AN                      s
ILLUSTRATED SKETCH
OF THE
MOVEMENT-CURE:
BY GEO. H. TAYLOR, M. D.,
AUTHOR OF "EXPOSITION OF THE MOVEMENT-CURE," AND PHYSICIAN OF
TIlE INSTITUTE.
PteD TESorr:
PUBLISHED AT THE INSTITUTE, 67 WEST 38TH STREET.
1868.








ILLUSTRATED SKETCHI
OF THE
MOVEMENT-CURE:
jts   imiples u etoe s    an  QEffedts.
BY GEORGE H. TAYLOR, M.D.
Author of ".Exposition of the Movement-Cure," and Physician
of the Institute.
PUBLISHED AT THE INSTITUTE, 67 WEST 38th STREET.
1866.




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by
GEo. H. TAYLOB, M. D.,
In the Clerk's OfMce of the U. S. District Court for the Southern District of the
State of New York.




AN ILLUSTRATED SKETCII
OF
THE MOYEMENT-CURE;
ITS PRINCIPLE3, METHODS, AND EFFECTS.
SouncE OF BODILY PowERs.
In health, the body affords, daily, a large amount of force
or power. This assumes the various forms of muscular power,
mental power, sensibility, emotion, &c.
These results are secured through  the agency of a
multiplicity of invisible, interior actions, of which the
system furnishes the arena.
It is to these ultimate, elemental actions of the matters
comprising the body, that we are always to look for the causes
of ill health, and it is to these to which all means of correction,
that is, remedial measures of whatever nature, are to be
addressed.
If we study these minute interior actions upon which life in
all its modifications depends, we find two distinct phases of
activity, with their corresponding results.
One of the kinds of action here referred to, consists of
the growth of parts, as cells, fibres, &c., but unlike vegetative
life, there is no increase of weight and size because the growing forms are destroyed as fast as produced
The other kind of action is chemical. The food and air
daily required to support the organic changes above referred
to, producing and destroying vital forms, and evolving force
or power, pass through a variety of chemical transformations,




and finally assume the forms of carbonic acid, water and urea,
ia which state, having completed their work, they readily
find egress from the body.
Now, a prominent circumstance in ill health, is the diminution in the amount of force which the system evolves. An
equally conspicuous fact is that the chemical products above
enumerated as passing from the body, are diminished in amount
as well as changed in quality  In other words, a failure in
the one particular is always accompanied by failure in the
other. This coincidence shows the inter-dependence of these
two classes of action.
PRINCIPLES OP TREATMENT.
These obvious primary facts afford us the key to the true
principles of remedial treatment. The removing of ill health,
or as it is generally phrased the curing of disease, consists,
practically, in rendering the organic and the chemical actions
within the body, perfect, in all its parts. No principle need
be employed, no purpose entertained, differing in kind from
what obtains in the system in health, in accomplishing its
usual and habitual round of functional duties through life. The
cells and fibres, which are the instruments of vitality, have
always the same uniform chemical composition, their growth
always proceeds in the same inscrutable manner, their
destruction is always normally effected by the oxygen obtained
fromn respiration, which always converts the vitalized materials
to the same uniform simple chemical products that are returned to the atmosphere. The uniform product of all these
changes, ard the evident purpose of all, is the manifestation
of the powers, bodily and mental, which we use and enjoy
The important point to which the invalids attention is
directed, is the fact that hardly any other of the chemical
9ornpounds that may be forinwd within the body are fitted to pass




5
from  it, because snuch other products have failed to reach
the aeriform and fluid states. The mass which passes from the
alimentary canal scarcely furnishes an exception to the above
statement, since it is composed chiefly of material which has
not been engaged in vital operations, but is mainly residual.
The quantity of materials which the system daily employs,
consists of from one to two pounds of solid matters in the
shape of food, which enters the system from the digestive
canal; and something less by weight of oxygen, which the
system extracts from the air, chiefly through the lungs by respiration.  As before observed, it is the extreme cJ.emical
change of which these are susceptible in the system that is
the uniform concomitant of health, when the greatest amount
of vital force is evolved.
It is the various intermedzate chemical changes which are
possible in the system, that characterize diseases of various
names. An interrupted, struggling vitality is now-manifestedA
and the product of power diminished, notice of which is rightfully afforded in the sensations.
If the word nutrilion be employed as it usually is, to
denote the sum of the processes by which the system is duly
replenished and its power maintained; then Health would be
the term to indicate the perfection and regularity of these processes, while Disease would imply their. imperfection and
incompleteness.
As the power of an engine is often controlled by the degree
of freedom of the exhaust pipe of steam, so the amount of
power a living body can afford, will depend on the degree of
perfection with which the wasting matters are removed.
This will appear plain when it is understood that no power
can be eliminated without change of matter-mainly through
the instrumentality of the oxygen of respiration; and if the
change be imperfect, that is, if the oxygen be insufficient to
reduce waste to the proper condition to pass the boundaries




of the system; it remains in some non-vital form, liable to the
occurrence of spontaneous chemical change, certain to emcbarrass and impede the normal operations-clogging the
vessels, accumulating at local points, and producing all the
symptoms so constantly described to the physician, and treated
by him as local disease.
How DRUGS ARE EFFICACIOUS.
A drug is such, because it cannot enter into the composition
of any vital structure, but on the contrary offers a more or
less active antagonism to vital arrangements. This fact,
renders drugs indirectly useful, for curative purposes, with
various degrees of efficacy. For instance, certain of them
mingled with the contents of the digestive cavity, will unfit
the product of digestion for absorption, and by irritation of
the canal cause its rejection.  But respiration continues
meantime, unabated, and shortly effects the object of reducing
the non-vital constituents of the body to carbonic acid, water
and urea. The effects on the health are often but wrongly
ascribed to the drug. The real effect was to prevent nutritive
matter from entering the circulation in quantities too great
for ordinary reduction.
Stimulants, tonics, &c., cause the object to be attained
in another manner. These substances, entering the circulation, and irritating the walls of the vessels, cause the latter
to urge their contents forward and through the aerating
capillaries with greater rapidity, thus exposing the fluids of
the system to the more rapid and intense effect of oxygen, and
thus secure, by another indirect method, the same ends.
Some drugs seem to act as direct auxiliaries to oxygen
(iodides, chlorides, &c.,) in destroying matters resident in
the system, illy protected or non-protected by vitality,
against their chemical influence. While others still attain the




reputation of being remedial, because they seem to partially
suspend vito-chemical changes-arrest waste, probably with
out decreasing the use of oxygen in the system.
It will be observed that in either case, it is through the
ordinary physiological channels that restoration of health is
really secured, and not by any direct support received from,
or direct curative effect produced by this class of remedies;
and that curative action is simply, physiological action.
The objections to this mode of aiding the sick are1. It affords the invalid little, perhaps no practical instruction. He is not less, but rather more liable to a recurrence of
the old malady, or some other form of disorder. He is not
shown what really makes him an invalid or what makes him
well.
~. The delicate vital susceptibilities become worn, and perverted, by frequent contact with uncongenial substances
which drugs are. A foundation is laid in thefeelings for false
judgment and bad habits. The use of drugs is a disease,
difficult of cure, which is well proved in such instances as
alcohol, opium and stimulants in general, and even tonics and
cathartics.
GENERAL EFFECTS OF THE MOVEMENT-CURE.
Reduction by Oxygen. The increase ofthe oxydizing function,
previously referred to, is among the most important effects of
the treatment. Every effort, of whatever part, is attended by
an increase of the amount of air received by the chest, and
consequently by an increase of the ultimate products of change,
through which all matters concerned in vitality must pass.
Every effort causes increased supply of arterial blood to the
capillaries of the system. Every pressure and every vibration
also aids in bringing in contact, elements seeking union.




Osmosis.  All muscular contraction, all pressures and
all vibrations, disturb the fluids of the body, increasing the
flow  in all the vessels.  This is the particular condition
requisite to secure the transfer of nutritive fluids and of effete
material, the fundamental act in all nutritive operations.
Capillary Action.  The Movement-Cure, induces capillary
contraction; some of the processes are eminently capable
of effecting this object. This drives the blood out of
dilated, swollen, expanded capillary vessels, removes the
tenderness, redness and pain of such parts, and causes them
directly to assume the healthy condition. No remedy has
been devised so effective in this particular; and internal
portions of the body are as amenable to these effects as
external.
Circulation. In invalids the circulation is unequally dis.
tributed, being detained in weaker and in internal parts, and
restrained from external parts and extremities. The consequence of this is oppression and pain of central organs, and
a pale or sallow bloodless skin and cold extremities. Movements produce a demand for more blood in parts acted on, and
induce a flow thitherward to meet it, thus drawing the surplus
away from the oppressed central portions of the system.
Every patient of the treatment directly experiences the grateful
effects here described.
Organic Life. The conditions favoring the production of the
successive generation of cells, fibres, &c., of which the body
is composed, are those above enumerated, all having reference
to the actions of the primary elements of which the body is
composed.
In the healthy, the initial step, the motion of the new
material in act of formation, is spontaneous, being directed
by the resident vital affinities, aided by the actual motion
communicated to the atoms, by the mass itself.




But in case of disease, these vital affinities are weak and
inadequate.  Conflicting elemental attractions are present.
At this point, if simple motion be communicated to elements
seeking each others embrace, the vital attractions are aided
by so much, and the healthy act of organization of the instru.
ments of force, is at once accomplished in a normal and perfect
manner. The consequence of the supply of conditions favoring the organizing act, that is, the act of forming organs, by
means of movements, is a liberal increase of available power,
indicating an increase in the production of the instruments
through which power is manifested. The body evidently exists
for the purpose of affording its various kinds of force, and life is
valuable in some proportion to the amount it gives forth.
The correctness of the principles here enunciated, is confirmed, simply by reference to the effect upon muscular and
nervous power, which is the constant result of the application
of the movement treatment.
MENTAL ACTION AS A CURATIVE Am.
The reader will perceive that the remedial treatment of
diseases by movements, constantly employs the mind, both to
instigate and to reinforce physiological action. In this fact
the treatment has a decided and legitimate advantage over
every other, for it does not depend for its efficacy, on the
mere facts of chemistry modified by vitality, as in case of
drugs, but employs freely the very product of vital action as
displayed in the nervous system and especially in mental
power, as the needed auxiliary to that of the various organs
that constitute the system. It makes the body the instrument of the mind, not only as affecting external objects, but
also in the contribution of its energy, so as to secure the
accomplishment of internal purposes. An active movement is
not merely the contraction of a few muscles, but it is also the




10
opening wide of the channels of connection between a region
of tile body and the central source of power, in the mind and
will. Hence every active movement not only conveys substantial nutrition to the acting part, but if well conceived,
cultivates and strengthen nerve, centrally and peripherally,
as well as muscle. It heightens the quality of physiological
action, and enlarges its boundaries.
While the ordinary prescriber has chief reference to the
control attainable through chemical influences oy promoting
waste, &c., in the system at large and in local parts, he hardly
thinks to avail himself of the wholesome control the mind is
capable of exercising over the organism. It is lamentable
that only acknowledged charlatans propose anything of the
kind, and they through some mysterious or imaginary process
and not, as in the present case, by means of the patients own
resources, increasing his own selfhood.
Health is evidently the full possession by the body of its
powers. Death, is their separation. Disease, is a tendency
to separation. Restorative means, then, should be such as
will secure a stronger union between these two elements of
being —such as would in a manner, gently win back, and fix
the failing, departing powers.
If the fact of the aid and importance of the mind, for restorative action be admitted, the practice here commended it
will be seen, assumes a higher place than do other modes.The remedial treatment by movements seems to fill a hereticfore unoccupied space. It supplies a connecting link between
physical science and that bordering on metaphysical. Here
is a point abundantly susceptible of cultivation, of expansion,
and we cannot now conceive the extent to which benreficcnt
results may be made to flow therefrom.




