one, viz. Sundelin,
among the liquifacients; by the followers of Broussais, as
Begin, among revulsives; by the Italians, as Giaccomini,
1.60
HYDROPATHY; OR,
among contra stimulants, or hyposthenics; by others, as
Barbier, among the incertæ sedis-or those drugs whose
modus operandi is not understood.
After reading such a statement as this, one can hardly
be surprised that the word physician should have been de-
fined to signify, "a man who puts drugs, of which he knows
nothing, into a stomach of which he knows less.'
""
With regard to any danger likely to result from going
into the cold bath when covered with perspiration, such
danger is perfectly chimerical, and a mere popular fallacy
-contrary to all the deductions of science-contrary to all
daily and hourly experience ever since the creation of the
world—and for which no shadow of a physiological reason
can be given; while all physiological reasoning goes direct-
ly to prove that it is safer to go into cold water when the
temperature of the skin has been raised, than when it has
not been raised; and that if there be danger at all, it is going
into cold water without first raising the temperature-and
in this there certainly is some danger. And of course it is
with the elevated temperature that we have to deal in this
argument, and not with the mere presence of perspiration on
the external surface. For it can certainly be a matter of no
importance whether the skin be covered with a certain
quantity of that peculiar grease called perspiration, or
whether it be covered with an equal amount of hog's lard
or white paint. And it is quite evident, and all modern
writers agree that it is so, that re-action, (the great object
to be attained,) will be most certainly produced, and inter-
nal visceral congestion (the great evil to be avoided) will be
most certainly prevented, by going into the water when the
surface of the body is warm. And I need hardly observe
THE WATER-CURE.
161
6
that the body is not made hotter in proportion to the pro-
fuseness of the perspiration, but that, on the contrary, it is
cooler than before that effect is produced, for perspiration is
a cooling process. So that it will not do to say that al-
though it may be good to go into water when the body is
moderately warm, it is nevertheless bad to do so when it is
extremely hot.' For when perspiration is present it is never
extremely hot.
As to the sudden checking of perspiration, this too is a
chimerical danger. For the oosing of perspiration always
subsides of itself, almost at the moment that the means
which produced it are withdrawn. And the perspiration
which is still visible on the body, is merely that which has
been already produced, and left upon the skin, by an action
of the vessels which has now already ceased. The perspi-
ration which is now seen upon the body has no more con-
nection with the system than so much oil or other greasy
matters.
I say, too, that the supposition of danger is contrary to
all daily and hourly experience. For, are not our out-of-
door laborers, our wagoners, our sailors, our hay-makers,
and all our farm servants, constantly exposed, while bathed
in perspiration, to the effects of a natural cold shower-bath,
in the shape of rain, and that too with perfect impunity?
Is not the constant practice of boys to bathe in rivers,
without thinking for a moment, or caring a straw, whether
they be in a perspiration or not? Does the North Ame-
rican Indian, when traversing his hunting grounds, and
when he finds his path obstructed by a river, ever pause for
an instant to consider whether he be in a perspiration or
not, before he plunges into the flood? But the Indian is
162
HYDROPATHY; OR,
used to it. To be sure he is, and it is to that very use and
want to which he owes his great strength, activity, and un-
impregnable health. And why should not Englishmen use
and accustom themselves to the same thing? What is to
prevent it? Why should it not be? I cannot even con-
ceive a reason.
If there were peculiar danger in being caught in a shower
while perspiring, every showery day would crowd our hos
pitals with its victims, and April would be the most deadly
month in all the year. Nature has not adapted the inhabi.
tants of the earth to the circumstances of the earth's surface
so bunglingly. On the contrary, the nature of every living
thing has been beneficially fitted to the nature of those cir-
cumstances among which it was destined to dwell; and had
a shower of rain possessed such deadly properties, our heads
would have been furnished with a natural umbrella to de-
fend it from the rain, as our eyes are accommodated with
natural curtains to defend them from the dust.
In an exceedingly clever pamphlet lately published by Mr.
Jackson, entitled "The Spleen a Permanent Placenta, the
Placenta a Temporary Spleen," it has been reasoned out
with the most beautiful precision and great force, that the
spleno-hepatic vein (one of the large veins within the abdo.
men) is the propelling organ which drives the blood through
the portal system of veins and circulates it through the liver;
and that it is congestion in this vein which is frequently the
cause of a great number of diseases (epilepsy amongst
others). If these views be correct, they will account most
satisfactorily for the good effects of cold water, externally
applied, in relieving that large class of diseases depending
on congestion of blood in the liver-or what is called a slug-
THE WATER-CURE.
163
gish liver. The application of cold to the bowels would
necessarily cause the spleno-hepatic vein to contract upon
its contents, and so empty itself, and propel the blood on-
wards through the liver, and thus remove all congestion
there just as cold applied to the back of the hand causes.
the veins there to contract upon their contents, thus empty.
ing themselves, and shrinking to their proper size. What-
ever causes vessels to contract, augments the velocity of
the blood's circulation through them. And congestion of
one sort or other, as we have just seen, is the proximate
cause of all diseases whatever-and there is nothing which
can so quickly and certainly produce this contraction of
vessels, and removal of congestion, as the application of
cold,
Propositions on the Principles and Practice of the Water-
Cure. By Drs. Wilson and Gully.
The following propositions will show that the applications
of the water-cure are in strict accordance with the facts
and phenomena of the living organism; and that without
an intimate acquaintance with these last it is utterly impos
sible to make the applications with safety to the patient or
with credit to the practice or the practitioner. Let the cri
tical medical reader appeal, if he pleases, from our proposi
tions to the doctrines of the schools as embodied in the
works of the most celebrated modern writers on health and
disease, and say whether we have not accepted those doc-
trines. In truth, the premises of health and disease, estab.
lished by experiment and observation, stand untouched, as
far as they go; far be it from us to contravene them. It
164
HYDROPATHY; OR,
is only in the conclusions of practice that we differ from
the great body of our medical brethren. We assert the per-
fect right to do this so long as we can give scientific reasons.
for it. Such reasons are contained in these propositions.
Time and experience are also daily accumulating facts of
cure which come to the support of the justness of these
reasons.
1. A series of unnatural symptoms constitutes a disease.
2. This disease is referable to a morbid condition of some
of the textures of the body.
3. All disease is originally acute, that is to say, the
symptoms are more or less rapid ånd pressing in their char-
acter, and more or less characterized by fever.
14. Acute disease is the effort of the morbid organ or or-
gans to throw off their disorder upon some less important
organ or organs. Thus, acute inflammation of the liver,
stomach, or lungs, causes fever, that is, an effort to throw
the mischief on the skin, the bowels, or the kidneys.
5. If, from the great extent of the mischief to be thrown
off, and the feeble constitution, acquired or natural, of the
individual, this effort is not successful, the body dies from
exhaustion.
6. If this effort be only partially successful, more or less
of the internal mischief remains, but gives rise to symptoms
of a less rapid and pressing and more permanent character.
These symptoms then constitute a chronic disease.
7. Except in the case of accidents to the limbs, we know
of no disease which is not essentially internal. Skin disea
ses are invariably connected with disease of some internal
organs, especially the stomach and bowels, and are regulat
ed in their character and intensity thereby. This is so
THE WATER-CURE.
165
true, that where there is a skin disease the crises effected
by the water-cure invariably take place on the spot where
it exists.
8. ACUTE DISEASE, then, is the violent effort of internal
and vital organs to cast their mischief on external and less
important organs.
9. CHRONIC DISEASE is the enfeebled effort of the same
organs to the same end.
10. But as from the diminished power of the constitution
this is always ineffectual, the morbid state of the organs
tends constantly towards disorganization, or what is called
organic disease. This is more certainly the case, if the
original causes of the malady are at work.
11. Disease therefore is CURABLE when the power of the
system is sufficiently strong to throw the morbid action from
a more to a less important organ.
12. Disease is INCURABLE when the power in question is
insufficient for the last-named purpose; and when it has
become organic, that is, when a change of structure has
taken place.
13. From these premises it follows that the aim of sci-
entific treatment should be to aid the developement of the
power of the system and its efforts to rid its vital parts of
mischief.
14. That mischief invariably consists in the retention of
an unnatural quantity of blood in them, to the detriment of
other parts of the organism,-a retention commonly known.
by the terms acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, and
congestion.
15. In endeavoring to develope the powers of the system,
the dissipation of this inflammation or congestion must be
166
HYDROPATHY; OR,
constantly kept in view, as the end of which the constitu-
tional efforts are the means.
16. But as the circulation of the blood everywhere is
under the influence of the organic system of nerves, the
power and efforts of these last are essentially to be strength-
ened in order to dissipate the inflammation or congestion re-
ferred to.
17. Curative treatment is therefore made through the
instrumentality of the nervous system.
18. Violent and sudden stimulation of the nervous system
of the internal organs, is invariably followed by exhaustion
and increased inflammation and congestion. Hence the
impropriety of alcoholic and medicinal stimulants.
19. But the gradual and judiciously regulated stimula-
tion of the nervous system according to the organic powers,
conduces to the developement and maintenance of its
strength.
20. This stimulation is the more steady and certain in
its results the more universally it is applied to the entire
nervous system.
21. To the external skin, therefore, and to the internal
skin, (as represented by all the lining membranes of the
lungs and digestive organs,) this stimulation should be ap-
plied, those parts containing the largest portion of the ner-
vous system spread through them.
22. Pure air applied to the lungs, proper diet, and water
applied to the digestive organs, and water applied to the ex-
ternal skin, fulfil this intention of stimulation and strength.
ening most effectually.
23. Further, as that portion of the nervous system, (the
brain and spinal cord,) in which the will resides, requires
THE WATER-CURE.
167
the developement of its powers, exercise of the limbs is re-
quisite, the stimulation of the air, diet, and water aiding
thereto.
24. Pure water, pure air, proper diet, and regulated ex-
ercise, are the great agents in effecting the cure of disease,
by aiding the natural efforts of the body, through the instru-
mentality of the nervous system.
25. In the due apportionment of these agents, according
to the powers of the constitution and the phases of disease,
as ascertained by minute medical examination, consists the
scientific and the safe practice of the water-cure.
26. As strengthening of the system by the regulated
stimulation of the nervous system, is the means, so the
throwing off disease by more important or less important
organs by that acquired strength, is the end of that practice.
Such
27. During the efforts of the system thus aroused for so
beneficial an end, if agents are employed which divert those
efforts and tend to centre stimulus on the more important
organs, augmented mischief is the certain result.
agents are to be found in alcoholic and medicinal stimu-
lants, applied to the internal skin and nerves; in hot and
impure air applied to the external skin and nerves; and in
exciting and factitious pleasures and anxious cares, applied
to the great centre of the nerves, the brain.
28. These and the mal-apportionment of the stimulation
included in water, air, diet, and exercise, give rise to the
only "Dangers of the Water-Cure."
29. The proper apportionment of the stimulation in ques-
tion originates and maintains a steady effort of the system
to save its vital parts at the expense of parts which impli-
cate life less immediately.
168
HYDROPATHY; OR,
30. The result of this effort is shown in one of the fol
lowing ways: 1. The re-establishment of obstructed and
suppressed secretions; 2. In the elimination of diseased
matters through the bowels, kidneys, or skin; 3. In the for-
mation of a critical action of some sort on the skin.
31. Such result constitutes the CRISIS OF THE WATER-
CURE.
32. The Crisis being the result of the extrinsic efforts of
the vital organs, is to be viewed as the signal of their relief,
not as the instrument of their relief.
33. Still as, during the crisis, the tendency from the in-
ternal to the external organs is most strong, it is more than
ever necessary to avoid the causes which act in diverting
this tendency and in reconcentrating the mischief on the
internal parts.
34. At the same time, the tendency in point being then
strongly established, it is not necessary to stimulate the
system further in that direction, and all treatment except
that which allays irritation accordingly ceases.
35. A crisis being the evidence of cure of the internal
disease, no recurrence of the latter is to be apprehended,
unless the morbid causes are re-applied.
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169
CHAPTER V.
PROCESSES OF WATER-CURE, &c., 1
Drinking of Water.
THE quantity usually directed by Priessnitz is from 8 to
12 tumblers daily. His general advice is, “Do not oppress
your stomach, although I wish you to drink as much as you
can conveniently." Some have gone to great excess in
drinking. At Graefenberg, enormous quantities are often
taken without any apparent inconvenience. One gentle-
man, we are told, took by way of experiment 13 quarts in
a day, little by little, taking a good share of exercise at the
same time, and experienced only a slight head-ache in con-
sequence.
Every one knows of cases in which a high burning fevet
has been broken up merely by drinking great quantities of
cold water. How often have there been cases in which it
was believed, both by friends and the physician, that the
patient with burning fever could not live the night through,
and the physician declaring that cold water, if taken, would
be the sure death of the patient, and yet the friends, nor
always over particular to follow the directions laid down,
have given water to the patient, or perhaps the patient in
his delirium has broken through all restraint and satisfied
himself to the full extent of thirst; and soon how changed!
Sleep, which before could not be at all obtained, or if it could
1
8
170
HYDROPATHY; OR,
be, was only dreamy and disturbed, is now deep and refresh-
ing; and in the place of a dry, parched, and burning skin,
there is now most profuse perspiration. The friends now
behold that the fever is "broken up :" the physician comes
in the morning, and exclaims, "Astonishing! what the me-
dicine has done!" But the medicine has been cast to the
dogs.
If, in the whole range of human science, there is any error
which shows pre-eminently how loosely mankind may rea-
son, and into what great follies the human mind may be
led, it is in the supposed effect of cold water in fevers. It
seems, because it was well known to be dangerous for per-
sons in great heat and perspiration arising from over-exer-
tion, an artificial and most unnatural state,―to drink
largely of cold water, by parity of reasoning, it must al-
ways be dangerous when there is great thirst. But the cases.
are totally different. In the case of over-exertion, if the
body is allowed to remain quiet, even in a warmer place,
the flowing of perspiration-a cooling process, will soon
cause the body to become cool; and indeed a cold will often
be taken, unless great care is exercised to guard the body.
Even in such cases, too, drinking very small quantities of
water is safe and beneficial, especially if moderate exercise
be kept up.
Drinking, then, in high fever, is highly salutary, and al-
ways perfectly safe, and should be reckoned as one of the
most powerful means of reducing fever. Cases where it
has proved injurious, cannot be found. To the utmost, the
patient's thirst should be gratified.
In other cases than fever, we have seen most astonishing
effects produced by drinking water.
In a certain case, a
THE WATER-CURE.
171
,
:
woman of this city, as she believed, and it was no doubt
true, had been poisoned by her husband: violent spasmodic
action of the muscles of the extremities having come on,
and a severe burning in the mouth, throat, and stom-
ach, being present, and the woman nearly insensible, large
draughts of iced Croton water were immediately given.
The patient afterwards said, that so parched and heated
were the mouth, throat, and stomach, that the cold water
produced no sensation whatever; but no sooner was the
water taken, than most powerful vomiting ensued, and
much to the woman's relief. Still the burning sensations
to a considerable extent would soon return, and then copious.
drinking would again quickly cause the same good result.
After a while, the water was taken tepid, and thus the patient
drank and vomited many quarts. Other means were used,
but drinking was the principal treatment. The next day,
she was quite well. Cats and dogs that have been acci-
dentally poisoned by arsenic set for rats, will take water
greedily, and have thus apparently been kept from being
destroyed.
It is said by those concerned, that in the hospitals of this
city (New York) there have been no cases of gravel since
the introduction of the pure soft Croton water, and that
many cases have been cured spontaneously. The drinking
this pure soft water, and its culinary use, are doubtless the
causes of those favorable results.
There has been a great deal of prejudice concerning
drinking water at meals. The common opinion is that it
dilutes the "gastric juice." But this opinion is founded in
a wrong notion of digestion. The aqueous portion of the
food taken is mostly absorbed before digestion proceeds to
172
HYDROPATHY; OR,
any considerable extent. This objection certainly is not made
to the eating of fruits, and these are composed very much
of water--by far the largest part; and so also the natural
food of the infant-the mother's milk: the whey or watery
part is absorbed, and the curd afterward digested. It is not
true, therefore, that digestion is necessarily impaired by tak-
ing fluid into the stomach at the time of meals. Nor is it
true, that the gastric fluid is present in the stomach, as is
by many supposed, before food is taken into the stomach,
and that its action upon the coats of the stomach causes the
sensation of hunger. The gastric secretion does not take
place until the stomach is excited by the presence of food.
But whatever may be said concerning theories in this
matter of drinking with meals, the real facts of experi-
ence furnish altogether the best guide. From very careful
observation and experiment, we are certain that, in many
cases at least, of persons who suffer from indigestion,
the complaint will be very sensibly mitigated, and in fre-
quent instances be wholly removed, by free drinking pure.
soft water at the meals; and then again, if indigestion is
really present, whether there has been drinking with the
previous meal or not, full drinking of water is the best
means that can be used to remove the distressing symp.
toms.
There will generally, or at least often, be no
thirst in these cases, so that the water is to be taken like
medicine, "against the stomach." If there have been a
debauch, sometimes vomiting will take place, but the vomit-
ing that comes on from water-drinking is comparatively
easy, and causes great relief. At other times diarrhœa
takes place, and still oftener neither vomiting nor diarrhœa,
but a quick and certain subsidence of the symptoms. Here
THE WATER-CURE.
173
**
it may be said, that no violence should ever be done in
drinking in the way of over-chilling the body. If we wish
to cause vomiting, and in some other instances, water,
warm or tepid, will be the most beneficial. Cold water can
generally be borne, by a weak stomach, better with food
than at other times; and why ?-because the stomach is
elevated in temperature soon after the taking of food. It is
then better able to act against the coldness of the water.
What effect does cold water then have upon the stomach
at meals? Do we not know that every person, day by day,
through stimulants in the food taken, is literally being
drugged," and that the coats of the stomach are thus . ore
or less inflamed and weakened? Suppose the face or
hands are partially inflamed or feverish, does not every one
know how strengthening and salutary to those parts is the
application of cold water? Precisely in the same way
does cold water, in suitable quantities, act upon the sto-
mach, as every one can prove by trial.
There is another advantage in drinking with meals; it is
this: less food is required to satisfy the appetite. It has
been said, in objection to drinking at meals, that it over-
distends the stomach. It is true that the stomach is almost
always overtasked; but this distension will be much
sooner removed if a good share of it be from simple water.
This is incomparably more easily removed by the action of
the organ, than is too great a quantity of food.
Food is often taken that is of itself too dry, more so than
is natural. Certain kinds, as Dyspepsia or Graham crack-
ers, dry bread, &c., are apt to swell in the stomach as a
dried apple would do. If food is taken at all in this state,
174
HYDROPATHY; OR,
the greatest care should be exercised in mastication, but
even then, drinking will be found salutary.
Some have lived weeks and months without drinking any
liquid whatever. But in all such cases fluid must have
been taken from some source. These have generally been
vegetable and fruit eaters, and who have eaten largely of
fruit; and these contain a large proportion of water. Dr.
Alcott, a man well known for his physiological, hygienic
and other writings, lived without drink for more than one
year, at the same time partaking freely of apples as a part
of the regular meal. The moisture in the breath, perspira-
tion, and other excretions of the body, which are constantly
passing off, must be supplied from some source or other.
Ordinary food even, contains a much greater portion of
moisture than would be at first supposed: baker's bread is
said to contain about 35 per cent. The adult human body
by weight is composed of about 80 per cent. water-the
blood about 90 per cent., and the brain of nearly the same
quantity. This supply of fluid must be kept up.
There is another good effect to be brought about by wa-
ter drinking-to prevent vomiting. We have succeeded in
arresting very obstinate vomiting when the most effectual
means of ordinary practice had failed, by giving water in
small quantity frequently repeated. Hiccough, according to
our experience, can be more readily managed by water
drinking than by any other means.
Laborers who are much exposed to heat and fatigue, tell
us they can get along with less drink if they are careful to
drink freely at their meals.
It has been supposed by some, that water undergoes a
change in the system; but there is not the least evidence
THE WATER-CURE.
175
that it is ever in any way appropriated to the formation of
the animal solids of the body. It is true, however, that life
can be sustained considerably longer in cases of starvation,
if water is taken, than without it; but still the water under-
goes no chemical change.
Quality of Water for Drinking and Culinary Uses.
It is agreed on all hands that for all the purposes of life,
whether for culinary preparations, or for drink, pure soft
water is the best. It was believed that the pure water of
Graefenberg could not be the cause of the truly wonderful
cures that were there performed. It was believed that
Priessnitz had some remedial agent in the sponges used, and
he was prosecuted accordingly: it was only as he from the
first had stated-pure soft water, with attention to air, ex-
ercise, diet and clothing. The water has been fully tested,
and is found to be only pure and soft.
Since the Croton water has been introduced into the city
of New York, there has been a manifest improvement in
the health of the citizens. Still there are many who pre-
fer the abominably filthy and hard water of the wells. Yet
there is much of the Croton used, some prefering it, and
others taking it more from convenience. During the past
summer (of 1844), a season not particularly healthy, and
very hot, it was stated in the public papers that the bills of
mortality during some of the weeks of the hottest weather,
were less than they had been for many years previously in
the season corresponding-a significant fact to those who
understand the effects of water, but a fact, the reasons for
which were not at all commented upon in the public pa.
pers.
HYDROPATHY OR,
176
As in every thing in the present state of physiological
knowledge, so in the matter of drinking water: people in
general are guided by mere feeling. Any one who has been
a time in the habit of drinking hard water, if he act mere-
ly according to taste, will prefer the hard water to which he
is accustomed, to any soft water, however pure it may be.
Horses will leave hard water, that is clear, for soft water
that is even muddy.
Families can easily obtain soft water by depending upon
the cistern and the clouds. Very cheap filters can be at
any time constructed so that cistern-water can be had
very pure for instance, a large common funnel, a keg with
a hole in the bottom, or something of the kind, can be used,
a sponge or fine rags being pressed closely in the opening,
and thus the water can be made very clear: and if there
is any fear of decayed animal matter being in the rain-
water, a layer of clean sand and fine charcoal over the sponge
or other substance, will serve to remove this. It is the
charcoal that acts as a disinfectant, removing the animal
matter. There is no way of filtering out the hardness of
hard water. Some families in and about New York and
Boston have double cisterns, so that rain-water, by pres.
sure, passes from one to the other through a large filter box,
and thus the water is made as pure and limpid as can be.
imagined and yet, when such water is at hand, for drink,
many prefer the hard water of the well.
Injections, or Clysters.
The
These constitute an important part of the treatment.
They are highly valuable in various complaints.
bowels can at any time be easily kept free, and the evils and
THE WATER-CURE.
177
7
unpleasantness of constipation thus be at once removed. This
application is also of great service in all bowel complaints.
Severe diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera morbus and cholic,
can often be speedily arrested by this application alone. In
inflamation of the bowels it is of most signal benefit.
The author has, in different instances, given immediate
relief in this disease, when the bowels had been for days
obstinately closed, resisting the action of the most power-
ful medicines.
This application should be made with an instrument by
which no air will be introduced into the parts. Air often
cause spain. It should always be carefully expelled by forc-
ing water through the instrument a few times before it is in-
serted.
The quantity of water to be used will vary. As much
as can be retained, be it more or less, can be taken. The
temperature is to be made according to the feelings of com-
fort, never too warm or too cold. Many take cold water.
Some have a prejudice against this application, thinking
that it will weaken the bowels like cathartic medicine or
cathartic clysters, but this is not true. Pure water rightly
used in this way strengthens.
Abreibung, or Rubbing Wet Sheet.
A linen sheet of coarse quality, suitable for holding con-
siderable water, and at the same time serving well for fric-
tion, is here used. It is better to press and not wring the
sheet out of the water, and it may be allowed even drip-
ping. The patient standing ready, it is to be thrown over
the head or about the neck, so as to create a slight shock,
8*
178
HYDROPATHY; OR,
and immediately active friction is to be used by the assist-
ant behind, and the patient before, if able, or by another
assistant. This should be continued from one to five min-
utes, when the skin will have become reddened and warm.
This must be immediately followed briskly by a coarse drý
sheet or dry cloths, until the surface is perfectly dry and in
a complete glow. The patient is then immediately dressed
for exercise, or for bed, as the case may be. The tempera-
ture of the water used should correspond with the strength
of the patient. Those who are so feeble as to render it
necessary for them to remain in bed, can be often much
benefitted by a judicious rubbing while in bed. This is a
highly useful and convenient application, and, if judiciously
made, will produce nearly, if not quite all, the good effects
of a bath, and will often be found much more convenient of
application.
Wet-Sheet, or Lein-tuch..
The first reclining upon this sheet will be disagreeable.
If it is to be used to reduce the temperature of the body, as
in high fevers, it is well to have it of coarse quality, in order
to hold more water. To apply it, the mattress of the bed
or couch should be made bare, one or more large thick.
woollen blankets next, and the sheet last, upon which the
patient is to lie. He is to be quickly and snugly enveloped,
from the neck to the feet, first with the wet sheet and then
with the blanket. These adjusted with care, the packing
is finished by covering over the whole a light feather bed,
and a quilt, or a sufficiency of other bedding without the
feather bed. It will be well for the patient to drink a
little water occasionally; and especially if there be great
THE WATER-CURE.
179
thirst, it should be taken often, but not in too great quan-
tity.
In cases of acute rheumatism, or gout, where it would
be troublesome for the patient to be moved, or in any case
where it might be better for the patient to remain quiet for
a longer time, two or three sheets can be used instead of
one, to act as a refrigerant for a longer time. A long
towel from the armpit down, upon each side, has been re-
commended, so that the whole body be exposed to the wet.
linen.
In cases of acute fever, the sheets must be changed ac-
cording to the degree of heat, every quarter or half hour,
until the dry hot skin becomes softer, and more prone to
perspiration. This is usually the first process of the day,
and is repeated or not, according to circumstances.
The wet sheet process is of great advantage in a variety
of chronic as well as acute cases; such as are attended with
an irritable and inactive skin, and in a multitude of skin
diseases. A frequent change of the sheets in such cases
would be unnecessary as a rule. It will sometimes be well
to let the temperature raise until perspiration takės place.
Determination of blood to the head is to be removed or pre-
vented by cold applications to it. Should the feet remain
cold in the wet cloths, they should be extricated and
wrapped in dry cloths only. At the close of the process
the patient should be briskly rubbed until the surface is
dry.
"The wet sheet produces two diametrically opposite ef- -
fects, accordingly as it is used. If it be changed frequently,
as fast as the patient becomes warm, as, for instance, in ca-
ses of fever, almost any amount of heat may be abstracted
180
HYDROPATHY; OR,
slowly and gradually from the body. But if the patient re-
main for half an hour, the most delicious sensation of
warmth, and a gentle breathing perspiration are produced;
while all pains and uneasiness are removed. It produces
all the soothing influence upon the entire system which is
produced by a warm poultice on an inflamed surface."-
JOHNSON.
For very delicate patients it has been suggested that the
sheet be pressed out of tepid water, as introductory to the
cold.
Respecting the application of cold water over the whole
body: "Let us now suppose that heat is abstracted from the
whole surface of the body; in this case the whole action of
the oxygen will be directed to the skin, and in a short time
the change of matter must increase throughout the body.
Fat, and all such matters as are capable of combining with
oxygen, which is brought to them in larger quantity than
usual, will be expelled from the body in the form of oxydized
compounds."--LIEBIG.
"If therefore the body contain any morbific matters, these
will be expelled in the form of such compounds."--JOHNSON.
According to Liebig, the same results may sometimes be
accomplished by a very scanty diet.
Wet Bandages, or Umschlags.
Locally, water may be applied in various ways. Ban.
dages are made to produce the same effect upon any part of
the body, as the lein-tuch upon the whole dody. As cool-
ing or refrigerant applications, they should be applied of a
size suited to the part inflamed, folded from three or four to
THE WATER-CURE.
181
eight times, dipped in very cold water, and are to be renewed
from every three or four to ten minutes, according to the
necessities of the case.
As to the effect of the various partial applications of cold.
water to the system, "they act by determining the force of
oxygen from one part to another. They produce all the ef.
fects of both bleeding and blistering, except the pain."
"If," says Liebig, "we surround a part of the body with.
ice or snow, while the other parts are left in a natural state,
there occurs, more or less quickly, in consequence of the loss
of heat, an accelerated change of matter in the cooled part.
"The resistance of the living tissues to the action of oxy-
gen, is weaker at the cooled part than in the other parts; and
this, in its effects, is equivalent to an increase of resistance
in these other parts-the whole action of the inspired oxygen
is exerted on the cooled part.
"In the cooled part of the body, the living tissues offer a
less resistance to the chemical action of the inspired oxygen;
the power of the oxygen to unite with the elements of the
tissues is, at this part, exalted.
“In the cooled part the change of matter, and with it the
disengagement of heat, increases; while, in the other parts,
the change of matter and liberation of heat decrease."
"And thus," says Dr. Johnson, "by the judicious use of
cold water alone, all the good effects of blistering and bleed-
ing are most readily and certainly produced, without any of
the bad effects. The bad effects of repeated bleeding in cer-
tain diseases are well known to medical men. We know
perfectly well, that it often happens that a patient is saved
by bleeding, from dying of an inflammation, only that he
182
HYDROPATHY; OR,
may die of a dropsy; that a patient is often saved by bleed-
ing from dying of hæmorrhage from the lungs, only that he
may die the sooner of a consumption.
Warming, or Stimulating Bandages.
These are applied by folding linen two or three times, and
dipping them in cold water, or they may be made slightly
tepid; they should be well pressed or wrung out, and are
not to be changed until they begin to dry. They must be
well adapted to the part, and also well secured from the ac-
tion of the air by a dry bandage, which is better to be a non-
conductor of heat, so that the part may be raised in tempera-
ture. The combined action of heat and moisture thus pro-
duced is highly beneficial in a great variety of indurations,
swellings, tumors, &c. In the water-cure, they are also
much used in derangements of the digestive organs, affec-
tions of the abdomen, diseases of the liver, &c.
•
For the abdomen, a convenient form is made by folding
and sewing together two or three thicknesses of linen, of
sufficient length to pass round the body two or more times,
the width varying according to the size of the person; one
end is wet and wrung out, enough in length to cover the ab-
domen, or to pass round the boy if desirable, and then ap-
plied as tightly as comfortable-and the dry folds over in the
same manner; the whole secured by pins, or better by tapes
attached for the purpose. There should always be enough
of dry cloths of some kind to prevent a permanent chill.
Sweating.
In this process, the patient, being naked, is closely envel
oped in a large thick blanket, with the legs extended and the
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183
arms close to the body. The blanket must be tightly drawn
and well tucked under, so that every part of the body, from
the head down, is in immediate contact with it. Then over
all there must be a sufficiency of clothing of some sort, (cot-
ton comfortables are good,) all well tucked under, so as to
retain all the animal heat. "Thus hermetically enveloped,
the patient exactly resembles a mummy." This constrained
position and the irritation of the blanket are at first disa-
greeable, particularly until perspiration commences, which
takes place in from one half hour to two hours' time. Those
that perspire with difficulty, should move the legs and rub
the body with their hands, all that the position will allow.
It is however more desirable to obtain the end without the
exertion, if it can be done. Sometimes the head, all but the
face, is also covered. When sweating commences, the win-
dows should be thrown open, so as to admit fresh air, and the
patient be allowed to take small draughts of water, a wine-
glass or more every ten or fifteen minutes. This will not
only be refreshing, but will also promote the sweating. If
there be head-ache, or a determination of blood to the head,
cooling bandages should be applied, and changed as often as
necessary. If from the length of time of the envelopement,
it be necessary, a urinal should be placed at the patient be-
fore the wrapping up. To allay the pain of swellings, tu-
mors, &c., warming applications should be applied before
the envelopement; otherwise the pain would be liable to an
increase, before perspiration commences. Those who are
very restless, should be confined by additional cloths and
girths; otherwise the time would be to much prolonged.
With the best that can be done, some will require four or
five hours' encasement.
184
HYDROPATHY; OR,
The best time for sweating in chronic cases, is early in
the morning. As a rule, only once a day. The repetition.
would be the exception. In acute cases, the time of
sweating will depend upon the fever, exacerbations, &c.,
and should be resorted to when necessary without refer-
ence to the time of day.
When the process has continued long enough, the cover-
ings (all but the thick blanket) are to be removed. The
blanket must be loosened,—about the legs in particular.
An attendant shohld wet with a cloth the parts to be ex-
posed to the air. The patient, if able, goes immediately
to the bath, washes the head, face, neck, and chest very
briskly, and then enters the bath immediately, and remains
from one to six or eight minutes, keeping up constant mo-
tion and friction; and then immediately, on leaving the
bath, the whole surface must be made thoroughly dry by
rubbing with cloths, &c.
Those who are able should then take exercise in the
open air, or in a well-aired room. Those not able should
be well rubbed by attendants. No danger is to be dreaded
from the sudden transition from heat to cold, in this kind
of sweating, if every thing is properly done, as abundant
experience proves.
This highly valuable part of the water-cure can very
easily be made the means of much evil. It is an engine of
great power, and therefore should be practised with the ut
most caution. In cold, phlegmatic habits, where the skin ist
inactive, the sensibility dull, and the circulation sluggish, it
is productive of great benefit. But in the sanguine tem-
perament, where the circulation is active and the sensibility
acute, or if in any case it is carried too far, it is productive
THE WATER-CURE.
185
of great mischief. The relationship or equilibrium, between
the two great vital functions, circulation and respiration,
would be destroyed. The velocity of the circulation would
be increased, without a corresponding increase of respira
tion, thus destroying an equilibrium, absolutely necessary
to health, and which destruction, if maintained for a con-
siderable time, must inevitably terminate with the most
serious results.
"Profuse perspiration operates upon the body, first like
the surgeon's lancet, in reducing the volume of the con-
tained fluids. Secondly, it operates like the physician's
blister, by determining from the centre to the circumfer
ence. It thus relieves congestion of the vital organs, and
lightens the whole system. But it does vastly more than can
be achieved either by bleeding or blistering; for it extri-
cates from the body an increased amount of carbon and
hydrogen, thus producing a deficiency of these elements
within it. This deficiency of carbon and hydrogen is equi-
valent to a call for more food, in order to supply the place
of the lost carbon and hydrogen. And thus it promotes
appetite, which is more than can be said for either lancet or
blister, by their warmest admirers."--DR. ED. JOHNSON.
Preissnitz does not resort to sweating as much as he once
did. We are told that where he formerly sweated fifty
patients, he does not now sweat half a dozen.
Description of Graefenberg Baths. By Captain Claridge.