11
EFFECTS OF MOVrgMENT-CURE, NOT ATTAINABLE BY OTHER MEANS.
The Movement-Cure increases muscle.
It increases nerve.
It developes particular muscles and nerves.
It increases tendon and bone.
It induces a freer flow of blood into particular regions and
organs.
It increases respiration, enlarges the chest and increases
the motion of its walls.
It expands a shrunk portion of the chest.
It corrects spinal curves.
It decreases the activity of special nerves and removes
their morbid action in general.
It strengthens the nervous connection of the extremities
with the central seat of power.
It warms the hands and feet and moistens the skin.
It increases the production of carbonic acid, water, and
urea in the system.
It strengthens the alimentary tube, and increases the
action of the bowels.
It relieves the heart of undue pressure.
It disposes of effete materials of the body, without disturbing function, or attracting attention.
It obviates the tendency to billious attacks.
It prevents attacks liable to afford permanent injury to the
nervous system or any part of it.
It enables every part of the body to do its own work, and
relieves each part of work that belongs to other organs.
It prevents and cures the Scrofulous diatheses.
It prevents injury to certain parts, from the gravatation of
superimposed organs.
It is instructive. It, in general, opens up to tile invalid
the causes of his maladies, remote and direct, and so enabled
him to prevent their recurrence




12
WITO AREJ AXN WHo ARE NOT PROPEM SUBJECTS FOR THE MOVEMENT
CURE.
Persons suffering from chronic diseases of any kind, with
whatever local manifestations, may be treated with advantage
by the Movement-Cure. All such persons, when their complaints are properly analyzed, are found to be affected with
local congestions, congestions of central organs, deficient
respiration, deficient heat-making, irregularities coming from
iver, spleen, spine, head, &c. Whatever form these distinctive physiological errors may culminate in, or name of disease
be applied, the essential difficulty may be traced to somno
combination of the above conditions, and are therefore removable by the resources which the Movement-Cure brings.
No degree of weakness or disability is a bar to the successful application of the treatment, as the abundant resources of
the treatment renders it capable of adjustment to persons of
every degree of helplessness.
Persons having acute disease, on the contrary, cannot be
treated by these processes. The very fact of acute action
shows that nature has already chosen her method of relief.
Persons who do not expect and desire to learn concerning
the causes which have conspired to render them invalids, so
as permanently to avoid such causes are not desired.  A
resort to this treatment, is considered a pledge of improved
self-management.
Persons who have lived and are living what is generally
called afast life in any respect, whose idea of the value of
life is measured by the animal pleasures that may be pressed
into its service, and who desire a return of health in order to
renew these, are not desired.
Persons for whom any other means of cure will answer as
well. are not desired.
Persons averse to observing the ordinary rules of treatmnent,
ore not desired,




I3
Persons disposed to counteract the benefits of the treatment by dietetic improprieties, need not expect to recover by
this treatment.
Persons whose life, with restored health, is not of value to
its possessor and to those within the sphere of their influence,
had better resort to some other mode of medical treatment.
Persons who expect their diseases to be healed in some
occult, mysterious, or miraculous way, or in any way differing
from the natural development of parts by processes established in the system and unchangeable while life lasts, will
find nothing in the treatment to meet their case.
ACTIVE MovEMv,.rS.
The purpose of an active movement, is to convey to, and
concentrate upon a selected point, the nutrition and energies
of the system. Such a movement may accomplish a two-fold
purpose, that of supplying a part, and of relieving another
part more or less distant.
The mode of effecting this purpose is as follows:-Tho
person to receive the application, is placed in an easy unconstrained position, sitting, lying, half lying, kneeling, or any
convenient position that will suitably adjust all parts of the
body to the purpose. The body is fixed either by the hands
of an assistant, or by means of apparatus, so as to prevent as
much as possible any motion of all parts of the body, except
the acting part.' The patient is in some cases directed to
move the free part in a particular direction, the effort to do so
is resisted by the operator, with a force proportionate to the
exertion made-very nicely graduated to the particular condition of the part, and of the system at large. The resistance
is not uniform, hut varies according to the varying action of
muscles, as perceived by the operator. In other cases the
operator acts while the patient resists. The action is. the
same, but in one case the patient's acting muscles are shortened; iu the other, lengthened. The operation is a sort of




14
wrestle, in which a very limited portion of the organism is engaged. The motion must be much slower than the natural
movement of the part engaged, which fact strongly fixes the
attention and concentrates the will. The act is repeated two
or three times with all the care and precision the operator
can command, being cautious not to induce fatigue. A
perfect rest in the lying position succeeds, of some ten or
fifteen minutes. The changes of matter induced by the movement continue for that length of time, producing an afflux of
power and nutritive material to the part, provided the
patient remains quiet. If however, other actions be engaged
in, it detracts from and diminishes the effect of the movement.
If movements succeed each other rapidly, very much of the
peculiar effects are lost and the operation becomes to a certain
extent gymnastic.
Whether the expected curative effect will follow the operations, depends very much upon the tact and capacity of the
operator. If he possesses the requisite natural qualifications,
and has submitted to a course of training for the purpose of
cultivating his powers, mental as well as physical, he will
exercise such manner and touch as will render the effect vivid,
even intense, and withal exceedingly grateful to the recipient.
The difference of effects producable, are comparable with
those of music. The effect of a movement, if properly applied
and received, is to transmit the available force of the system,
together with the conditions for its production to the acting
part: this part receives what the whole system by the process
is made to contribute., Thus a lax, weak, bloodless region is
reinforced with fresh supplies contributed by the whole system.
Every portion of the body is, in turn, and at proper intervals
subjected to similar operations.
FIG. 1 affords an example of an active movement in the
lying position. As the arm is very slowly raised towards the
perpendicular, the act is resisted by the operator, slightly at
commencement, but with gently increasing force, till nearly




15
FIG. 1
the full power of the
patient is exerted —
~ ~tt: tsbut the resistance is
not sufficient to stop
or check the motion.
The  action  termi-:: r-i-x,~-    nates by a gentle decline of resistance
till motion ceases.
The effect of the movement here represented would be to
develope nutrition in the muscles of the anterior portion of the
left side of the chest, to elevate the ribs of that side, and to
increase the space occupied by the lungs in that region of
the chest —useful when the chest has shrunk in dimension,
and inactive ill the part to which the operation is applied.Efficts similar to those here described may be to a certain
extent produced if a person is not too feeble, without the aid
of an operator. The book entitled Exposition of the MovementCure, treats of this class of movements, but represents
nothing of the proceedings of the "Movement Room" as now
conducted.
PASSIVE MOVEMENTS.
These are movements in which the patient makes no exertion-his will does not act.
Activity and passivity are not determined by extent or
degree of motion, but solely by whether there be effort or not.
These operations may be applied by the hand of an operator,
or may be transmitted to the part designed through mechanical instrumcntalities.
The passive movements are invaluable in all cases of
extreme debility, whether of the whole system or any of its
parts, in cases in which there is too great activity of the




nervous system, whether of the mind, the emotions, or the
sensations, and in well adjusted combination with active
movements, enter into all prescriptions.
Active movements have their origin in the cerebro-spinal
nervous system, and in certain cases, their use, unless duly
guarded, may aggravate such symptoms as have their origin
in that part; while passive movements which may supply
even severe action without the intervention of nervous influence, will confine the result of the action to other vital elements and diminish the nutritive supply of nerve centres,
and consequently excessive sensibility, pain and other nervous
symptoms.
The following operations are generally passive: —Stretching, rotating, wringing, rolling, twisting, fulling, circular
fulling, sawing, stroking, knocking, clapping, hacking,
tapping, shaking. The last five are included under the gencral term vibration.
The following effects are produced by passive movements:
Capillaries are caused to contract.
The blood is thereby urged onward in its course, and tho
mechanical clogging of these minute vessels by adherent
corpuscles is removed, whileA fresh supply, bringing nutritive materials with oxygen,
brought to to the suffering part.
Interchange of the fluids, from outside to inside, and from
inside to outside the vessels inevitably transpires.
Absorption of effete, non-vital, retrogressive matters is
secured-producing
Increased vivacity of the nutritive operations.
Decrease of congestion, pain, and other evidences of illness.
Attrition of cells, fibres, &c., causing a general hardening
of the solids of the body.




1I
FIG. 2
o| }       Th e Fia. 2, aSfirds an illustration of clap.
ping, a vibratory movement. A rapid
succession of very light blows is applied
to the side by means of the hand; or to
the two opposite sides by two hands. —
A quick succession of vibratory waves
is thus caused to pervade the region to
which the application is made. The
sensations produced are those of warmth
and stimulation. Considerable effect is
produced at the skin, it becoming in
some degree reddened. The soreness
of internal parts is always diminished,
if the application be correctly made,
and this effect increases with each
repetition, till the desired result is ob.
tained. This movement, like all others,
may of course be given in any position of the body.
FIG. 3.
FIG. 3 shows
~:~~?~~~~~ ~thods of apply-' ing shaking, or
twist   vibration. As seen,
this is applied
without mechanical assistance The action is different from direct vibration,
inasmuch as in this, by means of the alternate twisting motion,
the fibres and even the cells composing the part acted on are
pressed into close contact, and are rubbed against each other
producing a kind of attrition of the elemental organic forms.
The effect is much like that of direct vibration, but greater.
The effect of the above described operations in increasing
the capacity of all parts of the body for the production of




18
force-the prime object of our endeavors-may easily be
experienced, and this, more than anything else, will bring the
conviction of their power and efficacy.
To produce the rapid vibratory motions.necessary to secure
the effects described in a good degree of perfection, is too
fatiguing to be long endured by any operator; in fact, it is
simply.impossible for the hand to apply the motions with
sufficient rapidity to secure the best effects. The desired
rate of vibration can only be approximated, and then applied
to but few invalids. When it is considered that many invalids need chiefly this class of movements at the commencement of their treatment, the necessity of mechanical means
by which to apply vibrations of different kinds will be at
once seen. Several instruments adapted to the various pur.
poses indicated have been invented and are in use at our
Institution. These apply the twist and the direct vibrations to
all parts of the body, at any rate, up to 1,600 vibrations per
minute. About 800 vibrations per minute are mostly
employed, but the rapidity is governed by the sensations of
agreeableness experienced by the patient. These machines
are worked either by the foot or by steam power.
FIG. 4.
FIG. 4 will give an idea
of the mechanical arrangement necessary to
apply the above described
forms of vibration. The
foot of the operator acts
upon a treadle, which
turns  a  heavy  wheel.
This by means of a belt,
turns rapidly a smaller
wheel, whose axle has a
itWUI  ~     crank or ccccnt;ric, which,




19
by means of a connecting rod, gives the desired motion to
the foot piece, or the hand piece, as the case may be.
The method of giving direct vibrations to all parts offthe
body, is by means of the connection of this apparatus with
another attached to the ordinary couch, and is figured on a
succeeding page.
The effect of such vibrations upon tender congested parts,
when properly managed, is so satisfactory as to support the
belief that the employment of mechanical vibratory moverent introduces a new era in therapeutics.
Many persons speak of the movement applications as an
external treatment. The fact is, it, like all other medical
treatment whatever, is applied from without, but through the
external, instead of through the internal surface, as in case of
medicines taken by mouth. But the applications are as really
internal as any treatment can well be conceived to be. They
are not made with reference to the skin. These applications
are made to influence those primary changes of matter that
constitute the initial stages of vitality-to move the forming
elements in their struggle to become the instruments of
force.
The processes of the Movement-Cure above described are
not limited to any particular number of operations, but only by
the tact and ingenuity of the prescriber. New movements
and methods are frequently invented to meet the requirements of new cases, and to increase the variety and interest
of treatment.
In applying the movement treatment, a prescription is
always made and followed. In making the prescription each
movement supports or qualifies the others, and all are so
chosen and arranged as to secure the effect of the combination.
If improper movements for the case are chosen, or if proper
ones are improperly combined, the effects will not; be advantageous, but prejudicial.