The entire or public bath at Graefenberg is about thirty
feet in circumference, and sufficiently deep for a man of the
ordinary height to plunge into up to his neck. The water
is constantly renewed by springs in the mountains, the
186
HYDROPATHY; OR,
waters of which are conveyed through pipes into the bath,
and escape by an opening for that purpose, so that no im-
purities may remain; besides which, the bath is emptied
and cleaned twice a day but this remark applies to Grae-
fenberg only, as at Freiwaldau, with but few exceptions, the
houses are supplied with portable baths.
The immersion of the body covered with sweat, into cold
water, is exempt from danger, provided the organs of per-
spiration are in a state of repose. The risk which is in-
curred of catching cold, if, on arriving at a river to bathe,
we remain until the body is cold and dry, cannot possibly
exist in this case; as we thereby abstract from the body the
heat which it requires to produce reaction, and thus lose
the good effect of bathing. Then if we walk fast, or a long
distance to the bath, it is requisite to repose a little in order
to tranquilize the lungs, after which we must undress
quickly and plunge head-foremost into the water, having
first wetted the head and chest to prevent the blood mount-
ing to those regions. This precaution is strongly enforced
at Graefenberg. During the bath the head ought to be im-
mersed several times into the water. Great care is requi-
site in not exposing the body, between throwing aside the
blanket after sweating and entering into the bath.
It is highly advantageous to keep in movement in the bath
and to rub with the hands any parts afflicted. The skin is
thus stimulated, and the sensation of cold abated. People
whose chests are affected must exercise moderation in the
use of the bath, entering it only by degrees, and not stay-
ing in it too long. In general, the time for remaining in
the bath is governed by the coldness of the water, and the
vital heat of the bather; but no general rule can be adopted
THE WATER-CURE.
187
$
with respect to this.
:
At Graefenberg, where the tempera-
ture of the water is from 43 to 50 degrees, no one stays
longer in the bath than from six to eight minutes, many
only two or three. Priessnitz advises his patients to avoid
the second sensation of cold, which is a sort of fever, by
leaving the bath before it is felt by this means the patient
will avoid a too powerful reaction, provoked by a great sub-
traction of heat. This precaution is indispensable at the
epoch of the treatment, marked by fevers and eruptions.
Then a reaction, produced by an immoderate use of the
bath or douche, would compel the invalid to keep his bed
for some days, without at all accelerating the cure.
On leaving the bath, which is found more refreshing than
any one can imagine who has not experienced its effects,
you are covered with a sheet, over that a cloak is thrown,
and thus you go to your room, where the whole body is
dried and rubbed; and then you must dress quickly, and
walk to keep up the warmth. To effect this by the heat of
stoves or beds, would be acting in direct opposition to the
treatment. A glass or two of water immediately after the
bath, is agreeable, and should not be omitted whilst walk-
ing.
When irritation is highly excited during the cure, baths
should be suspended, as they would augment it. A general
washing of the body, and sitz-baths, are then resorted to.
Sweating is also replaced by the envelopement of the body
in a damp sheet, the repeating of which operation, together
with the sitz-bath, will cause the irritation to cease.
The Half-Bath.
The half-bath is about the size of those generally used in
188
HYDROPATHY; OR,
.
our houses, and is only employed in cases in which the
whole bath would be too much for the strength of the inva
lid, who may require to be bathed for a longer time. in or-
der to excite the morbid humors. It is, in effect, less ac-
tive than the entire bath, and being attended with less dan-
ger, is frequently administered to new-comers, for about a
week preparatory to the large bath; the temperature of the
small or half-bath is never lower than sixty degrees.
The water in these half-baths is only about three to six
inches deep. When it is necessary that the invalid should
have the advantage of an entire-bath, water is poured upon
him, or the attendant constantly wets the body and head
with the water of the bath.
When these small baths are used, in order to be less ex-
citing, the upper part of the body is sometimes covered, and
the bath hermetically closed, so that the head only appears.
This is in cases where it is necessary that the invalid
should remain in them for an hour or two. We have known
Priessnitz order this for five or six hours at a time, and re-
peat it several days successively, in order to provoke irrita-
tion and produce fever. Last year, a doctor afflicted with
an atonic gout, was subjected to this treatment, and was
completely cured. It is, indeed, a common thing at Graef-
enberg to see invalids remain for hours thus enclosed in the
small bath, and continue doing the same for days, until
fever is produced; this brings the morbid matter to the skin
in the form of abscesses, which sometimes discharge them-
selves in sufficient quantity for the matter to fill several
glasses. When this crisis takes place, the baths are sus
pended during the discharge of these humors, by which the
system is much benefitted.
THE WATER-CURE.
189
#
The half-bath is frequently taken by the patient immedi
ately after he has been confined in the wet sheet. It is
accompanied by a general sprinkling of the body with
cold water and rubbing. Whilst still sweating, the pa-
tient should hasten to the bath, throw off the covering,
previously wetting the head and chest, and the attendant
should pour a pailful of water upon the head, when the
face and the body must be well rubbed. This last part
of the process is often continued for ten or fifteen min.
utes together, sometimes much longer. When the patient
quits the bath he dries himself, dresses, and proceeds to
take exercise in the open air immediately; but persons
who have not the means of consulting a doctor aquainted
with Priessnitz's mode of treatment, are not advised to at-
tempt this.
In almost all cases of fever the patient is first wrapped
up hermetically in a wet sheet, which is changed as soon
as it becomes warm, and repeated until the fever has
subsided. As each of these sheets will become hot from
having extracted a certain quantity of the caloric from
the body, it necessarily follows that a chill will succeed
the subsiding of the fever; the patient is then placed in
the bath and rubbed all over, by two persons, with the
bare hand, until all the symptoms are abated. The pa-
tient then joins in the promenade, or at the public tables.
If at night feverish symptoms return, the same operation
is performed, and repeated until a perfect cure is effected.
Foot Bath.
The foot-bath is employed almost exclusively as a cuon-
teracting agent against the pains of the upper part of
190
HYDROPATHY; OR,
the body. Priessnitz prescribes these baths for precisely
the same purposes that the faculty order warm ones,
yet every one knows that the feet, after a warm bath,
become cold, and then the reaction is upwards, whilst, on
the contrary, after a cold bath the feet become warm
and the reaction is downwards. Head-ache, and tooth-ache,
whatever may be their causes, particularly those that are
of a violent nature, inflammation of the eyes, and effluxes
of blood to the head, are almost always relieved by means
of the foot-bath. To this should be added the application
of wet bandages, without dry ones over them. The tub, or
basin, in which these foot-baths are taken, ought only to
contain warm water from two to three inches deep, or just
enough to cover the toes; for the tooth-ache, one inch is
sufficient; and the bath may be applied for some fifteen
minutes to half an hour. In cases of sprains, the feet must
be put in water up to the ancles. The water, when it be-
comes lukewarm, should be changed. The feet, during the
whole time, should be well rubbed by the hand, or against
each other, in order to promote a strong reaction.
must be taken that the feet are warm before they are put
into water, and exercise should be taken immediately after-
wards, to bring back the heat to them. Rubbing them with
a dry hand assists this very much. Cold foot-baths are sure
means of preventing tendency to cold in the feet; the ap-
plication of hot water only weakens the skin, and renders
the feet more susceptible to cold. When they are extreme-
ly cold, instead of exposing them to the fire to warm, it is
much better to produce the effect required, by exercise. If
we want any proof of the reaction caused by the foot-bath,
and its powers of preservation from catching cold, we have
Care
THE WATER-CURE.
191
but to feel our feet an hour or two hours after the bath, and
we shall then find them extremely hot. If we cannot avoid
being exposed for a long time to a piercing cold, it is well to
take a cold foot-bath two hours previous to going out. Af.
ter great fatigue, a foot-bath of this description, before go-
ing to bed, is most refreshing. Gouty subjects should not
use these baths without advice; but to people in general,
Priessnitz recommends their frequent use. He contends,
that in the feet many of the most serious complaints com-
mence.
Homer, when he stated Achilles to be invulnerable except
in the heel, no doubt knew that the feet were the most im-
portant parts of the human frame. The poorer people, who
wear neither shoes nor stockings, or whose feet are constant-
ly exposed to a sort of foot-bath, are seldom subject to those
complaints which attack the upper region of the body.
An Irish gentleman, thinking to do his shepherd a service,
who had lived in a low marshy situation for many years,
sent him to another estate, which was high and dry, and
asking him how he liked it, he replied, "Not at all; he had
never been well a day since he had been there, for there was
not a drop of water to wet his feet."
Head Bath.
Head-baths are used for rheumatic pains in the head,
common head-aches, rheumatic inflammations of the eye,
deafness, loss of smell and taste. They tend to disturb the
morbid humors, which nature generally evacuates in the
form of abscesses in the ears. They are also used to pre-
vent the flow of blood to the head, but in this case only for
a few minutes, in order to avoid too great a reaction. These
192
HYDROPATHY; OR,
should be followed by exercise in the open air, in the shade.
This bath is used as follows: a wash-hand basin should be
placed at the end of a rug upon the floor. On this rug the
patient should extend himself, so that his head may reach
the basin, at the bottom of which may be placed a towel for
the head to rest upon. Then the back of the head must be
placed in the water; then one side; and lastly, the other side
of the head. All this is terminated by again placing the
back part of the head in the water.
The duration of this bath depends upon the nature and
extent of the disease. In chronic inflammation of the eye,
each part of the head should remain in water for fifteen
minutes; and as long for deafness, loss of smell and taste.
All this will occupy an hour, during which time the water
should be renewed twice.
If these baths and foot-baths are continued with persever-
ance, success is certain.
This success is generally an-
nounced by violent head-aches, until the formation of an ab.
scess takes place, which finishes by breaking.
For the common head-ache, the back of the head may be
exposed to the water from ten to fifteen minutes; and
each side from five to ten minutes; if it is obstinate, a foot-
bath and a sitz-bath, both slightly chilled, should be used for
half an hour each.
Finger Bath.
For whitlows the finger is placed in a glass of water,
three times a day, fifteen minutes each time, the finger and
hand bandaged; then the elbow must be placed in water
twice a day, and a heating bandage placed on the arm above
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193
it; this will have the effect of drawing the inflammation
from the hand.
Eye Bath.
Water is held to the eye, which for a minute is kept
closed, and then opened for five minutes in a small glass,
made for the purpose, in circumference about the size of
the eye. The head-bath is generally used with this bath,
but the latter is repeated oftener, and in most cases where
there is inflammation, a fomentation is applied to the back
of the head on going to bed, and another at the back dur-
ing the day. For weak eyes the forehead is bandaged on
going to bed.
Sitz and foot-baths form part of this treat-
ment.
Leg Bath.
The thighs and legs, when afflicted with ulcers, ring-
worms, wounds, or fixed rheumatic pains, ought to be put
into a bath so as to cover the parts afflicted. The object of
these baths is for them to act as stimulants. They may be
taken for an hour, and sometimes longer: they always de-
termine abscesses, and where they already exist, they cause
an abundant suppuration. They are also applicable to any
other members afflicted in a like manner.
The Sitz Bath.
For want of a better term, we adhere to that of the Ger-
mans, and instead of a sitting we call it a sitz-bath.
This is a small flat tub, of about seventeen inches in di-
ameter, with water seldom more than three or four inches
9
194
HYDROPATHY; OR,
deep; in this people sit as in a hip bath, with their feet rest-
ing on the ground, for different periods; a quarter of an
hour, half an hour, an hour, or more, as may be deemed suffi
cient. This, in some cases, is repeated two or three times a
day. The sitting bath is considered by Priessnitz to be of so
much importance in his treatment, that those patients are
considered quite as exceptions for whom it is not prescribed.
It has the effect of strengthening the nerves, of drawing the
humors from the head, chest, and abdomen, and relieving
flatulency, and is of the utmost value to those who have
led a sedentary life.
The object of using so little water in this bath, the half-
bath, and foot-bath, is, that a re-action may the sooner be
effected. If a greater body of water were used, it would
remain cold during the whole time of its application, and
cause congestions to the upper regions; whereas, in this
case, it almost immediately attains the heat of the blood;
and admits of an immediate re-action.
To prevent the former, the patient should apply a wet
bandage to the head and to succeed more effectually in the
object for which the sitz-bath is prescribed, he should rub
the abdomen as much as possible with a wet hand.
Drop Bath.
"This term is applied to single drops of water falling
from a height of several fathoms. For this form of bath a
vessel is used filled with very cold water, and furnished with
a very small aperture, through which water passes in the
form of drops. The small aperture should be partially
closed by a plug, to prevent the drops from following each
other in rapid succession. By these means their operation is
THE WATER-CURE.
195
considerably increased, and it becomes yet more potent if
we allow the drops to fall upon a particular part at certain
periods, and rub the part during the intervals. The reac
tion about to commence will indeed be thus interrupted, but
will afterwards make its appearance in a more powerful en-
ergetic form.
The violent excitement and irritation of the nervous sys-
tem produced by these baths, render it necessary to restrict
the use of them to half an hour; nor are they indeed
adapted for vital parts, or such as are abundantly supplied
with nerves.
They are often used with more effect in obstinate and
chronic cases of paralysis, than the douche or affusion, with
which they may alternate. Powerful and continued friction
with a horse-hair glove is never in this case to be neglected
after the baths."-WEISS.
The Douche Bath.
The douche, of all the means employed, is the most pow
erful in moving the bad humors, and disturbing them from
the position which they may have occupied for years they
are also used in the greater number of chronic diseases.
The douche corrects the weakness which the skin may
have contracted in the process of sweating, and also for-
tifies it. It hardens the body, and renders it capable of
supporting all variations in the atmosphere. It exercises a
powerful action upon the muscles and nervous system, by
the re-action which it provokes. What is understood by a
douche, at Graefenberg, is a spring of water running out of
the mountain, conveyed by pipes into small huts, where it
falls from the top in a stream about the thickness of one's
1
196
HYDROPATHY; OR,
wrist, which fall constitutes the difference between the
douche and a shower bath; outside this hut is another for
dressing, constructed like the first, in the rudest way im-
aginable.
There are six douches in the forest of Graefenberg, the
fall of the first is fifteen feet; the second ten feet; the third
twenty feet; the fourth eighteen feet. The douches set
apart for women have a fall of twelve feet each the dia-
meter of the fall is the same as in those of the men.
At the colony there is a douche which is available all the
winter this is not the case with the others. About half a
mile out of the town of Friewaldau, there are four more
douches, resorted to by both sexes. Nearly all the douches
are at some distance from the places of residence of the
patients, which occasions a walk to arrive at them, so that
the body is in a glow, and better calculated to be bene-
fitted by the effect of the water, when submitted to the
process.
Parts afflicted should, for the greater part of the time, be
exposed to the action of the douche, though it must be re-
ceived occasionally upon all parts of the body, except on
the head and face, unless this is especially ordered by
Priessnitz. Weak chests should also avoid it on that part
and the abdomen, otherwise the fall of the water on the
lower part of the stomach or belly is not injurious. The
atony of this region will not, however, always resist these
The relief afforded by the douche, sometimes in
a few minutes, in arthritic cases and rheumatism, is almost
miraculous.
means.
The douche being intended to put the morbid humors
in movement, ought to be discontinued when it produces
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197
feverish_excitement, and be commenced again when that
has ceased.
The time recommended for the douche by different au-
thors, is from one half minute to fifteen minutes. This,
as all other strong impressions on the body, as a rule,
should never be made with a full stomach, and generally
not more than once or twice daily.
"The most intense expression which can be made by
the application of cold water is by the douche—and there
must be in the system a very considerable amount of vital
force to enable the patient to bear this mode of application.
A misapplication may so far lower the vital resistance as to
make the re-action exceedingly difficult or even impossible.
It may knock the patient so violently down as to make it
difficult for him to get up again—thus giving rise to drop-
sical swellings of the legs and feet, venous congestion,
piles, varicose veins, and other symptoms of deficient vital
actions. It sometimes produces the most extraordinary ef
fects, as weeping, laughing, trembling, &c. In its proper
place, however, it exercises a most powerful influence over
disease; and seems to exert an especial impression upon
the absorbents. I have seen tumors of long standing most
rapidly absorbed, and disappear, under the use of the
douche."
198
HYDROPATHY; or,
CHAPTER VI.
Shower Bath.
The shower is probably the best form of bath for daily
use, provided an abundance of water can be had. There are
many of these used in New York since the introduction of
the Croton, and more particularly since the subject of water
is of late receiving a greater share of attention. One ad.
vantage of the bath of this kind is, that it can be taken so
quickly; and then also the constant shower of water is so
cleansing and invigorating.
In this, as in every kind of bath, the head should be the
part first to commence upon. If the hair is long it can be
guarded by a close oil-cloth, or India rubber cap, but always
the face, temples and neck, should first be wet.
This pre-
vents the blood from rushing to the head-an objection that
has been made to the shower bath. If ore is highly sensi-
tive to the impression of cold, the shower will be more.
bearable, provided loud and continued exclamation be prac-
tised while under the bath. The exertion seems to keep
the blood outward. Brisk motion, as dancing and jumping,
with friction, should be at the same time resorted to, and
then the body should be quickly rubbed dry, and exercise
be taken, or a weak person can go to a warm bed. The
body should be made thoroughly comfortable.
We have known weak invalids who had scarcely ever
taken a cold bath, to commence in midwinter with the
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199
shower, beginning in the morning immediately on coming
from a warm bed, and in the course of a few weeks, such
persons have gained an amount of health and strength
which, for years, they had not known. Rheumatism, in-
cipient gout, giddiness, indigestion, with its long train of
symptoms, and the like, have often in a remarkably short
time been removed; and individuals of a pale, sickly and
sallow look, have acquired the ruddiness and bloom of
youth.
In a few instances, those who were weak and sensitive
to cold, have been taken with a sudden neuralgia or rheu
matic "twinge," but this is oftener than otherwise caused
by the bath being continued too long, or the person not
keeping up sufficient exercise and friction. This generally
passes off at once, and has never, in our experience, been
alarming. Still it should be avoided.
A Bath for every one.
An intelligent correspondent writes us of an ingenious
contrivance for bathing, as follows:-"I purchased 3 yards
of twilled cotton, cut it in two pieces, had them sewed to-
gether; then I got enough old rope (about the size of my
finger,) to go round it, and had my square piece of cotton
cloth bordered all about its four sides, with the rope. I
then took it to the painter, and had it oiled over on one side
on two coats, and dried. This made me a perfect bathing
mat. I place a pail of water upon it, and with a sponge I
wash all over. After I have done, I take it up by the four
corners and pour out the water. It is wiped and folded up.
When I travel, this always goes with me, upon my trunk."
This individual knows well the power of water, for after
200
HYDROPATHY; OR,
having suffered for many years from a rheumatic complaint
which had resisted the best of medical treatment, he was
cured in a few months by water.
How often should a Bath be taken?
We know of no exception to the rule that a bath should
be taken daily. Every sick person, in whatever condition,
or however weak they may be, should have the whole body
rubbed over with wet cloths, sponges, or the like, at least
once every day. In some cases great caution will be needed
that it be done safely. Let those who have lain for days
upon a sick bed without any ablution, as is generally the
case in the common practice of medicine, try, when the
body is warm, the rubbing it all over, little by little, follow-
ing briskly with dry cloths, and then covering the parts
warmly, according to the feelings of comfort, and they will
find it a most powerful tonic, and an application productive
of great comfort. Physicians have yet many simple lessons.
of this kind to learn.
We repeat, every individual, old and young, male and fe-
male, sick or well, should have a daily bath. And in case of
indisposition, instead of less attention to bathing, bathing
the more should be given.
Nature would say "stop;"
assistance.
There is no condition in which
but rather she asks at our hand
Vapor Baths.
Among those who advocate and practise water-cure,
there seems to be a general opinion that vapor-baths are
injurious. The objection most commonly made is, that the
vapor too much excites the circulation, causes a rushing of
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201
blood to the head, and by this undue excitation or stimula-
tion the body becomes weakened. It is an easy matter to
cause injury by vapor baths. If it is made too powerful,
or is too long continued, severe head-ache, and even faint-
ing, may be caused. But this is the abuse. If a patient is
wrapped in a dry blanket or a wet sheet to perspire, pre-
cisely the same injurious effects can easily be caused.
With a good apparatus, there is no difficulty in regulating
the vapor-bath so that it will be as mild as one pleases,-as
mild in temperature even, as the wet sheet in the way ordi
narily used to cause mild perspiration.
It has been objected, that in vapor-baths the heat is from
a foreign substance, and that, therefore, it must be debili
tating and weakening. But the same objection may be
made respecting the sweating blanket or the wet sheet
causing perspiration. The natural heat of the body being
98° F., there is constantly passing off in every direction a
considerable amount of heat, unless it is some way ob-
structed; but if this heat is obstructed, as by the non-con-
ducting blankets, as used in the wet sheet or sweating en-
velopement, and is retained at the surface of the body, or is
thrown back upon the surface, the effect is not different
from what it would be if the same amount of heat from any
other source were applied in a similar way.
In many cases, we are confident from experience, that a
vapor-bath suitably arranged, with a cool or cold bath after
it, is better than to lay for hours in an envelopement. The
time thus gained by the vapor-bath is very valuable for ex-
ercise in the open air, and is often better than for the patient
to be laying in a room perhaps not over well ventilated, as
is generally the case.
9*
202
HYDROPATHY; OR,
To prevent too much blood at the head, a cold wet cloth,
or a frequent washing the head and temples in cold water,
is very useful. A head-ache or faintness are the first symp-
toms denoting that the bath is too powerful. The vapor-
bath should never be used in such a way as to cause head-
ache or faintness. Such effects are never needed, and are
always more or less pernicious.
The Thompsonians, or "steam doctors," as they are some-
times called, have been unmercifully and ignorantly vilified
by many whose ignorance in certain cases superseded that
of the ignorant ones among the "steamers," in proportion
as it was more "scientific." Who does not know that the
Thompsonian has often relieved patients in a most remark-
able manner, when the "scientific" practitioner was com-
pelled to "give up." A good vapor-bath, and a thorough
cleansing of the skin, will often cause such speedy relief,
that it is reckoned an accident rather than otherwise that
relief is obtained. The remedy appears too simple to cause
any marked result.
+
Physicians generally seem to think it a thing of little con-
sequence to pay any regard to the skin. Day after day,
week after week, and month after month, patients are al-
lowed to lay suffering for want of a cleansing of the skin;
and in cases, too, where such a cleansing of the skin would
cause more sudden relief than any thing else that can be
done. We knew a physician of very extensive practice who
had under treatment a person with obstinate fever. After
having done his utmost without any good success, he thought
he would try vapor
"to get up an action," as it was called,
and to do this some common barrel hoops were cut in two,
and the half hoops were placed over the patient in bed to
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203
elevate the clothes, and then by hot stones or bricks wound
in wet cloths, placed under the bedding thus elevated, a
genial pleasant vapor was caused all about the body, and
thus by this simple means, the patient was at once greatly
benefitted. It was just the thing needed. The patient
rapidly recovered.
We lately had a patient who had been treated many
months, and who, on leaving home, was given by his physi-
cian written directions, and to "wind up," it was recom-
mended that by all means he should take vapor-baths,
should he be where they could be obtained—as if a vapor-
bath could not be had any where. He had been treated all
this time without any. It is easy to give a bath of this
kind in the following way: A number of bricks or stones
are heated red hot. The patient is to sit upon a cane-bot-
tom, or open-work chair, (the clothing being removed,) with
a couple of woolen or other blankets pinned about the neck.
A vessel of water, a common tin pan is as good as any thing,
is placed under the chair, and into this water the hot bricks
or stones are to be dipped, little by little, so that the vapor
rises from the surface of the water. The body can thus be
easily brought into perspiration.
The ancient Romans frequently used the vapor-bath, and
the cold one immediately following. The Russians go from
vapor-baths even at 150° F., and plunge in very cold water,
or roll in the snow. Wm. Penn saw the vapor-bath and the
cold immersion used with remarkable success among the
Indians of our own country; and at the present day, among
the red men of the forest, the vapor is an important agent
in the treatment of a variety of diseases.
204
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Tepid, Warm and Hot Applications of Water.
One great objection to the new system, is the supposed
chilling effect of the treatment. It is supposed by many
that the new mode consists wholly of horrible applications
of cold water. Physicians themselves are not always over-
particular in avoiding exaggeration on this point. It is found
to be quite a good "bug-bear," with which to frighten peo-
ple, by basely stating that weak infants, children and old
persons are all to be subjected to the one horrible thing—
cold water.
In many cases no cold water at all is used, unless it be
a little in the way of drink. It may be laid down as a
rule, that whenever warm or hot applications are more
agreeable to the feelings of the patient in subduing severe
pain, as in severe colics, certain inflammations of the bow.
els, cramps in the stomach and bowels, pain in the back,
pleurisy, or pain within the ribs or chest, &c., &c., the
best rule we know of is to consult the feelings of the pati-
ent. If there is high, burning inflammation, cold applica.
tions will be the most agreeable, and the best; but when
there is pain without high, burning inflammation, the warm
or hot applications are to be used. Let the following case
illustrate :
An individual had eaten too heartily at dinner, and of
food in his case indigestible. Very improperly, a full sup-
per was taken upon this indigestible dinner, which soon
caused, in the stomach and bowels, an excruciating colicky
pain. In similar cases, the man had removed the difficulty
by clysters and vomiting, caused by lukewarm water.
At
this time, however, these means failed, giving only partial
THE WATER-CURE.
205
relief.
The author being called, he directed that the pati-
ent have warm bricks to his feet, and at once large towels.
folded over, to be slightly wrung out of water as hot as
could be borne, and applied all over the abdomen and a
part of the chest. These were changed unremittingly, as
hot and as often as the patient desired, and very soon
brought relief, sooner than could have been done by any
drug opiate whatever. The bowels were also again freely
purged, and the acid and indigestible substances removed
from the stomach by much drinking of tepid water. After
all pain was removed, and the stomach and bowels were well
cleansed with pure clean water, it would have been well to
have applied the tepid wet sheet to sleep in. This not be-
ing convenient, and not being very essential, it was omitted.
A good night's rest was obtained. The individual lived
nearly fasting the next day, drinking, however, a large
quantity of water, mostly with the chill off, and then re-
turned gradually and cautiously to a more full diet, and thus
avoided all pain. In inflammation of the stomach and
bowels, in almost every case where those frightful relapses
take place, impropriety in food is the cause. In this case,
had not relief been soon given, there would inevitably have
resulted a very violent inflammation-in the stomach
and bowels, always a most formidable disease.
A medical friend whom we highly esteem-a man who is
never afraid to break away from old usages, provided he can
see a better way, lately informed the writer, that in a case of
most excruciating cholic which fell under his treatment, when
ordinary means had failed to bring relief, he caused the man
quickly to be wrapped in a blanket wet in hot water, and
this simple application caused immediate relief. It is as-
206
HYDROPATHY; OR,
tonishing to witness what can be often done by so simple a
means to relieve pain. The same principle was used by the
ancients to some extent, and has been more or less through
all periods of time. The relief caused by applying the warm
skin of an animal just slain, or by putting the patient into
the warm carcass of an animal, an ancient mode, is upon the
principle of warmth and moisture to soothe.
To propose a warm or tepid sheet would perhaps only
excite the ridicule of some who advocate water-cure. But
it is certain that these are sometimes the best. We some-
times prescribe warm wet sheets, for there are cases in which
it would not be safe to apply the cold one.
It is not pro-
ductive of any sort of good for a weak person to lay shiver-
ing in a cold wet sheet an hour or more, hoping afterwards
to get warm. Injury has been done by such means. It
may be laid down as a rule, that when the body is cold, it
should not be made colder, but instead it should be made
warmer; and if this cannot be done by natural means, as
by exercise, then artificial means should be used. Still the
direct effort of heat is always weakening. The question.
then, in warm or hot applications is, whether they are not
on the whole, of evils the least.
Warm and hot foot-baths are often very useful. But in
such uses of water, a cold application following should be used
to counteract the weakening and relaxing effect of heat.
Temperature of Baths, &c.
Sensations from water alter very considerably, accord-
ing to the temperature of the atmosphere, state of health,
&c., &c. Hot baths are from 98° F., the temperature of
the blood, upwards. Warm baths are generally reckoned
THE WATER-CURE.
207
:
from 92° to 98°; tepid, below 92°. A tepid bath to one,
may appear cold to another. As a rule, the colder the bath,
if well borne, the better. The direct effect of warm baths
is to weaken. Whenever they are taken, the time should
be very short, and they should be immediately followed by
a cold plunge, dash, shower, or at least rubbing with a cold
wet cloth. It is well known by some housekeepers, that
washing day" can be borne with much less fatigue if most
of the water used be cool or cold.
66
As to different sensations, here is a curious fact. Atmo.
sphere 55° F.; body comfortable. Took three basins of
water at 60°, 70°, and 80°. Placed one hand in the water
at 60°, the other in the water at 80°. Let them remain 30
seconds, and then placed both hands in the water at 70°;
to one it was cold, to the other warm.
It is said that in a road over the Andes, at about half-
way between the foot and summit, there is a cottage, in
which the ascending and descending travellers meet; the
former, who have just quitted the sultry valleys at the base,
are so relaxed that the sudden diminution of temperature
produces in them a feeling of intense cold; while the latter,
who left the frozen summits of the mountain, are overcome
by distressing sensations of extreme heat.
Cautions in the use of Water.
Every one knows water may be made the means of great
mischief. According to the celebrated Dr. Currie, of Liver-
pool, water may be safely used at any time when there is
no sense of chilliness present, when the heat of the surface
is steadily above what is natural, and when there is no ge-
neral or profuse perspiration. For a full bath, general af.
208
HYDROPATHY; OR,
fusion and drinking, these rules were by Dr. C. deemed
fully sufficient for safety; and yet we are often told, that
such men as Dr. C. and Priessnitz can manage water safely
and with it do wonders, but that practitioners in general
would not be able to make those nice distinctions, and
would consequently do much mischief. Better by far, had
it been if drugs were no more dangerous than water.
To the above may be added, as a rule, no strong impres
sion should be made with water, externally or internally,
within about three hours after a meal. A bath upon a
full stomach may be very injurious. But if there is indi-
gestion, colic, or inflammation, water should be used at
once, in a way suited to the case.
Perspiration caused by the envelopement, or by vapor
baths, does not come within Dr. Currie's rules. It is
well known that a cool or cold bath rightly taken is not
dangerous immediately after sweating, if this is not caused
by over-exertion.
Air and Exercise.
It will be observed that these important adjuncts to any
kind of treatment, share largely in the water-cure. Priess-
nitz insists that all who are able shall take an abundance
of out-door exercise regularly. The value of such exer-
cise is inestimable. Every one who observes at all re-
specting it, knows the invigorating effect it has upon the
system. The cases given by different authors in this work
will furnish sufficient directions in reference to these ad-
juncts:
"Priessnitz's first endeavor is to alleviate pain, so that the
THE WATER-CURE.
209
patients may avail themselves of air and exercise.
How
far this object is attained may be judged of, from the cir-
cumstances that out of 500 or 600, the usual average num-
ber of patients under his charge, there are seldom a dozen
of persons in bed at one time. If their complaint be fever,
he is so completely master of the case, that no one ever
keeps his bed, and seldom his room, for more than two or
three days, excepting in cases of typhus, a malady which
generally takes twelve or fourteen days to eradicate, but
hardly ever longer. The same remark will apply to rheu-
matism. If the sufferer can only reach Graefenberg, he
may be sure of immediate relief, such as elsewhere would
be called a cure, and which is repeated many times a year;
but the cure can only be regarded then as just commenced.
it being Priessnitz object to eradicate the cause of malady
from the system. What is understood by a cure at Grae-
fenberg, is a perfect cleansing of the body of all impurities,
a radical cure of that which has been the source of disease.
Cases of no very long standing succumb to the treatment,
sometimes in two or three months; others resist for one or
two years. Supposing, for example, a young man to be at-
tacked by gout, let him apply to Priessnitz, and he will
be cured immediately; but another, who has inherited it
from his family, and who has been a bon vivant himself for
a number of years, cannot expect to be made a new man,
but with the exercise of patience; yet he will have this
satisfaction, that during the cure he will find himself, in
other respects, in perfect health, never be confined to his
room, and be able to take plenty of exercise."-CAPTAIN
CLARIDGE.
-
210
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Clothing.
Priessnitz requires of his patients that they lay aside their
flannel and cotton. He holds "that they weaken the skin,
render people delicate, and less able to contend against at-
mospheric changes." When objections are made, he says,
“Wear it, then, over your shirt; but when you are accus-
tomed to cold water, you will not miss it. After the bath,
which you have now taken, run or walk until you provoke
perspiration. You need then have no fear of catching
cold."
"
Diet.
Some who advocate the water-cure, as practised by Priess-
nitz, have made objections to the diet. It is not pretended
but that it is improveable. When it is said of his patients
that they eat too much," it is only saying what is true of
civilized man the world over. When Professor Mott of this
city, (New York,) in one of his lectures, said there was as
much need of temperate eating societies, as there was of
temperate drinking societies, he by no means meant to be
understood as placing a low estimate upon popular temper.
ance societies; he was fully aware of the undeniable fact,
that excessive alimentation is a most fruitful source of dis
ease. Admitting that the diet at Graefenberg is not in
all respects what it should be, as it is not, to obtain the best
results in treating disease, it only goes the more strongly to
prove the power and value of the water-cure. In some im.
portant particulars Priessnitz has shown his good sense and
judgment, all must admit, who are well informed on the sub-
ject of diet. "He deprecates all exciting things, such as
THE WATER-CURE.
211
tea, coffee, wines and spirits, and recommends cold aliments
rather than hot. A rule for dieting (in disease, second in
importance to no other,) is that which relates to quantity.
In the process of starvation, it is a well-known principle
that the substances or parts of the body least essential to
life are the first to be wasted, and on this same principle, in
cases of shipwreck and other accidents, tumors have been
known to disappear rapidly, and old ulcers to heal in a very
short time, with those who have been thus subjected. This
rule, of course, will not apply in all cases of disease.
"I know a gentleman," says Dr. Johnson, "who was
entirely cured of an obstinate permanent stricture by adopt-
ing a very severe course of abstinence, as it regards both
food and drink, for two or three weeks. I am also ac-
quainted with several other very severe cases of disease,
entirely cured by the rigorous adoption of a severe diet-
but always in connection with a very mild course of the water.
treatment."
Diet and Digestion.
The following rules are drawn from Dr. Beaumont's well
known Observations and Experiments, perseveringly made
upon a healthy young man, whose stomach was exposed by
a wound which healed, leaving an external opening. The
rules are valuable for all, whether sick or well.
1. Bulk is nearly as necessary to the articles of diet as the
nutrient principle. They should be so managed that one
will be in proportion to the other. Too highly nutritive diet
is probably as fatal to life and health as that which is insuf-
ficient in nourishment.