20
OBSTACLES TO RESTORATION OF HIEALTH.
If accident fail to secure good health, it is evident that
some knowledge of the impediments in the way of it should
be had. The obstacles to recovery, are, in general, the same
things that conspired to produce ill health. Including most
of these are the following:
Ignorance of the needs of the body. Errors, positive as
well as negative, fatal to good health, inevitably spring from
this.
The preponderance of the feelings in the exercise of the
judgment regarding bodily wants. The invalid has wrong
feelings, which therefore are not to be trusted.
The constitution. A weak one, without knowledge and care
goes to ruin; with care is likely to result inlonglife. A strong
organization on the other hand, favors ignorance; inquiry
regarding physiological right and wrong is not stimulated,
often, as is well-known precipitating the worst results.
Habits, intellectual as well as physiological.  Medical
treatment implies a reformation of these.
Too ardent pursuit of business or pleasure, and the immoderate indulgence of the emotions.
Insufficient air, bad air; too much food, bad food.
Too little light in habitations. Light gives efficacy to air.
The bad advice of respected, good, but ignorant and officious friends, whom the invalid suffers to do his thinking.
The invalid's own earnest misconception of his disease.
Invalids usually attach undue importance to the influence
of climate, atmospheric changes, temperature, humidity, &c
These vicissitudes are, on an average, very wholesome. The
only bad things these bring, come from the system  itself.
They  are nature's tonics and  stimulants, and as such.
are unexceptionable and innocent.  They should not be
ungratefully charged with evils they only bring to the light,
but do not produce. The elements of disease exist in the sys.




21
ernm, (rather than out of it,) previous to its manifestation as
disease.
In this connection may be mentioned the bad care caused
byfear (f taking cold. A cold (so called) is a check ill the
process of retrogrcssive change always going on in the system, whereby such change is rendered incomplete.  This
check is caused by a partial withdrawal of that physiologically all potent condition of change —oxygell.  It is not
thle exposure to low temperature, (which always stimulates
respiration,) but the inefficacious exposure, rendering the depurative influence incomplete. Imperfectly reduced matters
press upon the aerating surface (of the breathing apparatus)
surcharging the capillaries. This is cold. Hot rooms are
eminently provocative of it. The cold is often a substitute
for some deeper seated complaint, which otherwise must
hlave supervened.
Not tlle least among the obstacles to restoration, is the
disposition not to regard sickness from its instructive, advantageous, and bright side-a side never absent, even in the
worst cases-a side which, seen, nearly compensates for the
pain it brings.
GENERAL EFFECTS OF MOVEMENTS.
Invalids'proposing to employ the Movement-Cure, will be
interested to learn what will be their probable experience,
and what results they may expect. In the first place, they
should be advised that its application is not essentially a
mnuscle-ma~.ing process, but a co-ordinating and harmonizing
one. The new actions that are superinduced imply a new
disposition made of nutrition and of the nervous force. There
are consequently,  direct effects, and remote ones, dependent
on these actions.
The direct effects of a single application of a prescription,
are noteworthy. There comes a pleasant glow of warmth
over the parts most operated on, which generally extends




22
over the whole body; the hands and feet become warm;
whatever pain may have existed disappears, or is, at least,
quieted; the pulse Falls, sometimes as much as ten, fifteen, or
even more beats per minute; the respiration becomes calmer
and more profound; and there is a great disposition to quietude and rest, which should be encouraged. After treatment, the patient throws himself upon a couch and generally
goes to sleep, if he allows himself to do so, and rises refreshed,
and with a feeling of renewed vigor.
As the treatment progresses, the sensations experienced
will vary with temperament, nature of disease, kind of prescription, and its usual occasional modifications. In some,
there is an apparent aggravation of the affection. These
symptoms are temporary at most, but generally require the
prescription to be modified. Sometimes there is no seeming
improvement for five or six weeks, when the patient becomes
suddenly conscious of a change in the pulse, skin, increase of
the circumference of chest, of the motions of its walls, etc.,
the assurances of returning health.
A part of the patients, probably a majority, in from one to
three weeks from beginning regular daily treatment, become
affected with headache,furred tongue, andfeverishness. These
symptoms are not generally very severe, though occasionally
they confine the patient for two or three days to the house.
Even vomiting and diarrhea may occur at these times, without other apparent cause than the disturbance produced by
the treatment. Bronchial catarrh is an occasional symptom,
and so are eruptions of the skin. These critical symptoms
may be avoided by moderation of treatment; but, to some,
they afford encouragement in the conviction which such patients might otherwise be disposed to resist, that a beneficial
change is occurring in the physiological system.
The most rational cause for the occurrence of these symptoms, appears to be the greatly increased action of the venous
absorption, which is induced throughout the system by the




23
movements. It has been seen that most of the operations.
contribute to remove the obstructions of the capillaries and
increase the flow of fluid therein. This induces an inward
current from without their walls. The fact of the production
of muscular and nervous waste, implies this; but the energetic absorption which now takes place, carries into the veins
a large amount of non-vital material which was previously
lodged in the system, pervading the inter-muscular juices.
This being suddenly called into the blood, deteriorates its
quality for the time, and the vital powers are thereby called
upon to assume renewed eliminatory action, thus occasioning
the disturbance.
It is to be understood that these crises are not desired, and
that the gradual and natural resumption of the due relations
of elimination and supply should occur unobservedly as they
do in perfect health. They do not occur in the great majority
of well treated cases; but they have their use, chiefly in a
moral point of view, being a slight deference to the longcherished popular notion in regard to the importance of such
symptoms, as evinced by the effort to secure them in some
form by the operation of drugs.
AUXILIARY HYGIENE.
As the Movement-Cure consists essentially in an effective
adaptation of what is universally recognized as a particular
branch of Hygiene, it follows that all the other branches are
its natural allies and supports. Those who would receive
the most effective and satisfactory treatment, should not
think of dispensing with special regulations in regard to this
matter. Indeed, the very fact of illness may, in the great
majority of cases, be considered as a clear confession of having entertained faulty practices in regard to general hygienic
habits. Perfection in one branch should by no means form an
excuse for neglect of others. Even though the undeniable
fact be insisted on, that this branch does the work of the
others, yet its curative efficacy must be, to some extent, comn.




24
promised by forcing it to assume such a disadvantage. Thus
movements, by sending the blood to the surface and extreme
ities, contracting the tissues, opening the pores, &c., secures
the object of bathing, yet it is undeniably better to solicit the
aid of the latter resource, to the extent of its legitimate functions As respects diet, the treatment often causes a spontaneous change in the notions and habits of the invalid. It
purifies the secretions, and removes the congestion and nervous irritability of the stomach, as hereafter explained, and
therefore corrects the morbid appetite, and restores a healthy
relation between alimentation and assimilation. The appetite often decreases as the health increases.  Invalids
who have considerable flesh are apt to meet with this
experience. It is probably explained by the fact of large returns to the circulation of useless matter deposited in the system, of no vital account, to be again subjected to the vital
crucible. Lean, dyspeptic people, on the contrary, sometimes
find themselves able to partake of food in quantities which
would previously have alarmed them. This is obviously in
consequence of increase of assimilation throughout the system,
induced by the treatment.
These facts should be regarded as showing the wonderful
superiority and power of the Movement-Cure, and not as
affording any excuse for improper dietetic or other hygienic
habits Indeed, most invalids whose restoration is worth the
effort, will willingly assent to the importance of availing
themselves of all means that are truly hygienic, and will never
be convinced of any danger of rendering the preponderance
of healthful influences over disease, too great.
COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS WITH OTHER EXERCISES, SUCH AS
GYMNASTICS, CALISTHENICS, &C.
For the benefit of such as do not readily apprehend the dis.
tinction between Movements, and other kinds of exercise, the




following brief comparison is made, at the risk of perhaps repeating what may be elsewhere in substance, stated.
Mlovements are designed for the sick,-Exercise, for the well.
M1ovenzents are prescribed in accordance with Pathological indications,-Exercises are governed by  caprice or chance
Movements are the physician's directions,-Exercises, the
druggist's shop. Movements are homogeneous,- Exercises,
heterogeneous. Movements are so collated as to support each
other in the production of designed, special effects, —Exercises
are desultory, and are incompatible with such ends. Movements have a prescribed manner, and break up old habits, —.Exercises have a habitual manner. Movements are confined to
designated parts of the body, or are localized, —Exercises allow
all portions to engage. Movements require intervals to husband their effects, —Exercises, neglecting this, prodigally
waste the power. Movements lessen the frequency of the
pulse,-Exercises increase the frequency of the pulse. Movements are careful to secure, for the time, a predominance of
assimilation in the system, —Exercises are liable to cause unnecessary disintegration or destruction of organized matter.
Jlovements increase the arteriality of the blood,-Exercises, if
violent, increase the venousity of the blood. Movements, for
the feeble, are performed by the aid of an auxiliary power,Exercises are the visible results of exertion. Movements accumulate nervous force,-Exercises, in general, are liable to ex.
haust nervous force.




APPLICATION OF THE MOVEMENT-CUPRE TO
VARIOUS DISEASES.
Treatment of Disordered Digestion.
A common mistake of dyspeptic invalids is to confine their
treatment of their disease to the stomach. Such treatment, no
matter what the remedy, is pretty certain in the end to increase the affection, though it may exercise a deceptive influence over the feelings, for a time.
The reason is plain. Food is digested by means of secretions' coming from the system at large. Because derived from
the blood these secretions, in their quality, represent the condition of the system. The degree of perfection of the digestive act, will evidently depend on the kind and amount of
ligestive secretion thus provided. The stomach has So little
control of the quality of the blood and of the secretions de-::ived from the blood, that that organ should not be wholly
responsible for its failures.
The stomach becomes sensitive and inflamed from  the
effect of the imperfect quality of the secretions it is thus
obliged to afford; and as such secretions are incompetent to
reduce the food to a fit condition to be taken up, it follows
that the illy digested mass will in turn add to the irritation
already existing, and greatly aggravatethe local symptoms.
Those symptoms will be manifold, according to the particular
nerves suffering, and the degree in which particular segments
of the central organs are irritated.
The recovery of dyspeptic invalids depends on the following
conditions:
Such personrs must increase the need of, and demand for
nutrition in the system at large. This enables the digested
aliment to pass from the stomach into the system.  Food




must be required elsewhere, before it can well leave the stomach.
They must increase the use of air (or oxygen,) for it is
through this agency that the blood and so the secretions are
kept sweet and pure. The same purposes are effected the
same way in ill health as in good health. It is of the first importance to cultivate the power of the chest.
At the same time it is necessary for such patients to discriminate between the irritation of the nervously endowed
membranes of the stomach which seems like appetite, and the
real appetite. The amount of food taken must be lessened to
correspond with the deficient power of the system to use food.
No greater mistake is made by invalids than to force the
appetite, with the view of increasing the bodily strength.
If more food is daily taken than is removed from the system
as a compound of oxygen, serious injury is ready to befall in
some of the many ways in which ill health overtakes the unsuspecting.
A great source of injury to invalids, especially to those
with indigestion, is from attention directed to the stomach.
This is certain to aggravate sensitiveness and increase congestion-mental power in this case being used to produce,
when it should prevent the result. Hence, an important principle in the treatment of this class of affections, is to draw
attention away from the complaining part. This can more
readily be done by movements, as it is a special purpose of
each application to secure this object.
The treatment should be so applied that while the weakened
nervous system is not overtasked, it shall be effective in
these particulars; it must increase the extent of the natu.
ral respiratory actions; and it should increase the circum
ferential measure of the chest. Fig. 4 on the next page shows
one of the movements that may be used for this purpose in
certain cases.  The ribs are elevated and the muscles




28
of the chest are strengthened  by it, and the amount
Fig. 4.        of air contained by the chest,
is, day by day, increased.  If
X'l &  the patient be quite weak, some
other position and motion would
be chosen.
It is also important from  the
first to increase the natural warmth
and moisture of the skin. More
P3 h~ \\,     Ic blood should be sent to the surface.
For this purpose some movement
5 1l 6  xor movements like that represented by Fig. 5, may be employed, a rapid twist-shaking, or
hand  vibration  of the  trunk.
This produces an active centrifugal effect, conveying  a  large
amount of the circulation to the skin,     FIa. 5.
increasing its heat and function in
general. It is also equally useful
for removing the surplus about the  
digestive organs-the central bongestion.  A  uniform  distribution
of the blood is promoted, always
important to secure, and especially.
ill cases of the disease in question.
After numerous and varied active movements for the extremities,
the mechanical vibrations (an example of which is shown at Fig. 8,) are exceedingly useful;
they add to and fix the effects of those which precede. Perspiration and a grateful glow is often induced in the most stubborn
case, and the cure usually proceeds with gratifying success.
Dyspepsia-painful, gloomy, dispiriting, has its bright side,




29
its compensations, advantages. If nutrition be not used in
supplying the vital operations throughout the system, it
ought to remain in the digestive cavity, even though it
decompose and irritate uncomfortably. Non-vital matters rernaining in the fluids of vital parts, breed mischief. Hence,
indigestion affords a sort of protection against acute diseases,
and perhaps paralysis and other injuries of the nervous
system. It enforces on those who will not otherwise be
instructed, the virtues of prudence, propriety, and a philosophic
understanding of the relations and limitations of things.
BILIOUS DISORDERS, HEADACHES, &C.
In  case of what is usually called "biliousness" the
secretions and fluids of the body generally contain, not bile,
but its proximate elements-matters which would have been
destroyed, had the oxydizing function of the system been
adequate to effect this purpose. The liver, whose function it
is to detain this class of material from the blood, is popularly
charged with obstinacy in these cases. The real difficulty,
however, consists not so much in defective performance of
function by this organ, as in its being inadequate to the
excessive amount of functional duty imposed upon it. The
limit of its capacity is exceeded. It is not the sufferer's and the
physician's duty to increase the capacity of the liver, but
diminish the necessity in the system for its work. Physiologically, the liver is complemental to the lungs-preventing
the deficiencies of the latter organ from being injurious, by
removing in another way, certain matters from the blood.'rhe class of disorders here referred to, offers a beautiful
illustration of the efficacy of medical treatment by movements,
as well as confirmation of the general theory exhibited in this
work. A few days of properly prescribed practice in a case
of this kind will show that "bilious" matters are easily
diminished, by simply increasing the respiratory efficacy. If
at the same time the soluble (saccharine) hydrocarbons of food




80
be diminished, all tile changing constituents of the body will
pretty surely pass from the system. Saccharine matter does
not pass friom  the body unreduced and will therefore
appropriate oxygen that should be otherwise employed.
Fro. 7.
Fig. 7 represents a lateral swaying
or oscillation of the trunk each way
from the perpendicular. This motion
not only stimulates respiration but
at.,_;'~,   acts strongly upon each side, giving
pressure to the liver at eachmotion and
affecting all the organs in the region
of the diaphram.
Fig. 8 shows an  action of the
vibrating apparatus. The vibrating
X heads impinge upon the side in the; region of the liver; or in its vicinity,
if at first there be tenderness at that,    point. The vibrating heads scarcely
more than touch the body, sending a
rapid sucession of waves through the
FIG. 8.
whole region to which it is applied; extending quite through
to the opposite side. The position may De changed at pleasure,




often allowing the wave to be received from opposite directions.
The effect is to diminish tenderness of the whole region, to
diffuse a grateful feeling of warmth through the whole body,
to cause capillaries to urge their contents onward, to refresh,
strengthen, invigorate, and perfect the functions of the part
to which it is applied. The above illustrated operations are
only specimen movements sometimes applied, and are never
used except in connection with others.
After the due effect of the proper movements has been
experienced, the chest increased an inch or two in its
circumference, and the natural motions of its walls and of the
diaphram restored, requiring generally but a few weeks toaccomplish, the bilious attacks with headache and other usual
distressful symptoms do not recur.
CONSTIPATION.
This occurs in connection with other disorders of the
digestion and nerves, and is often the occasion of serious
and permanent injury, especially as this symptom is apt
to give rise to much tampering with aperient remedies
for relief. When constipation is an' habitual trouble, it may
be inferred that the muscle entering into the composition of
the alimentary tube is weak, or that there is deficiency of
nervous supply to the bowels; or both these causes may
concur with others, to produce the result.
What is needed in these cases is not merely to force an
expulsion of the contents of the bowels-this is only temporary, and at most palliative-but to permanently increase the
muscular development, and the muscular action of the tube
itself. This is an extension of the same principles that are seen
to be applicable to other parts, and is accomplished by adaptations of the same means. The muscles of the coverings of
the abdomen, and those which enter into the composition of
the digestive canal, are to be acted on-exercised; while the
nerve connections are strengthened.




32
In aid of this purpose it is of vast importance to cultivate
a correct habit of breathing, allowing the diaphragm to act
so freely as to propagate its up and down motions to the
whole intestinal mass. This maintains the muscularity of
the intestinal tube, promotes an equable circulation, and the
nutrition and health of the digestive organs.
Among the measures employed to accomplish the purposes
Fig. 9.                  a b o v e specified,
one of the most direct is kneading
-~-  ~    the abdomen. Fig.
_i{(g/  g',              9 gives some idea
how this is performed by two operators. Excellent
results are secured
in cases of sluggish bowels, by aid of this process.
By far the most efficacious method of kneading the digestive organs, is by means of the apparatus represented by Fig.
10. The peculiarity of this method consists in the position of
Fig. 10o
the patient, which is lying with the face downward. The impulse made upon the abdomen by the kneading heads is upwards; this is necessarily followed by a downward motion of
the part, caused by gravitation. The two sides are acted en
alternately, the direction of the motion of the two heads
being toward the centre of the body. It will be seen that the




33
amount of motion communicated to the abdomen is doubled
by the position in connection with gravitation. The apparatus is wholly under control of the operator, who can easily
render the effect gentle or severe, as may be desired. It turns
on a pivot; the distance between the kneading heads can be
varied while in action, and it is nearly self-adjusting in its
operation.
This mode of kneading affords indispensable aid in the
treatment of numerous other forms of disorder connected with
laxity of abdomen; especially is it useful in the treatment of
pelvic diseases. The effect of its use is to relieve the pelvis of
superincumbent pressure; while in some cases the mode represented at Fig. 9 is objectionable, from the downward pressure it may cause.
The kneading is never employed alone, but always in con.
nection with other appropriate treatment. With the relief of
constipation, there comes also relief of headaches, and the
many other symptoms of more or less significance that always
accompany this form of disorder.
DIARRHWEA.
Weakness of the digestive organs sometimes takes the form
of Chronic Diarrhcea; the mucous or lining membrane of the
canal is in an irritable, congestive state, and is very sensitive
to different qualities of food; a portion of this is refused
admission to the system, which is hence deprived of its needed
sustenance. The Movement-Cure has a speedily beneficial
effect in these cases. The local congestion is removed on the
same principle as that affecting other organs of the body-by
transferring as large an amount of blood as possible to the
extremities and periphery.
Such movements as will combine to secure this, may be
selected. Among such, is the one shown at Fig. 11.  In
executing this movement, muscles of the whole trunk are
brought into gentle, alternate action, with the entire absence




34
Fig. 11.
of any endeavor on the part of the
patient, while the serous surfaces
f, ~ f.......... of the abdominal contents are caused
to.glide  upon each other, thus
By) H:i? securing the conditions for absorp~ -:-'*  tion, at the same instant that demand is made in the muscular parts
for the supply thus provided; the
whole resulting in conveying fluids
from centre to circumference, and
counteracting the tendency to pass
by the bowels.
After suitable preliminary treatment, the vibratory apparatus becomes a well-nigh indispensable auxilary. It is
applied as in Fig 8, but directly to the abdomen of the
patient, as well as side. This is the most potent of remedies,
in its effect on intestinal as well as interstitial absorption;
always agreeable to receive, and produces the most satisfactory results. Vibrations of the extremities and indeed of all
parts, are desirable in diarrhoea.
The effects of vibrating and of kneading the abdomen are in
some respects directly opposite. The one overcomes diarrhoea,
the other constipation. One affects the fluids, the other the
solids of the parts to which it is applied. One increases absorption, the other, muscular action.
PULMONARY DISEASE.
Chronic affections of the respiratory organs, seem directly
traceable to insufficient respiration. This may be owing to a
narrow chest, limiting the volume of air breathed; to indoor
occupations, compelling one to use rarefied air; to sedentary
oicupations, depriving one of the exertion which always increases respiration; to weak muscles, which prevent sufficient