2. The more plain and simple the preparation of food, and
212
HYDROPATHY; OR,
the less of seasonings of any kind, the better for the health.
Stimulating condiments, (salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard,
&c.,) instead of being used with impunity, are actually pre-
judicial to the healthy stomach. Though they may assist
the action of a debilitated stomach for a time, their contin-
ued use never fails to produce an indirect debility of that
organ. They affect it like alcohol or other stimulants.—
The present relief afforded is at the expense of future suffer-
ing.
3. Thorough mastication and slow swallowing are of great
importance.
4. A due quantity of food is of the utmost importance.
There is no subject of dietetic economy, says Dr. B., about
which people are so much in error, as that which relates to
quantity. Dyspepsia is oftener the effect of overeating and
overdrinking, than any cause.
5. Solid food, if properly masticated, is more easy of di-
gestion than soups and broths.
6. Butter, fat meat, and all oily substances, being always
hard of digestion, tending to derangement of the stomach,
are better omitted.
7. Alcoholic liquors of every form, the various stimulating
condiments, as mustard, pepper, spice, &c., tea, coffee, and
narcotics of every kind, all tend to debility, derangement,
and disease of the stomach, and through it, of the whole
system.
8. Simple pure water is the only fluid necessary for drink,
or for the wants of the system. The artificial drinks are all
more or less injurious. “Tea and coffee," says Dr. B., “the
common beverage of all classes of people, have a tendency
to debilitate the digestive organs. Let any one who is in
THE WATER-CURE.
213
the habit of drinking either of these articles in a weak de-
coction, take two or three cups, made very strong, and he
will soon be aware of their injurious tendency; and this is
only an addition to the strength of the narcotic which he is
in the constant habit of using.'
9. Violent exercise very soon after a full meal is injurious,
but gentle exercise promotes digestion. Sleep soon after a
meal is better avoided.
10. Strong mental exercise and emotions of the mind, as
grief, anger, fear, &c., particularly with a full stomach, tend
to impair digestion.
The Crisis.
One most remarkable feature in the water-cure, is the
Crisis, as it is termed. It is said that at Graefenberg it is
really amusing to observe with what anxiety it is looked for
by the patients. In most cases it proves the certain harbin-
ger of a good cure. "The patients themselves are constant
witnesses of this fact, and it is no wonder, therefore, that
they should look forward with pleasure and hope to its ad-
vent in their own persons. A patient is no sooner missed
from the table, than the question goes round, 'Has so-and-so
got a crisis?' And if the reply be in the affirmative, the
report spreads like the news of a fresh victory, and his friends
assemble around him-not with long faces to condole him—
but with merry smiles, and laughing jests, to congratulate
him on his happy fortune." "The following allegorical
lines from Southey," says Capt. Claridge, "might with
great justice be literally applied, by the individual who has
passed through the crisis, and been restored to health:"
214
HYDROPATHY; OR,
"Most blessed water! Neither tongue can tell
The blessedness thereof, nor heart can think,
Save only those to whom it hath been given
To taste of that divinest gift of heaven.
I stopped and drank of that divinest well,
Fresh from the rock of ages where it ran;
It had a heavenly quality to quell
All pain. I rose a renovated man;
And would not now, when that relief was known,
For worlds the needful suffering have foregone."
"The crisis is generally ushered in by a sense of uneasi-
ness, a loss of sleep and appetite, an alternate change from
heat and cold, and lastly by all the symptoms of fever, which
is sometimes violent, but always of short duration, if proper-
ly attended to. At its termination, the alvine and other
evacuations are more plentiful, and accompanied by a more
copious separation of extraneous matter than ordinarily ;
sometimes by several of the excretory passages at the same
time. This increased secretion is generally accompanied
by a variety of eruptions of the skin, by boils, abscesses, ul-
cers, &c."
"The term crisis applies to any very marked disturbance
of the system, or cutaneous change; as the crisis fever,
odorous perspiration, odorous urine, vomitings, diarrhoea,
hæmorrhodial discharge of blood, and various kinds of erup-
tion on the skin."
In very many cases of cure, there is said to be no per-
ceptible crisis of any kind. There appears to be no very
general rule respecting it. In some old and obstinate cases
of gout, mercurialism, &c., it may take place as many as
from three to five times, before the cessation of the disease,
and the re-establishment of perfect health.
THE WATER-CURE.
215
The "Crisis." By Sir Charles Scudamore.
The very important matter of crisis is always sought for
with much solicitude both by Priessnitz and the patient. He
believes that it could not be produced in a healthy man ;
and that its occurrence is a sure proof that nature is suc-
cessfully exerting herself to throw off the disease, by the
exit of bad humor from the mass of blood. It is a sort of
wholesale theory, and equally serves for all persons, and for
every known disorder; and assuredly is the most convenient
for one ignorant of medical science. I conceive that Priess-
nitz must have been gradually led to this idea of morbid
blood by the observations which his experience enabled him
to make; for, as before explained, he entered into the water-
cure practice by accident, and not from tuition. His prin-
ciples have arisen out of practice as an empiric art, and
were not as a percursor first implanted in his mind. He
has, in innumerable instances, so that the contrary forms
the exception to the rule, witnessed the formation of crisis
in the progress of the water-cure, amongst which boils take
the lead in pre-eminence and importance of character. But
the term also applies to any very marked disturbance of the
system, or cutaneous change; as the crisis fever; odorous
perspiration; odorous urine; vomitings; diarrhoea; hæ-
morrhoidal discharge of blood; and various kinds of erup-
tions on the skin. It was a fact of ordinary occurrence,
presenting itself to the mind of Priessnitz, that the great
crisis of boils, in proportion to their free suppuration, proved
* I employ this term in its just signification, meaning experience, not
charlatanism, from which I believe Priessnitz to be entirely free.
216
HYDROPATHY; OR,
in the highest degree remedial, removing chronic pains
and internal sufferings of long standing; and that no marked
amendment did take place until the event of some crisis.
Also the additional fact must be mentioned, that very fre
quently indeed the boil crisis would appear in the immedi-
ate vicinity of the disease, sometimes on the very spot. It
is no longer surprising therefore that the idea of humor in
the blood should be strongly confirmed in the mind of
Priessnitz, and have grown with him into a rule of practice.
The patient very naturally cares not for the absence of sci-
entific explanations, but renders his faith to fact, and to the
long list of very extraordinary cures which have been
performed, after the failure of regular medical art. But it
will not be uninteresting to examine more closely this doc-
trine of the bad blood, with reference to crisis and treat-
ment.
In the case of morbid poisons, as, for example, small pox,
measles, and scarlatina, nature evidently makes a vigorous.
effort to free the blood from the virus, by producing in the
skin a characteristic eruption, attended by a symptomatic
fever. After a certain period, health returns, and no remi-
niscence of the poison occurs. I adopt this illustration to
shew that the blood can in this manner, by the medium of
the skin, clear itself of the offending cause, however diffi-
cult the explanation may be. In the very familiar examples
of cutaneous disease, as erysipelas, the shingles, nettle-rash,
&c. we commonly refer to the blood as the source of dis-
order, although we can only generalize our notions; or, by
other theory, we may regard these disorders as the offspring
of some internal vitiated secretion, as acrid acid in the
stomach, or bad bile, affecting the skin by supposed sym-
THE WATER-CURE.
217
pathy;-which is equally figurative language, if we are
driven to close and searching analysis.*
Boils and carbuncles do not occur in healthy subjects;
and, when they happen naturally, are always looked upon
as indicating a bad habit of body. The surgeon may
choose other description, and call it weak and unhealthy
inflammation, affecting the outward texture of the body,
differently from phlegmon or true inflammation. I will
not, therefore, for the sake of language, attempt to dispute
the plain notion, so familiarly adopted, of the nature of
crisis in the water-cure treatment; but I do think it of great
importance that it should have its sober limits, and not be
made an ignis fatuus to the practitioner or the patient.
The benefit arising from crisis must not be referred merely
to the depuratory or cleansing process for the blood. Boils
and rashes act as counter-irritants, in the ordinary and most
accepted view, and in this way also prove useful; on the
same principle that we see advantage derived from blisters,
and artificial eruptions produced by external applications,
tartar emetic, croton oil, &c.; and even the use of setons
and issues is connected with this principle of counter-irrita-
tion equally with the idea of discharging the offending hu-
mor from the blood. It is very evidently the formation of
an artificial disease, with the hope that it may be a substi-
tute for the real one, and cause its removal.
It certainly happens in this way that much inconve-
nience must often be sustained by the patient in the pro-
ง
* A breaking out, as it is called, on the lips and chin, would proba-
bly be produced in any one, by eating for a continuance rich sauces,
especially if made with bad butter.
10
218
HYDROPATHY; OR,
gress of his cure; and he must submit to be worse, before
he can be better.
The occurrence of boils is not, however, invariably ne
cessary to the cure. Nature determines this, and may
give another kind of crisis; and even none that is notable
may be the pleasing fate of some, who still receive every
benefit and recover.
From all that I have seen, and my opportunity has been
extensive, I am deeply impressed with the conviction that
the employment of a very large amount of treatment, at
one and the same time, in order to urge the circulation to
produce crisis, demands most prudent consideration, and
especially in irritable constitutions. I am free to admit
that, in chronic cases of long standing, superficial mea.
sures would be of little or no avail, and that there must be
efficient treatment. If too active measures be pursued in
these exceptionable instances to which I allude, a sudden
and too severe crisis might be produced, creating high suf
fering and possible danger. Instead of the favorably sup-
purating boils, such as are of untoward character might
arise. I am sure that these unfavorable consequences may
always be avoided by ordinary care, and do not be
long to the water-cure treatment, as of right, more than
any accidental untoward result belongs to the regular
practice of physic.
Whenever a threatening appears of too strong a crisis, the
treatment is to be immediately reduced; and, being nicely
adapted also to the particular circumstances of the case, all
anxious embarrassment will be removed.
In conclusion of this subject, I advert with regret to re-
flections which I have seen in print on the skill of Priess-
THE WATER-CURE.
219
nitz, on account of a particular case which occurred at
Graefenberg, unfavorable in respect to the constitution of
the patient, and having a fatal termination. In its treat.
ment at the latter period, there had been on the part of the
individual much improper deviation from the directions
laid down, owing to an impatient desire of urging crisis
for the sake of a more speedy cure.
From this cause,
fever crisis set in suddenly and with destructive violence.
Continued high irritation and fatal exhaustion ensued.
A lamented event of this kind, happily most rare, should
serve as occasion for such reflections as I have already
suggested. No remedy that is powerful for good, can be so
weak an instrument as not to be also capable of evil.
Neither the skill nor the prudence of Priessnitz should be
lightly called in question by any one. I am convinced
that, with regular superintendence of a case, he would ne-
ver provoke a crisis beyond his power of convenient con-
trol. The very large number of patients in his list, varying
from two to five hundred, could not allow of watch being
kept over every case, and he must be sought for rather than
seek. He is most attentive on every important occasion ;
and it must be the fault of the patient if he do not report
progress; and more especially if he do not seek prompt aid
in the event of the least unfavorable occurrence.
Another and very important consideration presents itself
on the subject of crisis ;-for how long a time is its occur-
rence to be viewed as an indication for the continuance of
treatment? Evidently it requires judgment to know what
may be referred to the influence of the constitution not yet
delivered from its errors; and what to simple morbid action.
of the vessels of the skin, existing as a secondary and a lo-
i
220
HYDROPATHY; OR,
cal disease. I know an instance of the occasional forma.
tion of boils on the legs, causing much inconvenience, al-
though the general health is quite restored; the full water-
cure treatment, which was carried on nearly two years,
having been laid aside for one; with the exception that the
patient applies water dressings to the skin when it inflames,
or to a boil; and uses a cold bath daily.
Does Water cause Dropsy?
Many object to the drinking of cold water, on the ground
that animals only drink to quench thirst. This is true, but
they do not live in our artificial state, nor are they subject
to the influence of the mind. It cannot be denied that the
nearer people approximate to nature, the less they need
adhere to any prescribed rules; but man resorts to water
to establish his health, therefore the quantity must be
increased, not only for the purpose of allaying his thirst,
but to dilute, purify, and restore, in quantities which must
depend upon the inconvience or pain experienced. By this
simple means, serious indispositions are often prevented.
Another argument made use of against drinking cold water
is, that it produces dropsy. In the first place, it is evident,
that if this were true, such a complaint ought not to exist
amongst us, for whoever heard of an Englishman drinking
too much water? But we affirm, on the contrary, that this
disease is caused by the injudicious administration of drugs;
the use of too large a quantity of them; by omitting to
drink cold water, and by neglecting to wash or bathe the
body daily in that element.
If the skin is so much relaxed that it no longer throws
out those matters which daily reach it from the interior
THE WATER-CURE.
221
·
of the body, fluids are collected underneath the skin which
ought to be evaporated, and which cause inflation, paleness,
and cold. This is what is called dropsy.
The more the human body is injured by drugs, the more
it is in need of strong perspiration, because it endeavors, by
the aid of this physical agent, to relieve itself of all dis-
eased matter. From this it may be inferred that no persons
are more in need of the cold water-cure than those who
have taken too much physic. Further, strong poisons, of
whatsoever nature they may be, whether mercury, blue pill,
calomel, bark, or spirituous liquors, to excess, frequently
cause death by dropsy; sometimes this disease is caused
by catching cold, but only those are liable to it who have
produced a disposition to the complaint by relaxing the
skin. The only remedy formerly known was to draw off
the water by tapping, which operation, often repeated, gives
a respite to life for a short time. This illness, in its in-
fancy, may always be speedily cured by hydropathy, and,
in its most advanced stages, if there be any strength left in
the constitution, this disease will be eradicated by the wa-
ter-cure; it being the property of this treatment to revive
the activity of the skin, and enable the latter to indulge
freely in the necessary ejection of perspiration.
From the returns of the year 1841, within the city of
London, and bills of mortality, amongst a people altogether
opposed to the use of water, we find that from dropsy alone
the deaths amounted to no less a number than 584. Any
one who never takes physic nor intoxicating liquors, and
keeps to a water diet, may be perfecty sure of never being
attacked with dropsy.-CLARIDGE.
222
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Diseases to which the Water-Cure is more especially adapted.
By Dr. Johnson.
I shall now proceed to enumerate a few of those diseased
conditions of the body to which the water-cure is most es.
pecially adapted. But I would here premise that this mode
of treatment, when properly modified, and carefully adapted
to the peculiarities of individual constitutions, and to the
nature of the disorder, can seldom fail of conferring more
or less benefit, let the diseased condition be what it may.
This is true from the very nature of the remedy, the effect
of which is to strengthen the general system. And undoubt
edly a certain amount of strength may, by it, be accumu-
lated in the body, although the actual disease itself may not
be eradicated. In cases where it is impossible that the dis-
ease should be cured, the general health and strength may
be so much improved as to render it far more easily en-
dured.
I must also premise, that besides those diseases which I
am about to mention, as well as many others concerning
which want of room must necessarily keep me silent, there
are a multitude of anomalous and undenominated disorders,
so entirely varied in form, character, and symptoms, that
any attempt to enumerate them here is perfectly out of
question-and yet many of these are unquestionably such
as can be entirely removed by hydrotherapeutic treatment,
upon the principles herein laid down as the foundation of
that mode of cure.
Acute Diseases.
The diseases over which the water-cure is said to possess
THE WATER-CURE.
223
the most rapid and striking influence, are acute diseases.
Fevers, febrile diseases, inflammations, &c., &c.-such of
them, of course, as are curable by any means-are said to
be removed with a certainty and rapidity which is little
less than magical, A fever which, under ordinary treat-
ment, would confine the patient to his bed for six weeks or
two months, is frequently overcome in two or three days,
and the patient is thus restored to health before there has
been time for the approach of that extreme weakness and
emaciation so constantly the result of a long illness, even
after the disease itself has been vanquished.
In all curable acute diseases, therefore, the water-cure is
peculiarly and especially available.
Neuralgic or Painful Diseases.
In all painful disorders also-disorders the chief charac-
ter of which is severe and acute pain-this treatment pos-
sesses the most extraordinary and even unaccountable powers
of relief. Severe pain is a sensation almost entirely unknown
at Graefenberg.
Indigestion.
There is a most extensive class of symptoms, manifest-
ing themselves in various groups, in different persons, at-
tacking almost every individual, more or less severely, and
more or less frequently, throughout the whole range of the
upper and middle classes; sparing neither age, sex, nor
condition; undoubtedly the cause of more human suffering
than any other disorder, and which class of symptoms has
received the general appellation. These distressing sensa
tions are exceedingly various, and indeed only agree among
224
HYDROPATHY; OR,
themselves in being universally accompanied by evidences.
of a disordered stomach. The term indigestion is an ex-
ceedingly absurd one-inasmuch as it implies that the
faulty action of the stomach is always the cause-whereas
the faulty action of the stomach is much more frequently
the effect of disorder in some other organ. Ignorance of
this fact, (well known to medical men, however,) has led
persons to do themselves infinite mischief, and actually to
bring on disorder in a previously healthy stomach, by a
misapplication of remedies. For instance, a man gets a
head-ache and a disordered condition of the stomach, at one
and the same time. He never hesitates a moment as to
what he should do, but forthwith sets about physicking his
unfortunate and most innocent stomach-taking it for
granted that it is the disordered stomach which has produced
the disordered brain; whereas it much more frequently
happens that it is the disordered brain which has produced
the disordered stomach. He addresses his remedies to the
wrong organ, thus doing no good to the one and infinite
mischief to the other.
I believe that indigestion hardly ever (now-a-days) com-
mences in the stomach.
But the healthy functions of the
stomach are continually disturbed by a distressed, irritated,
fagged, worn-out condition of the brain and nervous system.
-from which system alone the stomach, like every other
organ, must derive all its vigor. But how can the stomach
derive vigor from the brain and nervous system, if the brain
and nervous system have no vigor themselves? Indigestion
is almost peculiar to the upper and middle classes, and,
amongst these, is nearly a universal disease. There must,
therefore, be a universal cause for it, which cause must be
THE WATER-ÇURE.
225
peculiar to these classes. But excess, either in eating or
drinking, is not now, by any means, a universal fault in, nor
is it peculiar to, these classes.
But there is a morbid cause, which is almost peculiar to
the upper and middle classes, and which is, also, almost
universal amongst these classes.
This cause is a morbid, undue, and excessive excitement
of the brain and nervous system. And the morbid sensi-
bility which necessarily results from this constant excess
of nervous excitement I take to be by far the most frequent
source of indigestion. For it must be remembered that the
stomach derives its digestive powers from the eighth pair of
nerves, along which nerves the nervous influence is trans-
mitted to the stomach like electricity along the conducting
wire, or steam through a tube. If this nerve be divided in
a healthy dog, while digesting his meal, digestion instantly
stops and becomes impossible.
Among the upper and wealthy classes, this excessive ex-
citement is derived from artificial, and unnaturally refined,
sources of pleasure. The theatre, the ball-room, music,
dancing, gaming, political ambition daily disappointed,
fashionable emulation perpetually on the strain-petty con-
tentions of all sorts-late hours and luxurious habits—these,
in the upper ranks, are the causes of excessive excitement-
morbid sensibility-anxiety-indigestion.
In the middle classes, the same morbid results are ob
tained, by the same means, from sources somewhat differ-
ent. And the cares of business, the anxieties of specula-
tion, solicitude for the welfare of a numerous family, pride
hourly contending with poverty, debts, doubts, dangers, and
10*
226
HYDROPATHY; OR,
difficulties these do for men of the middle rank, what the
causes above enumerated do for those of the upper.
Some of the more prominent features of this many-headed
monster I will here enumerate. They are nausea, pain
about the region of the stomach and sides, head-ache, heart-
burn, a sense of fullness, distension, or weight in the stom-
ach, a feeling as if a ball were lodged in the throat, acid or
offensive eructations, flatulence, vomiting, especially of a
clear liquor (like pure water), sometimes of an acid quality,
and often in large quantity, a sensation of sinking or flutter.
ing at the pit of the stomach, and loss of appetite; costive-
ness or irregularity of the bowels, with a morbid appearance
of the evacuations; pain of the back and turbid urine; a
disagreeable taste in the mouth, especially on waking; a
feeling of stinging, or heat, as of cayenne pepper, in the
mouth; tooth-ache, palpitation, pulsation in the region of
the stomach, irregularity of pulse; short, dry cough, and
occasional difficulty of breathing; giddiness, languor, lassi-
tude, depression of spirits, with fear of death or of impend-
ing evil.
Whenever this long train of distressing symptoms has
arisen from excessive irritation of the nervous system-from
morbid sensibility, without organic lesion-as it does in nine-
teen cases out of twenty-it can be cured, beyond question,
by the hydropathic treatment-by exalting and accelerating
the change of matter.
Leucorrhea, or Fluor Albus.
This most distressing, enfeebling, and exceedingly com-
mon disease-a disease which resists almost every other
mode of treatment-depending, as it does, upon chronic in-
THE WATER-CURE.
227
"
flammation of the uterus, is well calculated to be effectually
removed by the invigorating method adopted at Graefenberg,
and other hydropathic establishments.
Attempts have lately been made to show that leucorrhœa
depends upon an ulcerated condition of the os uteri. It is
extremely probable that the os uteri may be frequently found
in an ulcerated condition in females laboring under leucor.
rhoea, but the more probable inference is that the ulceration
is the effect, and not the cause, of the morbid discharge-
whose acrimonious nature is often fully sufficient to account
for the ulcerated condition of the os uteri. Besides, suppo-
sing the ulcerated condition to be the cause of the discharge,
that condition could not have come on without previous in-
flammation. But, whichever of these two conditions, in-
flammation or ulceration, be the true cause, the cold water
remedy is equally well adapted to remove it-seeing that
both causes are themselves caused by a weakened condition of
the organs concerned.
Gout and Rheumatism.
The cases of rheumatism and gout which have been cured
at Graefenberg, are almost without number. And when it
is considered that these diseases depend upon inflammation
of particular structures of the body, and that this inflamma-
tion again, in its turn, depends upon a weakened condition
of the nervous system, it is sufficiently easy to account for
the fact.
Epileptic Fits.
Whenever this disease depends, as it very frequently does,
upon a clot of blood pressing on the brain, it is curable by
228
HYDROPATHY; OR,
the hydropathic treatment, united to that of a severe diet.
Besides the cases given in the list of cases in this work, I
have been witness to another very remarkable one. The
patient was the subject of epilepsy for four years, and the fits
recurred regularly every ten days. He has not now had a
fit for three months, and is about to return home perfectly
cured.
Spinal Irritation.
Spinal irritation, resulting from subacute or chronic in-
flammation of the vertebral theca, and giving rise to a long
train of the most distressing symptoms, is perfectly curable
by cold water treatment.
Difficult Menstruation.
Painful, excessive, suppressed, or insufficient menstruation,
is another distressing affection over which the hydropathic
remedy possesses the most absolute control.
Influenza.
Of late years a vast number of persons have suffered
greatly from protracted influenza; and occasionally this
disease is so obstinate as to resist all ordinary remedies.
It yields most readily, however, to the Graefenberg method
of cure.
Constipation, hysteria, rheumatic gout, catarrh, rheuma-
tism of the head or of the heart, bilious head ache, sciatica,
lumbago, mercurial diseases, secondary symptoms, inflam-
mation of the kidneys, impotence, neuralgic or painful af
fections of the nerves-all these are completely under the
control of the cold water treatment.
THE WATER-CURE.
229
But my limits will not allow me to devote more space to
the particular mention of individual diseases. More will
be found in the list of cases.
Besides these, however, there is a whole host of anoma-
lous, undenominated diseases, which cannot be referred to
any particular class, which come within the scope of the
cold-water cure. And there is probably no disease which
cannot be benefitted, more or less, by the exaltation of the
living energies, and the improvement of the general health
and strength.
In fine, all those diseases depending upon functional
weakness-all those depending upon nervous debility, and
morbid sensibility-all those depending upon inflammation,
acute, subacute, or chronic, uncomplicated with permanent
organic lesion-all those depending upon morbid matters in
the blood or other humors-these constitute that long list of
diseases which are peculiarly calculated, from their nature
and causes, to be removed by the hydrotherapeutic remedy.
It is not, however, to be inferred that this remedy is un-
able to cure any cases of organic lesion. On the contrary,
whenever these cases are, from their nature, capable of cure
at all, without the aid of surgical operations, the cold water
treatment undoubtedly offers a better and more rational
chance of success than any other-as some of the cases
herein related prove-as, for instance, the cases of fistula,
epilepsy, and paralysis.
230
HYDROPATHY; OR,
CHAPTER VII.
THE GRAEFENBERG TREATMENT OF DISEASES.*
Gout and Rheumatism.
Gour has different names according to the part it affects.
Thus it is denominated chiragra, when it attacks the hands ;
podagra, when it occupies the feet; and gonagra, when it
is established in the knees.
It is thought to be caused by subtle fugitive acrimony,
which some suppose to be a composition of lime and phos-
phorus, others from the acid of urine, whose acrimony tra-
verses, with the blood, all parts of the body, and occasions
dreadful pain wherever it remains. These concretions ar
of a calcareous nature, as is seen by the sediment of the
urine of those subject to the gout, and the linen in which
they perspire at Graefenberg, as they leave there traces of
lime; besides which, the boils which often ensue are critical
deposits, containing the arthritic matter.
The ancient physicians called gout the daughter of Bac-
chus and Venus. Truly, persons devoted to these two divi-
nities offer the greatest number of examples.
Since I followed the water-cure, I look upon medical
treatment for the gout as an act of insanity.
Medicine is
* This chapter is principally made up of descriptions of Priessnitz's
treatment, as given by Captain Claridge, in his work on Hydropathy.
THE WATER-CURE.
231
of no use in this disease, for, although it may bring some
momentary relief, it is essentially hurtful, since these reme-
dies almost always produce forced evacuations, derange the
digestive organs, and favor the formation of a greater quan-
tity of bad juices. I declare, with a perfect knowledge of
cause, and a deep conviction founded on numerable and no-
table facts, that the sudorific process and cold water are the
only means of curing this disease.
Warm and vapor baths, aided by medicinal remedies, can
produce perspiration, but they are weakening, and few con-
stitutions can bear them. The process of Cadet de Vaux
may be remembered, who said that gouty people should
drink forty-eight glasses of hot water daily. What did this
produce? The drying up of the body by an immense loss
of juices, the degradation of the most robust constitutions,
and diseases worse than gout itself.
Priessnitz's method of cure unites all the advantages of
the cure by warm water, without its inconveniences; like
the latter, it attacks and raises the vitiated juices, and ex-
pels them from the system with advantage; it fortifies the
system in hardening it, and by re-establishing the digestive
functions; whilst warm water ruins them completely.
fact, the cure of Graefenberg requires only constancy and
perseverance, according to the standing of the disease.
In
Gouty subjects, who could find no relief whatever in me-
dicine, were those that Priessnitz cured the quickest, how.
ever violent the disease. I have heard him say that eight
or ten weeks were sufficient to cure them radically; the
reason of which undoubtedly is the good state of the diges-
tive organs, unimpaired by medicine, and, consequently, a
less quantity of vitiated juices.
232
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Whatever may be the reason, it is very certain that the
maintenance of the digestive organs in their normal state
is that which is most important to health. It is not with
emetics and purgatives, it is not with mercury, or mineral
waters, of which they are so prodigal, that doctors preserve
the integrity of the digestive organs; they know this, and
shut their eyes to the evil consequences of this debilitating
system.
The cure of gout requires the application of the whole
treatment. It should be felt on the entire system before it
is particularly applied to the parts afflicted. The first ob.
ject to obtain is, by the sudorific process and baths, to re-
lieve that excessive irritability of the skin which is the
source of so much pain; adding to this, exercise in the
open air. By degrees gouty subjects should leave off flan-
nel next to the skin, which they do in summer on the fifth
day of the treatment, in winter a little later, and always
without the slightest inconvenience. When the invalid is
not too weak, he may go immediately to the douche, which
he must let fall equally upon all parts of his body; but this
must be used only for a few minutes; it is only when he is
enabled to sustain it easily, that he should expose the suffer-
ing parts to it, to put the humors which are there established
in motion.
The process of strong perspiration is of the greatest im-
portance in cases of gout, particularly for those who have
tried other remedies. Whilst enveloped in a woollen blanket,
the patient ought to apply bandages or umschlags to the
diseased parts, and to renew them according to the process
indicated: few pass more than five or six weeks under the
influence of this treatment without having a crisis; I mean
*
THE WATER-CURE.
233
to say, without the sufferer being charged with eruptions or
boils.
At the appearance of the crisis, it is necessary for the
douche to be moderated, in order not to augment the crisis;
the process of perspiring ought to be mitigated, and the pa-
tient should remain a shorter period in the bath. It is often
necessary to take only sitz-bath and foot-baths, particularly
those subject to congestion of blood to the head, or when the
gout is subject to that part. When the crisis is intense, it
is sufficient to be wrapped in a wet sheet and use cold ab-
lutions on coming out of the sheet, it is better to avoid
the use of the bath.
The treatment thus mitigated is continued, excepting
where irritation approaches to danger, in which case it
should be suspended, excepting the general fomentation, or
bandages, which should be renewed day and night, and
sitz-baths. These are sufficient to re-establish calm.
I should not forget to warn the gouty subjects, that they
should, during the treatment, drink a great deal of cold
water. This liquid, taken abundantly, attenuates the hu-
mors, and favors perspiration; to which should be added as
much exercise as can be taken, either by riding on horse.
back, or walking. Then sawing a block of wood, or, as a
case of necessity, riding in a carriage must supply its place.
But if obliged to stay at home, the quantity of cold water
drank should not be lessened. Further, I know an instance
of gout in the head being cured by merely drinking water,
and making ablutions of cold water, although the invalid.
was incapable of leaving his room.
There are a great many gouty people whose gout is not
merely local, but is manifest in the whole of the body.
234
HYDROPATHY; OR,
When it exists in the upper regions, foot-baths are persisted
in, to draw it to the inferior extremities, not forgetting to
bandage the diseased parts, in order to disturb and put it in
movement; these baths should be taken once or twice a day,
for at least half an hour each time.
It is a common case to see gout affect the lower extremi-
ties;
the feet are often the seat of the disease: cold foot-
baths are a quick and powerful remedy. The water for
the foot-bath should not be deeper than up to the ankles,
The sister of a friend of mine, residing near Toplitz, suf-
fered a long time, pain in the foot and leg; she tried many
remedies, besides the baths of Toplitz, without the slightest
benefit; it even increased the disease to that degree that
she could not walk. A violent paroxysm came on, during
which she imagined the use of cold water might do her
good the first foot-bath that she took enabled her to walk :
encouraged by this success she renewed it, and was in a
few days completely rid of the complaint. I saw her two.
years after, and heard her say she had not the slightest re-
mains of her disease.
When the gout is fixed in the hips, or any of the lower
extremities, it is called sciatic gout. Sitz-baths being so
efficacious, one should not be afraid on finding that they
augment pain; this betokens a movement given to the ar-
thritic humors. This is still more increased by applying the
douche to the suffering parts; the humor at last descends
to the feet, where it has been drawn by the foot-baths, which
should be alternately taken with sitz-baths.
It is necessary to apply the douche strongly to the
parts affected by gout, and to continually apply wet band-
ages, as well as to rub it very hard when in the cold
THE WATER-CURE.
235
bath; also, if practicable, with the dry hand, when wrapped
up in the blanket to perspire. These frictions move and
displace the morbid humors. The head is the only part
which should not be subjected to the douche; it is suf
ficient to apply bandages to it, particularly on the tem-
ples, where the pain is more acutely felt, and to take
daily foot and sitz-baths, in order to attract the humors
to the lower extremities. In this case the sudorific pro.
cess should be shortened.
We will now show the treatment of tic-doloureux,
which is itself a kind of gout; we have already said that
the douche should not be applied to the head. The first
thing is to water the whole of the body with cold water;
if this is insufficient, a sitz-bath should be taken for two
hours, a great deal of water drank, and from the sitz-
bath, immediately to the foot-bath. This treatment is
often sufficient to put an end to the paroxysm; if, how.
ever, it does not cease, place a cold wet bandage round
the head, and take exercise in a place where the tempe-
rature is cold. The pain got rid of, the patient should
keep quiet for some days, and abstain from perspiration;
during the days of relaxation, a sitz-bath must be taken
one day, and a foot-bath the next, and wet bandages fre-
quently renewed to the afflicted parts, not forgetting to
drink plenty of cold water; it is necessary to take exer-
cise in the open air after each bath.
This is the way I
treated the dreadful nervous tic which had almost reduced
me to despair, and at last triumphed. I must confess that
I made a firm resolution to execute all the requisite opera-
tions during the advancement of the disease. But what is
not a man capable of undergoing who wishes to live? Those
236
HYDROPATHY; OR,
who are attacked by gout, should have immediate resource
to ablutions and sitz-baths; the paroxysm is thus always
shortened, and sometimes stopped on its first appearance.
This treatment is so far advantageous, that the day after, or
even the same day, the patient can be exposed to the open
air, without runnig the risk of a relapse. This is an ad-
vantage which belongs to no other treatment.
Between the paroxysms, persons afflicted with arthritic
pains in the head, would do well to take head-baths, to put
the gouty humor in movement, and disengage the head from
it, which often happens in the shape of an abscess in the
Whatever pain these abscesses may cause, the head-
baths and cold fomentations or bandages on the part affect-
ed, should not be neglected. Their opening causes great
relief; if they do not open, it is because the humor has
been expulsed by perspiration.
ear.
Head- baths should only be employed when the treatment
has already affected the whole system, in order to avoid too
great a reaction in the superior organs. As to the pain
caused by the formation of the abscess, which is determined
by the head-bath, it differs essentially from that characteri-
zing the tic nervous; it has much less acuteness, although
it troubles the sleep for some nights; it is more pungent than
destroying, fatigues the teeth and temples, and is continually
drawing towards the ear.
I shall not end this chapter on gout in the head without
warning the invalid, that a strict observance of the regimen
at Graefenberg is for him one of the most important duties;
any working of the mind prejudicial to the body, so shaken
by the sudorific process; the exercise of the mind would be
contributed to the general state of irritation. I have already
THE WATER-CURE.
237
said this process should be mitigated; I shall add, that it
were better to perspire every other day. But how, it will
be exclaimed, support a life of such dressing and undressing?
I answer by asking, whether any other treatment is less te-
dious and more efficacious? There is one source from
whence we may take courage; it is in the sentence pro-
nounced by medical schools, who have declared gout an in-
curable disease.
All that I have said about gout and its treatment, equally
applies to rheumatism, which bears such a great resemblance
to it, that it is supposed to take the same origin, and often
one is confounded with the other, therefore is the treatment
the same; which consists in abundant perspiration, the
douche, and bandages on the parts affected.