35
movement of the walls of the chest in the respiratoiy act; or
to all of these combined.
Some of the causes here enumerated may be dependent on
faulty constitution; this may be improved by the treatment
here presented; others, the consequence of circumstances,
and therefore amenable to improvement.
In this class of cases, the effect of limited respiration differs
from those previously described in retaining a different, and
probably less oxydizable product, which obstructs the glands,
and accumulates particularly in the lungs.
Those who carefully watch the effects of the Movement-Cure
are convinced that the tuberculous matters here referred to,
are removable, simply by increasing duly the efficiency of the
respiratory function.
The quick pulse of the consumptive is reduced by a proper
use of such movements as increase the size of the chest and
the mobility of its walls. This effect is brought about early
in the treatment. Even a single application will often lessen
the frequency of the pulse. This shows that the cause of the
peculiar pulse of the consumptive consists of the diminished
aerating surface of the lungs from the disease, compelling the
blood to circulate with greater rapidity to compensate for
the diminution of capacity. Hence, expanding the chest,
opening the contracted air cells, and causing more air
to come in contact with the blood, supplies the demand of
the system for oxygen, without the exciting and wasting effort denoted by quick pulse.
To comply with the indication of furnishing greater aerating
facilities to diseased lungs, requires the utmost attention and
care. Ill advised operations would be likely to employ the
chest as a suction pump, and accumulate to a prejudicial,
perhaps fatal extent, the blood of the system in the chest, and
increase hazardously the tension of the weakened vessels of the
lungs. The prescription, by movements, should approach the
diseased organ in this as in all cases, by gentle degrees;




o36
hence operations upon the extremities must precede those of
the central portions of the body
Fig. 12.'"-,   Among the operations that may be
selected for the prescription in this
class, is the one intended to be indi.
cated by Fig. 12. It consists of rapid
vibration of the arms and chest; either
one or both hands grasp the handle, as
in the fig. and as it is vibrated 1200 or
1600 changes per minute, the effect is propagated to a marked degree to the walls of the chest through the arms. This
movement is pleasant to receive, and affords a glow of
warmth, and often a distinct rednessto    Fig. 13.
the parts affected by the action, from the
derivative effect produced by the movement. A skillful operator may produce a     - i
somewhat similar effect, but far less in
degree, by the operation shown in Fig.
13. The latter, however, has the advantage, in common with all hand-applied
movements, in employing, at the discretion of the operator, all his acquired
skill of touch and motion, governed by    \
intelligence, affecting thereby the mind
and nervous system of the patient in
the desired direction, often an indispensible condition of successful treatment....
The expansive, enlarging movements which may be employed are numerous.  A favorite one is that represented
at Fig. 14. This draws up the ribs of one side, decreasing
the angle they make with the spine and thus increasing the
space occupied by the lungs of that side. While in this
position, the contents of the chest are gently vibrated by
peans of a hacking or a clapping of the tense side with




v7
the hand of the operator. This            Fig. It
causes the long shrunken cells to
open to receive air, and at the same
time diminishes the calibre of the
capillaries of the part, and renews
the circulation in accordance with
principles heretofore explained. If
onle side of the chest is depressed,
this and similar operations may be
confined to that side.
The amount of expansion as de- -  i
termined by the increase of circumference which may be attained by
even feeble persons, by careful and
well advised management, is often
surprising. Four inches has been
attained, and two and three are often gained by a few
months attention to treatment. This gain may be regarded as permanent. The increase is mainly due to change
of position of the ribs.
A no less important result of the movements is the increase
in motion of the walls of the chest and of the diaphragm,
induced by them, whereby more air is changed at each respiratory act. This effect follows the means used for expansion,
and there is reason to believe that the aid to health it affords
is greater, as it certainly is more constant, than expansion,
though, perhaps, less easily demonstrated.
It is understood all along that this meager sketch of principles and of practice is insufficient to qualify a person for prescribing in given cases, or even for administering a prescription. This requires a more mature skill and complete understanding than this work proposes to afford.
Throat affections are similar both in nature and cause, to affections of the stomach and lungs, and are to be treated on
the same general principles, adapting the treatment of course




38
with due reference to the local symptom. These affections
are treated satisfactorily by the Movement Cure, aud with permanent results.
DISEASES AND DEFORMITIES OF THE UTEnUS.
This is a most common and usually disheartening and
persistent class of disorders; a class apparently little understood and consequently poorly treated.  The fundamental
error of treatment consists in supplying it from below instead
of above the affected organ.
The absolute condition of the uterus in disease, is extremely various. It may be swollen, hard, ulcerated, bent,
or inclined, at any angle with the axis of the cavity of the
pelvis, prolapsed, &c. But the cause of these states is nearly
uniform, and practically all these disorders and several
others pertaining to function, are relieved, cured, by modifications of nearly the same means.
If a finger of one hand be held tightly near its root by
those of the other hand, the return circulation is obstructed,
the blood is soon seen to accumulate, pain begins, and
the imagination will picture the condition that might in time
ensue, if the pressure be not removed. This resembles the
case of the uterus in disease. The ligature it suffers from is
the pressure of the organs above. The uterus floats in the
pelvic cavity, and its position, shape and condition, is governed in a great measure by its surroundings, and especially the
amount of pressure from above.
The abdominal contents are naturally sustained in good part
at least, by the diaphragm, assisted by the abdominal muscles. The motion of the diaphragm adds to the sustaining
power. If one will expand the ribs and diaphragm, as by a
deep inspiration, it will at once be seen how the abdominal
contents and the pelvic contents as w'll, are elevated ad
sustained.




89
The cut, Fig. 15, indicates how the   Fig. 15.
ribs and diaphragm of one side are
strengthened, and room provided for
the visceral organs in a higher position. Uterine affections plainly have
their origin more or less remote from  /  -
the suffering organ. The position of
the ribs, diaphragm  and abdominal
walls, in connection with their habitual
and necessary motion, control the position and health of the uterus. Not
only is the proper position restored by
removing the impediments mentioned, 
but enlargement, congestion, and
ulceration of every degree, are soon
and permanently overcome, without, generally, specific local
or internal medication of any kind.
F.ig 16.
When a person
i      _-         2  E-   has considerable
~i's or        strength, the
movement shown
in the cut, Fig.
16, may be used
to great advantage. The ribs of
both sides are
everted andthedi
~ \ 7 /  \f\ aphragm extend-<liu~~ tS         ed to its utmost,
_f(~  / /-   which causes all
the   abdominal
contents to rise to fill the space thus produced. At the same
time the abdominal walls are made strongly to contract, adding to the same effect.




40
The result of these operations becomes permanent-as soon as
the muscunlar strength of the parts concerned have been adeo
quately increased.
The consequence of developing more strength of diaphragm
and abdomen, is to increase the natural oscillating motion, a
kind of churning of all the included parts. This motion is
observed to be almost absent in persons suffering the class of
diseases now under discussion, and they cannot well recover
until this natural and necessary motion is restored.
The cut, Fig.                  17
17, represents
another movement that may
in some cases _    _       _    _    _    _    _
conduce to the.
same results.
The diaphragm and abdominal walls are here also put upon
the stretch, and the pelvic contents, to use the phrase by
which the patient's feelings are expressed, are pulled up;
the peculiar position greatly favoring this effect.
rFig. 18.            It is equally importif a, —f  ant in the treatment of
P very    a///these cases, to aid the
reduction of the pevic
congestion, by stimulating a flow of the blood
toward the extremities.
A good movement in aid
of this is the one shown at Fig. 18, which calls into strong action all the muscles of the thigh, especially those- nearest
the pelvis, strengthens the leg and warms the foot.
Attractive looks and good health go together. Every
woman has within herself the capacity for both. Nothing
more is wanting than to allow the needful play of the functions
of animal life. If the chest and digestive system be cultivated




41
Fig. 19.   instead of repressed, as is the   Fig. 20,
~, ~>   usual practice, not only will
t  there be no pressure upon the   1
pelvis, and no disease of the
organs it contains, but the full
and rounded form, Fig 19, flush~/] t> ing cheek and sparkling eye,  
will convey an irresistible im- 
pression of beauty and power,
While the contracted chest and
waist and lax abdomen are the
\  direct and inevitable causes of
9!,/ tE disease; and are certain to
give the pinched and meagre
(/ tl  lo'look, Fig. 20, suggestive of
/  |I \deformity, unhappiness, and
lpain, as repulsive as miserable.
It is not mere feature, skin, and color, that confer graceful
and attractive qualities. For such qualities are forms of power,
and are due, whether in demeanor or expression, to the co-ordinate action of the vital instruments, nerve and muscle.
The attention of suffering women is called to the followin.g
point. No form of uterine disease is likely to occur in
women who maintain the natural motions of the walls of the
chest, which they may do by means of proper dress and
proper exercise, because such motions affect equally the
health of the contents of the pelvis. It is almost impossible
to effect a perfect cure in women thus afflicted, without
coincidentally restoring these natural motions, together with
the natural size about the diaphragm; and all forms of
uterine disease, now so lamentably common, are easily,
quickly and permanently restored by the simple means here
pointed out.




42
DISEASES PERTAINING TO THE NERVES.
Nervous power has its source mainly in the brain and spinal cord-the cerebro-spinal axis, as it is termed in Physiology. Defective and disordered nervous manifestations are
therefore owing to some irregularity in the nutrition of the
organs that generate or that transmit such powers.
The minute pathology of diseases belonging to this class, is
conceded to be obscure, and persons so afflicted have contented themselves with being treated in an empirical way; generally by employing remedies of a class that tend in some degree to excite action in the cerebro-spinal axis, without, it
would seem, considering that the weakest and most disordered part can least bear the imposition of new burdens, and
that by thus tasking such part, its future health is compromised, and it is believed often permanently ruined. To compel, by a special nerve excitant, the diseased spinal centres to act, may be compared to pouring a flood of light into
an inflamed eye, or overtasking the disabled stomach, liver,
or extremities.
The restorative effects of movements, in this class of cases,
supply interesting lessons in pathology. The absolute condition existing in the affected centres, may be regarded as
quite similar to what is known to exist in any other disabled
organ. There is perverted nutrition, and capillary congestion,
or deficiency —either or all more or less mingled, as will be
shown by the symptoms in any given case. The prevailing
condition is doubtless congestion-capillaries distended with
a sluggish current.
The capillaries need to have their contents called off to
contiguous and to remote parts of the body; they should be
made to contract and urge their contents forward. The con.
ducting element of the nervous system should be encouraged,
hardened, strengthened; not, however, by over stimulating
the centres from which they act, but by stimulation derived
from the extremities toward which, and for which they act.




43
The will power may be used judiciously, cautiously, so as to
help, and not hinder, the result.
Success will depend on the judicious care with which operations are adapted to the peculiar and variable conditions
found, rather than upon any particular movements considered
by themselves.
In Paralysis there is sometimes a fatal impairment of certain nerve centres, forbiding restoration. At other times the
paralysis kindly yields to the operations. Whether it will
so yield in a given case, cannot usually be predicted, and can be
determined only by a faithful trial of the appropriate means.
FY-g. 21.
All the vibratory operations
applied by means of the mechanical contrivance previously represented, are eminently
useful in these cases of deficient will. Fig. 21 represents.         _ _
wringing of the arms, applied
by assistance, a very useful
as well as pleasant operation in these cases.
The volitions, when very weak, are aided by the little
Fig. 12.               appal atus, shown in
Fig. 22.'The toe of
the foot travels in a
wide circle, causing'0/ every muscle as far
up as the knee, to
act.
If there be power
in but a small part
of these muscles, the momentum of the wheel carries the foot
around, thus enabling the muscle in which some power re.
mains to supply exercise to all the rest.




44
Fig. 23.        Of similar effect is the little apparatus in fig. 23. The weight is shifted
by a spring, so as to offer resistance
to any portion of the foot or leg, or
it may act as a pendulum and stimulate action in all parts of the extremity alike.
In all cases of paralysis, energetic operations upon the back, extending
its whole length are indispensable. These may be applied to
some extent by the hands of the operator. The whole back
should be made thoroughly red at each operation. By far the
most agreeable, thorough, and satisfactory method effecting
this purpose, is by means of the mechanism shown in the cut.
Fig. 24.
aa
By means of elevating the flap on which the body rests, any
degree of impression, from the gentlest touch to the most active shaking, may be secured. The rapidity of the vibratiuns
are equally under control, and may vary from four to sixteen
hundred per minute.
The ice bag of Dr. Chapman, applied along the spine daily,
is also employed as an auxiliary treatment in paralyis, and is
often found of important service.




45
NEURALGIA, a stubborn form of nervous disorder, under ord.
inary treatment, becomes very tractable when dealt with by
tile Movement-Cure. This treatment also reflects much light
upon the pathology of the disease. It yields to such impres
sions as are effective in congestion.  This affords strong
presumptive evidence that the affection in question consists
essentially in cerebro-spinal congestion, causing, in connection perhaps with a certain deterioration in quality of the
blood, a morbid nutrition in particular nerve centres, and
giving rise to pain along the nerves proceeding therefrom.
Neuralgia occurs in persons who have led an emotional or
sensational life, or under any circumstances compelling the
nutrition to be employed chiefly in that department of the
vital system represented by nerve substance. Such habits,
while diminishing the nutritive supply to muscles, and deteriorating the general strength, causes a surplus of blood to
be retained by the capillary vessels supplying nerve centres.
This constitutes an unbalanced condition of the system, to
be rectified by so changing the nutritive currents, that more
shall be received by the muscles, and less by the nerves.
This change can be secured only by increasing the demand
made by muscular, and diminishing the demand by nerve
substance.
In applying treatment in this, as in other diseases, special
reference is had to the form and location of the disease. Care
must be exercised that in attempting to convey more blood to
muscle, the operations do not at the same time so task the
nerve as to prevent the intended effect. Hence, a preponderance of the operations should, especially at first, be of the
passive kind.  The best success in the production of
direct effects depcnds on the tact derived only from much
practice The hand is particularly grateful in the curative
processes employed in this disease. The cut, Fig. 25, shows
a method of stroking the back, producing an  agreeable
expansion of the diaphragm and chest.




46
Fig. 26 represents a favorite       Fig. 2;.
method of operating upon the
back by means of pressure in
connection with a short recipro-  
cating motion.  By this means
not merely the skin, but the
muscles, and indeed all the boe r
irritated, and reddened by thc     \     \ 
lar- e amount of blood  thus
called into them; thus with- 
drawing it from the subjacent
spinal cord.  After suitable
preparation, the effect of moveFig. 26.              ments  similar to
these are eminently
quieting,   demon,
strating  at  once
their   usefulness... Obstinate cases of
sleeplessness are soon relieved by operations of a similar
kind.
PARALYSIS OF CHILDHOOD-ARREST OF DEVELOPMENT.
The resources of the Movement-Cure are quite indispensable in cases of withered limbs and all deformities dependent
on Infantile Paralysis. The misfortune of bearing through
life one or more extremities deficient in size and feeble in
power, befalls many persons, which timely and judicious
management, by proper exercises, might either save or greatly
ameliorate.
The usual history of these cases describes them commencing early in childhood-one or more extremity looses
suddenly its strength, and from that date is outstripped in
growth by the rest of the body. The disparity increases as




47
years advance. The cause may be infantile convulsions from
intestinal irritation referable to improper food; or acute attacks
of other forms, and perhaps not unfrequently these causes,
combined with the potent effects of injudiciously prescribed
medicines upon the immature and susceptible organism.
The rational needs of this class of invalids are very plain,
in the light of the treatment here commended. This need is
increased local nutrition, increased flow of nervous energy,
increased supply of blood to the part; and in general an increase
of all the conditions for the organization or growth is demanded by parts thus defective. No more available, certain and
appropriate means for securing all this can be conceived than
the well applied use of local exercises.
The application of this means will become effective in proportion to the amount of vital capacity remaining in the
affected limb. The whole of the disease proper, it must be re.
membered, is primarily located in the nerve-centre, whereby
the supply of nervous energy required by the defective limb
is cut off, or at least interrupted. Now, this central disease
may be partially or even wholly healed by the kindly influences of time, but the nervous communication and the
ability to use the limb is still interrupted. The flow of power
is instinctively directed by the patient to the limb which is
well and strong. This habit robs the weak extremity of the
nervous and nutritive support which is its due, and wh ch
may, by well directed endeavors, be thrown into it.
The reader will readily see that in these cases there is an
inevitable tendency to an increase of the disparity of the two
sides, the strong limb growing stronger and the weak one
weaker.
This follows from the difference in the use of the two limbs.
Medical treatment, to be effective, should correct the faulty
distribution of nutrition and of nervous influence. This may
be done by the application of the same law as previously increased the difference of the power and size  The habit of




48
using most the strongest pa rt shou'd be reversel, when the difo
ference of the corresponding extr mities mu t diminish.
Figure 27 shows a method of            Fig. 27.
strengthening the nervous connection between the lower extremity
and the central source of nerve
power. The process also conveys  o)
the circulation, with its nutritive
material and heat, to the feet.
Since the ability to use the limb is
the very thing at fault, the actuating cause must, to a large extent, 
be supplied from external sources.
While the ineffective will is mildly           \
stimulated to penetrate the weak
part by dexterous management, it
cannot wholly be depended on to
effect the object. Energetic, passive
operations are indispensible. Every
fibre and every cell is made to jostle
its neighbor. Each vital molecule
must, by motions supplied to it, be compelled to consummate
the purpose of its existence. The very mutability of primary
organic forms, is the condition for their rapid renewal, and the
consequent evolution of the force which these elements em.
body. The system at large is a reservoir from which the
more abundant supply is drawn; but this material supply is
only organised, and so becomes a permanent addition of
local vitality, by the motion which renders operative the
natural tendency. The motion is supplied by the warm and
vigorous hand, by the stimulus of opposition, and by the
attrition of elemental parts secured by mechanical devices,
as figured at No. 24. The oversanguine may be disappointed
at the rate at which improvement will follow the application
of these means. Patience is required, but certainly not so




49
much as is necessaiy in suffering the      Fig, 28.
defect to go on in the old way. In general,
parents and friends may rely on a steady
improvement, very slow at first, but increasing afterwards, and always in the
ratio of the attention and perseverance
which is devoted to the matter.
At Fig. 28 is indicated a method.of
forcing a large amount of the circulation
to the surface of the body, and into the
muscles, desirable in these cases.
SPINAL CURVATURES.
Deformity of the spine is evidence that the muscular support of the spinal column has been imperfect. The imperfection of support is due to an unequal distribution of nervous
power to the two lateral halves of the body, conjoined with
defective nutrition and strength of the supporting muscles.
This allows the flexible column to yield to the various causes
of deviation. When such yielding has been habitual, the
bones of the spine and ribs become misshapen.
These causes are specially operative during growth. Bone,
cartilage and muscle are at this time soft and plastic. Whenever the habits or constitution allow the substance of the
body to become thus soft and unresisting, there is some degree of liability of the body permanently yielding, to the
causes operating to produce curves. The only sure safeguard
is healthy nutrition, firmness of texture, and equal distribution
of the activities of the body.
A glance at the diagram, Fig. 29, will inform the reader
how lateral curves are formed. A person instinctively acts
with his strongest, and not with his weakest parts, at least
the weaker muscles seem to evade their work till distinctly
called upon. A person of weakly habit will generally do
the work of standing with one, we will say the right side.




5 o
The habit is carly formed of preferring, that is, of sending a
larger amount of the nervous supply to that  Fig. 29.
side. The pelvis, which is naturally supported by the two legs, having one of its
supports withdrawn, will droop, and instead  - -i
of being horizontal, will incline  to the
weak, that is, the left side. But the spine
rises at right angles with the plane of the
pelvis, and so the spine must deviate from
the perpendicular in the direction of the
dotted line, to the same extent that the
pelvis does from the horizontal. But, for
the trunk to be thus thrown from  the
perpendicular, would carry it beyond its
base of support. To save it from inevitably
toppling over, the spine curves back toward
the perpendicular, and continues beyond it,
so as to place an equal weight of the body
each side the perpendicular line. This gives
a double curve, produceable to some extent     s
whenever one rests upon one leg, but which increases in proportion to the weakness and flexibility of the body. The habit
increases of so resting, standing, sitting, walking, etc., in
proportion as the strength which can be spared for these
various modes of acting is limited.
The upper curve is greater than the lower in a majority of
cases, because an additional cause operates to produce it.
There is the same tendency to rest upon the right elbow, and
work with the right hand. This developes muscle upon the
right side of the chest; lifts the ribs and the shoulder of that
side, increasing the air space in the right chest, and the angle
the ribs of that side make with the spine. Sometimes the upper
curve is so great as nearly to obliterate the lower.
The spine is made up of a number of vertebral pieces, with
intervening cartilage,. having broad disks. When the spine




51
is bent, the weight of the body rests, of course, upon the
edges of these discs. Thl'e i abit of so resting compresses
these edges, and renders bith cartilage and bone thinner,
while the absence of pressure at the opposite edge, allows
that part to thicken.  The vertebra hence become wedge
shiped, the thick edges forming the convexity of the curve.
Spinal curvature is curable, because producable. The same
causes can be brought to bear in aid of restoration, as have
been effective for evil in the acquisition of the curvfe; but, of
course, these causes must be shifted to the opposite sidereally, as well as nominally and theoretically.  No treatment,
however potent, will avail, unless the mind of the sufferer
seizes the important point, and so changes the habit regarding
position and use of the different portions of the body, as to
conform essentially to tho principles here stated. Another
diMiculty the treatment has to contend with, is the often
thickened and hardened condition of the bones, acquired after
the deformity was produced, perhaps, many years before. But
this difficulty is much less formidable than the non-conformity
of the patient with the new rules of personal habits now required.
By means of the special pains-taking above referred to, a
few persons have been successful in restoring the laterally
curved spine to a good degree of symmetry. But this is accoraplished with difficulty without the aid of special or prescribed exercises —in other words, Movement-Cure. This is
the effective means to be used to change the nutritive and
nervous currents, so that a larger measure shall go to the weaker side. These special operations readily glide into habit, helpful in the desired direction at all times.
A word of caution should be put in here in reference to
gymnastics. Girls attending classes have not unfrequently
been made worse. The reason of this is found in the principle above stated. The weaker parts will instinctively shrink
from their duties, and the action in the various exercises is
performed by substitution of the stronger muscles. This will
always be the case to some extent,, if the body is allowed its