The reader will perhaps be interested to read the recital
of some of the cures of gout which were performed at Graef-
enberg during my stay there.
A king's counsellor had suffered for six years with the
gout, which, having affected different parts of the body, ended
by settling in the feet, which were inflamed, and remarkably
red. Foot-baths, in a hot decoction of plants, ordered by
the faculty, so increased the pain, that the invalid, reduced
to despair, had recourse to cold water; repeated cold foot-
baths, after some days, caused the inflammation and redness
to disappear. Astonished by the happy effect of cold water,
he came to Graefenberg, where he submitted to the treat-
ment. Being 65 years of age, he was obliged to proceed
with great care, therefore he only perspired in the wet sheet,
and did not take the douche. The remainder of the treat.
ment was not altered; at the end of two months he went
away radically cured.
238
HYDROPATHY; or,
A clergyman arrived at Graefenberg, who had the gout
in his hands and feet to such a degree that he could not use
them; fifteen days after he had commenced the treatment,
boils appeared; this was a sign of the quick termination of
the disease; but something important occurred to render it
necessary for the invalid to return home after only six weeks'
treatment; this was during the times of the crisis. He con-
tinued the cure at home; and in six weeks after his return.
home, was not only perfectly cured of the gout, but of an
asthma, from which he had suffered a long time.
:
A little girl, seven years of age, suffered from the time
she was one year old, with pain in the chest ; after having
tried medicine in vain, her parents took her to Graefenberg.
Priessnitz immediately said it was rheumatism, and that he
would undertake the cure: he ordered a cold wet bandage
to be worn on the chest ; fever was the result, and an in-
crease of the pains. The child was wrapped in a wet sheet,
which was changed several times during the day each
time that the sheet was changed, she was washed with tepid
water; frightened by the fever, which continued during ten
days, the parents then remembered that the doctor who had
sent them to Graefenberg, said, if the treatment increases
the disease, it must be discontinued immediately. They
then resolved to take their child home directly. For this
journey they were obliged to fetch a conveyance from some
distance. During the two days they were gone, the crisis
ended, and the child was so well, that on its parent's return
they found it playing in the fields. The treatment perse-
vered in for some weeks longer, perfectly re-established the
little invalid's health.
A clergyman, on coming from a baptism at some distance
THE WATER-CURE.
239
from home, returned with a cold, and a stomach overcharged
with food. The same day he was attacked by rheumatic
pains in the back and arms. No doctors being able to cure
him, this state lasted for a year. He then determined to go
to Graefenberg, when, after having drank, perspired, and
bathed for three weeks, an eruption took place all over the
body, which delivered him from pain. The continuation
of the treatment cured the eruption, as well as a difficulty
of breathing, which was complicated with his rheumatism.
Arthritic pains, after being endured for twenty-six years,
forced a major of cavalry to leave the service. Having
tried the water-cure at home, he found that it did him so
much good, that he went to Graefenberg. He remained
there fifteen months, when he was radically cured, and af-
terwards rejoined the army.
A doctor who had had sciatic gout for five years, in the
left leg, which was very much swelled, and quite black,
went to Graefenberg, where, after three months' treatment,
such a number of boils came out, that he was no longer
able to walk: after some time, these boils closed, and left
the invalid in a perfect state of health.
Through a cold, taken on coming out of the theatre, a
person was all at once deprived of the senses of smell and
taste; and, after a treatment of four months at Graefen-
berg, was perfectly restored by an abscess in the head,
which opened in one ear.
Some days after my arrival at Graefenberg, a case of
deafness had been cured by a similar abscess in the ear:
nine months were required to cure this obstinate disease.
The invalid thus cured has, in gratefulness, written a work
on the method of curing at Graefenberg.
240
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Inflammatory Fever, Nervous Fever, &c.
Inflammatory fever, as well as all kinds of acute fever,
are certain to be cured by the use of cold water generally,
through the medium of fomentations, viz., the wet sheet
and sitz baths, renewing the one and the other, according
to the malignity of the disease. Some doctors have con-
tested the possibility of curing the nervous typhus fever
with cold water. I shall answer by referring them to the
writings of Doctors Curry, Reuss, Mylius, and Weigt,
when they may be convinced of this truth. They will, per-
haps, honor the testimony of the medical men alluded to
with some credence, as those professors of medical science
have cured thousands by following up the cold water system
in such cases.
I shall illustrate the treatment by relating
two cases of this disease, which I witnessed during my stay
at Graefenberg.
Soon after my arrival there, I was attacked by a strong
fever. I first took a foot-bath, then a sitz-bath, wherein I
remained for an hour. A friend of mine, seeing the fever
augment, and my face get quite red, was frightened, and
ran to Priessnitz, who came to see me at nine o'clock at
night; he immediately placed me in a wet sheet, which was
renewed in half an hour. I remained in it for an hour,
during which time I slept, as Priessnitz had predicted; after
which I was washed with cold water, and again placed in
the wet linen, when I soon began to perspire abundantly,
and to feel much relieved; I then slept until three o'clock
in the morning, when I was again washed, and replaced in
the wet sheet. I then began to perspire once more, until
six o'clock, when, covered with perspiration, I was plunged
THE WATER-CURE.
241
into a cold water bath, where I remained but a few mo-
ments. I then went out to take a walk, and returned at
eight o'clock to the breakfast table, exempt of all fever, heat,
or even weakness.
I have often since seen this process employed on children
attacked by strong fevers, and always with great success.
It often happens that the fever is obstinate, and lasts longer
than usual. The treatment should then be sustained until
it has destroyed the cause of the disease.
The time which a nervous typhus fever lasts, and its per-
nicious consequences, are well known. What a difference
is there between the results of drugs and water!
Such are
the miracles performed by Hydropathy.
There is a case which did not occur to myself, but of
which I was an eye-witness. A merchant was attacked by
nervous fever and delirium. The illness began by a sensa-
tion of burning in the stomach, which soon caused sickness.
He took a sitz-bath, which did him no good. As the head-
ache and sickness augmented, he drank water until he vo-
mited, which relieved him: nevertheless, in an hour, (ten
o'clock at night,) the invalid became worse, and lost his
senses. In this state he ran all over the house, with a light
in his hand. From time to time his reason returned, and
he was astonished to find himself thus; but the delirium
soon came on again. Thus he passed the whole night. It
was only at nine o'clock the next morning that Priessnitz,
hearing of the event, came to see him; he found him in bed,
his eyes staring, his mouth open, his tongue dry and burn-
ing, and totally deprived of his senses. Priessnitz imme-
diately ordered a sitz bath, in which the patient remained
for half an hour, and was rubbed with cold water.
After
11
242
HYDROPATHY; OR,
this, the invalid was placed in a wet sheet, which was re-
newed every ten minutes; in an hour he took another sitz-
bath for half an hour, and was again placed in a wet sheet.
He soon began to perspire, and give evident signs of being
relieved. These operations were continued until evening,
when his reason returned. He slept all night. In the
morning he was in a great state of perspiration, but quite
free from pain. At eight o'clock in the morning, he asked
for something to eat, and received bread and milk; and for
dinner he had a soup made from meat, with barley in it.
The remainder of the day was passed quietly; the se
cond and third nights were passed nearly in the same way
as the first. On the fourth day he tried to take a cold bath,
but was seized with shooting pains in the head, he therefore
took a tepid bath at the temperature of 61° F. This illness
began on the 8th of September. On the 14th of the same
month, the invalid was sent out to a dinner, at which he
partook of every thing he found upon the table. A few
days after this, he quitted Graefenberg perfectly cured.
There had been a similar case at Graefenberg a few days
before my arrival, the termination of which was equally for-
tunate. I was informed of this by some invalids who had
preceded me. Priessnitz says, that this disease, taken in
the commencement, is easily and quickly cured; later, it
requires more time. Nevertheless, whatever may have been
its duration, cold water is always efficacious.
During the author's stay at Graefenberg, several other
most extraordinary cases of fever occurred. One man was
kept in the half bath for nine hours and a half, two other
individuals were put in between forty and fifty wet sheets
in the course of twenty-four hours. We need hardly add,
THE WATER-CURE.
243
that success attended all these operations; because we
affim that Priessnitz, in cases of fever, is never known to
fail.
Intermitting Fever, or Ague and Fever.
This disease appears every year in the fortress of Neus-
tadt and Cassel, in the Prussian territories; the invalids
come every year in great numbers to Priessnitz, who quick-
ly cures them, by placing them, during the paroxysm of the
fever, in a half-bath, for long or short periods, during which
time they are well rubbed with cold water, until it causes
them to vomit, or produces relaxation; and a cold wet ban-
dage is placed upon the abdomen, which produces perspira-
tion. This is all the treatment necessary for a disease
which frequently resists quinine, the specific remedy, and
all the other drugs and specifics which medical men employ
against it.
Dropsy.
This is one of the diseases, when of long standing, that
cannot be cured at Graefenberg. When in its infancy it is
curable. The treatment consists in perspiration and cold
wet bandages, applied to the parts afflicted.
Cancer.
I shall doubtless astonish my readers, when I assert, that
cold water is the most certain cure for cancer: this is never-
theless true. The treatment is the same as that of ulcers,
with the exception of the employment of perspiration. For
cancer, the invalid should perspire for a long period every
day. One remarkable case which I witnessed at Graefeŋ-
244
HYDROPATHY; OR,
berg, was that of an invalid who had formerly suffered from
a cancer in the mouth, which was cured, but the disease
not eradicated. Some years after, an abscess formed on
the left instep. After nine months of medical treatment,
the doctors found that they could not prevent the disease
entering the bone. It at length became so serious, that no
other resource was left but amputation. This the invalid
refused to subinit to, saying he would go to Graefenberg.
The doctors endeavored to dissuade him, but he persisted in
his resolution, which, however, he only carried into execution
after remaining nine months in the hospital, where he be-
came a skeleton, and so weak that he could not walk a step.
Three weeks after his arrival at Graefenberg, he could walk
with the assistance of a stick; the ulcer alluded to cured!
Another appeared on the right foot, which kept the invalid
confined to his room six weeks. At length the cure was
effected, and the ulcers disappeared altogether. One would
scarcely believe, that a patient, who was reduced to skin
and bone, should, during this treatment, become so stout,
that his clothes would not fit him, notwithstanding his hav-
ing perspired for some hours every day: yet such was the
fact. There is nothing to fear in the cold water treatment;
for although a quantity of the juices are lost by perspira-
tion, they are more than replaced. By means of the enor
mous appetite possessed by all the invalids at Graeſen' erg,
they not only gain that which they have lost, but require
new strength. This is not the case with any other method
of perspiration.
On the arrival of the invalid last alluded to, Priessnitz
praised him for having refused to submit to amputation,
which could not have cured him, the cause of his disease
-
THE WATER-CURE.
245
being syphilis. This case required altogether nine months.
to cure. This is certainly a long time; but previous to
that, the invalid had passed the same time in an hospital,
where, after being tortured by drugs, hot rooms, &c., his
misery was rendered complete, by the doctors declaring
that nothing remained but amputation.
A lady had a cancer in the breast. The disease con-
tinued to increase, in spite of all the remedies, internal and
external, applied; at last amputation was proposed, to
which the invalid agreed. On seeing the instrument, she
fainted; the operation was postponed till the following day;
in the interim, some one spoke of Graefenberg, where she
determined to go. After following the treatment there for
six weeks, the breast became so much better, that she re-
turned home, where Priessnitz advised her to continue the
cure, which was soon crowned with complete success.
Cholera.
The treatment of this complaint depends much upon the
constitution of the patient, and of the nature of the attack.
The temperature of the water ought to be higher when the
constitution is weak, and the sweating less. When the in-
valid is deprived of sense, the treatment should commence
with cold clysters; the patient, attacked with vomiting and
stools, alvines doloureuses, should be placed in a sitz-bath of
the temperature of 62°. If, at the same time, he has head-
ache, a cold fomentation should be applied, and some one
should continually rub the stomach and the abdomen, whilst
another rubs the back, the arms and legs, with the hand,
which should be often dipped in cold water, and this rub-
bing should be continued until the natural heat is established
246
HYDROPATHY; OR,
in the skin. The patient must drink large quantities of
cold water, this puts an end to the vomiting or looseness.
It produces both in the case of an invalid, who is not at-
tacked by it, and by continuing it, it causes the evacuations.
to cease. There is no other disease wherein it is so neces-
sary to drink abundantly of cold water. I witnessed a case
of cholera, where the patient drank thirty glasses of water
in one hour. Priessnitz effected a cure in three days.
When the symptoms are abated, the patient should be
placed in bed, and there rubbed continually with a dry hand,
until the heat returns in the body, which should then be made
to sweat well. When the perspiration appears, the invalid
may be considered cured. On the re-appearance of symp-
toms, the same process must be resorted to.
When perspi
ration takes place; the windows should be thrown open for
any time the patient pleases; he then ought to be placed in
the bath, and afterwards, if strong enough, should take ex-
ercise in the open air, and not omit to wear a bandage on
the stomach continually. The use of cold water internally,
is indispensable during the sudorific process, and it should
also be continued afterwards.
In case the invalid be exceedingly weak, he should be kept
in the most perfect repose, which tends very much to the
re-establishment of exhausted strength. But if the invalid's
constitution be robust, the water he uses should be quite cold,
and he may fearlessly be made to perspire abundantly. The
disease should be treated with the same energy when it ar-
rives at its climax. In the first attacks of this disease, the
treatment is followed by such success in so short a period,
that it astonishes; but it has not the same effect when the
THE WATER-CURE.
247
disease has been neglected in the beginning; however, with
patience and perseverance, it is even then sure of success.
I shall finish this article by the following remarks, which
I recommend to the reader's attention:-Although water
was intended to be drank, it should also be used in baths and
ablutions; the fresher it is the better. Should it be neces-
sary to raise the temperature of the water, a little hot water
can be mixed with it. The cure of cholera can only be ef
fected by re-producing perspiration; this great function can-
not be animated but by rendering that energy to the organs
of the skin which it had lost, and which is only gained by
the irritation caused by cold water.
Water should be kept at an equal temperature to sustain
this salutary irritation; care should also be taken to renew
the water in the bath when it becomes heated.
When the invalid is placed in the bath, the water should
just reach the navel; to obtain this height, the extremity of
the bath should be raised the opposite to where the patient
is seated. The thighs and legs being out of water, should
be energetically rubbed to bring back the heat.
It will easily be understood, if the water of the bath were
too cold, it would be dangerous; if re-action did not take
place, death might ensue. The temperature of the water
should, therefore, be proportioned to the remaining strength
of the invalid.
The fomentation should be of a heating nature.
The ablutions should not be made longer than necessary
to refresh the heated parts, as they are employed after
the sudorific process; that is to say, for three or four
minutes,
248
HYDROPATHY; OR,
+
If the lower extremities are attacked by cramps, they
should be placed in water, and well rubbed until the
cramps cease.
For violent pains in the stomach, cramps in the intes-
tines of the bowels, and frequent stools, evacuations alvines,
alternate clysters and sitz-baths should be use:l.
Any one attacked by cholera should cat little, take no
milk, and drink water abundantly.
The cold water treatment should be continued for a long
time, as well to evacute the injurious humors which might
remain in the body, as to restore strength.
Priessnitz, in his establishment, has successively treated
seventeen cases of cholera, and has cured them all in a few
days. I did not myself witness these facts; they were re-
lated to me; but the following case took place during my
stay at Graefenberg:
The inspector of a large village belonging to the crown
arrived at Graefenberg; he had been ill for six weeks,
but being of a robust constitution, he had during that time.
resisted all symptoms of cholera, excepting sickness. He
was much astonished at being ordered to drink milk, and
eat bread and butter, which he did at Priessnitz's, as he
placed entire reliance in him. After this repast, he re-
turned to his room, where he found a sitz-bath, at the tem-
perature of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, already await-
ing him.
He was still more astonished, when, after some
minutes, a discharge of wind greatly relieved the pains
of the stomach. On leaving the bath, he went to bed,
prior to which a heating bandage was placed on the stom-
ach, and he slept until the following day. This was the
first time of sleeping since the commencement of the dis
THE WATER-CURE.
249
ease. He was completely cured, and returned home quite
well.
To dissipate all doubts which might be raised on
the nature of this disease, I shall add the recital of the
invalid on his arrival at Graefenberg. "The cholera,"
said he, "ravaged the village which I inhabited. The in-
habitants were terrified, and refused to assist the sick;
they had also suspended all labor, expecting to die. Think-
ing it was my duty to set them an example, I visited all
the sick, and touched those who were timid, to give them
courage. This conduct produced the effect I had expect
ed, but it gave me the cholera, for which I was immedi-
ately treated by a doctor of the village, but without find-
ing any relief; from thence to Vienna, without any bet-
Graefenberg was my last resource: I went,
ter success.
and there regained my health."
·
Dysentery.
Colds, and the abuse of unripe fruit, are the principal.
causes of this disease. It is composed of frequent evac-
uations of bloody glaires, accompanied with violent pains
of the stomach, a burning at the anus, and spasms of the
bladder; in other words, a constant desire to evacuate,
without being able to render anything but glaires.
The treatment is the same as that for diarrhoea.
Obstructions of Joints.
I witnessed three of these cases whilst at Graefenberg.
The first patient was a young man seventeen years of age,
who was soon cured. The two others, one twenty-five,
the other twenty-eight years of age, remained at Graefen.
berg from nine months to a year. All three owed their
A
11*
250
HYDROPATHY; OR,
disease to a fall on the knee, which was the only part af-
fected. Neither of them could walk without a stick.
They finished the cure at home.
The treatment of this disease consists exclusively of a
bath for the diseased part for two hours, and the douche,
which should be taken twice a day. During the bath, the
leg should at times be well rubbed.
When the disease is of long standing, it is necessary to
'add to these two means the sudorific process. It is sel-
dom that the cure ends without boils or abscesses breaking
out on the diseased parts. The douche should then be left
off, and only recommenced when they have healed. Then
the diseased part should be douched for twenty or thirty
minutes. As this operation would be too long for the body,
the latter must be well covered and protected from the
splashing of the water.
Chilblains.
Priessnitz applies heating fomentations, or bandages, to
the affected parts, which soon cure them, if the complaints
are recent. If they are of long standing, the invalid should
perspire. It is rightly supposed that in the humors of the
person there must be some vitiated juices, which are dis-
charged by the diseased parts. This process accords with
the general custom known of covering a frozen limb with
snow until heat is re-established.
Habitual Coldness of the Feet.
This is remedied by taking cold foot-baths twice a day
for from fifteen to twenty-five minutes, and binding them
at night in a heating bandage. A great deal of exercise
THE WATER-CURE.
251
should also be taken. Thus the distribution of blood re-
turns to uniformity, and each part of the body receives
its share.
Fælid Perspiration of the Feet.
This is generally relieved by foot-baths, and wearing a
heating fomentation or bandage on them at night; but
it is not cured without the sudorific process to purify the
blood.
Inflammation of the Chest.
This disease is caused by a congestion of the blood to
the lungs, soon followed by an universal want of circu-
lation.
In this kind of disease, the first thing to be done is to re-
fresh the blood, which is in some degree boiling, and to dis-
solve the obstruction and stagnation of this fluid in the af-
fected parts.
To obtain this, cold water should not be ap-
plied immediately to the affected parts. The impression of
cold, adding to the already too great compression of the
vessels, would increase the inflammation. The entire bath
would also be hurtful, in sending the humors from the sur-
face to the centre, and thereby overcharge the diseased
member with a still greater quantity of blood.
Sitz-baths are the most certain means of allaying the in-
flammation, by the property which they have of refreshing
the blood, and causing a strong re-action in the lower ex-
tremities, which are far removed from the diseased parts,—
a re-action which takes the blood away from the afflicted
organ. This operation should be effected in the following
manner :
252
HYDROPATHY; OR,
The temperature of the water for the sitz-bath should be
60° Fahrenheit, and be renewed every half-hour, until the
invalid feels feverish. This fever being provoked by the
water, the symptoms of which usually are trembling of the
limbs, chattering of the teeth, &c., the revulsive action of
the sitz-bath should be seconded by the application of wet
coid bandages on the chest, which should be thoroughly
covered with these wet bandages, but not re-covered with
dry ones.
time.
The bandages ought to be renewed from time to
Care should be taken to cover the other parts of the
body well, in order to give free circulation to the blood. It
is also requisite to rub the extremities with cold water,
whilst the invalid is in the bath. The hands only should
be used in this operation, taking care to keep them damp.
Directly you perceive that the hands and feet of the pati-
ent are warm, you may conclude that the mass of blood is
refreshed, and the circulation become healthy; the invalid
should then be placed in bed, wrapped in a sheet, the pro-
perty of which is to cause an irritation, in order to promote
a still stronger circulation, not forgetting, whilst the inva-
lid is in bed, to cover the chest with a cold wet bandage, so
that that part of the body may be strengthened.
When the disease is obstinate, it is sometimes necessary
to renew the wet sheet and sitz-bath. Each time they are
renewed, the patient must be washed in water with the
chill off. During the whole of the treatment, cold water
should be frequently drank, but only in small quantities at a
time.
The advantages of this proceeding, which must be evi-
dent to all, are confirmed by the success which always at-
tends the treatment of cases of this disease, which Priess.
THE WATER-CURE.
253
裙
​nitz undertakes. These cures are always effected in a few
days. Thus a remedy is found for a disease which has baf-
fled all medical science.
Scrofula, Rickets.
These two diseases are also curable by Hydropathy.
However, when rickettiness has entered the whole develope-
ment of the body, nothing can be done by water for the
distortion of the limbs. The douche is the principal instru-
ment in this cure, with the aid of the sudorific process, en-
ergetically employed. Wrapping up in a wet sheet is high-
ly desirable. The cold-bath should be taken twice daily;
the articulation and the glands, if swollen, should be well
rubbed, and bandages constantly employed. The glands of
the throat and nose require frequent garglings, and sniffing
water up the nose.
It has always been recommended to ricketty people, to
bathe in rivers under the current of the water; as, for in-
stance, under the water-fall of a mill. This somewhat re-
sembles the cure at Graefenberg.
Scarlatina, Measles, Small Pox.
The fever which generally accompanies these diseases
constitute their whole danger. Directly it is observed, the pa-
tient should be wrapped up in a wet sheet, there to remain day
and night. If the fever is virulent, the sheet should be re-
newed when it becomes warm. When the invalid per-
spires, the entire body should be washed with water at the
temperature of 61° F., that is, not quite cold, and yet not
tepid. This is a certain means of moderating fever, and
the heat which accompanies it. In this way, particularly
Lי
254
HYDROPATHY; OR,
with adults, the prejudicial results of those diseases, so com-
mon in any other mode of treatment, are prevented.
It is not advisable to bathe the whole body with cold wa-
ter strong constitutions could bear it, but it is to be feared
that reaction would not follow in weak persons; if so, death
would be inevitable. Fever is, as I have already said, the
only danger to be feared in these diseases. It is its violence
which closes the pores, and prevents the breaking out of the
eruptive matter. The way to moderate it, and facilitate
the eruption, is as already described, the efficacy of which
is daily sanctioned by experience.
Mr. Mundé, in alluding to these maladies, says, "I will
now mention three cures which, without medicine, and with
nothing but cold water, I performed in my own family.
The first is a case of measles in an adult; the two others
are of scarlatina in my two young children.
(6
As
My servant, 20 years of age, caught the measles.
she refused all remedies, I proposed to her, in order to quiet.
the fever, which was very strong, that she should be wrapped
up in a wet sheet. Having agreed to this, she soon began
to perspire profusely: this determined me to leave her there
for seven or eight hours, she was then washed with water
at the temperature of 61° F. This first perspiration wast
followed by abundant eruptions of red spots, which covered.
the whole body. I repeated the same process the next day,
when the fever completely ceased. The parents having
learned how I was healing their daughter, immediately came
to take her home, fearing that such treatment might be at-
tended with dangerous consequences. In twelve days the
invalid came back to her service, assuring me that, whilst
at home, she had taken no other remedy than cold water.
THE WATER-CURE.
255
1
"Two of my children, one eight years old, the other five,
were attacked with scarlatina; the eldest first.
He was
wrapped up in a wet sheet, whilst my other children, as yet
unattacked, were repeatedly immersed in cold water. In
three days, the one five years of age became ill; no doubt
because he had previously taken the infection. The others.
did not take it at all. The second little invalid kept his
gaiety and appetite, and was not wrapped up in a wet sheet,
but only washed all over, morning and evening. The fever
with both was very moderate. All was going on according
to my wishes, when my wife became so alarmed as to sus-
pend the treatment for four days. The consequence was
that the fever soon redoubled its intensity, and the children
were in such pain that they could not move. It was so
violent at the back of the eldest's head, that inflammation of
the brain was to be feared. By my wife's desire, who now
saw the folly of her fears, I again began my treatment.
This time I gave the invalid a sitz-bath, after which he was
enveloped in a wet sheet, which I renewed every half hour.
He soon went to sleep: this sleep lasted two hours, and gave
proof of the efficacy of my proceedings, and courage to
myself to go on with sitz-baths and general fomentations.
The regular order of the system being re-established, I re-
placed the invalid in his dry bed, where he slept for se-
veral hours. In two days all danger disappeared. On
the tenth day of the disease, a total scaling of the skin
came on. The invalid, excepting a little weakness, was
perfectly cured. The illness of the youngest was SO
simple that he only required ablutions. He kept his brother
company during the whole of his illness. Three weeks
after the commencement of this eruption, I took them out
256
HYDROPATHY; OR,
walking in cold weather, without the walk being followed
by any bad consequences. I however must add, that two
days previous to exposing the new, fine, and delicate skin
to the fresh air, they were bathed, morning and evening,
in cold water."
Erysipelas.
This disease is often produced by an effort of nature to
deliver itself of a dangerous humor of the skin. Outward
impressions, also, sometimes cause it.
This complaint, which is only the reflection of an interior
disease, should not be immediately subjected to cold ablu
tions, as that would repel the eruption which brings vitiated
juices to the surface. In the ordinary treatment none but
dry applications are resorted to, which are inefficacious.
At Graefenberg the use of cold water for the treatment
of this disease has never been known to have unfortunate
results. It is true it is not merely outwardly treated, as
the entire body is subjected to the cure. The invalid
should perspire in a wet sheet, drink a great deal of water,
and apply heating bandages to the diseased parts. This
treatment, which excludes all cold water ablutions, is always
successful.
Hooping Cough, and other diseases and indispositions in
Infancy and Childhood.
I believe I have already said that agitation, extreme heat,
and feverish irritation in children, are remedied by the gen-
eral fomentation of a wet sheet. The special irritation of
the hooping cough is not so quickly cured by these means,
but nevertheless it is much relieved. Care must be taken
THE WATER-CURE.
257
:
that the water drank at first is tepid; afterwards it should
remain half an hour in the patient's room, well covered up,
when it may be drank.
Inflammation of the Brain.
This disease, which is as rare with adults as it is com-
mon in infancy, either proceeds from internal causes, or
from exterior injury. Its treatment only differs from that
of inflammation of the chest, inasmuch as the cold fomen-
tations on the head should be frequently renewed, as well
as the wet sheet in which the invalid is wrapped. It is
sometimes necessary to renew them every ten minutes. If
the disease appears to get worse, the sitz-bath should be
taken alternately with the wet sheet.
I shall now relate a miraculous cure which was performed
by this process in the little town of Friewaldau. A laborer
fell from a height, and having fractured his skull, inflamma-
tion of the brain ensued, and the invalid was entirely given
up by the doctor of the place. Priessnitz visited him, and
the next day he came to his senses, and, after some time,
was perfectly cured.
Ophthalmia, or Inflammation of the Eyes.
Inflammation of the eyes is generally catarrhal or rheu-
matic, and requires the same treatment as rheumatism and
gout. I never saw it acute, but always chronic.
To the rheumatic treatment, Priessnitz adds eye baths
and the douche. The latter must be received in the joined
hands; from which, water coming from a height will re-
bound as high as the eyes. Head-baths are equally indis-
pensable, as well as fomentations, to these organs. Chronic
F
258
HYDROPATHY; OR,
ophthalmia is, of all the diseases curable at Graefenberg,
the most obstinate, and that which requires the longest
treatment.
A captain thus attacked, felt, after several head-baths
which he continued for three quarters of an hour, a pungent
pain in the head, accompanied by swelling of the ears. An
abscess was expected in one of these organs, when the pain
gave way to a virulent deposit, formed in the thick part of
the cheek; after this, the eyes were re-established.
Another sufferer came to Graefenberg with an exfoliation
in the corner of the eye. To the whole of the treatment,
Priessnitz added eye-baths; after each of which the invalid
was to look fixedly at the light, and immediately re-plunged
the eyes in cold water. This man, who was perfectly blind
on coming, was, on leaving Graefenberg, able to read with
spectacles.
A third patient presented a very remarkable case of blind-
ness, the results of a cold, caught during hunting, by which
he lost his sight. He had been nine months blind when he
arrived at Graefenberg; after each process of perspiration,
which he submitted to twice a day, the bath and the head.
bath, matter, mixed with blood, came from the eyes. One
might say that some pounds exuded from the eyes in the
course of three weeks. I did not see the termination of this
cure, before leaving Graefenberg; but I can affirm, that the
last time I spoke to the invalid, he could distinguish colors,
and also objects at a certain distance.
Pain and Weakness of the Eyes.
Both these diseases give way to baths, applied to the back
of the head, aided by a bandage placed over the eyes, to be
THE WATER-CURE.
259
{
worn day and night; to eye-baths, foot and sitz-baths, &c.
This treatment generally meets with success. The banda-
ges are requisite to remove the excessive heat from the part
attacked. Priessnitz has many ways of treating the eyes,
which depend upon circumstances.
Ilch and Ringworm.
These diseases are more easily cured by cold water, than
by any other means. The process of perspiration in the wet
sheet, leads to success: but ringworm is frequently more
difficult to cure than the itch. It requires longer time, and
a more energetic use of cold water. The douche is also in-
dispensable in cases of ringworm, in order to bring the mor-
bid humors to the skin. The most difficult ringworms to
cure, are those which have been driven in by bad treatment.
This disease is really equal to the gout in point of obstinacy,
for it re-appears upon the skin after having used the douche
a long time.
After the process of perspiration, and cold
baths too, it again shows itself under forms much more se-
rious in their aspect, than in the beginning. We should here
warn the sufferers from ring-worm, that the diet prescribed
at Graefenberg must be observed in all rigor. Three men
attacked with this disease, arrived at Graefenberg at the
same time as myself; the first of these after several years'
trial of the principal mineral waters recommended in this
disease, which he had employed without success. Having
followed the treatment with energy for two months, he re-
turned home, resolved to continue the treatment mildly all
through the winter; after which, he was to come again to
Graefenberg, to finish the cure. At the time of his depar-
ture, he was more than half cured. The two others re-
260
HYDROPATHY; OR,
mained at Graefenberg, one for eight months, the other six,
both leaving it radically cured. The treatment of one of
these was attended by an acidity rising in the throat, and by
the vomiting of matter containing chalky substances. The
acidity of the throat was such that it caused the tongue to
be ulcerated.
Both, after following the treatment some weeks, saw their
ringworms re-appear with greater malignity and more abun-
dant suppuration, attended by the formation of a great num-
ber of boils. Following these two cures with great atten-
tion, I was not surprised that Priessnitz insisted upon the use
of strong douches, which he directed to be applied to the
hips of one of these invalids; he wished a ring-worm to ap-
pear that had been there formerly. After a time, it again
shewed itself, spreading as far as the knee, and looking very
bad.
It is but a few days since I received letters informing
me that both the ringworms were radically cured.
Mercurial Diseases.
Diseases arising from the use of mercury are those which
confound completely medical men. However extensive the
ravages made by this poisonous drug in the system may be,
the invalid has every thing to hope from Hydropathy, as no
method known can be put in competition with it as an an-
tagonist to mercury. This is a fact admitted by all doctors
who have witnessed its effects.
Ulcers.
These require no other treatment than the bandages, and
the sweating process, they being the principal instruments
in their cure. The more ancient the disease, the more ne-
THE WATER-CURE.
261
cessity is there for perspiration; ulcers cicatrize of them.
selves, when the mass of blood is purged of heterogeneous.
humors. We must not be surprised at seeing them enlarge
under the influence of the bandages; if, however, this ag-
gravation proceed too far, the bandages must be dry; all the
wounds must be bathed afterwards in lukewarm water.
Syphilis.
At Graefenberg, by means of the sudorific process,
Priessnitz cures syphilis in the surest and safest manner
possible. I have seen it in all forms, treated and cured with
more or less promptitude, according to the virulence, com-
plication, and long standing of the disease. Previous to
commencing a cure of the disease, it is necessary to coun-
teract the effects of mercury, which most patients have
taken. What shall we say to the cures which medicine
affects to have performed, when, at Graefenberg, we see, in
almost all the cases where invalids had supposed themselves
cured years before, a return of the same symptoms in the
same part? This phenomenon naturally destroys our con-
fidence in mercurial treatment. Many persons will doubt
the possibility of curing this destructive complaint by sim-
ple water, and insist upon it that mercury alone is able to
contend effectually with it. May we not ask, if the cures
effected by the latter agent were radical, how is it that, after
many years, the disease should reappear? From this fact
we conclude that mercury has the property of enveloping
the syphilitic virus, rather than expelling it from the system.
That mercury may remain concealed a long time, we have
daily evidence in the salivation which the water-cure so
often provokes at Graefenberg.
262
HYDROPATHY; OR,
.
}
Is it not rational to think that, in the majority of pretend-
ed cures, the disease is only the more firmly fixed in the
system, by this metal? Its escaping afterwards from the
system, by means which we cannot always account for,
leaves its prisoner at liberty, when the mercury again shews
itself in the primitive forms that signalized its introduction.
Whatever may be the nature of the disease, whether gon-
orrhoea, ulcers, chancres, buboes, &c., at Graefenberg the
treatment is the same; and that is, sweating, bathing,
douching, fomenting bandages, and drinking water. Gon-
orrhoea, with a discharge, requires the constant application.
of a cold fomenting bandage round the part, and injection
of cold water many times a day; to this must be added the
sitz-bath for an hour or two, repeated twice a day. Great
attention should be paid to diet. All aliments ought to be
cold.
The Gripes, Catarrh, and Cold in the Head.
To be quickly rid of these complaints, it is sufficient to
perspire in a wet sheet, and then to wash the body with
water of the temperature of 61 degrees of Fahrenheit, to
assist perspiration. Much cold water should be drank whilst
in bed. The gripes sometimes produce great heat in the
head; this is appeased by means of sitz-baths, and cold wet
bandages upon the head. During my own treatment, and
the time I was studying the water-cure at Graefenberg, I
frequently gave advice to persons attacked with these com-
plaints all those who followed it, avoiding physic, and liv-
ing according to the diet prescribed, have applauded this
method of treatment, and the promptness of the cure.