52
freedom. The really correct and desirable action can be obtained in most cases, only when localized, that is when all
other parts of the body are at rest. Gymnastic exercises are
liable to be harmful unless they are intelligently prescribed.
EiT. 29.          A chair has been contrived
for the purpose of aiding the
formation of an improved habit
in the act of sitting in cases of
curvature.  It is so constructed
/.^ X;-'} J\/(Fig. 29) that the seat can be
made to incline at any angle to
either side, forward  or backward, so as to suit the peculiarities of every case. It is fixed
in the desired position by means
of a thumbscrew.  As represented at Fig. 29, it resembles
an  ordinary  arm  chair. The
faulty position  a person with
curvatures is liable to assume,
is shown in the cut.
Fig. 30.
If, now, the left side of the
chair be raised, as at Fig. 30, so
that the plane of the pelvis inclines a little to the right, the
lower portion of the spine is
also thrown in the same direc-  
tion.  This position will cause
the body to fall to the right;
actual falling will however be
prevented by leaning to the left,
and bearing strongly with the
left arm  upon the arm  of the       /
chair, which, it will be observed,   /
is raised equally with the side
of the seat. The act of sitting
is now performed almost wholly




53
by the muscles of tho left side, which, with the position of
the pelvis, the necessity of leaning to the left and of bearing
upon the left elbow, causes the curve not only to become obliterated, but in some cases to be to a slight degree shifted to
the opposite side. The weight of the body causes it to fall
into the new position described.
The patient can sit in this position and read, sew, or perform any work or amusement; and whenever the position
becomes painful or fatiguing, the seat can be instantly
changed, to serve the purpose of an ordinary chair. Tilis
contrivance is a potent educator of the principles above exFig. 31.     hibited, so neces-      Fig. 32.
sary a preliminary
to recovery. It is
to be used habi1 |       tually during the
prescribed t r e a tment of each day.
Figs. 31 and 32
show  the operaa ad         tion of aln appara-    Az,I  ~ tus whose powerfu| action is nearly
indispensable  in
reducing s p i n a 
curves. The two
convexities  are
placed opposite a         *     I
padded bar at each
side, one at' the  l
upper and the other
The arm of the lowest shoulder is raised to the perpendicular, and the hand grasps the handle of
the lever. As the operator draws the lever to one side, the
low shoulder, with the muscles and ribs belonging  to it, is
raised; while the two pads glide in opposite directions
pressing strongly against the convexities so much as to obliterate, and in flexible subjects even to reverse the curves