For
wind, and internal pains in general, take a sitz-bath, not
THE WATER-CURE.
263
quite cold, but more so than tepid, for an hour twice a day,
rubbing the abdomen well all the time; to this add cold
clysters once or twice a day, and wear a heating bandage
round the waist.
Common Sore Throat, Stiff Neck, or Cough.
Gargle well and often with cold water, rub the throat and
chest several times a day with the hand dipped in cold
water; wear a heating bandage round the neck and on the
chest at night. Foot-baths and perspiration must be resorted
to in obstinate cases.
Quinsy, and Inflammation of the Throat.
Priessnitz orders fomentations or bandages of very cold
water round the throat; garglings of cold water, foot-baths,
and much perspiration. A person who had previously been
cured of the quinsy by mercury, had a second attack of this
disease. The above treatment cured her. When to the
disease, strong feverish irritation is added, the invalid should
be placed in the wet sheet.
Croup.
This very dangerous disease is confined mostly to child-
hood. Plethoric children are most liable to it. It by far
oftener than otherwise arises through carelessness in allowing
children to be exposed to the taking of cold, to improper
diet, irregularities in meals, &c. &c. It is known by a
dry, hollow, barking, whistling or stridulous cough.
On
first discovering the disease, probably the best thing that
can be done is to give a quick tepid bath, bathing also
freely the head, throat and chest. In very severe cases
,
སྙ ;
264
HYDROPATHY; OR,
this has at once apparently cut short the disease. The
patient should also be wrapped without delay in a well
wrung sheet, and a well wrung bandage should be put about
the throat, the seat of the disease, so as, if possible, to pro-
duce perspiration, As soon as this takes place there will be
great relief.
Warm bricks may be placed at the feet, and
about the body, to aid perspiration. Whilst the patient.
is in the envelopement, water drinking is not essential,
unless there be thirst. If with the appearance of perspir-
ation amendment ensue, it will not be necessary to change
the applications to the throat, nor the sheets: we should
rather allow the patient to remain eight or ten hours in
moderate perspiration, which may be regulated by loosen-
ing or tightening the envelopement. The temperature of
the apartment should be moderate. A quick ablution should
always follow sweating; after which the patient returns to
a warm bed or dresses, and sits up, as is preferred. There
must not be the slightest exposure to the taking of cold;
the feet especially must be kept warm.
It will often be best to again apply the wet sheet in the
evening, even if the day has been passed favorably. The
applications to the throat should also be renewed from time
to time, as may seem necessary. Exacerbation, or increase
of the disease, is most liable to occur towards midnight.
In this, as in all severe and dangerous diseases, the greatest
attention should be paid to diet, and the bowels should be
kept free.
Pain at the Chest.
When it is rheumatism, its treatment does not differ from
that of gout, which has been previously described; rub the
THE WATER-CURE.
265
part well with a wet hand, and wear a large bandage or fo-
mentation from the neck to the stomach at night.
Sore Eyes.
Place the back of the head in cold water three times a
day, ten minutes each time; then use an eye-bath for five
minutes, twice a day. After the eyes are closed in the
water for about a minute, they should be opened the other
four minutes. At night a heating bandage should be placed'
at the neck: this and the head-bath have the effect of draw-
ing all inflammation from the front. In most cases foot-
baths twice a day are highly beneficial.
Wounds.
Keep the wounded part in tepid water until it ceases
bleeding, then put on a heating bandage; when this becomes
warm, put another larger one over it, so that it may extend
beyond the part afflicted. If the foot is wounded, let it re-
main in the water for an hour twice a day, to draw out the
inflammation; then apply the bandage night and day, but
continue it up to or above the knee, in order to extend the
circulation.
Nose Cold.
These colds are considered healthy, as relieving the sys-
tem of some of the bad humors. To cure it, sniff cold
water up the nostrils often, and wear a heating bandage on
the forehead at night.
Deafness.
Rub the body all over twice a day with a cold wet cloth;
12
266
HYDROPATHY; OR,
wear a heating bandage over the ears at night, and drink
plentifully of water. This process will very often relieve
deafness; but in obstinate cases, the whole treatment must
be resorted to.
Ear-ache.
This disease requires the same treatment as inflamma.
tion of the eyes; that is to say, the ears must be band.
aged, and linen well wetted with cold water should be in-
troduced into the ear; and a similar bandage worn around
the head. In case of obstinacy in the disease, the process
of perspiring, and the cold water, are indispensable.
Tooth-ache.
There is nothing more simple, and at the same time more
efficacious, than Priessnitz's treatment for tooth-ache. Two
basins are filled with water, one of which is cold, the other
tepid; the mouth should be filled with the tepid water, and
held in the mouth till it begins to be warm, then change it;
during this, the hands should be dipped constantly in cold
water, and with them violently rub the whole of the face,
cheeks, and behind the ears: this operation should be con-
tinued till the pain ceases. It is also good to rub the gums
even until they bleed. I never saw tooth-ache resist this
treatment at Graefenberg. Sometimes it is necessary to
add cold foot-baths, the water not higher than the ancles.
Sprains, or Stiffness of the Joints.
If a sprain injures, or any nail runs into the foot, apply
foot-baths (tepid) thrice a day for half an hour or more
each time. The sprain should be well rubbed. The water
THE WATER-CURE.
267
in the bath must come up a little above the part affected;
a cold bandage should be worn day and night. If the wrist
is sprained or the hand wounded, elbow-baths should be
resorted to, and the arm bandaged up to the shoulder:
these bandages should always extend far beyond the part
affected.
Fractures.
Either before or after the reduction of the fracture, there
is no better means of keeping down inflammation than cold
water. A cold wet bandage should be applied to the part;
this should remain an hour, and then a larger bandage must
be applied to carry the inflammation away from the part.
For instance, if the leg be wounded, the bandage should be
carried up the whole thigh.
Piles.
It is well known that piles are caused by an accumu-
lation of blood in the vessels which water the large intes-
tine. These are closed or open, which means that they
either let out blood, or are dry and confined to the swelling
of the veins. There is also a third sort, which discharges
slimy humors.
This is not a local disease. It is a visible part of a dis-
eased state of the whole system, which is expressed by a con-
gestion of blood to the vessels of the abdomen.
Its cure requires the most strict regimen, particularly ab-
stinence from spices, spirituous liquors, and indigestible food.
The treatment at Graefenberg, eminently cleansing and
strengthening, is a radical cure for them.
When the disease is taken at its commencement, it will
268
HYDROPATHY; OR,
give way to an easy regimen, the drinking of a great deal
of cold water, fomentations on the abdomen, short sitz-
baths, and a moderate sudorific process. But if the piles
are already formed and running, the treatment must be
more severe and of longer duration. Frequent sitz-baths,
The
entire baths, and the douche, end by curing them.
sudorific process is indispensable to expel the prejudicial
humors, which are at once the cause and effect of the
disease. The use of cold water externally, without the
rest of the process, would probably, by leaving the vitiated
juices in the system, transform the disease into another still
more serious.
At Graefenberg, I have seen blind piles open and disap
pear by degrees, leaving the body in a perfectly healthy
state. I appeal to the testimony of all those troubled with
piles, of what use are medicinal remedies?—a little relief,
and never a cure. Doctors themselves are forced to admit
this. Several of them, aware of what is going on at Grae-
fenberg, recommend, and use themselves, the cold water for
this disease.
Stitches in the Side.
The treatment is the same as for the foregoing disease,
when the pleurisy is slight; foot-baths, and fomentations on
the affected parts, are sufficient to cure it.
Constipation.
Constipation is a prevalent inconvenience, and often be-
comes a disease. The causes are various; the principal
are, a sedentary life; the bending of the body during sit-
ting; the hardening of the liver, the weakness or atony of
THE WATER-CURE.
the intestinal canal:
ing too little water.
269
we must also add, the habit of drink-
To cure it, it is necessary to take ex-
ercise, to drink a great deal of cold water, to wear a wet
linen bandage on the abdomen, and two or three clysters
daily-one immediately following the other, should it be re-
quisite. Cold food should be taken instead of warm; fruit
should be plentifully eaten; and care should be taken not to
eat any thing greasy or heavy. When costiveness has con-
tinued for several years, add to this regimen, sitz-baths and
foot-baths; douches, directed on the abdomen, correct the
weakness of this part.
Inflammation of the Abdomen.
The invalid attacked with an inflammation of the abdo-
men, should immediately take a shallow sitz-bath, where he
will remain more or less time, according to the state of the
disease; the water of this bath should be tepid. On leaving
the bath, he should be enveloped in a wet sheet, after having
a cold bandage placed on the stomach; both should be re-
moved about twelve times a day. Each time the bath is
changed, the invalid is washed all over with cold water. In
the mean time, the invalid often drinks cold water, in small
quantities. If weak persons, women, or children, are thus
treated, the water used for baths and washing should not be
quite cold.
Weakness of the Nerves.
This disease is rarely relieved by physic, whilst at Grae-
fenberg it is cured with certitude and promptness, whatever
may be the cause. A lieutenant had his nerves in so great
a state of irritation, that the least noise, the barking of a
270
HYDROPATHY, OR,
sures.
dog, the firing off a pistol, would cause such a head-ache,
that he would faint. To relieve this, he had acccustomed
himself to warm foot-baths. Tired of suffering, he came to
Graefenberg, perspired a little, took every day two cold
baths, besides head-baths and sitz-baths, as revulsive mea-
This treatment was limited to three weeks, after
which he continued his journey. He intended following
up the cure at home. Priessnitz approved of his resolution,
and advised him to walk a great deal; to ascend the hills,
to ride often on horseback, in order to fortify himself, also
to be enabled to bear fatigue.
Another invalid came to Graefenberg with trembling in
the upper part of the body, brought on by the excessive use
of spirituous liquors. He returned home, radically cured,
after two months' treatment; the change from wine to wa-
ter was not followed by any accident.
Hypochondria and Hysterics.
A disarrangement of the nervous system, joined to the in-
action of the functions of the abdomen, cause the invalid
much uneasiness and discontent. These are the character-
istics of this complaint. To cure which completely, it is
necessary to follow the treatment at Graefenberg. This
disease being moral as well as physical, requires pure air,
fine scenery, and society, a complete change in the manner
of living, all of which exert a great influence upon the mind
of the invalid. Whoever has lived with hypochondriacs,
must have remarked the irregularity of their appetite: one
day they will eat too much; the next, not at all. The first
advice given by Priessnitz is to drink plentifully of cold
water during meals, in order to leave space for food.
THE WATER-CURE.
271
Hypochondriacs quit Graefenberg contented with them-
selves the only cases that have failed were those who left
:
too soon.
Head-ache.
Head-aches are almost always cured by foot-baths and
head-baths of fifteen minutes each. First, the back of the
head, and then the sides, the first for ten minutes, the lat.
ter five minutes each, should be placed in the bath, then
the head should be bound up in a cold wet linen bandage,
not covered by a dry one: much water should be drank to
relieve the stomach, and exercise in the open air. Should
the head-aches return, it will be necessary to perspire and
use cold ablutions.
For perspiration, the preference should be given to the
wet sheet, as it calms pain. I have seen at Graefenberg
and elsewhere, violent head-aches, which had continued
throughout the day, cured by a cold foot-bath of one hour,
aided by abundant potions of cold water.
Tic Douloureux
Is one of those diseases given up by the doctor, as well
as the invalid. Scientific men say it is caused by a disar-
rangement of the nervous system, whence results an in-
crease of sensitiveness and irritability; some, however,
think it is in the humors, which contain an acrimony capa-
ble of irritating the nerves, and producing those dreadful
pains which characterize this disease; both opinions appear
to have some foundation.
I nevertheless hold the first opinion to be the most rea-
sonable, inasmuch as it is the beginning of the disease to
272
HYDROPATHY; OR,
?
which the humors join their acrimony. There is, however,
a tic douloureux purely nervous. On this, the cold water
cure is as inefficient as every other; but that arising from
the humors is cured at Graefenberg. I speak with a per-
fect knowledge of this disease, having suffered for three
years, and having made observations upon several who suf-
fered from this complaint. Eight months' treatment, per-
severingly followed, cured me, after trying all the remedies
of physic in vain.
Bleeding at the Nose.
To stop bleeding of the nose, the throat and nape of the
neck should be washed with cold water, and a cold wet
linen bandage applied to the stomach; cold foot-baths.
should be taken; if necessary, take a sitz-bath, and wash
the body with cold water. It is also frequently stopped by
placing a wet cold bandage upon the genitals.
Indigestion, and Debility of the Stomach.
These debilities arise from intemperance in eating and
drinking. The abuse of beer in Germany undermines
the health of many young people for life; then comes the
irregularity in the hours of meals, the hot eatables and
drinkables, artificial food seasoned with spices, the abuse of
tobacco, above all, smoking after eating, and drinking beer
plentifully whilst at dinner. To all these causes we must
add the abuse of drugs, particularly mercury, the disease of
the skin imperfectly cured, and more especially the want of
ablutions, and drinking of cold water.
The first means to be adopted towards curing a deranged
stomach is to avoid the causes which are here enumerated.
THE WATER-CURE.
273
Substitute sobriety for intemperance, the simplicity of na-
ture for artificial food; neither take too much nor too little
at fixed hours, preferring cold to hot, avoiding spirits of all
kinds, also tea and coffee; breakfast and sup upon cold
milk, dine upon meat and vegetables, avoid all irritation of
the mind; do not wear too much clothing, which impedes
circulation, and to this mode of living add much exercise in
the open air, wash, and drink water.
These rules adopted, a stimulating fomentation to cover
the abdomen and lower part of the stomach should be worn.
The patient must sweat lightly in the morning, and take the
cold-bath immediately after; in the evening take a sitz-
bath, and during the whole time, all parts of the stomach
and abdomen should be rubbed with wet hands. If you
can procure the douche, so much the better, but you must
avoid receiving it on the stomach. If a douche cannot be
procured, then the body can be sprinkled with cold water,
beginning with the shoulders, and causing the water to
descend to the abdomen. To these means add the drink-
ing of cold water, taking care not to drink too much at a
time, particularly at meals; the best time for drinking wa
ter is before breakfast. Take a good deal of exercise, but
moderate it in the evening, and avoid too great heat.
I saw an invalid arrive at Graefenberg, who had taken a
considerable quantity of mercury; he had for several years
felt pains in the stomach, accompanied by violent headaches;
each returned every twelve hours, and deprived him of all
his faculties, more particularly his digestion. He had tried
medicine in vain, without obtaining the slightest relief. He
was completely cured at Graefenberg, not only of his pains,
12*
274
HYDROPATHY; OR,
and of his bad digestion, but his system was purified by
sweating out the mercury with which it was saturated,
which no doubt was the origin of his disease. His treat-
ment was what I have described.
Heartburn.
The habit of eating too much, the use of greasy food diffi
cult of digestion, and too sedentary a life, are generally the
causes of this disease.
It is combated with success by drinking water early in the
morning until you produce vomiting or even diarrhoea, then
the disease gives way quickly if it is not an old one; if it
is, it becomes chronic, and must be treated by sweating baths
and ablutions.
The burning liquid which arises from the stomach to the
throat, is often caused at Graefenberg by the abundance of
greasy food with which the table is supplied. At the period
of the crisis, it frequently makes its appearance, at the ter-
mination of humors, of which part is discharged by the first
causes. I was sharply attacked by it at this period of the
treatment, and a diarrhoea, which I brought on by gorging
myself with cold water during two days, completely cured me.
Loss of Sleep.
Sobriety at table, a great deal of exercise in the open air,
and ablutions with cold water, are the most efficacious re-
medies for this kind of inconvenience. The ablutions should
be made in the morning, and on going to bed.
Sleepless-
ness in children is invariably cured by the application of the
wet sheet.
THE WATER-CURE.
275
;
Epilepsy.
Priessnitz does not undertake to cure this disease. He
merely thinks that cold baths and cold water, drank in abun-
dance, would somewhat relieve it.
Diseases of the Abdomen.
All diseases of the abdomen, by whatever name they may
be called, are cured at Graefenberg. They are in general
the result of congestion, empatement, and obstructions of
the organs which they confine, and of their weakness, which
to dissolve and strengthen are the great objects to be at-
tained, and for this the method adopted by Priessnitz is ad-
mirably calculated, with the aid of water, air, exercise, and
diet. At Graefenberg, I met with a vast number of invalids,
who for many years had not been able to obtain any evacua-
tions, except by the power of art; these Priessnitz invaria-
bly relieved in less than a fortnight; no doubt the new mode
of living contributed very powerfully to it, and we cannot.
too often repeat the necessity which exists in this complaint
of adhering strictly to the rules of diet, which are to take in
the morning and evening cold milk-to abstain from all hot
aliments, and to avoid all spirituous liquors and spices.
Diarrhoea.
When the diarrhoea is recent, it is sufficient to drink cold
water, to wear a fomentation on the stomach, and only to
use food easy of digestion. Diarrhoea is very often the
work of nature, to carry off prejudicial humors, which you
must not prevent; if, on the contrary, it is chronic, accom-
panied by weakness, Priessnitz's method is marvellously
276
HYDROPATHY; OR,
&
calculated to effect the cure. The sitz-baths are here par-
ticularly beneficial; they ought to be repeated three or four
times a day, for half an hour each time. It is necessary to
drink an abundance of cold water, and to use cold water in-
jections, eat little, take no exercise, and it is still better to
keep in bed. During the time that I was at Graefenberg,
I saw an invalid arrive who had a diarrhœa for six weeks,
which had reduced him to a consumption. Priessnitz
cured it in the course of a few days. In the chapter on
cholera, there are chronic diarrhoeas, where the abundant
evacuations of the glaires are alternate with constipation;
they are confined by a deep weakness of the intestines;
here cold injections are a great relief. These diarrhoeas
are only to be cured by a long use of cold water, which
will finally establish, and give a proper tone to the organs
of the abdomen.
Nausea and Sickness.
At Graefenberg, nausea and sickness, as well as dizziness,
are frequently produced, as the effects of the treatment.
Nothing is used but a great deal of cold water as a beverage,
until these symptoms disappear; a relapse, though repeated
several times, requires no other remedy to this is added, a
strict abstinence from indigestible aliments, and great repose
of mind and body. When nausea and sickness are a dis-
ease essential to the stomach, the whole treatment at Graef-
enberg is indispensable. The sudorific process and half-
baths are of remarkable efficacy.
Colics.
These always give way to sitz-baths, fomentations, or
THE WATER-CURE.
277
bandages on the abdomen, clysters, and cold water abun
dantly drank, even when of a rheumatic nature. Fo-
mentations, if the patient desire, should be made very
hot.
Congestions of Blood.
Congestions of blood are generally to the head, and begin
after meals, or hot and stimulating beverages, as well as after
any extraordinary excitement. Persons subject to this com-
plaint should abstain from either drink or food of a stimu-
lating nature, eat moderately, drink a great deal of water at
table, take a little exercise after meals, avoid all violent dis-
cussions, as well as physical or moral excitement; all oc-
cupations of the mind, immediately after meals, are hurtful.
They must add to this regimen the use of cold water, as a
beverage, also clysters and sitz-baths, where they should re-
main at least from half an hour to an hour, not forgetting
Cold wet bandages
to put cold wet bandages on the head.
should often be repeated on the diseased parts, to strengthen
the inactive vessels, and give a tone to the weakened or-
gans. Often a foot-bath and cold bandages are sufficient to
cure the head. The cure of this disease is effected without
the sudorific process, which would cause an overflow of blood
to the head.
Drowsiness.
Drowsiness, which is subject to frequent returns, is often
caused by bad digestion, particularly from overcharging the
stomach. This is remedied by moderation in eating and
drinking. On its appearance, a cold bandage should be ap-
plied on the abdomen; two clysters of cold water should be
278
HYDROPATHY; OR,
taken daily, and much cold water drank, particularly in the
morning. Entire baths, ablutions of the whole body, as
head-baths, should be resorted to, after which the head
should be well dried and rubbed. It is well to repeat the
head-bath and friction on going to bed. After meals, in-
stead of remaining at home, exercise should be taken, which
prevents sleepiness.
Sickness, and Spitting of Blood.
The bleeding of these organs can happen to those suffer-
ing with piles. Sitz-baths should be taken, and cold ban-
dages worn at night on the chest. All kinds of irritation
should be avoided, and entire repose of the mind and body
observed. An abundant drinking of cold water is indispen-
sable. Bleeding of the lungs, the effect of pulmonary con-
sumption, is not curable by cold water. It is unnecessary
to add, that great sobriety and abstinence from all heating
beverages should accompany this treatment.
Hæmorrhage, Uterine.
In hæmorrhages of the matrix apply cold bandages to
the abdomen, and if these are not sufficient, cold water
must be injected into the matrix: to these means must be
added an abundant drinking of cold water. This treat-
ment requires the advice of some Hydropathic practi
tioner.
Irregular Menstruation.
Order is established in this important function, by slight
perspirations, general cold ablutions, sitz-baths, and foot-
baths, much exercise, and plentifully drinking cold water.
THE WATER-CURE.
279
Instances of cures of this complaint at Graefenberg are in-
numerable.
Accouchement.
Experience has demonstrated the utility of cold ablutions,
and exercise in the plain air, to females who are enceinte;
to this ought to be added simple diet, and the drinking plen-
tifully of cold water: wine, coffee, and liquors should be
avoided. Madame Priessnitz is accustomed, during the last
six weeks previous to her accouchement, to take a cold bath
every day. To this she owes the happiness of a prompt
and easy accouchement, and her speedy establishment in
health.
Cramps of the Stomach.
Cramp in the stomach is almost always produced by faults.
of regimen; yet it is sometimes occasioned by the diseases
of the skin being driven in, or through some organic fault
of the stomach. This defect is generally cancerous, and
leaves little hope of cure.
Persons attacked with cramp in the stomach ought to
use cold food, wear constantly a fomenting bandage on the
stomach, perspire every day, take two or three sitz-baths,
and drink abundantly of cold water, particularly whilst in
pain, carefully avoiding warm drinks, and all reflections
which would lead to melancholy.
A counsellor, who had suffered during fourteen years
from violent cramps in the stomach, was ordered, during
the paroxysm, to drink cold water until it caused vomiting;
the pains were for the time augmented, but they returned
no more.
280
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Tetanus.
This affection is denoted by an involuntary and continued
spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the head, throat,
and neck, or of the trunk, and of the extremities. The
spine and neck become rigid, the head is bent backwards,
and to these symptoms are added giddiness, dimness of sight,
difficulty of breathing, palpitation, and spasm of the stom-
ach.
The intervals between the paroxysms vary. During
the attack, the patient's body is rigid, and stretched out in a
straight direction, or drawn backwards or forwards, or to
either side. The rigidity is attended with violent pain; the
countenance is pale, and covered with cold perspiration,
whilst the rest of the body retains its natural heat; respi-
ration is difficult, speech is impaired, and consciousness is
partially or completely lost. These exacerbations generally
continue for a few minutes-in rare cases during half an
hour. The attacks then cease, leaving a dull sensation in
the limbs for a length of time.
Tetanus is generally complicated with other diseases, the
most frequent causes are, wounds implicating nerves and
tendons, lacerations and contusions, fractures, injuries, in
which a foreign body remains in the wound, colds, potent
poisons, suppressed hæmorrhage, loss of fluids, concussion of
the brain or spinal chord, and violent mental emotions.
In the treatment of tetanus, our attention must be directed
towards the removal of the primary disease, if, indeed, the
tetanus be not idiopathic. If we succeed in curing the ori-
ginal affection, the spasmodic contractions will generally
Foreign bodies must be removed from the system,
suppressed affections should be reproduced.
cease.
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281
During an exacerbation, little or nothing can be done.
Cold affusion, half-baths, and friction, are the only remedies
which we can call to our assistance. After having adopted
one of these processes, we must convey the patient to bed,
and endeavor to bring on perspiration by sufficient covering.
The intervals between the exacerbations must be employed
in enveloping the patients in wet sheets. The patient should
perspire but slightly, and perform an ablution afterwards
with cold water. The quantity of cold water taken inter-
nally must depend upon the constitution of the individual,
but the potations should be as copious as possible; in addi-
tion to this treatment, we may rub the body frequently,
and apply warm bandages to parts chiefly affected with
spasm. Every mode of applying cold water which is
attended with loss of time is injurious; the shorter the time
required for the application, and the more frequently it can
be repeated, the more beneficial will be its action. In ob-
stinate cases, we may resort to cold plunging-baths, cold
affusion, and even to the douche; but the body must be-
come thoroughly warm before we repeat any one of these
applications. The douche and friction should be chiefly
directed to the spine. Half-baths are of essential service
for the relief of spasmodic contraction; but the tempera-
ture of the water must be at 64° to 73° Fahrenheit. As
long as the patient is in the bath, he must be rubbed by two
persons continually, whilst water of the same temperature
is to be poured over him. Where an injury is the cause of
tetanus, the wound must be kept moist with wet bandages,
applied, if possible, in the course of the nerves implicated.
-WEISS.
282
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Lock-Jaw.
Lock-jaw is brought on by the same causes as the former
disease, and requires the same treatment. Where children
are affected with lock-jaw, we must never forget to inquire
into the cause, which may be, gastric irritation, produced
by acidity, worms, &c. Where we have detected a cause
of this nature, we should endeavor, as soon as the spasmo-
dic contractions cease, to purge the body by clysters, by
copious potations, and bandages round the abdomen. The
patients must observe a rigid diet, eat little, drink cold water
copiously, and pass much of their time in the open air.-
WEISS,
Delirium Tremens.
Where this disease is ushered in by premonitory symp.
toms, they will be observed to consist of loss of appetite,
loss of sleep, confusion of ideas, and general debility. The
accession generally presents itself with delirium. The pa-
tients are prepossessed by one idea, of which they cannot
divest their imagination. For the most part, they believe
themselves to be pursued by men
tions of their own imagination.
attacked, especially at night-time,
or animals, or by crea-
They fancy themselves
hence their inclination.
to leap out of bed. The majority of the superficial muscles.
of the body are in constant motion; sleep is totally lost;
the countenance is pale; the eyes are bright, and vacantly
fixed; the tongue is moist; the skin hot, and covered with
a clammy, fetid perspiration; the region of the liver and
stomach is swelled; there is slight thirst, and the action of
the bowels is disturbed,
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283
This disease is, generally speaking, of short duration; an
attack may extend to ten or eighteen days, and is brought
on by the immoderate indulgence in the use of brandy and
other spirituous liquors.
The chief point in the treatment, is to purge the alimen-
tary canal by copious water-drinking. If vomiting ensue,
it must be encouraged by perseverance in the use of cold
water internally; where there is no vomiting, we must pro-
duce purging by the use of clysters and bandages round the
abdomen. When the alimentary canal is thoroughly
cleared, we should wrap the patient in wet sheets, and apply
at the same time cold bandages to his head repeatedly.
The patient should remain in the envelopement until dia-
phoresis ensues. The sooner perspiration appears, the
oftener the sheets may be changed; but five or six repe-
titions in the course of the day should suffice, for, by chang.
ing the sheets very often, too much heat will be abstracted
from the body. Immediately after the first envelopement,
the patient must be subjected to an ablution with cold water
and conveyed to bed, if he feel exhausted. The bed should
be kept clean and well aired. Where there is considerable
determination to the head, as the continuance of delirium
will indicate, it will become necessary to persevere with the
cooling bandages to the head; warming bandages to the
abdomen afford also great relief in these cases.
To prevent
the patient from escaping, the doors and windows must be
well fastened; for if we attempt to restrain him by coer-
cion, his state will be rendered worse; we must, therefore,
snatch those moments when the patient feels most composed
in the early stage of the disease, for the use of the envelope-
ment,
284
HYDROPATHY; OR,
These patients are very quickly brought to their senses
by a judicious use of cold water. At first, they are cer-
tainly much exhausted, but fall asleep the sooner, and sleep
must be regarded as the true crisis. The longer the patients
sleep, the sooner they will recover; they occasionally con-
tinue in this state for twenty or thirty hours without once
waking; nor should their rest be interrupted if they do not
wake for a longer period, as this proceeding would certainly
prove injurious.
I have frequently succeeded in curing this affection in a
very short time, within twenty-four or forty-eight hours.
Our chief endeavor should be to wean the patient of the
baneful habit of intemperance, which is not an easy task.
We must keep these patients at least during one year under
very strict surveillance, and firmly deny them the use of
all intoxicating liquors, and totally disregard their represen
tations and entreaties. Exhortations, earnest representa-
tions, and reproaches, seldom suffice to keep drunkards.
from their unmanly, immoral propensities; they will fre-
quently entreat us, on their knees, to indulge them in their
habit for once, promising at the same time to abstain during
the remainder of their lives from drinking; but be not mis-
led by these idle phrases; for if we listen to them once-
but once accede to their wishes-they will become more
impetuous in their requests, and where prayers are of no
avail, they will resort to threats. We must remain firm and
unmoved, nor should we rest until we have totally crushed
their vicious propensity. It is for this purpose necessary
that we should have the drunkard in our command, or we
shall not succeed. He must never have money at his dis
posal, or be trusted with the management of his own af
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285
fairs; for he will sell and pawn every thing to gratify the
ruling passion.-WEISS.
Paralysis.
"This term implies a loss of the power of motion in the
muscles of the whole body, or in single parts; a state,
therefore, differing materially from loss of motion in conse-
quence of stiffness, distortion, or anchylosis of joints.
Total paralysis deprives the whole body of sensation;
partial paralysis is of more frequent occurrence—e. g.
paralysis of one side, (hemiplegia ;) or of the upper, or more
frequently of the lower extremities, (paraplegia.) Paralysis
is occasionally confined to single organs, as to the lungs,
the rectum, the bladder, &c. ; it sometimes comes on sud-
denly, at other times gradually and insidiously; in the lat.
ter case, a sensation of frigidity, numbness, formication,
and tremor, is experienced in the part threatened with an
attack. A paralysed limb is cold, flabby, emaciated, or
anasarcous.
The predisposition to paralysis is denoted by a certain
debility, diminished irritability, checked or suppressed vi
tality of certain parts. The exciting causes are, diseases
or injuries which diminish or destroy the power of motion.
Pressure on the cerebral and spinal nerves will produce
paralysis, which always results when these nerves are in-
jured, or pressed upon by accumulations of blood or other
fluids, or are violently stretched or lacerated, in cases of ex-
ostoses, or of curvature of the spine. The nervous in.
fluence is moreover weakened, or totally destroyed by
various other injurious impressions; by loss of blood, effu.
sion on nervous matter, by loss of semen, want of food,
286
HYDROPATHY; OR,
diarrhoea, the use of various drugs, exposure to the poison-
ous vapors of lead, mercury, arsenic, &c.
Paralysis is frequently incurable, or the cure is at least
attended with difficulty. Hydrotherapeutic treatment may
be resorted to with some chance of success as long as an
occasional sensation of itching or pain is yet perceptible in
the paralysed limb, or a slight degree of mobility still ex-
ists in the part affected. The paralysed patient must be
wrapped every morning in the wet sheet, and should remain
in that position until he is thoroughly warm; the envelope-
ment must be followed by an ablution. Where the patients
are not too weak, they may perspire in the envelopement
every third day; they must also wear warming bandages on
the parts affected, where this proceeding is practicable. A
wave-bath, (in a river,) if possible, should be taken every
other day, and alternate with a douche. The action of
these baths will be greatly increased if we have the patients
well rubbed with horse-hair gloves for a few minutes before
the bath.
In cases where the bladder or rectum are affected, cold
sitting baths and cold clysters are indicated in addition to
the douche. Where douche cannot be obtained, cold af-
fusion must be resorted to, the stream of water being
directed to the parts affected. The treatment in paralysis
should tend to excite and invigorate; cold water, therefore,
must be used at short periods, but frequently. Our chief
endeavor must be to increase the action of the skin ; hence,
the patients should not be debilitated by sweating, nor by
the use of derivative baths; but we must endeavor to
strengthen them by friction and cold ablutions. Where
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287
1
the skin is dry or brittle, this inconvenience is to be met by
the envelopement in the wet sheet.
The internal use of cold water must depend upon the
constitution of the patients; but they should drink as much
as possible, excepting the paralysis affect the urinary organs,
which would be debilitated to a greater extent by the water,
If, in the course of this treatment, an eruption present itself
on the part affected, or if we observe its temperature to in-
crease, or reaction, or even exhalation, to have taken place,
these will be very favorable symptoms, and should excite
the patient to persevere with the treatment, as considera-
ble relief may be thence expected. In every thing that
relates to diet the patients must conscientiously perform
their part; they should take much exercise in the open air,
avoid excesses of every description, and confine themselves
to mild, nutritious food.-WEISS.
Apoplexy.
This disease is denoted by a sudden loss of consciousness,
sensation, and voluntary motion. Apoplexy is generally
sudden in its attacks: if it be attended by precursors, they
will be-head-ache, giddiness, a red bloated countenance,
violent pulsation of the temporal and carotid arteries, stam-
mering, nausea, spasmodic contractions of the muscles of the
face, an irregular pulse, uneasy sensations at the back of the
neck, and great anxiety.
In an attack of apoplexy, the patients fall suddenly, and
are senseless; the breathing is difficult, and stentorous; the
mouth is covered with foam; the pulse and beat of the heart
continue, but unequally; the eyes are prominent and fixed;
288
HYDROPATHY; OR,
the countenance is covered with cold perspiration; the hands
and feet are cold.
Death may ensue in a few minutes after an attack, or in
a few hours, or it may be delayed for two or three days:
the disease may, however, terminate in perfect recovery,
leaving paralysis, sometimes of the half of the body (hemi-
plegia,) but more frequently of single limbs or organs; or
disturbance of the mind, and general debility, may also be
its sequences.
Plethoric, robust persons, with a large head, and short,
thick neck, are predisposed to apoplexy. The disease occurs
most frequently between the fortieth and sixtieth year of
life, and is brought on, or favored, by the following exciting.
causes inflammation of important viscera, of the brain in
particular; nervous diseases; lesions of the heart or large
blood vessels, causing disturbances of the circulation; de-
bilitating, depressing passions; considerable loss of blood,
and other fluids.
:
The treatment of this dangerous disease is no easy task
for the most experienced physician; the non-professional
reader should, therefore, never venture to undertake the
treatment. Where medical aid cannot be immediately ob-
tained, the following rules should be observed in the first
place, all the wearing apparel must be removed, and the pa-
tient must be placed in the sitting posture; a few buckets of
cold water should then be poured over him, whilst several
persons rub his body continually. If vomiting ensue, it must
be encouraged, by administering to him at first tepid, and
subsequently cold water. Clysters should be immediately
used. When the patient is somewhat restored, he must be
enveloped in the wet sheets, to perspire. The sheets should
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289
not be closely adapted to the body, least of all confine the
neck. The patient must lie almost in the sitting posture in
bed, and requires careful watching, that we may be able to
afford him the necessary assistance in case of another attack.
With the second accession, he must be immediately removed
from the sheets, and subjected again to friction and affusion.
If the desired perspiration appear, it should be encouraged,
if possible, for some time, and we must administer cold wa-
ter to the patient, provided he can swallow. When the pa-
tient is removed from the envelopement, every thing should
be in readiness for a rapid ablution, in order that we may
return him quickly to bed, and cover him well up; for it is
imperatively necessary to keep up the action of the skin.
If the patient improve considerably with this treatment, we
may repeat it every twenty-four hours until he is able to
leave his bed. The envelopement in the wet sheet must be
subsequently continued once daily; the patient, however,
need not perspire, but should merely remain in the sheets
until he becomes warm. Where the skin is very dry and
brittle, and evinces but little activity, the patient must sweat
again every third or fourth day; and the parts chiefly affect-
ed must be covered with warming bandages, rubbed, and
frequently washed with cold water. If the parts do not ac-
quire their perfect activity by these proceedings, the douche
must be brought into application, and the whole of the treat-
ment necessary in paralysis.-WEISS.
Fainting.
"Fainting is a well,known malady, denoted by a certain
diminution or total suspension of consciousness, sensation,
13
290
HYDROPATHY; OR,
motion, respiration, and circulation. A severe form of
fainting, the total suspension of all the evidences of vitality,
but where life continues, is called suspended animation,
(asphyxia,) in common parlance "a trance." Fainting is
sometimes preceded by weariness, a disordered head, verti-
go, dimness of sight, palpitation, nausea, anxiety, and pal
lor of countenance.
The duration of a fainting fit is, generally speaking,
confined to a few minutes; the patient then recovers with
sighing, the passage of flatus, with vomiting, or evacuation
of the bowels, and the warmth of the body and the color of
the countenance then gradually return.
Hysterical or hypochondriacal persons, and patients suf-
fering from congestions, are most subject to fainting.
The first point in the treatment of syncope, is to remove
all articles of clothing which confine the body, as tight
cravats, waistbands, and garters. The patient must then
be placed in the sitting posture, and sprinkled or washed
with cold water, until the fit is over. To diminish
the predisposition to fainting, the body should be washed.
daily with cold water, and the patient should drink nothing
but pure cold water, avoiding all warm narcotic beverages,.
and should, further, take much exercise in the open air.
Clysters are likewise indicated.-WEISS.
Apparent Death.
This is distinguished from actual death, by the absence
of symptoms of decomposition; of the cadaverous odor
and of the blue or green spots on the skin. Persons, ap-
parently dead, frequently retain consciousness, feeling, and
especially the sense of hearing, for several days; but they
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291
:
are totally incapable of moving or of giving other signs of
life.
The causes of asphyxia are various, viz., exposure to de-
leterious gases, carbonic acid gas, the air in sewers and cel-
lars, where new fermenting wines are deposited, difficult
parturition, constriction of the air passages; it is also the
effect of continued violent cold, &c.
The first attention must be paid, in the treatment of the
half-dead, to the removal of all wearing apparel, and to pro-
cure them pure fresh air, especially in summer time. Our
next proceeding must be to pour cold water upon them oc-
casionally from a certain height; they should then be well
rubbed and brushed by several persons, the pit of the stom-
ach and the soles of the feet more particularly we may
also endeavor to inflate the lungs, and use clysters. Where
all these attempts are fruitless, we may tickle the fauces
with a feather, and try a warm bath, especially in cases of
hanging, strangulation, and of drowning.-WEISS.
Torpor from Cold.
Persons in a state of torpor from cold should be laid on
snow in a moderately cold place, and the whole body should
be covered with snow; and where this is not to be obtained,
they should be immersed in cold water, leaving the mouth
and nose only free; in this bath the patients must remain
until symptoms of life are observed. They are then to be
conveyed to an unwarmed bed, and the whole body must
be rubbed with flannel, but cautiously, to avoid injury to the
skin. When animation returns, cold water must be ad-
ministered to the patients until they can assist themselves
to drink. Frozen limbs, or parts affected by frost, should
A
292
HYDROPATHY; OR,
be treated with snow or cold water, and with foot and hand-
baths; bandages and ablutions may also be brought into
operation. Where open sores or ulcerations are observed,
we must use water of a higher temperature, to heal
them.-WEISS.
Hydrophobia.
Priessnitz has cured this disease in dogs. The animals
are tied fast, and then douched repeatedly. The parox-
ysms are at first increased, but soon the symptoms abate.
The animals are then kept warm by coverings.
A very respectable gentleman of this city, (New-York,) a
druggist, informs the writer that he has frequenly cured the
disease in dogs, by having the animals fast, and dashing
water upon them, and particularly upon the head. It was
his opinion that as soon as water entered the stomach, the
animal grew better. He had not had an opportunity of
testing the remedy, except in cases in which the disease
had come on spontaneously.
Scalds and Burns.
Scalds and burns differ by being caused in different ways,
the former being always the effect of heat applied through
the medium of a fluid. A scald is generally more diffused
in extent and more equable in severity than a burn.
The most useful division of burns, is the very ancient one,
that of three kinds : 1st, those causing mere redness or in-
flammation; 2d, those causing vesication or blistering; 3d,
those causing actual death or destruction of the part.
1. The first class are attended with mere superficial in-
flammation and are not at all dangerous. They are, how-
•
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293
ever, sometimes very painful. Homeopathically, that is, on
the principle that like cures its like, the treatment is to be
by hot applications, holding the part to the fire, &c. &c.
Hydropathically, cold is to be constantly applied until the
inflammation subsides. Allopathically they are treated ac-
cording to the fancy of the practitioner. The application
of cold water is the best means we know of-the most
comfortable as well as the most effectual. There is not the
slightest danger of taking cold, which some fear so much,
as long as cold is agreeable. Nor is it true, as has been so
generally believed, "that although the application of cold
was most pleasurable, and continued to be so as long as it
was employed unremittingly, still that if it were discon-
tinued for a moment the pain returned with infinitely great-
er force."
This is
2. From what we have seen, we doubt whether blistering
would ever be caused if the part could be suddenly im-
mersed in very cold water and there kept, provided this is
done before the blister is raised. When blistering has been
caused, it is well to draw off the fluid collected.
best done by piercing under the blister through the live
skin a little way from the part; smarting is thus prevented.
The elasticity of the live skin causes the hole to close, and
air, the cause of smarting, is thus excluded. If there is
need of any further treatment, wet cloths covered with dry
ones, continued according to the feelings of comfort, are
the local applications to be used. Large blisters will of
course need treatment. The wet bandages should be so
arranged and kept constantly wet, that the air is entirely
excluded.
3. The third class of burns, those in which the part is
294
HYDROPATHY; OR,
destroyed, are sometimes exceedingly troublesome and dan.
gerous. When of considerable extent, the constitutional
symptoms are severe-those of collapse, or great prostra-
tion of strength, coldness of extremities, quick and feeble
pulse, paleness of surface, repeated and violent shiverings
and severe sensations of cold. These symptoms are some-
times soon succeeded by difficult breathing, coma, or sleep-
like insensibility, from which with difficulty only the suf-
ferer can be aroused, and finally with death. In other
cases, dissolution is preceded by a kind of imperfect reac-
tion, or a general feverish excitement in the system, attended
with delirium and distress.
Burns of apparently small severity, when extending over
a large surface, should always be considered dangerous-
they are really so, and more particularly, if the skin has
been removed. Of equal extent, burns on the extremities.
are always less dangerous than those upon the body. In-
fancy and old age are the periods most unfavorable. When
burns are extensive, and there is little or no apparent suffer-
ing, this must be reckoned as indicative of most urgent
peril. Severe pain, comparatively, is a favorable symptom ;
yet this may prove a symptom of danger, since it may so
exhaust the vital powers, that death will be the result.
"The early subsidence of complaint, unwillingness to be
disturbed, apathy approaching to stupor, as if the scale of
sensibility had sunk below the point of pain, is invariably a
fatal symptom. Constant shivering is an ill omen. The
failure of the pulse and the consequent coldness of the ex-
tremities, with a livid hue of the transparent skin of the
checks and lips from congestion (accumulation of blood) in
the capillaries, drowsiness, with occasional muscular twitch-
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295
ings, are sure prognostics of death." The subsidence of
swelling is likewise a most unfavorable symptom.
The treatment of severe burns, of the second and third
classes, requires great skill and good judgment on the part
of the physician, and patience and perseverance on the part
of patients and nurses. Good nursing has been said to be
the best part of "doctoring." If there is collapse, coldness
of extremities and shiverings, certainly we must husband
to the greatest possible extent what little of heat and
strength the sufferer yet has, and excite healthfully the
vital organs to action. If we understand the capabilities
of the human system, this is not best done by diffusible stim-
ulants, as hot brandy and water, ether, ammonia or harts-
horn. In common practice these are the first things resorted
to. If the patient lives at all, he lives in spite of these re-
medies, if they are used. Warm applications, as heated
bricks, or bottles of warm water, are often made to the arm
pits, between the thighs, and to the feet. These are good,
but the best part at which to apply warmth, so as to cause
it to be diffused through the body quickly and generally, is
the "pit of the stomach;" and this is the best done by
bladders of warm water. The other applications mentioned
should be used if no better can be had. Next to the pit of
the stomach, warm applications to the feet are probably best;
but, if necessary, applications can be made to all of the parts
mentioned. The wrapping the whole body also in an a-
bundance of warm clothes should by no means be neglected.
Of this we shall speak hereafter.
To allay vomiting, which sometimes takes place in great
collapse, it has been common to give a large dose of calo-
mel and opium, or to give an opiate clyster. But these
296
HYDROPATHY; OR,
agents though they often arrest vomiting, do a great amount
of mischief. Pure, soft water, taken, if necessary, little by
little, as much as the patient can bear, is a far better means.
Hiccup, which sometimes occurs in such cases, and is severe
and troublesome, is more effectually arrested by free drink-
ing of water than by any other means. Both in vomiting
and hiccup, rubbing briskly the surface of the body with a
wet towel and then also with a dry one, is good in connec-
tion with the drinking.
In cases of great collapse or sinking of the powers of
life, whether caused by heat or cold or other injuries, a very
ancient remedy has, from time to time, been recommended
and resorted to. It is, in principle and effect, a good one,
—we mean the application of the warm skin of a recently
slain animal, the skin being taken off immediately after the
animal is killed and then applied. Persons, too, have been
placed in a carcass from which the entrails were quickly
removed, the carcass being yet warm. The soothing and
vivifying effect of the warmth and moisture in such treat-
ment is most astonishing. All the good effect thus caused,
with little inconvenience, can be readily obtained by means
of the wet sheet or cloths wrung out of water as warm as
can be borne, and applied in the ordinary way, with the
warm non-conducting blankets wrapped closely outside the
wet cloths. All suitably arranged, the warmth of the cloths
and the warmth of the body, which is always generated and
passes off as long as life remains, will be retained by the
woolen blankets, and thus thrown back upon the body,
which, together with the moisture, produces a most soothing
effect over the whole body, the same as that of a warm
poultice upon any part of the body. The great surgeon,
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297
薯
​Baron Larry, saw the warming remedy by means of the
warm skins, used with great benefit, by certain humane
Esquimaux, upon a company of Frenchmen who had been
shipwrecked, and who were suffering greatly with cold and
fatigue and hunger, and himself afterwards put the same
remedy in practice with good success, in the case of a dis-
tinguished Marshall, during one of Napoleon's Spanish
campaigns.
If in any such case of sinking, the best remedial means
fail, and death takes place, still such means should be
most industriously used. Life will be at least prolonged,
pain will be rendered by far less severe, and death, to which
all must submit, will be rendered less violent. It will thus
be more like the gradual dying away of embers than like
the sudden extinction of a fire. Indeed, the writer has so
much confidence in the application of warmth and moisture
to soothe the system and relieve pain, that he believes that
in all cases, if the means are rightly used, however violent
the disease, death will take place, comparatively only like
the sinking into a quiet sleep, almost withot a struggle or a
groan.
But to return: in these cases of severe scalds and burns
there is sometimes, also, a feverish excitement or general
fever throughout the whole system, attended with great
restlessness and pain. To reduce the pain, most persons
would at once say, 66
a good dose of opium, or some of its
preparations, must be given without delay." But still
among the best medical authorities, there is discrepancy of
opinion concerning the effects of opium. Larry, of whom
Bonaparte said that he was the most humane man he ever
13*
298
HYDROPATHY; OR,
saw, says, "Opium is injurious, whether used internally or
externally. Externally, it stupifies the parts, instead of ex-
citing them to a salutary inflammation; internally, if used
in considerable quantity, it enfeebles all the organs, after
producing a momentary stimulation.” Another writer of
considerable note, Travers, says, “In small doses it is in-
effectual, and in large ones injurious." But how are we
to proceed? The pain should be quickly removed. Pain
should ever be regarded as the truthful admonition of nature,
that something must be done-it should be removed. To
personify, nature is attempting to accomplish the object,
but asks assistance at our hand. In these cases, then,
locally, we must use the wet cloths of temperature to suit
the feelings; constitutionally, we must resort to wet sheets,
clysters, drinking, &c., as in any similar case of general
fever. As in all inflammatory cases, the greatest caution
is necessary in diet. By the use of clysters the bowels
should be kept freely open.
The ulcers resulting from burns are often very slow in
healing. It is also not uncommon for a second inflamma-
tion to be set up by exposure to cold or cold moisture: a
cold is taken in the burn, as it is said. People are in general
too careless and inconsiderate when once the pain has ceased.
The ulcer following a burn should be guarded, and the great-
est care should be exercised that it be not exposed. It
should be moist and comfortable, and the part of equable
temperature. No possible application will cause it to heal
as quickly as water, rightly applied.
It is best not to remove the dressing very quickly in case
of a running ulcer. The part can easily be kept moist and
agreeable by removing only the outward dry covering, and
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299
with a soft sponge, the part can be wet according to the
feelings of comfort.
Most serious deformities are sometimes caused by scalds
and burns. A limb may become obstinately bent; large
and unsightly scars may be formed, and sometimes the chin
may become fixed to the breast, and the eyelids become
incapable of closing. These difficulties have often been
augmented by the patient being allowed too full a diet.
This, it is often believed, is necessary to support the strength
under the weakening effect of the profuse discharges that
often take place. The diet should be mild and unstimu-
lating, and what would be termed low.
If the fingers or toes are badly scalded or burned, and the
skin removed, care must be taken they do not adhere and
grow together. Lint, or better, very fine cloths, will suffice
to prevent an accident of this kind.
Flour frequently sifted upon the surface of the running
ulcers, as also very finely carded cotton perpetually strewed
upon the part, is a favorite remedy with some. The good
effect of these substances is to exclude the air, to form a
covering, and to maintain the part at an equable tempera-
ture. These applications are certainly good in many re-
spects, yet they are apt to become dry, hard, and irritating,
and are sometimes converted into a loathsome mass of pu-
tridity and worms. A liniment of linseed oil and lime water,
or the soap liniment, have frequently been used. White
paint is dangerous. Properly managed, we like pure clean.
water the best. In no case is skill and good judgment more
needed than in scalds and burns.-Water-Cure Journal,
New-York, 1845.
300
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Consumption.
The foundation of this most formidable disease is usually
laid before birth. It is admitted on all hands that it is sel-
dom cured. There are, however, exceptions to this rule. Just
as ulcers heal in any part of the body, so they sometimes
do in the lungs. As yet, comparatively but little has been
attempted in the treatment of this disease by means of
water-cure. Priessnitz has had all that he could do with
more favorable cases than those in consumption. To a
person in an advanced stage of this disease he would say
something to this effect, "You cannot expect to be cured
by any means; but by the proper use of water, with suit-
able attention to air, exercise, clothing, and diet, you can
be much benefitted. Your life can be prolonged, and ren-
dered more comfortable."
Dr. Billing, senior physician to the London Hospital, a
man of experience, second to few, if any, in speaking of
consumption, says, "Some years ago, a gentleman by the
name of Stewart adopted a rational mode of treatment, with
which he had considerable success; but because he could
not work miracles, his plan was unjustly depreciated. His
- method was entirely tonic, and especially the cautious use of
cold and tepid ablutions of the skin, a modification of cold
bathing-a remedy which is found so universally beneficial
in promoting the resolution (cure) of strumous (scrofulous)
tumors."
"One thing of which I am convinced," says Dr. B., "is,
that the true principle of treating consumption is to support
the patient's strength to the utmost." This can best be
done by water-cure. All will agree that the means used
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301
in the treatment by water are very powerful to promote
But the
strength, if the patient can bear such treatment.
treatment, we contend, can be managed with perfect safety,
even to the last hour of life; and will always positively do
some good, and no harm, when rightly used, which is more
than any one can claim for drugs. The action of drugs is
always doubtful, and sometimes dangerous, and every dose,
however small, acts only by virtue of its power to produce
diseased action in the body. Furthermore, the indication of
treatment is the same in all cases of the disease in question,
and for all others that are not unfrequently mistaken for it;
that is, to support the strength to the greatest possible de-
gree. It is true, different cases always have different symp-
toms, so that the treatment must be varied accordingly;
but it is the right way to support the strength by all pos
sible means, so that the system may be better able to resist
the disease.
In the early stages of this disease, much can be done by
way of preventing an increase of its symptoms. All the
daily and hourly circumstances which go to affect the health
should be most scrupulously attended to. The strictest
regularity and correctness in meals, bathing, exercise in
pure air, sleep, &c., &c., if rigidly observed, will be found
to prove highly salutary. But all this requires knowledge
possessed by few. It is very common for persons in this
disease to be greatly injured by the food they take. Even
in the advanced stage of the disease, persons are told that
die they must, and that it matters little what kind of food
they take. It is not uncommon to find persons in the far
advanced stages of this disease indulging freely in the use
of rich pastry, and toast well saturated with butter, one of
302
HYDROPATHY; OR,
the worst dishes that well persons even can take, and all
this is done because the patient has a good appetite, and
because the stomach does not appear to suffer. The disease
is concentrated upon and spends its violence in the lungs,
so that the stomach cannot feel the injuries it receives; but
the lungs and whole body suffer just as much from such
improprieties, as if the stomach or any other important part
was the seat of disease. In food, we must always make the
weak part the standard of what the system can bear.
In this disease, as in all others, we believe it better that
the patient take no animal food, other than preparations of
milk, or cream, which is generally better and less feverish;
and these, even, in many cases, it is believed, are better
omitted; for they are more feverish and exciting than the
mild preparations of farinaceous food.
In the more advanced stages of this disease, the early
morning sweats, which are so weakening, can be much mit-
igated, if not entirely prevented, by judicious sponging, or
wet cloth rubbing the surface of the body. The hectic fe-
ver, which wears down the patient's strength, can also be
much relieved. By bandaging and the wet sheets to soothe,
great good can also be done to the last.
Pregnancy and Child-bearing.
The success of Water-Cure under the direction of Priess-
nitz, is as remarkable in pregnancy and childbearing as in
fever, Priessnitz never having lost a case in either condi-
tion.
1
During pregnancy the sitz-bath and abreibung are fre
quently applied, particularly the former, if there be pain in
the back cold and tepid baths (which are really in effect
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303
f
only milder cold baths,) are recommended, and the wet
bandage, he considers, lessens the first pains, and causes a
speedy labor. After confinement, he recommends the body
to be rubbed all over daily, portion by portion, with a wet
towel, and then with a dry one; the rest of the body being
kept well covered. In milk fever, he directs a slight sweat-
ing, with subsequent wet towel.
For pain in the breast or bowels, wet bandages are ap-
plied. If the limbs swell, bandages are also used to the
parts affected. If there be giddiness or head-ache, bandages
are applied to the head. Wet sheets are also efficacious.
Priessnitz's Treatment of Infants.
"If the stomach or bowels are deranged, he applies a
soft wet bandage, or places it in slightly warmed water to
the waist; the bowels being gently rubbed; or a clyster of
cold or tepid water is administered.
"When teething comes on, and fever prevails, the well-
wrung bandage should be applied as a small shawl across the
shoulders and chest, to be renewed when it becomes hot.
Great care must be taken that this bandage is perfectly co-
vered, or injury will arise.
In all feverish complaints of children, the wet sheet is
perfectly safe, renewed when it becomes too warm; and
afterwards the tepid bath; the child being kept as much as
possible in bed.
"This treatment applies to measles, small-pox, scarlet
fever, &c. as I have had many opportunities of testing."
304
HYDROPATHY; OR,、
CHAPTER VIII.
THE MORE ANCIENT USES OF WATER.
HIPPOCRATES, the great father of medicine, "the old man
of Cos," who lived to about 90 years of age, we are told was ac-
customed to use water in his treatment of many of the most
serious diseases. He observed, that it was the general na-
ture of warm water to produce a chill, while cold water pro-
duced warmth. His method of effecting a sweat was ex-
ceedingly simple, and at the same time most effectual; far
more so even than those modes of stimulating and rasping
the internal organs by means of drugs. His plan, as we
have seen elsewhere, was to pour water over the body, and
then to place sufficient warm clothes upon the patient, so
that the desired effect was produced. In a work which he
wrote on Air, Water, and Situation, when about to speak of
water, he says, "Let us see which are good and which bad;
it is a point on which health mainly depends." He consider-
ed water the best drink. He laid down as an important law,
that a bath enfeebles, every time that its heat exceeds that
of the body immersed in it. The truth of this Hippocratic.
precept has often been verified. He said that the affusion
of water cures -cramp, convulsions, and tetanus; that the
gout was to be cured by a large affusion of cold water; for
it was certain, holding the foot a long time in it, abates the
swelling, redness, and pain.
I
THE WATER-CURE.
305
Galen, who lived in the second century, and who, next to
Hippocrates, was called prince of the Greek physicians, said
that he had cured many cases of burning continued fever,
by giving his patients nothing but cold water to drink, and
that not one of his patients died who had recourse to this
simple remedy sufficiently early. He had seen many cured
of a severe pain in the stomach in a single day, by drinking
cold water. He also recommended cold bathing in fevers,
and to persons in health, for fleshy ones, and those that use
due exercise. According to his directions, the body was to
be prepared by exercise in the gymnasium, by friction with
coarse cloths, and sometimes by the prior use of the warm
bath. The baths were to be taken before eating. After
the bath, much friction and rubbing the surface was to be
used until the skin was well warmed. He said that the du-
ration of baths is too long, when after coming out of the bath,
the body is very pale, and is not soon heated again by fric-
tion, and does not recover its natural heat and color thereby.
Galen, like Hippocrates, lived to a very great age.
Celsus, a physician and philosopher, styled the Cicero of
doctors, employed water for complaints of the head and stom-
ach. He said that nothing is of so much service to the head
as cold water. He recommended such as were weak in the
head to plunge it into cold running water; and also in cases
of weakness of sight, accompanied with a prevalent discharge.
from the eyes, and in enlargements of the glands. He said
that slight cuts or wounds may be healed by applying sponges
squeezed out, of cold water; but that in whatever way the
sponges may be applied, it is only of benefit as long as it re-
tains the moisture.
The illustrious Boerhaave recommended the use of water
306
HYDROPATHY; OR,
to render the body firm and strong. Cold water, when lim-
pid, light, and without smell or taste, and obtained from a
clear running stream, he declared to be the best drink.
Hoffman, a cotemporary of Boerhaave, and professor of
physic at Halle, and physician to the king of Prussia, wrote
on the subject of water. He recommended it as the best
preventive and cure of a large number of diseases. He said
those who drink water, are observed to have much whiter
and sounder teeth. They are brisker and more alert in all
the actions both of mind and body, than such as use malt
liquors. In reference to the use of mineral waters in chro-
nic diseases, he said it was not owing to the light, sparkling
air, or to the saline, or other mineral substances combined
with the water, so much as to the medicinal properties of
common water with which they are mixed, and which is
drank in great quantities. "Water proves agreeable to per-
sons of all ages," and "The drinking of water is serviceable.
in every complexion," are sayings of Hoffman. But his
confidence in the power of water is best shown in the follow-
ing quotation: "If there exist any thing in the world that
can be called a panacea (a universal remedy) it is pure wa-
ter; first, because it will disagree with nobody; secondly,
because it is the best preservative against disease; thirdly,
because it will cure agues and chronic complaints; fourthly,
because it responds to all indications." By objectors to the
exclusive, or nearly exclusive use of water, it is often said
that water is most excellent in its place, and that it is good
for a great variety of cases, and has been greatly neglected
in the treatment of diseases; but that it will not respond to
or answer all indications; that is, it cannot be made to an-
THE WATER-CURE.
307
swer all the good purposes of medicines.
Hoffman, all will
agree, is good authority; but the best proof of all, is actual
experiment. Priessnitz, during the last 20 years, has cured
diseases with greater success than any before him. His only
medicine from the beginning of his accidental career, has
been pure clean water.
Hufeland, who was also a distinguished professor, and
editor of a medical journal, mentions the case of a Mr.
Theden, veteran surgeon general, who ascribed his long life
(more than 80 years) chiefly to the daily use of a large
quantity of water, which he drank for upwards of forty
years.
Between his thirtieth and fortieth year, he was a
most miserable hypochondriac, oppressed with the deepest
melancholy, tormented with a palpitation of the heart, in-
digestion, &c., and fancied that he could not live six
months; but from the time he began this regimen all these
symptoms disappeared, and in the latter half of his life,
he enjoyed better health than before, and was perfectly free
from his hypochondriac affection. He said, "The element
of water is the greatest promoter of digestion; an excel-
lent reviver of the stomach and strengthener of the nerves,
and assists all the secretions of the body, and that it puri-
fies, not merely the skin, but freshens and exhilarates both
the soul and body; it strengthens and preserves against the
changing influences of air and weather, keeps the solid parts
supple and the joints pliable; it preserves the vigor of youth
and keeps up the vigor of old age. It is a powerful preven
tive of bile and putrefaction."
Zimmerman, the author of a well known work on Soli-
tude, and physician to Frederick the Great, King of Prus-
308
HYDROPATHY; OR,
sia, strongly recommended water. "Water," he said,
"does not chill the ardor of genius," and then mentioned
the instance of Demosthenes, whose sole drink was water.
Hahn, a German physician of note, wrote a work on the
effects of water in 1738. "Water," he says,
"does not, as
some suppose, weaken the stomach, but on the contrary in-
creases the appetite, as may be seen by the larger quantity of
food taken at meals. Those who make this assertion contra-
dict themselves; for a debilitated stomach requires a less,
and not a larger quantity of food. Others imagine that by
drinking water they lose their color and flesh. Even if
such were the case, and they did become a little paler and
thinner, such a loss is not to be compared to the general im-
provement of health which is obtained thereby. It yet re-
mains to be shown, whether a protuberant stomach, with
swollen, flabby, puffed out cheeks, is to be preferred to a more
slender shape, and a thinner face; or whether the rude
country glow of health, with rosy cheeks, is not to be pre-
ferred to that pale and sickly hue, so much admired by peo-
ple of fashion. But water drinkers generally retain their
flesh and healthy color. A few, however, who had swollen,
flabby or spongy flesh, and therefore unhealthy, have in
appearance become thinner, and lost their puffiness, having
exchanged it for a firm and compact flesh, therefore healthy.
Those who from the use of ardent spirits and thick gluti-
nous beverages, as beer or brandy, have got reddened, vio-
let, copper-colored faces, have not, by drinking water, be-
come pale, but have exchanged their violet or purple red-
ness for a more natural color. Every man ought, I think,
to be satisfied with such a change." This writer says that
perspiration, caused by cold water, is more salutary than that
✰
THE WATER-CURE.
309
by any other known means; and although warm water will
produce perspiration, yet it chills the body much more af-
terwards than cold. He mentions that a physician relieved
the viceroy of Sicily, Johannes de la Vega, by the use of
water, and received from him as a reward, the golden cup
out of which water had been drank. He said, that cold
water was better to remove impurities from the skin than
warm, because the warm water dries up the skin, and injures
its fine vessels; while cold strengthens it, and renders the
body hard and insensible to cold, like that Scythian who
went naked about the market-place of Athens to the great
wonder of the people. On being questioned by one of the
philosophers how he could go about naked in the cold, asked
in reply, why the other did not cover his face up in winter.
Upon the Athenian auswering that it was accustomed to the
cold, the Scythian rejoined, "then consider my whole body
as being all face."
Hahn recommended a woman who had the itch, to get
into a tub of water, and remain in it several days, to
eat, drink, and sleep therein. This being attended with too
much inconvenience, she washed herself several times dur-
ing the day, and wrapped herself up in wet sheets during
the night, and then became cured in a very short time.
There was, he says, mixed with this treatment, a little su-
perstition, as it was thought the disorder could only be
cured by bathing on Good Friday. Some persons who suf-
fered severely with this disorder, went on a Good Friday,
and bathed in their under-clothes, then returned without
changing or drying, went to bed, and were entirely cured.
A gentleman of his acquaintance had an ulcer on his foot,
which he cured by frequently bathing in a pond and when.
:
310
HYDROPATHY; OR,
ever it threatened to re-open, speedily re-established the
cure by the same means. A fisherman had a large ulcer-
ated abscess in his thigh, which had continued in spite of
every remedy, for the space of two years. The fear that
water would aggravate the evil, had caused him to abandon
his pursuits, but the prospect of starvation compelled him.
again to fish. On coming out of the water after two hours,
he was agreeably surprised to find the sore much less pain-
ful.
This induced him to go daily into the river, and in a
short time he became perfectly cured. He had ordered his
patients to let their sores soak in water, as tanners do their
skins, to remove their putridity, for several days and nights.
Running streams were more efficacious than washing in
tubs, and the more so when the patient wades against the
stream, as the water thus enters and cleanses the part more
effectually. He had witnessed the good effects of water in
St. Anthony's Fire, which was removed in the course of a
few days without the slightest injury to the skin; whereas,
on the other hand, the application of rose pink and white
lead in powder, or of fat and oily pomades and plasters, im-
pede the perspiration, increase the pain, and frequently
cause ulcers. Spirituous lotions, in some measure, burn the
skin, so that it peels off in large pieces; in like manner,
other applications only aggravate the disease, and render it
more difficult to cure. In speaking of cancerous ulcers, he
says they bear the application of cold water very well. It
refreshes and cleanses them, corrects the corrosion and mi-
tigates the pain. He had met with cases where the most
bland, innocent and advisable remedies having proved irri-
tating and painful, the patients had not only obtained great
relief, but eventually were cured by cold water. He says,
THE WATER-CURE.
311
in the acute diseases the fire burns with the greatest vio
lence in the interior of the body, but as may be seen by the
thermometer, the skin is also affected in a great degree.
Where the fire is, there we must also quench. Cold water,
though taken in large quantities, does not relieve the burn-
ing skin; but washing the body with cold water, the patient
feels immediately refreshed, and scarcely are the sponges
applied before instant relief is obtained. So luxurious is
the sensation, that many are unwilling that this washing
should be discontinued, but like the rustics Latona changed
into frogs, would prefer to remain in cold water. Infants
who have eruptions on different parts of the body like to be
rubbed with cold water, and are by this simple remedy
speedily cured. In exanthematous diseases, as small pox,
measles, scarlet fever and other rashes, we may freely wash
with cold water from the first to the last, during the whole
course of the disease, in order to prevent the fever from be-
coming too violent. The skin is thus rendered more soft,
so that the acrid matter can more easily pass through it.
In small pox, the corrosive quality of this acrid matter is
rendered milder, so that it does not eat into the skin, leav.
ing scars behind, and very few patients who have been
treated in this way, have been marked by the disease.
The Africans, he says, wash all their small pox patients.
A captain, having a cargo of slaves, amongst whom this
disease made its appearance, treated them according to the
European mode of putting the patients between two mat-
tresses, and otherwise heaping clothes upon them, in order
to bring out the disease. In great distress they cried and
begged to be allowed to treat themselves according to their
own mode. Being permitted, the other slaves tied ropes
¿
312
HYDROPATHY; OR,
round the bodies ef those that were sick.
and dipped them
frequently during the day into the sea, drying them after-
wards in the sun, and in this manner they were cured and
scarcely one died. As in small pox, it is equally beneficial
in measles and other rashes, and of a variety of cases he
gave, scarcely any one died of measles, and in small pox
not one-fourth of the number die that usually perish under
the hot regimen. Out of 156 small pox patients, which a
neighboring physician had treated in this way, only 8 died,
although the disease raged in a vriulent manner.
In 1737,
during the prevalence of a malignant epidemic, accompani-
ed with petechiae (small flea-bite spots occurring spontane-
ously, and under such circumstances, that is, in severe fe.
vers, denoting great prostration of strength), very few died
who were submitted to this treatment, although they were
washed until they became very cool, even during the con-
tinued and debilitating sweats.
Speaking of certain late raging epidemics, he had fre-
quently observed that ice, tied up in a cloth, and applied to
the head, in case of inflammation of the brain, produced a
most visible salutary effect, and in the course of a few
hours permanently restored the intellects. He had never
known a patient to die in consequence of such treatment.
Again: "those who are obliged to walk or run a great
distance, by which violent or long continued action the
veins of the legs become swollen, and accompanied with
great fatigue, will find their pains relieved, and themselves
refreshed, by taking a cold foot bath. This is made mention
of in the Old Testament, and it was considered an indispen-
sable mark of attention, to present the newly arrived guest
with cold water to wash his feet."
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313
Father Bernardo, a Sicilian Capuchin Monk, he says,
performed many surprising cures in the island of Malta, in
the years 1724 and 1725. His practice was to order his
patients to drink iced water, and sometimes to take the
same as a lavement. He kept them almost fasting for one
or two months; and pursued this treatment in winter as
well as summer. He cured the Grand Prior Ferretti, aged
92, when at the very point of death, giving him iced water
to drink. It is stated that none of his patients perished
either from starvation or otherwise. Thus by means of ice
and cold water, he performed a great number of wonderful
cures, in cases which had been given up by physicians, so
that he was called "the water doctor."
In cases of cramp, contraction, and paralysis, in addition
to washing the parts with cold water, it is advisable to wash
the head, and particularly the back of the neck; also to use
the douche bath to the head, covered with a sponge cap, and
the parts diseased, either exposed or covered with a cloth.
The action of the water is found to produce a warmth in
the skin, and penetrating deeper than the cold bath, (i. e.
producing a more powerful reaction,) operates more quickly
and effectually. A woman who had for a long time suffered
pain in the back, neck, shoulders and arms, obtaining not
relief from the remedies employed, at last applied to me for
advice. I ordered a stream of cold water to be poured over
the body, in a cool room. I had her wrapped up in sheets
dipped in cold water, and which, from time to time, were
renewed. She fell into a moderate perspiration, and in a
few days was perfectly cured.