54
Thle apparatus can be fixed by placing a pin, and the pressulre upon the convexities and the thick edges of the vertebrae,
continued as long as it can be borne without discomfort.
It is often advisable to act upon the spine with only the
p11jper pad, in the manner shown at Fig. 14. This presses
down the ribs of the prominent side, and elevates those of the
shrunk side.
The lateral curvature is always connected with some deglee of twisting of the spine. The obtuse angle which the ribs
of the convex side makes with the spine, exaggerates the twist.
This is to be corrected by counter-twisting movements,
which give strength and supremacy to the opposing muscles.
The operations with the above described apparatus are important for'tultivating the muscles of the weak side, and for
increasing the flexibility of the spine, which has become
rigid by the long continuance of the deformity. It is necessary, however, to go a step farther with mechanical means,
to complete all the conditions demanded in the cure. The
spine requires not only to be bent and twisted in the direction
opposite to the bending and twisting which constitute the
deformity, but it must be maintained in this position. Conti.
nuance is necessary in order to mould the vertebrae to equal
thickness. and to restore the form of the misshapen ribs.
Fig. 33.                     The apparatus for
his oe c u ring
~~~-~~~-~~~tthis object
__-_~~~~ -~               ~should acdatethe
patient in
t h e lying
\b-] ~ -             pOsture, as
Q  m f f     i —--— i   a the system
is, in this




55
position, more relaxed and yielding. The apparatus used to
effect all these combined purposes, has been called the Combination Couch, Fig. 33, and consists of certain attachments
to the ordinary couch of the movement room. The curved
person lies upon it, with the flap elevated to suit the inclinations. A broad, strong band, either of solid rubber, or of
rubber webbing, passes over the convexities, and the two
ends are attached to uprights, inserted in sockets at the
edges of the couch. These sockets are so adjusted that the
direction of the traction shall not be at right angles to the
longitudinal axis of the body, bnt are further apart than the
curves, so as to draw in the direction of the length of the body
also. This opens and straightens the curve. Indeed, in this
position the patient will easily lie for hours, with the body
bent to a shape opposite the curves.
To attain the desired twisting by this apparatus, two
methods are used. By one, the upper half only of the above
described bands are elastic, the continuation being of leather
or other inelastic substance. The upper half only will contract, but in opposite directions, which, of course, twists the
body. By the other method, the bands are continued over
appropriate pulleys to the under side of the flap of the couch,
and end by being attached to the roller. To the upper end
of this roller or rod, which appears near the head of the patient in the cut, is a ratchet and crank. The action of this
crank is to wind the bands upon the roller from opposite directions, thus twisting the body in the manner previously described. The patient can occupy the time while on this couch,
by light work, or the usual school or other studies, as most
desired. This couch is to be used in the movement room, in
connection with the appropriate treatment, or at the patient's
residence, after the cure has been well started by carrying
into execution the appropriate treatment.
As before hinted, the treatment of lateral curvature, needs
to be unremitting to be as effective as it may be. To take




56
advantage of the sleeping as well as the waking hours, and
especially to prevent the effect of the bad positions which
almost always obtain during sleep, the instrument at Fig. 34
was invented.
Fig. 34.             This instrument consists of
a stout band adjusted to the
pelvis, while another passes
around the chest close under
the arms. Two uprights of
steel, bent to fit the shape,
one at the back and the other
at the stomach, extend between these bands. Strong
bands of elastic webbing are
attached to both the posterior
and the anterior uprights by
means of buckles, and so arFJ    <           ~iJT~c~  I   arranged as to act upon the
two convexities. The whole
apparatus is furnished with appropriate buckles, and when
properly fitted, is quickly adjusted to the person. It is worn
with less inconvenience than a corset-in fact, it is a corset,
with the remarkable difference, that its pressure is only upon
the convexities, and that instead of weakening the muscles
andhindering respirationby compressing the chest, it actually
expands the muscles of the shrunken side, and increases the
circumference of the chest during the time that it is worn.
These powerful instruments appear to be necessary in order
to restore the misshapen bones. They will, however, be quite
useless, unless well supported by treatment adapted also to
restore the strength of the muscles of the weak parts, and to
build up the general health, whose defect is always a preliminary condition of deformity, and frequently continues as its
concomitant till the form be changed in shlape.




57
ANEMIA.
This may include, for the present purpose, all those forms of
disease in which there seems to be some deficiency of the
blood, This fluid does not properly support the changes
whereby vital force is evolved. It is thin, and has but little
color, the skin is pale, food may, or may not trouble the
stomach, but it does not fulfill its designed purpose beyond
that organ. The extremities are apt to be swollen, the heart
is liable to palpitate, the sensations are inordinately active,
the strength vanishes; the vital forms are broken down by inordinate nervous action, and the compensatory reproduction
does not follow.
The usual mistake in the treatment of this class of cases,
arises from presuming that the nutritive materials required by
the system may be forced upon the unwilling organs. The
fact is, the vital molecule, to which all power in the bodIy is
ultimately referred, may famish, whilst the stomach is abundantly supplied. Albumen, sulphur, phosphorus, iron, and whatever the living body can use, always exists in abundance
in ordinary food; but these elements can serve no useful end
till transferred to, and vitally incorporated with the vital instru.
ment. Medicaments often prove unavailing, because the
wear and waste occasioned by even the mildest, in the end
proves greater than the seeming advantage.
There is however, an adequate aid to the desired transmutation; no strange element need be added to the blood.
It is only needful to so affect the vital fibre, cell or tissue
toward the nutritive matter of the blood, as to cause it
to need and so to attract such materials. Cell must' be
moved upon cell, fibre upon fibre, &c.-= in fact a general moving of fluids and attrition of solids as in health must be secured,
but through causes supplied from without Then, the transeIrs coincident with life will take place, without the damaging
wear, breaking down and exhaustion of the nervous system.
This brings through the appointed channels from the digestive




58
organs and lungs whatever is required to sustain the actions
in question. The muscular and voluntary power operative in
health, and sufficient for the purpose, are to be supplemented in
chronic disease. The blood becomes enriched, and no longer
allows watery fluids to escape into the tissues. The pressure
upon the nervous system is relieved, sleep returns, and the
patient has learned a lesson, not too costly, if well learned,
that the system will not tolerate the perversion of its
resources to a single end, however laudable that, in itself
may be.
HYSTERICAL AND EPILEPTIFORM DISEASES.
The curative power of Movements is well illustrated in their
effects in those peculiar manifestations of nervous disorder
known as fits, whether hysterical or epileptiform in character.
Disorders of this class, according to the common views of pathology, are obscure in their origin and relations, and are
hence necessarily treated only palliatively,- which would seem
to mean teasing and vexing the nervous system  with a
multitude of stimulant and sedative drugs-radically curative
effects being scarcely hoped for. The obstinate continuance
of these forms of disease is usually charged to the defective
constitution, and to improve this is, unfortunately, considered by medical science as practically beyond its scope and
power.
The reason why these usually intractable manifestations of
disease are overcome by movements, is capable of rational
explanation. In spasm, it is well known, a portion of the nervous system acts independently of the will and even of the
consciousness; the immediate cause being local irritation, the
influence of which is trinsmitted through the spinal centres
to the muscles, causing them to act, that is, to contract. Such
action is, of course, irregular, uncontrolled, violent, and in
the strongest possible contrast with the operations of the
health. Now, the movements supply, to an extraordinary
degree, the two conditions of restoration. One consists in




59
the removal of the exciting cause, whether this be internal
congestion or local irritation from perverted nutrition in some
part of the body But digestion, respiration, circulation,
secretion, depuration. &c., are restored as heretofore seen by
varied management of the movements. The other condition
supplied by movements, consists in the ef'ective and thorough
training of the will power, sending it freely along the nervous
channels to every part, habituating all parts to act in due
subordination to the central source of power, and causing
each part to act in harmony with every other part. In
this way the will and consciousness are so strengthened in'their supremacy that instances of irregular, perverted, and
insubordinate action become impossible; the cerebral power
becomes fixedly paramount, and the severed connection of
the will and muscular system is restored.
The annexed cut,                Fig. 35
Fig. 35, shows a
method of strengthning the muscles
of the back, useful,
also, to give direction to the will, and
to modify the exci-'    ~,, ~;,
tability of the cord.
Nature aims at pertection in all her
operations within the body, both as regards the changes ot
its molecular constituents and the ends to which these changes
conspire. Now, movements may be considered as affording
a direct support to this organic endeavor, enabling all changes
to become more complete, and therefore more healthful. But
these parts of the body are but broken fragments without
that due co-ordination of the separate functions which converts tham into a homogeneous system. It would seem that
the regular and persistent training of the system, would, of all




60
things, be that which is most competent to accomplish this
object. Hence the power of movements for securing and
maintaining the requisite subordination of functions, and in
the harmonizing of irrelevant action; thus often accomplishing ends hardly expected of medical treatment, as in cases
like the above.
The cut, Fig. 30, indicates a me-     Fig. 36.
thub~d of applying variable mechanical
resistance  By means of a heavy
pendulum, ratchet and spring, the
weight and leverage is available to
the degree desired at any part of the
extremity, the amount of resistance          \\ w
changing with the varying power of 
the acting muscles. Similar instruments are used for every part of the
body. They act in every direction,
and are employed passively as well
s actively.




VIBRATIONS,
AS A PART OF THM
MOVE MENT-CURE
By means of newly invented mechanical aids, the curative powers of Vibratory Movements have been thoroughly
tested. The results prove that many otherwise incurable
chronic diseases are restored by the vibratory treatment,
when employed either alone, or in conjunction with other
exercises and manipulations-according to the case-always
under the direction of a competent physician.
All parts of the body, central as well as external, may be
subjected in turn to vibratory operations. It only requires
a suitable mechanism, so contrived as to impart its power
and action to the living part. Since the substance of the
body is composed of minute, imperfectly adherent constituents, it is well adapted to receive the peculiar wave-like
agitation which the mechanical apparatus transmits, whereby the separate elements are made to come into rapid, repeated, and somewhat forcible contact, with gliding motion.
By means of the mechanical adjustments referred to,
power derived from sources quite independent of the body
is used to produce a series of effects within it —mechanical,




62
chemical, and vital.  These effects are undistinguishable
from those usually occurring in the organism, except in degree. External power hence becomes, in a manner, auxiliary to vital power-so reinforcing this principle as to culminate in a variety of curative effects.
The reader will be enabled to understand the value oT the
methods and principles referred to, by considering the subject under the following heads:
M/ECHANICAL EEFECTS.  An infinite number of distinct,
minute, elemental parts-cells, fibres, membranes, fluids, &c.,
enters into the composition of the body. By every motion,
the solid parts are compressed against, and glide upon each
other; while the fluids, pervading everywhere, and sustaining everything, being impelled along their course, are enabled to consummate those interchanges of particles ever
going on in the vital economy. The materials so necessary
in the support of life, if not transported to the required
poirle, become the fruitful source of disease; so that the
question of health may be resolved into one of due facility
of transfer and transportation of elemental matter.
Vibration, therefore, secures this initial motion at every
point. By putting nutritive material to increased use at
any local part, an increased flow into that part is necessitated, and an equal distribution of blood is secured among
the different regions of the body. The shrunk capillaries
are filled with fluids drawn from central surcharged regions,
and the digestive and nervous centres are relieved, while
the extremities, skin, &c., are replenished, and a healthful
equilibrium is secured.
Another consequence of this physical movement of fluids,
is increa.sed absorption at every point. Sluggish interstitial
fluids, loaded with effete matter, dropsical swellings, scrofulous enlargements, &c., permanently disappear.
This power of vibration for controlling and equalizing




63
the fluids of the body certainly commends it as a remedial
agency of great and varied efficacy.
CHEMICAL EFFECTS. Processes of decomposition and recomposition-chemical change-characterize the vital economy. Without this, there is no power, no life. With this
incomplete, there is disease. It is to secure such action
that mechanical change of place becomes necessary; and it
is to supplement inadequate action that vibrations are useful.
The indispensable requisite for chemical action is contact
of the atoms ready for union, under the guidance of vital law.
Disease always implies an insufficient degree and extent of
such contact, and its resulted change; in other words, deficient molecular and atomic motion. Such deficiency permits
matters to assume other than the healthful chemical
changes.
By vibratory motion, it is found that those products
which in health are dismissed from the body are uniformly
increased, and those imperfectly elaborated matters which
characterize disease are diminished. Chemical action prepares for dismissal several pounds of substance daily; but
in disease, these outgoing products are uniformly diminished, showing the need, as well as the appropriateness, of
the remedial means in question.
Vibration, then, by increasing molecular and atomic contact and attrition, renders effective the due and necessary
chemical affinities within the body. Experience confirms
this statement, by demonstrating the large increase of the
normal products of waste, the increased consumption of oxygen,
and corresponding increase of animal heat and moisture of
skin.
These effects are only what in health are secured through
essentially the same causes operating spontaneously. Vibratory operations simply carry forward to perfection those




64
actions that in disease are palpably defective. The will remaining inert, there is no sense of fatigue following, but a
feeling of satisfaction and comfort which confirms the idea
of the adaptation and effectiveness of the remedial means
used.
VITAL EFFECTS. Except to the imagination of the ignorant, medical science only proposes to support vital action,
and remove its impediments. No remedial plan can do
more. It is claimed for. vibratory operations, that they
secure these effects more directly, perfectly, and certainly,
and with less vital friction and expenditure, than other remedial means. The series of physiological processes which
develop vital power are supported. The non-vital constituents of the body, being put in motion, become available;
inanimate material is transformed to vital substance; while
pain is transformed to force, to be expended under the direction of the will.
Vibration stimulates contraction, the true vital function
of all vessels, and. so urges their contents along their course,
refreshing, invigorating, and sustaining the currents by
which vitality is maintained.
Natural Philosophy affords analogies pertinent to this
topic. Light for the eye, sound for the ear, heat for the
body, and electricity, with its chemical powers, are asserted
to be but different forms of vibration; while mechanical vibrations are now found to afford a most potent aid in per
fecting the nutritive purposes of the body.
The vibrations are of two distinct kinds, the oscillatory
and the direct, requiring different machines for their application. The oscillatory vibration is applicable only to the
arms and legs, the motion extending to the chest and pelvis.
The effect is to increase the amount of heat and blood in the
extremities, and to decrease that of the head and internal
parts; to strengthen and increase fibre, and stimulate




nerve. The direct vibration is applied in turn to all parts
of the body. It removes impediments in the circulation:
mures onward the fluids in their course; removes congestion, soreness, and pain; strengthens fibre,-in short, gives
effective aid in carrying forward the aims of vitality. The
degree and rapidity of these motions are always suited to
the particular case in hand. The operations are equally
adapted to the weakest and the strongest, and are always
agreeable to th feelings.
The process of kneading, applied by a mechanical contrivance altogether unique, is a gentle, quieting operation,
having the direct, specific effect of increasing the muscular
substance and action of the body, especially of the abdomen.
This motion raises the digestive organs, removing undue
pressure upon the pelvis. It increases the natural action of
the bowels in a remarkable degree, permanently overcome
ing constipation, and assists the digestion of food and its
appropriation by the system.
CURATIVE  EFFECTS OF VIBRATIONS IN
SPECIAL DISEASES.
The reader is now prepared to understand how vibration
produces curative effects, and becomes a powerful auxiliary
to any other remedial treatment. For example:
Paralysis. The attrition of every minute component of
the affected part affords it apparent renewed life, warmth,
and power; calls blood into it, and consequently from the
brain and spinal cord, usually surcharged in this disease.
Vibration applied along the spine, at the proper time, increases the nutrition of the muscles, contracts the nutritive
vessels of the cord, strengthens, hardens, and invigorates
the local seat of the disease, and carries the patient forward
toward recovery, more or less complete, according to the
case.




66
Neuralgia is dependent on causes similar to paralysis,
into which it sometimes merges. Vibration has the peculiar specific effect of exciting muscular nutrition while it
decreases excited nervous activity from  which neuralgia
appears to proceed. This form of disease is almost invariably benefitted. The will must be called into action with exceeding caution.
Sciatica, Writer's Cramp, &c. These intractable and vexatious affections of the nerves require but little else than
the Vibratory operations, from which direct benefit is derived, culminating in due time in complete relief.
Sleeplessness. The peculiar quieting effect of vibrations
(arising apparently from calling blood from the brain) renders them invaluable in all affections wherein wakefulness
is a symptom. The habitual use of sedatives and narcotics
is easily broken off by this aid, and the future need of this
class of remedies in chronic diseases is superseded.
Pulmonic Affections. Vibrations of the chest and region
of the diaphragm are an indispensable auxiliary to M5ovements intended to expand the chest and increase the mobility of its walls. This motion has also the direct effect of
causing absorption of tubercular or whatever other matter
is lodged in the lungs, or impairs their functions. This is
proved by the increased volume of respiration resulting
from these applications.
Bronchitis, Pulmonic Catarrh, Chronic Sore Throat, in face
all diseases of the respiratory apparatus, yield far more
readily to the IMovement treatment, since the introduction
of the important auxiliary herein described.
Dyspepsia, Tenderness and Inactivity of the Liver, &c. It
was in this class of affections that vibration by mechanical
means was first thoroughly tested and proved to be emi



67
nently effective. Congestion and soreness is removed by
the equalizing effect of vibration, while nutrition is perfected, and food is applied to use, instead of breeding
disease in the system. Much caution is required not to
approach the seat of the affection too rapidly.
Constipation. The newly invented kneading apparatus is
in this case a necessary auxiliary to vibration. With the
combined operations, the most obstinate chronic cases of
constipation are completely and permanently restored.
Affections of the Womb, Displacements, &c. These forms of
disease, for even the most difficult of which the "Movement" treatment is specifically appropriate, and the only
treatment that acts directly to remove causes, are restored
with still greater facility since the addition of vibrations.
The derivative and the contractile effects of this agency are
successively employed. The kneading process is a powerful
auxiliary.
In all chronic diseases, of whatever name, there is a remarltable similarity in the intrinsic deficiencies. It is,
hence, proper to treat them, those that are not, as well as
those that are enumerated in' this brief account, by different
adjustments of Vibratory Movements.
GEO. H. TAYLOR, iM. D.,
69 West 38th Street, corner 6th Avenue,
Nxw Yoic.








THE MOVEME[CBANT Mid%
has, in some fragmentary form, had a place in the therapeutics of all
nations and ages. The ancients devoted much attention to special curative
exercises. Its efficiency and importance are practically recognized in modern
times, by the various plans of gymnastics everywhere in vogue. It was
systematized and applied as a special, independent, and highly efficacious
curative means, by LING of Sweden (who died in 1833), and it was adopted,
and continues to be included among the public charities of that and several
other European governments.
The curative power and importance of this treatment for Chronic Diseases
is abundantly endorsed by persons of intelligence and refinement. It is
among such that its best achievements are shown. Its very suggestion,
corresponds with their instincts, reason and experience. It is the ignorant
who hope to palliate the penalties of violated law, by an atonement of some
bitter draught, the mode of whose operation they do not profess to
comprehend.
The efficacy and adaptability of the Movement-Cure' has heretofore been
limited to two causes-imperfect knowledge of the minuter Physiological
processes to which this treatment primarily addresses itself, and inadequateness of those details of operation, the fullness and proper concatenation of
which renders this a truly medical treatment.
The last few years of progress in all branches of science, and especially the
transportation of the treatment to the more favorable circumstances of this
country, has done much towards the extension of its principles. Its range of
adaptation in Chronic Diseases is well nigh universal.  Without impugning ip
the least other methods of treating the sick, all of which fulfill the purpose of
serving as steps leading to this, it would seem that the Movement-Cure is
capable of supplying one of the most essential aids that art can bring for the
benefit of the sick. Other resources of hygiene are employed as occasion
demands.
The volume by the author of this, entitled " An Exposition of the Swedish
Movement-Cure," is published by S. R. Wells, 389 Broadway, at $1.50.
The institute of the Movement-Cure is at 69 West Thirty-eighth street,
cor. Sixth Avenue, New York.
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