The father of Hahn, in his Psychrolusia, laid down the
14
!
314
HYDROPATHY; OR,
following excellent rules for morning ablutions: "On get-
ting out of the bed in the morning, the face and whole body
should be washed with cold water, first with the naked hand,
and afterwards with a sponge, pressing the water out of the
sponge into the eyes and ears; then rubbing the body dry,
rinsing out the mouth, and drawing the water through the
nostrils, and finishing by taking a hip bath. The trouble.
thus taken will be amply repaid by the agreeable sensation
of warmth and freshness. Sick patients cannot do this, but
the attendant should wash them over with a sponge dipped
in cold water, and apply bandages, also dipped in cold
water, especially to the diseased parts, suffering from heat,
pain, swelling, eruptions, &c., not merely once a day, but
oftener, as the greater or less intensity of the disease may
require."
“A man, of 75 years of age, was seized with a violent
fever, and treated in the usual way according to the hot re-
gimen. A rash made its appearance, whilst his strength
became gradually more and more exhausted. Lying con-
stantly on his back, the skin at the lower part of the spine.
became inflamed and ulcerated. The patient remained in
this state for six weeks, when a hardness and swelling was
observed about the knees. The lower extremities had be-
come stiff and immoveable, and the muscles shrivelled up.
The stimulating treatment was now abandoned, and cooling
emulsions, and water mixed with the juice of lemons and
raspberries, ordered to be drank. Linen rags dipped in cold.
water were frequently applied to the inflamed and ulcerated
parts of the back. The same were also applied to the
thighs, notwithstanding the rash on the thighs and
other parts of the body, and continually renewed, night
THE WATER-CURE.
315
and day. After a few days, cold foot-baths were used, and
moist napkins were applied to the feet. This cooling treat-
ment gave immediate relief. The feverish heat left him,
and the rash disappeared. He recovered the use of his
limbs, and in three weeks was perfectly restored to health,
and declared, that after this water treatment he enjoyed
better health than he had done for the last 30 years."
Hahn cured many cases of insanity, by causing the pa-
tients to drink largely of cold water. Such as would not
drink he chained up, and gave salt herrings to eat. By
thus exciting thirst, they were caused largely to drink the
water before them. One of them, who ate, for several days
in succession, from eight to twelve herrings, and drank eight
quarts of water, was cured in three weeks.
Of the earlier English writers upon water, we may notice
Sir John Floyer, a practitioner of eminence in his day.
His directions for bathing are as follows: "Not to bathe
when hot and sweating (meaning no doubt the heat and
sweating brought on by exercise ;) not to stay in the bath
over two or three minutes, or as long as the patient can
easily bear it, and to go in and out immediately, on the first
bathing, after an immersion of the whole body. To use the
cold bath, before dinner, fasting, or else in the afternoon,
towards 4 or 5 o'clock: it is dangerous to go in after great
eating or drinking. To use sweating with cold bathing,
in palsies and rickets, and several diseases of the nerves
with obstructions." He mentions how cold water sweat-
ing was used to diminish the weight of a horse-jockey :
Dip the riders shirt into cold water, and after it is put on
very wet, lap the person in very warm blankets to sweat
him very violently, and he will lose a considerable weight."
(6
316
HYDROPATHY; OR,
This observation of Sir John Floyer reminds the author
of a case he lately had, a clergyman, (to whom he is
permitted to refer as to the effects of water treatment.)
By great excess in mental labor, and at the same time,
like the generality of mankind, taking too much food,
and of improper kinds, he had brought on a complication
of difficulties, particularly in the head and nervous sys-
tem generally. He had also become too fat. During
the first week of the treatment copious sweating, with
various other means, being resorted to, he said on weigh-
ing that he lost 7 lbs. He was at the same time gain.
ing rapidly in strength and improving in every respect.
Washing the feet, this writer says, çures corns, and
the hip bath cures hæmorrhoids. His advice upon regi-
men was very much like that of Priessnitz: "To abstain
from excess in animal food, to use much of fruits, and
to drink only water: not to use hot things, high sauces,
brandy, spirits, fermented liquors, salt meat, spices, tea,
coffee and chocolate; not to wear too warm clothing;
flannel renders the person very tender, and subject to the
changes of weather, and too much perspiration; not to sit
much by the fire, but to take exercise in the open air, riding
or walking, and that down beds are very injurious."
This writer mentions the following case: "Mrs. Watts
of Leicester, went to the cold bath at London about
Michaelmas in 1699. She was troubled with continual
vomiting and wandering pains in her limbs and head,
convulsive motions or twitchings of the muscles, violent
hysterical fits, colic, flatulency, sweatings, loss of appetite,
an emaciated state of the body, extreme tenderness, sen-
sibility to slight changes in the weather, chilliness, va-
THE WATER-CURE.
317
pors and pains, especially in the teeth. Tonics, as bark
and iron, emetics and opiates, were tried in vain. Un-
der the advice of Dr. Baynard, she had recourse to the cold
bath, and used two-and-twenty baths in the space of a
month, dipping herself under water six or seven times.
every morning, without staying in the water any longer
than the time of immersion, and went warm from her
bed to the water. By this bathing, the skin became
healthy, and she was not subject to colds as before. She
recovered her strength and appetite and became more
plump. Her weakening sweats, pains, flatulency and
convulsions, ceased.'
39
Sir John quotes another writer, Dr. Ellison of Newcastle,
showing the results of people going to St. Bede's, Hanwick,
or St. Mungo's wells, which were extremely cold springs.
"People of all ages resorted to these two wells, for various
complaints. Adults remained in a quarter, or near half of
an hour, the back or other diseased parts being well rubbed
all the time. They used no preparative physic. The sick
went to bed immediately afterwards, and sweat for two hours
The healthy went in for pleasure, and immedi-
ately on coming out experienced a warmth all over, and
were more nimble, and their joints more pliant.
or more.
"These springs were very celebrated for the cure of rick-
ets in children. They were dipped in the water quickly,
left only long enough for the clothes to become thoroughly
wet. The children were then quickly wrapped up in warm
blankets, which caused powerful perspiration. After being
left a suitable time, the sweating clothes were taken off grad-
ually, so that they cooled by degrees, and then dry clothes.
substituted. The children were not debarred their usual
318
HYDROPATHY; OR,
play; care was taken that their necks were kept warm to
secure them from catching cold.”
Dr. Baynard was also a writer upon the effects of water.
He is quoted as having said, in view of remarkable cures
done by water, which had fallen under his observation, “I
always (I thank God) looked upon it as most impious, and
one of the worst of wickednesses, in serious things to impose
upon the living, but much more to banter, and hand down
a falsehood to posterity-a fault (I doubt not) too many of
our physic observators have been guilty of."
"A young
Among other cases of his are the following:
man was seized with the rheumatism in every joint, which
had become enormously swollen, and had continued for at
least six weeks. He was wrapped up in flannel, and unable
to move without assistance. He was therefore put in a
chair, and thus let down into a bath, and brought up before
three minutes were over. He was able immediately to walk
up stairs, and in an hour's time walked back to his lodgings.
In less than a fortnight his joints were reduced to their na-
tural size. He fully recovered his health, and continued to
follow his occupation."
A man with chronic catarrh, by accident fell to the neck
into water frozen over. He went home, got warm clothes,
slept soundly, and the next day was nearly free from his
cough. Sir Henry Covingsby, he said, when a young man,
suffered severely from the gout. He is now in his 88th
year. He drinks spring water. Formerly his fingers and
toes were full of chalk-stones, which had now become entire-
ly dissolved and dissipated, and the joints were reduced to
their natural size by the use of the cold bath, which the old
knight was positive would cure the gout in every person.
:
THE WATER-CURE.
319
He had been under the care of celebrated physicians for a
numbness of the lower limbs when 30 years of age. All
sense of heat and feeling were lost, so that nettles would not
sting him, or clothes make him warm. After some years,
he was still worse. Tired in mind, body, and purse, he at
He used all the
He went into a
last resolved upon another mode of cure.
cold means, and was bled once a month.
cold spring water bath, at all times of the year, but com-
menced in the summer. The first bath blotched him, (that
is, brought out an eruption,) and so more and more, every
day, by pimples rising and then dying away. The pores
were opened and the natural heat restored. He ever after-
wards for 40 years continued his own doctor."
A learned doctor of laws informed Dr. Baynard, that
being light-headed of a fever, and most intensely hot and
thirsty, he got from his nurse and rushed into a horsepond,
and stayed for more than half an hour. It brought him
presently to his senses, and allayed both his heat and thirst.
He went to bed, fell into a profound sleep, and when he
awoke, (in a great sweat,) he found he was quite well, but
had afterward some head-ache, which he thought proceeded
from not wetting the head.
Dr. Dover of Bristol related a case of a waiter at Oxford,
during the small-pox, who went into a great tub of water,
and sat there at least two hours, yet recovered and did well.
The servant of Sir Thomas Yarborough, during the delirium
of small-pox, got from his bed and plunged into a piece of
water, but was presently got out. The small-pox seemed
to be struck in, but upon his going to bed the disease came
out very kindly, and he safely recovered. A countryman,
of Harrow-on-the-Hill, suffering from severe rheumatic and
320
HYDROPATHY; OR,
spasmodic pains for nearly six months, lost the use of his
lower extremities, so that he was unable to stand. He tried
various remedies in vain, and had been salivated with mer-
cury. He was entirely cured by cold bathing.
Dr. Baynard said. no men live so long and so healthy as
the dabblers in cold water. An old fisherman said that little
sleep, a cool diet, and thin clothes, were the only means to
live healthy and long, and that the water air made him eat
heartily. He had known many old watermen and fisher-
men, full or near a hundred; and those who worked at
Witney, in Oxfordshire, at the blanket mills, carrying wet
blankets in their arms, next their breasts, winter and sum.
mer, not only never catch cold, but live to an extreme old
age. Dr. Baynard also related an anecdote of a country-
man, who, during a discussion as to the best means of get-
ting an appetite, said he had tried the ways proposed, but
nothing was like going a-fishing, up to the chin in water för
an hour or two; "that will get you a stomach I'll warrant
you; nor am I dry."
Dr. Baynard received a letter from William Penn, as
follows; As I find the Indians upon the continent more
incident to fevers than any other distempers, so they rarely
fail to cure themselves by great sweating, and immediately.
plunging themselves into cold water, which they say is the
only way not to catch a cold. I once saw an instance of it
with divers more in company. Being upon a discovery of
the back part of the country, I called upon an Indian of
note, whose name was Tennoughan, the captain-general of
the clans of Indians of those parts. I found him ill of a
fever, his head and limbs much affected with pain, and at
the same time his wife preparing a bagnio for him. The
THE WATER-CURE.
321
bagnio resembled a large oven, into which he crept by a door
on the one side, while she put several red hot stones in at a
small door on the other side thereof, and then fastened the
doors as closely from the air as she could. Now while he
was sweating in this bagnio, his wife (for they disdain no
service) was, with an axe, cutting her husband a passage
into the river, (being the winter of 1683, the great frost, and
the ice very thick,) in order to the immersing himself after
he should come out of the bath. In less than half an hour,
he was in so great a sweat, that when he came out he was as
wet as if he had come out of a river, and the reek or steam of
his body so thick, that it was hard to discern anybody's face.
that stood near him. In this condition, stark naked, (a body
cloth only excepted,) he ran to the river, which was about 20
paces, and ducked himself twice or thrice therein, and so re-
turned (passing only through his bagnio, to mitigate the im-
mediate stroke of the cold) to his own house, perhaps 20 paces
farther, and, wrapping himself in his woolen mantle, laying
down at his length, near a long but gentle fire, in the middle
of his wigwam or house, turning himself several times till
dry, and then he rose, and fell to getting us our dinner,
seeming to be as easy and as well in health as at any other
time.
"I am well assured that the Indians wash their infants in
cold water as soon as born, in all seasons of the year."
An Indian cure for rheumatism is mentioned by a recent
writer, in a quotation from Cox's Columbia River. The
writer had suffered much annoyance from acute rheumatic
attacks in the shoulders and knees; an old Indian proposed
to relieve him if he would follow the mode of cure practised
14*
322
HYDROPATHY; OR,
by him in similar cases among the young warriors of his
tribe. On inquiring into the method, the Indian replied it.
merely consisted in getting up early every morning for
some weeks and plunging into the river, and leave the
rest to him. This was a most chilling proposition, for the
river was most firmly frozen, and an opening was to be
made in the ice preparatory to each immersion. The In-
dian was asked if it would not do equally well to have the
water taken to the bed-room. But he shook his head and
replied that he was surprised that a young white chief, who
ought to be wise, would ask so foolish a question.
On re-
flecting, however, that the rheumatism was a stranger
among the Indians, and that such numbers of whites were
subject to it, and above all that he was 3000 miles from any
professional assistance, he determined to adopt the disagree.
able expedient the following morning. The Indian first
made a hole in the ice, large enough to admit both, upon
which he made a signal that all was ready. Enveloped in
a large buffalo robe, he proceeded to the spot, threw off the
robe, and both jumped into the frigid orifice together. The
Indian at once set to rubbing the shoulder, back and loins,
while, meantime, the hair became ornamented with icicles;
and while the lower joints were being rubbed, the face,
neck and shoulders became encased with a thin covering of
ice. On getting released, a blanket was rolled about the
body, and the patient went quickly back to the room in
which a fire had been ordered. In a few minutes there was
a warm glow over the whole body. These ablutions were
found so beneficial they were continued twenty-five days,
at the expiration of which the old Indian was pleased to say
that no more was necessary, and that he had done his duty
THE WATER-CURE.
323
like a wise man.
matic pain.
He was never after troubled with a rheu-
An old Canadian, according to the same writer, who had
been laboring many years under a chronic rheuma-
tism, asked the old Indian if he could cure him in the same
way. The Indian said it was impossible, but that he would
try another process. He accordingly constructed the ske-
leton of a hut, about four and a half feet high and three
broad, in shape like a bee-hive, which he covered with deer.
skins. He then heated some stones in an adjoining fire,
and having placed the patient inside, in a state of nudity,
the hot stones were thrown in, and water poured over them.
The entrance was then quickly closed, and the man kept in
for some time until he begged to be released, alleging that
he was nearly suffocating. On coming out he was in a
state of profuse perspiration. The old Indian ordered him
to be immediately enveloped in blankets and conveyed to
bed. The operation was repeated several times, and al
though it did not effect a radical cure, the violence of the
pains was so far abated, that the patient could follow his
ordinary business, and enjoy his sleep in comparative ease.
These, and like applications in rheumatism, which have
been mentioned, will naturally enough seem to many as ex-
tremely hazardous. In the second case of the old In-
dian, he knew very well that the old Canadian did not
necd the same treatment as in the other case, nor could he
bear it. The old man could have been safely and far more
benefitted by having had washings and rubbings after his
sweatings, and sweating bandages applied to the diseased
parts. The writer lately cured a very severe case of rheu-
matism, so much so that the man could scarcely move, and
324
HYDROPATHY; OR,
was wholly confined to his bed, unless lifted out. He had
been well treated according to the common practice, for
nearly three months. The ninth day he was out walking
with his common-sized boots, (his feet having been much
swollen,) and has been well ever since.
Prof. Elliotson of the University College, London, in
speaking of this disease, says, "With respect to the parts
themselves, we shall find it of great use to apply cold water
or cold lotions, (cold water is the best,) as long as the tem-
perature is higher than it ought to be, and they are comfort-
able to the patient. There is no danger of applying cold,
with these limitations. If the patient should be timid, and
yet long for cold evaporating lotions, (water is the best lo-
tion,) they may be applied tepid, as in the case of gout;
but I never saw any injury arise from cold in rheumatism,
where the parts were hotter than they should be, and the
patient felt hot."
Dr. Currie on Water.
One of the very best works ever written on water, is that
of James Currie, M.D., F.R.S., of Liverpool, published
1797. His experiments had been more extended, and made
with far more scientific precision than any other before
him. They were made with great perseverance, notwith-
standing the prejudice and opposition in the use of water,
and with a candor that does him great honor.
His work was not intended merely for the profession; for
he says, in an introductory communication to the Rt. Hon.
Sir Jos. Banks, "He had guarded against the unnecessary
use of technical as well as general expressions; that it were
THE WATER-CURE.
325
better that medicine, like other branches of natural know-
ledge, were brought from its hiding place, and exhibited in
the simplicity of science and the nakedness of truth. He
had every where endeavored to make his steps so plain that
they could be distinctly traced. He hoped that his work.
would be read by men of general science, and that it would
on certain occasions prove useful where medical advice was
not at hand."
"Ablution with cold water in fever, had been so long em-
ployed at the Hospital in Liverpool, and in private practice
by his friends and colleagues, Dr. Brandreth and Dr. Ger-
hard, as well as by himself, that it had become general in
Liverpool and the county of Lancaster. He had frequently
exhibited the mode of practice by water to those from a
distance; but a method so bold and contrary to the com-
mon prejudices, made but slow progress. The mode of
operation had been misapprehended, and the proper period
for using it had not been understood; and on some occa-
sions, it having been resorted to improperly, the conse-
quences had brought it into disrepute."
Dr. Currie commences by giving an account of some
cases by his friend Dr. Wright, known as a medical writer:
"On the 1st of August, 1777, (says Dr. Wright,) I em-
barked in a ship bound to Liverpool, and sailed the same eve-
ning from Montego Bay. The master told me he had hired
several sailors on the same day we took our departure; one
of whom had been at sick quarters on shore, and was now
but in a convalescent state. On the 23d of August we were
in the latitude of Bermudas, and had had a very heavy gale
of wind for three days, when the above-mentioned man re-
lapsed, and had a fever, with symptoms of the greatest ma-
326
HYDROPATHY; OR,
lignity. I attended this person often, but could not prevail
with him to be removed from a dark and confined situation,
to a more airy and convenient part of the ship; and as he
refused medicines, and even food, he died on the eighth day
of his illness.
"By my attention to the sick man I caught the contagion,
and began to be indisposed on the 5th of September, and
the following is a narrative of my case, extracted from notes
daily marked down. I had been many years in Jamaica,
but, except being somewhat relaxed by the climate, and fa-
tigue of business, I ailed nothing when I embarked. This
circumstance, however, might perhaps dispose me more rea-
dily to receive the infection.
66
'Sept. 5th, 6th, 7th. Small rigors now and then-a pre-
ternatural heat of the skin-a dull pain in the forehead-the
pulse small and quick—a loss of appetite, but no sickness at
stomach-the tongue white and slimy-little or no thirst—
the belly regular-the urine pale, and rather scanty-in the
night restless, with starting and delirium.
66
Sept. 8th. Every symptom aggravated, with pains in
the loins and lower limbs, and stiffness in the thighs and
hams.
"I took a gentle vomit in the second day of this illness,
and next morning a decoction of tamarinds; at bed-time,
an opiate, joined with antimonial wine, but this did not pro-
cure sleep, or open the pores of the skin. No inflammatory
symptoms being present, a drachm of Peruvian bark was
taken every hour for six hours successively, and how and
then a glass of port wine, but with no apparent benefit.
When upon deck, my pains were greatly mitigated, and the
colder the air the better. This circumstance, and the fail-
THE WATER-CURE.
327
2
ure of every means I had tried, encouraged me to put in
practice on myself what I had often wished to try on others,
in fevers similar to my own.
,
"Sept. 9th. Having given the necessary directions, about
three o'clock in the afternoon, I stripped off all my clothes,
and threw a sea-cloak loosely about me till I got upon the
deck, when the cloak also was laid aside. Three buckets
full of salt water were then thrown at once on me; the
shock was great, but I felt immediate relief. The head-ache
and other pains instantly abated, and a fine glow and dia-
phoresis succeeded. Towards evening, however, the febrile
symptoms threatened a return, and I had again recourse to
the same method as before, with the same good effect. I
now took food with an appetite, and for the first time had a
sound night's rest.
"Sept. 10th. No fever, but a little uneasiness in the hams
and thighs—used the cold bath twice.
"Sept. 11th. Every symptom vanished, but to prevent a
relapse, I used the cold bath twice.
“Mr. Thomas Kirk, a young gentleman, passenger in the
same ship, fell sick of a fever on the 9th of August. His
symptoms were nearly similar to mine, and having taken
some medicines without experiencing relief, he was desirous
of trying the cold bath, which, with my approbation, he did
on the 11th and 12th of September, and by this method was
happily restored to health."
The Doctor proceeds:
"On the 9th of Dec., 1787, a contagious fever made its
appearance in the Liverpool Infirmary. For some time pre-
viously the weather had been extremely cold, and the disci-
pline of the house, owing to causes which it is unnecessary
328
HYDROPATHY; OR,
to mention, had been much relaxed. The intensity of the
cold prevented the necessary degree of ventilation, and the
regulations for the preservation of cleanliness had been in
some measure neglected. These circumstances operated
particularly on one of the wards of the eastern wing, em-
ployed as a lock-hospital for females, where the contagion.
first appeared. The fever spread rapidly, and before its pro-
gress could be arrested, sixteen persons were affected, of
which two died. Of these sixteen, eight were under my care.
On this occasion I used for the first time the affusion of cold
water, in the manner described by Dr. Wright. It was first
tried in two cases only, the one in the second, the other in
the fourth day of fever. The effects corresponded exactly
with those mentioned to have occurred by him in his own
case; and thus encouraged, the remedy was employed in
five other cases. It was repeated daily, and of these seven
patients, the whole recovered. In the eighth case, the as-
persion of cold water seemed too hazardous a practice, and
it was not employed. The strength of the patient was much
impaired by lues, and at the time of catching the contagion,
she labored under ptyalism. I was not then aware that this
last circumstance formed no objection against the cold affu.
sion, and, in a situatien so critical, it was thought imprudent
to use it. The usual remedies were directed for this patient,
particularly bark, wine, and opium, but unsuccessfully; she
died on the sixteenth day of her disease.
"From this time forth, I have constantly wished to em-
ploy the affusion of cold water, in every case of the low con-
tagious fever, in which the strength was not already much
exhausted; and I have preserved a register of 153 cases in
which the cure was chiefly trusted to this remedy."
THE WATER-CURE.
329
Before proceeding to explain particularly the manner in
which Dr. Currie used water in fevers, he describes a fever
which broke out in the 30th regiment, and the treatment
adopted. It commenced about June 1st, 1792.
"Such men as were sent to the guard for misbehaviour,
were confined in a dark, narrow and unventilated cell.-
Several men were put there for drunkenness, and suffered
to remain 24 hours. The typhus fever made its appear-
ance among these men, and spread rapidly among the rest.
The Liverpool Infirmary being full, a temporary hospital
was fitted up at the fort. In two low rooms, each about 15
feet square, were 14 patients laboring under the fever. One
was in the fourteenth day of the disease, two in the 12th,
and the rest from the 9th to the 4th day. In every case
there was cough and mucus expectoration. Those who had
sustained the disease 8 days, petechiae on the skin, (spots)
resembling flea-bites, denoting great prostration). The de-
bility was considerable from the first, and, as Dr. C. says,
had been increased in several cases by bleeding, before the
nature of the disease was understood. The pulse varied
from 130 to 100°. The heat rose from 101 to 105° Fah.
There was great pain in the head, and in several instances
low delirium.
"Our first care was to clean and ventilate the rooms,
which were in a high degree foul and pestilential. Our se-
cond was, to wash and clean the patients themselves. This
was done by pouring sea water over the naked bodies of
those who were not already greatly reduced: the whole
heat was steadily above the temperature of health.
those more advanced, whose debility was great, we spong-
In
330
HYDROPATHY; OR,
ed the whole surface with vinegar, a practice that, in every
stage of fever, is most salutary and refreshing.
"Our next care was to stop the progress of the infection.
With this view, the guard-house was first attempted to be
purified by washing and ventilating, the greatest part of the
furniture having been burnt or thrown into the sea. All
our precautions and exertions of this kind, however, were
ineffectual. The weather was wet and extremely cold for
the season. The men on the guard could not be prevailed
upon to remain in the open air; and from passing the night
in the infected guard-room, several of the privates took the
infection. In several of these the fever ran its course, and
in others it was immediately arrested by the affusion of sea
water. No means having proved effectual for the purifica-
tion of the guard-room, it was shut up, and a temporary
shed erected in its stead. Still the contagion proceeded.
On the morning of the 13th, the whole regiment was drawn
up at my request, and the men examined in the ranks.
Seventeen were found with the fever upon them.
It was
not difficult to distinguish them as they stood by their fel-
lows. The countenance was languid-the whole appear-
ance dejected, and the eyes had a dull red suffusion. These
men were carefully separated from the rest, and subjected
to the cold affusion, always repeated once and sometimes
twice a day. In 15 of the number 17, the contagion was
extinguished: the two went through the regular disease.
"On the same day, the commanding officer, at my request,
issued an order for the whole of the remaining part of the
regiment to bathe in the sea; and for some time they were
regularly mustered and marched down at high water, to
plunge into the tide. These means were successful in ar.
THE WATER-CURE.
331
.
resting the epidemic. After the 13th of June no one was
attacked. In all, 58 had the disease, of which 22 went
through the regular course of the fever, and in 26, the dis-
ease seemed to be cut short by the cold affusion. Of the
32, two died. Both of these were men whose constitutions
were weakened, by the climate of the West Indies; both
of them had been bled in the early stages of the fever and
the one of them being in the 12th, and the other in the
14th day of the disease, when I first visited them-neither
was subjected to the cold affusion.”
:
This fever is generally termed, in popular language, the
nervous fever, and when particular symptoms appear, the
putrid fever. It is usually caused in situations where
there is want of cleanliness, and more especially of ventila
tion: and when once cured, it is propagated by contagion.
This is described by Dr. Currie as the common fever of
England. It had usually one exacerbation, (augmentation,)
and one remission or abatement in the 24 hours.
The ex-
acerbation was usually in the afternoon, and the remission
towards morning. According to Dr. C., the safest and
most advantageous time for the affusion of cold water, is
when the exacerbation is at its height, or immediately after
the declination is begun; and this had almost always led
him to adopt it from 6 to 9 in the evening; but it is per-
fectly safe to use it at any time of the day, according to Dr.
C., "when there is no sense of chilliness present; when the
heat of the surface is steadily above what is natural, and
when there is no general or profuse perspiration."*
These rules are really so plain, that it is difficult to see
* This rule relating to perspiration, as we have seen elsewhere, relates
only to that caused by too much exertion.
332
HYDROPATHY; OR,
how any one could be at a loss in knowing how to proceed,
at least safely, in the affusion of cold water in typhus fever;
and yet Dr. C.'s method has been considered as being one
which required a great amount of skill, to determine when
it should be used.
Dr. C. aftewards says in reference to this fever, when
epidemic, "that a great number of cases occurred in which
the disease was suddenly cut short by the use of the cold
affusion, on the first and second day of the disease. The
good results were so uniformly, so precisely similar to what
had been related, that a detail of cases would be unneces-
sary." He says, also, "that when an epidemic is spread-
ing, and the danger is known, patients will take the alarm
on the first attack, and the power as well as the utility of
such a remedy as the cold affusion, in such situations of
general danger, will be easily imagined. It cannot be em-
ployed too soon, after the first attack, provided the original
chill is over, and the hot stage is firmly established.
In cases in which the affusion was not employed till the
third day of the fever, he had seen several instances of the
same complete solution of the disease. He had even seen this
take place when the remedy had been deferred till the fourth
day. Some cases are given to show the effect, on the third
and fourth days. "Jan. 17th, 1790, A. B. aged 19, a pupil
of the infirmary, caught the infection in attending the fever
ward. When I saw him, in 78 hours, the fourth day of the
disease, he had all the usual symptoms, head-ache, thirst,
furred tongue, pain in the back and loins, with great debili-
ty. Heat 101°, pulse 112 in the minute. A bucketful of
salt water was poured over him, as usual, at noon.
heat sunk to 99°, and his pulse to 98. A profuse perspira-
His
THE WATER-CURE.
333
tion followed, with the cessation of all his feverish symp.
toms. This intermission continued for several hours, during
which he enjoyed some comfortable sleep, but at 5 in the
afternoon, was again seized with feverish rigors, followed by
heat, thirst, and head-ache, as before. An hour afterwards,
the hot stage was established. Heat 100°, pulse also 100°.
The same quantity of cold water was again thrown over
him, with similar effects. His pulse fell immediately to 80,
the minute, and became more full. The heat became natu-
ral. The following night he took 20 drops of laudanum,
and slept well. On the 18th, the second day of treatment,
at noon the pulse was 96 and soft, skin moist, but a little
above the natural heat. The tongue a little furred, and the
head ached. He also complained of thirst. The same re-
medy was again applied. He was greatly refreshed by it.
The pulse fell to 90, the skin became cool, the thirst went
off, and all the feverish symptoms vanished. On the 19th,
the third day of treatment, his pulse was 88, his heat natu-
ral, the thirst and head-ache gone, and appetite improving.
The ablution was repeated for the last time at 6 in the
evening. On the 20th, he was farther improved. On the
21st, had some debility. On the 22d, was free from com-
plaint. This patient, during his fever, took no medicine
but an effervescing mixture, the dose of laudanum excepted.
The affusion was used four times."
Another case we cite : Feb. 2d, 1792, S. C., a healthy
man, 44 years of age, about 72 hours after the at-
tack, came under treatment. Pulse 100°; heat 104°;
other symptoms as usual, but the pain in the head and
back particularly severe.
Two minutes after the affu-
sion, pulse 90°, heat 100°. The patient felt great refresh-
334
HYDROPATHY; OR,
ment and was entirely relieved of the pain in the head and
back. In the evening, however, the exacerbation of the
fevere was severe, and the head-ache returned with vio-
lence. He passed a restless night. At four in the morning
the affusion was repeated by his request. At nine, a gentle
perspiration, covered the surface of the body, the pulse 84,
the tongue moist, the skin cool, and the pains of the head
and back entirely gone.
In the afternoon the fever re-
turned, though in a less degree. The affusion was repeated
the fourth time, with the same happy effects; after which
there was no return of the disease.
"Thus it appeared," says Dr. C., "that the cold affusion,
used on the 3d and 4th days of fever, does not immediately
produce a solution of the disease, but that it instantly abates
it, and by a few repetitions brings it to a happy termination
in two or three days.”
The cold affusion Dr. C. also used in intermittent fevers,
and with signal success, as he had found by many repeated
trials. The cold affusion was used in the hot stage of the
paroxysms of intermittents, and almost always with the
immediate solution of the fit. In general, however, Dr. C.
depended also upon other remedies in the intermission be-
tween the paroxysms; but in some instances the succeeding
paroxysm was wholly prevented by using the cold affusion,
about one hour previously to the period of the expected re-
turn, and the disease wholly removed by the continuance
of the practice.
Acco Jing to the modern practice by water, nothing is
mo:e easy than to break up these intermittents, without the
aid of any medicine other than water, together with sweat-
ing. Under the restrictions mentioned, Dr. C. always
THE WATER-CURE.
335
found that in any case, however advanced the stage, that
cold affusion moderated the violence of the symptoms and
shortened the duration of fever.
Patients are often startled at the thought or proposal of
dashing cold water over the naked body. There has been
a vast deal of prejudice respecting the use of water in fevers.
It has been exceedingly common to deny fever patients the
use of water, and this when they most needed it. It should
have been understood by all practitioners, that pure cold
water is the very best, incomparably the best febrifuge in
nature. How often persons given up to die, have been
cured by getting at water, when it was supposed that it was
the very thing to kill. It is a singular fact, that in the af-
fusion of water, however much patients may have dreaded
it, the effects are so grateful and refreshing to the sensa-
tions that they strongly desire to have it repeated.
In these experiments of Dr. Currie, he at first used fresh
water, afterwards fresh water mixed with vinegar, and at
last salt and water, and sometimes the water of the river Mer-
sey, which is salt, containing about 33 per cent. of the mi-
neral. It is now generally well known that a person can
endure the effect of salt water much longer than that of fresh,
at the same temperature. The reason is plain. The salt
produces something of an inflammation of the skin, and
where there is such inflammation there is always increased
heat. The body is therefore preserved in some degree from
the effects of the cold. Some barbers act according to the
same principle. They wash the head with stimulating
washes and forcibly brush the head, so that a partial in-
flammation is caused, and the part is thus protected from
the action of cold, and the individual is safe, whereas, with-
336
HYDROPATHY; OR,
2
out such precaution, the taking of a cold would be a sure
consequence.
Among other cases, Dr. C. gives an account of the fol-
lowing curious accident: "It occurred," he says, “about
three years ago, to Capt. S. of this port, in the Irish Chan-
nel. He sprung out of his cabin window in the height of
delirium, and was upwards of twenty minutes in the water.
He was taken up perfectly calm and speedily recovered."
To illustrate the power of the cold affusion in fever,
where the ordinary means had failed, we cite another
case from Dr. Currie. It was of a boy 8 years of age,
in whom the Dr. says he was much interested.
"On
the 3d day, the pulse rose to 130 and 140 beats in the
minute, and his heat to 106° and 107° F. His thirst was
very great, and delirium commenced on the 2d day and con-
tinued without intermission. Various methods had been
employed to abate the fever, and particularly to excite per-
spiration, but unsuccessfully. His heat was not lessened by
repeatedly sponging the surface of the body with cold water
and vinegar; and after a copious bleeding, all the symptoms.
were as alarming as before. It seemed hazardous to repeat
this operation. The patient had taken antimonials without
any apparent effect, and after watching the state of the
thermometer in the arm-pit for more than an hour, though
the mercury had sunk a single degree in that interval, it
stood at the end of the time at 106°. In this state of things
we resolved on trying the cold affusion, and every thing
being prepared, he was stripped naked and lifted out of bed.
As we were about to throw the water upon him, it was ob-
served that a perspiration had broken out all over him, but
the heat being so great, we persisted in our purpose, and
THE WATER-CURE.
337
four gallons of fresh water, at the temperature of 60°, was
thrown upon him. The effects were altogether surprising.
On replacing him in bed, the thermometer (the bulb in the
arm-pit as before,) rose only to 98°, and the burning heat of
the extremities was converted into a coolness that was rather
alarming. The pulse had sunk to 90, but was full and
steady. Gentle frictions were applied to the extremities,
but not long continued, as the general warmth speedily re-
turned. The heat in the trunk of the body, in about an
hour, rose to 100, and the pulse 100. His delirium went
entirely off; the fur on his tongue speedily disappeared,
and twenty-four hours afterwards, he was found free of
every complaint but debility.
This case affords something of an exception to the com-
mon directions laid down by Dr. C., in reference to per-
forming affusion while there is perspiration. Still the heat
was great, and it was for this reason that the application
was safe and salutary.
It may be asked, "Did not Dr. Currie find cases of fever
that he could not cure by means of water? There were
cases where water as well as every thing else failed. At
the same time it is important to note, he cured many per-
sons by water, where other means wholly failed, while he
did not cure any with drugs when water had failed.
In all the experiments yet noticed, Dr. C. had not at
tempted anything by way of the internal- use of water in
fevers. The use of cold water internally in burning fevers,
was recommended and used by Hippocrates, Galen, Celsus,
and most, if not all of the ancient authors of whom we have
have any knowledge. But in more modern times, as phy.
15
338
HYDROPATHY; OR,
sicians began to be more speculative, and less practical, it was
argued that cold drinks were dangerous. The very learned
and celebrated Boerhaave promulgated the doctrine that a
lentor, a siziness or glutinous principle in the blood, was the
cause of fever. This led him to insist upon warm drinks
in fever, as this would be more effectual in diluting this sizy
principle in the blood than cold, notwithstanding the pre-
cepts of Hippocrates, Hoffman, &c., to the contrary. The
prejudice against cold drink in fever had become very
general in the time of Dr. Currie.
The wonderful effects of cold water externally applied,
very naturally led the discriminating mind of Dr. C. to the
consideration of its effects internally. It seemed to be a
principle with Dr. C., that he would be satisfied with nothing
but actual facts of experiment. Notwithstanding he came
to the conclusion, that the same general rules were to be
observed, in order to determine when it was safe to use cold
water internally, that were to be observed in its use inter-
nally, he did not do this by reasoning from analogy alone,
but from actual experiment.
Dr. C. says in reference to cold drink in fevers, "that
while the different modes of applying cold water to the sur.
face are employed, it ought also to be poured into the
stomach in large quantities, when the patient's heat will per-
mit it; and the presence of nausea and vomiting is no ob-
jection to this practice, if a chilliness of the stomach is not
produced."
"The salutary effects of the cold bath, and of cold drink
in fever, strongly recommend the adoption of these remedies.
in the plague. Morendi, a physician at Venice, observes,
that some sailors at Constantinople, in the phrensy of the
THE WATER-CURE.
339
plague, have thrown themselves into the sea; and it is said
that, on being taken out, they have recovered.
66
Savary, in his letters on Egypt, observes, that if heat
were the source of their disorders, the Said would be unin-
habitable. The burning fever (the Causus of the Greeks)
is the only one it gives rise to, and to which the inhabitants
are subject. They soon get rid of it by regimen, drinking
a great deal of water, and bathing themselves in the river.
A captain of a ship (a man of credit) having some sailors on
board affected by the plague, caught the infection.
'I felt,'
says the captain, an excessive heat which made my blocd
boil; my head was very soon attacked, and I perceived I
had but a few moments to live. I employed the little judg-
ment I had left to make an experiment. I stripped myself
quite naked, and laid myself, for the remainder of the night,
on the deck; the copious dew that fell pierced me to the
very bones; in a few hours it rendered my respiration free
and my head more composed. The agitation of my blood
was calmed, and after bathing myself in sea-water, I re-
covered.'"
Dr. Currie also found the use of cold water strikingly
successful in small pox. He says:
"The singular degree of success, that on the whole attend-
ed the affusion of cold water in typhus, encouraged a trial of
this remedy in some other febrile diseases, Of these the
small pox seemed more particularly to invite its use. The
great advantage that is experienced in this disease by the
admission of cool air, seemed to point out the external use
of cold water, which being a more powerful application,
might be more particularly adapted to the more malignant
forms of small pox. The result corresponded entirely with
:
340
HYDROPATHY; OR,
my expectation. Of a number of cases in which I witness-
ed the happy effects of the affusion of cold water in small
pox, I shall give the following only:
His
"In the autumn of 1794, J. J., an American gentleman
in the 24th year of his age, and immediately on his landing
in Liverpool, was inoculated under my care: the preva-
lence of the small pox rendering it imprudent to wait till
the usual preparations could be gone through, or indeed till
the fatigues of the voyage could be recovered. He sick.
ened on the seventh day, and the eruptive fever was very
considerable. He had a rapid and feeble pulse, a fœtid
breath, with the pain in the head, back and loins.
heat rose in a few hours to 107°, and his pulse beat 119
times in the minute. I encouraged him to drink largely of
cold water and lemonade, and threw three gallons of cold
brine over him. He was in a high degree refreshed by it.
The eruptive fever abated in every respect-an incipient
delirium subsided, the pulse became slower, the heat was
reduced, and tranquil sleep followed. In the course of
twenty-four hours the affusion was repeated three or four
different times at his own desire; a general direction hav-
ing been given him to call for it as often as the symptoms
of fever returned. The eruption, though more numerous
than is usual from inoculation, was of a favorable kind.
There was little or no secondary fever, and he recovered
rapidly."
In Tetanus or Lock-Jaw, and other convulsive disorders,
Dr. C. found cold water highly useful. The case of Charles
Gardner is thus given :
"The head was pulled towards the left shoulder, the left
corner of the mouth was thrown upwards, the eyes were
THE WATER-CURE.
341
hollow, the countenance pale and ghastly, the face and neck
bedewed with a cold sweat; but his most distressing symp-
tom was a violent pain under the ensiform cartilage, with a
sudden interruption of his breathing every fourth or fifth in-
spiration, by a convulsive hiccup, accompanied by a violent.
contraction of the muscles of the abdomen and lower ex-
tremities. He felt on this occasion as if he had received an
unexpected blow on the scrobiculus cordis, (pit of the
stomach.) Before I saw him he had been bled, and vomited
repeatedly, and had used the warm bath, not only without
alleviation, but with aggravation of his complaints.
"Opium, mercury, and the cold bath were used in suc.
cession. At first, a grain of opium every other hour, after-
wards a grain every hour, and at last two grains every hour;
but he grew worse and worse during the two days this course
was continued. Being no longer able to swallow the pills,
on the night of the 22d February, general convulsions came
on once or twice in every hour. The tincture of opium was
now directed to be given, and an ounce of the quicksilver
ointment to be rubbed in on each thigh. In twenty-four
hours he took two ounces and a half of the tincture without
sleep or alleviation of pain. The dose being increased, in
the next twenty-six hours he swallowed five ounces and a half
of the laudanum. He lay now in a state of torpor. The
rigidity of the spasms was indeed much lessened, and the ge-
neral convulsions nearly gone; but the debility was ex-
treme; a complete hemiplegia had supervened; the eyes
were fixed, and the speech faltering and unintelligible.
Intermitting the opium, which had relieved the pain, but
brought on general paralysis, small doses of camphor were
given in a liquid form, and gruel with a small quantity of
A
342
HYDROPATHY; OR,
wine to support the strength. For the next six days he
seemed to revive; but on the night of the first of March, he
was seized, during sleep, with a convulsion as severe as
ever the jaws were more completely locked than before,
deglution was become impossible, and the pain under the
ensiform cartilage was so extreme as to force from the pa-
tient the most piercing cries. At this time the effects of
the quicksilver ointment were apparent in the fœtor of the
breath, and in a considerable salivation.
"All other remedies being in vain, it was now resolved to
try the cold bath. Gardner was, therefore, carried to the
public salt-water bath, then of the temperature of 36° Fahr.,
and thrown headlong into it. The good effects were in-
stantaneous. As he rose from the first plunge, and lay
struggling on the surface of the water, supported by two of
his fellow-soldiers, we observed that he stretched out his left
leg, which had been for some time retracted to the ham;
but his head did not immediately recover the same freedom
of motion, and therefore he was plunged down and raised
to the surface successively for upwards of a minute longer,
the muscles of the neck relaxing more and more after every
plunge. When taken out we felt some alarm; a general
tremor was the only indication of life; the pulse and the
respiration being nearly, if not entirely, suspended.
Warm blankets had, however, been prepared, and a general
friction was diligently employed. The respiration and the
pulse became regular, the vital heat returned, the muscles.
continued free of constriction, and the patient fell into a
quiet and profound sleep. In this he continued upwards of
two hours, and when he awaked, to the astonishment of
every one, he got up and walked across the room, complain.
THE WATER-CURE.
343
1
ing of nothing but hunger and debility. The convulsive
hiccup indeed returned, but in a slight degree, and gave
way to the use of the cold bath; which he continued daily
a fortnight longer; and in less than a month, we had the
satisfaction of seeing our patient under arms, able for the
service of his country."
The Doctor continues: "Soon after this I was sent for
by a poor woman, who, in consequence of difficult labor,
and, as she imagined, of local injury in some part of the
uterus, was seized with locked-jaw and other symptoms of
tetanus. She was immediately taken to the cold-bath, and
thrown into it in the same manner of the former patient,
and with similar good effects. The spasms disappeared,
and though they afterwards returned to a sight degree,
they gave way entirely to a second immersion.”
"In the convulsions of children," says Dr. C., "I have
found the cold-bath a useful remedy, whether the disorder
originated in worms or other causes. I have seldom known
it to fail stopping the paroxysms, at least for some time, and
thereby giving an opportunity of employing the means
fitted to remove the particular irritation."
Testimony of the Rev. John Wesley.
The Rev. John Wesley, well known as a shrewd obser-
ver, and an eminently good man, published a work in 1747,
on water, which went through thirty-four editions, called
"Primitive Physic, or an Easy and Natural Method of
curing most Discases."
After exposing and condemning the prevalent system of
drugging and quackery, and the mysteries with which the
344
HYDROPATHY; OR,
science of medicine is surrounded, and the interested con-
duct of medical men, Mr. Wesley gave a long list of dis-
cases (following), for which he recommended the use of
water, as the only true and safe remedy.
Mr. Wesley recommended the use of water in the follow-
ing complaints of children:
Convulsions, coughs, gravel.
Inflammations of the cars, navel and mouth.
Rickets. Cutaneous Inflammations.
Pimples and scabs. Suppression of urine.
Vomiting. Want of sleep.
"Water," says Mr. Wesley, "frequently cures every
nervous and every paralytic disorder; particularly,
Asthma
Hectic fever
Agues of every sort
Hysteric pains
Atrophy
Incubus
Blindness
Cancer
Chin cough
Coagulated blood of
bruises
نظر
Complicated disease
Consumption
Convulsions
Convulsive pains
Coughs
Deafness
Dropsy
Inflammations
Involuntary stools
Lameness
Leprosy (old)
Lethargy
Loss of speech; taste, appe-
tite, smell
Nephritic pains
Palpitation of heart
Pain in the back, joints,
and stomach
Rheumatism
Rickets
Epilepsy
Violent fever
Gout (running)
Rupture
Suffocations
THE WATER-CURE.
345
$
Surfeits at the beginning
Sciatica
Scorbutic pains
Swelling in the joints.
Stone in the kidneys
Torpor of the limbs, even
when the use of them
is lost
Tetanus
Tympany
Vertigo
St. Vitus's Dance
Vigilia
Varicose ulcers
The Whites.
Water prevents the growth of hereditary
Apoplexies
Asthma
King's Evil
Melancholy
Blindness
Consumption
Deafness
Water drinking generally prevents
Apoplexies
Asthma
Convulsions
Gout
Hysteric fits
Falsies
Rheumatism
Stone.
Madness
Palsies
Stone
Trembling.
To this, children should be used from their cradles.
Mr. Wesley gives the following prescriptions:
For Asthma.
Take a pint of cold water every morning, washing the
head in cold water immediately after, and using the cold.
bath.
Rickets in Children.
Dip them in cold water every morning.
15*
346
HYDROPATHY; OR,
To prevent Apoplexy.
Use the cold bath, and drink only cold water.
Ague.
Go into a cold bath just before the chill.
Cancer in the Breast.
Use the cold bath. This cured Mrs. Bates, of Leices-
tershire, of a cancer in the breast, a sciatica, and rheuma.
tism, which she had nearly twenty years. N. B.—Gene-
rally, where cold bathing is necessary to cure any disease,
water drinking is so, to prevent a relapse.
Hysteric Colic.
Mrs. Watts, by using the cold bath two.and-twenty
times in a month, was entirely cured of a hysteric colic,
fits, and convulsive motions, continual sweatings and vo-
mitings, wandering pains in her limbs and head, and total
loss of appetite.
To prevent the ill effects of Cold.
The moment a person gets into a house, with his hands
and feet quite chilled, let him put them into a vessel of water,
as cold as can be got, and hold them there until they begin
to glow this they will do in a minute or two. This method
likewise effectually prevents chilblains.
Consumption.
Cold bathing has cured many deep consumptions.
Convulsions.
Use the cold bath.
THE WATER-CURE.
347
"Mr. Wesley, in this little work, prescribes for almost
every complaint; and the reader of it will be struck with
the great similarity of his treatment with that which is re-
commended in Hydropathy; for in the majority of cases,
he recommends the use of that element which we are so
strongly contending for, namely, cold water."
Singular Habits of Howard the Philanthropist.
He was a singular being in many of the common habits
of life he bathed daily in cold water; and both rising and
going to bed, swathed himself in coarse towels, wet with the
coldest water; in that state he remained half an hour cr
more, and then threw them off, freshened and invigorated,
as he said, beyond measure. He never put on a great-coat
in the coldest countries; nor was ever a minute under or
over the time of an appointment for 26 years.
He never
continued at a place, or with a person, a single day beyond
the period prefixed for going, in his life; and he had not, for
the last 16 years of his existence, ate any fish, flesh, or fowl;
nor sat down to his simple fare of tea, milk, and rusks, all
that time. His journeys were continued from prison to
prison, from one group of wretched beings to another, night
and day; and where he could not go in a carriage, he
would walk. Such a thing as an obstruction was out of the
question.
Some days after his first return from an attempt to miti
gate the plague at Constantinople, he favored me with a
morning visit in London. The weather was so very ter
rific, that I had forgot his inveterate exactness, and had
348
HYDROPATHY; OR,
yielded up the hope of expecting him. Twelve at noon was
the hour, and exactly as the clock struck, he entered my
room; the wet-for it rained in torrents-dripping from
every part of his dress, like water from a sheep just landed
from its washing. He would not even have attended to his
situation, having sat himself down with the utmost com-
posure, and begun conversation, had I not made an offer of
dry clothes. "Yes," said he smiling, "I had my fears, as
I knocked at your door, that we should go over the old
business of apprehensions about a little rain water, which,
though it does not run off my back as it does from that of
a duck, does me as little injury, and after a long drought, is
scarcely less refreshing. The coat that I have on has been
as often wetted through as any duck's in the world, and in-
deed gets no other cleaning. I assure you, a good soaking
shower is the best brush for broadcloth. You, like the rest
of my friends, throw away your pity upon my supposed
hardships with just as much reason as you commiserate the
common beggars, who, being familiar with storms, necessity,
and nakedness, are a thousand times (so forcible is habit)
less to be compassioned than the sons and daughters of ease.
and luxury, who, accustomed to all the enfeebling refine.
ments of feathers by night and fires by day, are taught to
shiver at a breeze. All this is the work of art, my good
friend; Nature is intrepid, hardy, and adventurous; but it
is a practice to spoil her with indulgences from the moment
we come into the world. A soft dress and soft cradle begin
our education in luxury, and we do not grow more manly
the more we are gratified: on the contrary, our feet must
be wrapt in wool or silk; we must tread upon carpets,
breathe, as it were, in fire, and fear the least change in the
THE WATER-CURE.
349
A
weather. You smile," said Mr. Howard, after a pause,
"but I am a living instance of the truths I insist on.
more puny youngster than myself was never seen. If I
wet my feet, I was sure to take cold. I could not put on
my shirt without its being aired. To be serious, I am con-
vinced that what emasculates the body debilitates the mind,'
and renders both unfit for those exertions which are of
such use to us as social beings. I therefore entered upon
a reform of my constitution, and have succeeded in such
a degree that I have neither had a cough, cold, the vapors,
nor any more alarming disorder, since I surmounted the
seasoning. Formerly mulled wines, spirits, and great fires
were to comfort me; and to keep out the cold, as it is called:
the perils of the day were to be baffled by something taken
hot on going to bed; and before I pursued my journey the next
morning, a dram was to be swallowed, to fortify the stomach!
Believe me," said Mr. Howard, "we are too apt to invert
the remedies which we ought to prescribe to ourselves.
we are forever giving hot things when we should administer
cold. We bathe in hot instead of cold water, we use a dry
bandage when we should use a wet one, and we increase
our food and clothing when we should, by degrees, diminish
both. If we would trust more to Nature, and suffer her to
apply her own remedies to cure her own diseases, the formi-
dable catalogue of maladies would be reduced to one half,
at least, of their present number."—Pratt's Gleanings, 1796.
Thus
350
HYDROPATHY; OR,
Dr. Edward Johnson's Hydropathic Laconics.
1. At all times and seasons hydropathy may be practised with
the most certain advantage; but Autumn, Winter, and Spring
are the best seasons for carrying out the treatment most effec-
tively.
2. It is general disorder which first produces local disease-
and it is therefore the restoration of the general health which
must constitute the first step towards the removal of local disease.
3. In treating chronic diseases, the effect of the hydropathic
method is an exaltation of the general health and strength.
4. "
Many persons of great experience practise well empiri-
rically (this is Priessnitz's case) without much brains or reason-
ing; but he who begins upon principle, and then profits by ex-
perience, must become a much more skilful practitioner."-Bil-
ling's First Principles of Medicine.
5. The cure of all diseases must be effected by the powers of
the living system. Remedies are merely to be employed with
the view of placing the body under the most favorable circum-
stances for resisting disease."-Dr. G. Gregory's Theory and
Practice of Medicine.
6. Pregnancy is no obstacle to the hydropathic treatment; on
the contrary, by improving the health and strength, a modified
employment of this treatment facilitates parturition, diminishes
the severity and danger of labor, and prevents any great degree
of subsequent weakness, and diseases consequent upon that weak-
Mrs. Priessnitz, a small delicate woman, invariably prac-
tises it both immediately before and immediately after confine-
ment, and occasionally during the whole term of gestation.
ness.
7. "In how few cases of indigestion is the stomach itself first
THE WATER-CURE.
351
diseased, though dyspepsia is a most convenient word, and the
poor stomach is blamed for faults not its own!"-Dr. Billing's
First Principles of Medicine. The fault consists in debility of
the nervous system.
8. In some forms of disease enough of the hydropathic remedy
may be carried out at the patient's own house-but in those cases
which require the full treatment, with all its various adjuncts, it
can only be carried out safely and successfully in the vicinity of a
hydropathic establishment, where the patient is constantly under
the eye of the practitioner..
9. There can be no danger in going into a cold bath while per-
spiring-first, because it has been practised by Priessnitz on thou-
sands of patients, for twenty years, and no single instance of mis-
chief has been ever observed to arise from it. Secondly, it has
been the habitual custom of the Russians since time immemo-
rial, and no danger has been observed to attend it. Thirdly, the
lower classes of society are constantly exposed to be drenched to
the skin, almost daily, during the rainy months, while they are
covered with perspiration, arising from their several out-of-doors
employment, and no evil has been observed to accrue from it ; on
the contrary, they suffer less from disease than the classes above
them.
10. "The physician, carrying his knowledge into the streets-
and highways of life, has labored assiduously (the lancet in one
hand and quinine in the other) to arrest decay when hurrying
forward with a too fatal precipitancy."-Dr. Gregory.
"The lancet in one hand," says Dr. Gregory, “and quinine in
the other”—these being the two great engines of relief in acute
and chronic diseases-the lancet, to lower the pulse in acute
diseases, and quinine, to strengthen the system in chronic. Both
these effects are produced by the right application of the hydro-
pathic treatment. The continued application of cold in acute
diseases, as by the cold bath or wet blanket or sheet, for several
hours, will lessen and lower the pulse even to a thread. While the
352
HYDROPATHY; OR,
occasional use of the bath, accompanied by exercise, exposure to
the air, simple diet, early hours, and all the other adjuncts of the
treatment, will strengthen and harden the system to a degree in-
finitely beyond that which can be obtained by any other means
whatever. Thus it supplies the place of the two grand engines
of the old practice-viz: quinine and the lancet.
11. Physical man is an impressible mass of matter destined to
perform certain actions (both internal and external) in obedience
to the impressions made upon him by certain impressing causes.
When the impressing causes are right, the impressions will be
right, and the actions performed in obedience to those impres-
sions, right also. This is health. When the impressing causes
are wrong, the impressions will be wrong, and the actions re-
sulting from those impressions, wrong also. This is disease.
To substitute right impressing causes for wrong ones, therefore,
is to substitute right impressions for wrong ones, and this is to
substitute right actions from wrong ones-and this is to remove
the causes of disease.
When wrong impressing causes have been removed, and right
ones substituted, there is within the living body a restorative or
curative principle, which will remove the wrong impressions
made by the wrong impressing causes. To remove wrong im-
pressing causes, therefore, and to substitute right ones, is to cure
disease. But disease can never be cured while the wrong in-
pressing causes which produced it are suffered to continue to ope-
rate.
12. A satisfactory explanation of the essential nature or proxi-
mate cause of a common cold has never been given. Liebig's
theory of a mutual and equal resistance between the vital force
and destructive force of oxygen explains it clearly. What are
the symptoms of an ordinary cold? Defluxion from the nose-
sore throat-hoarseness-cough-sneezing-and a sense of sore-
ness over the whole surface of the body. What are the parts
THE WATER-CURE.
353
affected by these symptoms? The schneiderian membrane lin-
ing the nose the parts of the throat near the root of the tongue
--the air passages leading to the lungs-and the skin. Why are
these parts, in especial, first affected, when a man has taken
cold, in preference to others? Because these are the parts of the
body with which the oxygen of the air must necessarily come in
contact before it can possibly enter the body so as to reach the
internal organs. It happens thus: a continued stream of cold
air, or continued exposure to wet, while the body is inactive-or
excessive fatigue, or any other debilitating cause-first lowers
the tone and diminishes the resistance of the vital force through-
out the whole body, thus giving a preponderance to the action of
oxygen over the resistance offered by the vital force. And as the
oxygen must first come in contact with the skin, nostrils, throat,
and air passages leading to the lungs, before it can reach the in-
ternal organs, (these being the inlets by which alone it can gain
admission within the citadel,) these are, therefore, precisely the
parts on which, if Liebig's theory be true, its destructive agency
ought first to be exerted; and these are the parts on which it is
first exerted-and inflammation of these parts ought to de the first
manifestation of an undue intensity in the action of oxygen; and
inflammation of these parts is the first manifestation of that un-
due intensity.
If the effect of the debilitating causes in lessening the resist-
ance of the vital force have not been very great, then the vis me-
dicatrix naturæ, or restorative principle, will restore the equili-
brium between the resisting energy of the vital force and the des-
tructive influence of oxygen, and thus remedy the mischief, in a
few days. But if the vital force have been greatly depressed,
then the destructive agency of oxygen will be further manifested
in the more internal organs, and fever, rheumatism, or inflamma-
tion of some deep-seated organ, will be the consequence, before
the restorative principle has had time to perform its task of re-
354
HYDROPATHY; OR,
}
storing the equilibrium. Nothing can more clearly illustrate
Liebig's theory of disease than the phenomena of a common
cold.
13. Nothing can be more self-evidently true than that the ar-
tificial is only another term for unnatural, since everything which
is not artificial must necessarily be natural, and everything which
is not natural must necessary be artificial. There is no mean
power between art and nature. Whatever does not result from
the one must result from the other. It is allowed on all hands
that the life of every highly cultivated society is highly artificial.
It is therefore unnatural. But can that which is unnatural be
possibly proper? Can art be considered a better judge of that
which is fittest for man's welfare than nature? And is not the
word nature, when thus used, obviously only another term for
God himself? All the contrivances of art are the result of hu-
man ingenuity. The contrivances of nature are the result of di-
vine wisdom.
Those several contrivances which we call comforts, and with
which, inour polished condition, we surround ourselves, are the in-
ventions and adaptations of human ingenuity, by which we admin-
ister, in an undue degree, to sensual enjoyment. What wonder
they entail upon us disease and premature death! The influ-
ence of the weather, and all those various circumstances and im-
pressions to which man is exposed in his primitive condition, are
the institutions and adaptations of divine wisdom. What won-
der that we should find them necessary to our health and well-
being! What wonder that we should find it impossible to get
rid of our diseases while we obstinately persevere in preferring
the ordinances and contrivances of art to the manifest ordinances
and contrivances of God himself!
But are we not to exercise and use the ingenuity wherewith
God has endowed us? Certainly-to use, but not to abuse it.
But how do we know that we are abusing God's gift of ingenuity
or reason when we surround ourselves with all those appliances
THE WATER-CURE.
355
of pleasurable sensation which we call comforts, but which we
ought to call luxurious indulgences? I answer: by the punish-
ment of diseases and premature death, of which the evidence of
our senses gives us daily proof. We know that they are wrong
by the evil consequences which follow them. How do we know
that intemperance is wrong? By the evil consequences which
follow it. How do we know that poisons are injurious to the health?
By the evil consequences which are observed to follow them. How
do we know that it is wrong to indulge in the use of alcohol? By
the evil consequences which follow its use. How then do we
know that the domestic habits of a highly cultivated people are in-
jurious? As in the former instances, by the evil consequences
which are observed to follow them-by the multitudinous dis-
eases and premature deaths which are everywhere observed to
be inseparable from a highly-cultivated condition of society, from
which diseases and from which premature deaths a primitive
condition of society is comparatively free.* Are there no other
unwholesome and unnatural stimulants to the nervous system be-
sides those of alcohol, wine, and beer? Thousands, and tens of
thousands. All kinds of artificial stimulants do not elicit those
peculiar phenomeňa called intoxication, but all operate injuriously
upon the health-they all first excite, and finally exhaust, the
nervous system. They all entail upon us the RETRIBUTE PLAGUE
of numberless diseases and premature death. It is the punish-
ment which God has awarded to the presuming pride of art, or
the abuse of human reason. God did not create man for the
purpose of getting money, nor of surrounding himself with all
those multiform appliances of so-called comfort which none but
the rich can purchase; and to prove that he did not, he has deter-
mined that none shall purchase them without purchasing disease
and decrepitude along with them.
14. Hydropathy does but assert the supremacy of God.
* One half of civilized mankind die before the age of eight years.
356
HYDROPATHY; OR, THE WATER-CURE.
15. Hydropathy, when taken with all its adjuncts, is an arti-
ficial primitive condition to which the sick man temporarily sub-
mits himself for a temporary purpose, viz., that of giving nature,
assisted by art, a fair opportunity of healing his diseases.
16. But water, when used by the hydropathic physician as a
remedy for disease, is a NATURAL INFLUENCE INTENSIFIED BY
ART.
17. Total abstinence from every species of stimulating bever-
age is absolutely necessary to the success of the treatment.
18. Drinking large quantities of water, without some specific
object, (as, for instance, relaxing the bowels,) is productive of no
intelligible good, and proves injurious by distending the stomach,
and over-stimulating the kidneys.
19. Every person in England who is cured of his disease by
the hydropathic treatment, owes a large debt of gratitude to Cap-
tain Claridge, whose indefatigable exertions and indomitable
courage, in spite of all opposition, have succeeded in planting hy-
dropathy in this country-a soil in which, protected by humani-
ty, and watered and pruned by science, it cannot fail to thrive,
and grow, and flourish-a blessing to the people.

LIST OF CASES.
357
LIST OF CASES.
Acute Rheumatic Fever......p.16 Impuissance,complicated with
Inflammation and Swelling of
the Breasts, with general
Fever.....
Paralysis.
Sciatica.
17 Hernia......
21 from the Urinary Organs......59
Gout....
p.58
Contracted Joints...
..58
.58
.18 Hæmaturia, orVoiding of Blood
Sciatica with Lumbago..
.23 Cerebro-Spinal Diseasc...
Constipation...
.23 Suppressed Measles....
..59
...60
.62
*...62
..63
Dyspepsia.........
24 Ague..
Dyspepsia and Rheumatism......26 Deafness.
Gout and Rheumatism, com-
plicated with Venereal taint..29
Gout in the Hands and knees..30
Rheumatism with Psoriasis...
Psoriasis....……..
Skin Disease-Psoriasis...
Skin Disease following Gonor-
Epilepsy....
.64
Hypochondriasis, Psoriasis, and
Sciatica
Nervous Head-ache, Deafness
and Constipation...............67
Indigestion, Severc Head-ache.74
Nervous Debility,
and Hypochondriasis……………………..76
Asthma and Hernia, following
30
.32
31
rhoea........
.35
Fistula in Ano…...
.36
Urinary Fistula..
.38
Bronchitis.....
.78
Gonorrhoea...
..39
Nervous Debility from Exces-
Consumption..…………..
.40
sive Study..
...80
Cough,Weakness of the Chest,
and Injury of the Back.......43
Deafness....
Hip Disease...
Scarlet Fever....
•
Symptomatic Fever. (Related
by the Mother)……….
Catarrh, or Cold
Baldness....
Indigestion and Pain in the Side .81
Great Suffering from Nervous
.45
Weakness.
..81
.47
General Fever...
..82
48
Indigestion and Sore Throat...83
Inflammation of the Stomach
49
and Bowels.........
....86
.88
.80
51 Nervous Debility, with fre
.51
Head-ache, with Giddiness......52
Secondary Syphilitic Symptoms.53
quent Cramps……………….
Nervous Debility and Sleep-
lessness...
J
358
1
LIST OF CASES.
Indigestion, &c.........
Gout and Rheumatism..
.p 91 Dyspepsia, Sleeplessness, and
.92 Nervousness..
p.112
.113
Syphilitic Eruption, &c.........95 Rheumatic Neuralgia..
Indigestion, Rheumatism, and
Gout.....
Gout......
.114
...96 Menorrhogia, or Excessive and
.97 Debilitating Menstruation..114
Great Debility and Depression
.99
Spitting of Blood......
Gout and Rheumatism...
Hereditary Gout......
.100
Cutaneous Eruptions and Uni-
versal Pains………....
.102
Great Nervousness....
.104
..115
of Spirits, following Ner-
vous Fever...
Insensibility, following an
improper Bath................116
Urinary Fistula, or Opening...105 Insensibility, following Over-
Hemiplegia, or Paralysis of one
.108
Side....
.106
Catalepsy, or Trance, General
Debility, Indigestion, &c...107
Seminal Weakness, with Great
Nervous Debility....
Debility, Nervousness, and
Baldness, following the use
of Mercury......
Does Water b:ing Mercury
from the System ?..
Defective Hearing and Smel-
.109
.110
ling, with General Debility.111
High Fever, with Delirium....111
Drinking....
•
.116
.117
.118
Secondary Syphilis......
Inflammation of the Brain,
with Delirium....
Dyspepsia, Headache, Fulness
at the Head, &c..........
Debility, Sleeplessness, De-
pression of Spirits, &c.,
from excessive mental ap-
plication.
•
Scrofulous Discase of the
Knee Joint....
..119
..120
•
.120
122
Scrofulous Enlargement of the
Knec Joint………..
=
INDEX.
359
Abreibung......
Accouchement.
Air and Exercise.
Apoplexy....
Apparent Death
lating....
INDEX.
Abdomen, inflammation of.p.269 | Congestion of Blood to the
discases of…………………….. .275
Head.
.177 Constipation
•
.p.277
..268
279 Consumption
208 Cough...
..300
263
.287 Cramp of Stomach..
.279
Bandages, warming or stimu-
.290 Croup.....
Baths, how often to be taken...200
Baths at Graefenberg, temper-
ature of......
Bath for every one....
.206 Diarrhoea..
...263
Crisis..
.213–215
.........182
Currie, Dr., on water..
Deafness........
..324
..265
Delirium Tremens..
..282
.275
199 Diet....……..
.210
Billing's Theory of Disease....137
Blood, spitting of..........
Digestion...…….
211
...278
Diseases to which the Water.
Bowels, inflammation of.
Brain, inflammation of
.278
Cure is especially applicable.222
.257 Douche......
.195
•
Burns..
292 Drinking of Water..
..169
Cancer..
Catarrh..
•
.243 Drop Bath.......
..194
262 Dropsy...
.243
Cautions..
Chest, pain of.
•
Chilblains.....
Childbearing.
Cholera.....
Cholic..
Clothing
..207 Dropsy, remarks on......
.220
.264 Drowsiness...
.277
inflammation of....
.251 Dysentery
.249
250 Ear-ache..
302 Epilepsy
245 Erysipelas
...266
.275
.256
.276 Exercise.
...208
.210 Eyes, weakness of....
.258
Clysters
Cold in the Head.....
Cold, torpor from...
Cold Feet.....
.262
.176
inflammation of.......
...257
sore....
...265
.291 Eye Bath..
.193
.251 Fainting...
..289
"
360
INDEX.
•
Fect, cold
Fect, fœtid perspiration of...p.251 | Phrenological admeasurements
250 of Priessnitz's Head......p.132
.240 Piles.........
Fever, treatment of...
intermitting.
Ague and....
Finger Bath...
Fractures...
Gout and Rheumatism..
Gripes.....
Half Bath..
Head Bath.....
..267
.243 Pregnancy and Childbearing. 302
.262 Ringworm.
243 Propositions and Principles....168
192 Quinsy....
..263
267 Rheumatism
.230
.239 Rickets..
253
.259
.187 Scalds...
209
.191 Scarlatina.
253
Head-ache..
Heart Burn....
271 Scrofula...
253
.274 Shower Bath..
198
Hooping Cough.....
Hot Water, applications of......204
Howard, singular habits of....347
Hydropathic Laconics...
Hydrophobia...…………..
Hydropathy, its history, &c..125
.256 Sitz Bath...
193
Small Pox
.253
•
Spitting of Blood..
.278
.350 Sprains
.266
.292 Stiff Neck..
..263
Stiff Joints....
266
Hypochondria..
270 Stitches in the Side.
.268
•
Hysterics.....
Indigestion....
Infants, treatment of...
Injections......
Itch and Ringworm.
Joints, obstruction of..
Leg Bath...
Lock-Jaw..
Loss of Sleep...
Measles
Menstruation, irregular..
Mercurial Diseasc....
Nausea and Sickness..
Nervous Weakness.
Nose Cold.....
253 Uterine Hæmorihage.
278 Vapor Baths……….
250 Warm Water, applications of,204
276 Water, quality of.....………………………….175
more ancient uses of..304
265 Wesley on Water.......
.269
.270 Sweating..
.182
.223, 272 Syphilis...
261
.303 | Tepid Applications of Water.. 204
.176 Tetanus....
.280
259 Throat, inflammation of..
263
.249 Tic Doloreux.
.271
.193 Tooth-achc.....
.266
.282 Ulcers…….....
..260
274 Umschlags
..180
..278
.200
.343
Nose Bleed....
.272 Wet Sheet, or Lein-tuch.
..178
Obstruction of Joints....
Paralysis....
249 Wet Bandages..
.180
.285 Wounds....
.265
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