Curing bv Bvgionc. InTO ZN/EZETDIOIISriES. SUSANNA W. DODDS, M. D., MARY DODDS, M. D., 2826 WASHINGTON AVE., ST. LOUIS, MO. a@"I?atieiits visited, and treated in any part of tlie City or Country. To have a True Healing Art, we must first know what disease is. Disease is not a "thing," to be suppressed or de- stroyed; it is an Action, to be regulated and directed. When we are sick, there is torpor of functional action in the various organs of the body; this means retained excretion; the system becomes clogged with its own impurities. Then conies a rallying of the vital forces, to throw out these im- purities. How are we going ta aid this action ? By swallow- ing drug poisons? By adding impurities? Most assuredly not. Drugs, of whatever kind, are antagonistic to the vital organism, and therefore destructive to human life and health. More than twenty years' acquaintance with the Hygienic System, has convinced us that there is a better way than to poison the sick. It has been truly said, that sooner or later "thinking men and women, will repudiate, as an untruthful and essentially vicious dogma, the theory that poisons which would make a well man sick can possibly aid a sick person to get well; Nature, Reason and Common Sense, condemn such a healing art." When drugs are taken into the system, we tax unnecessarily the vital organs, which always dotheir best to expel them. Why this waste of vital force? All healing power is inherent in the human organism; and the true Physician will aid and direct the work of elimi- nation-not hinder and obstruct it. The Hygienic practice is equally well adapted to every known disease ; and this is the treatment resorted to, in those cases that are not curable by any other means. Wherever there is vitality enough to rally, the system always responds to hygienic treatment. Of the many disorders that we are called upon to treat, perhaps the most common is DYSPEPSIA. There are few diseases that manifest themselves in so many ways as dyspepsia, particularly if the patient has taken much medicine. Among the ordinary symptoms are, sick headache, bloating of the stomach and bowels, occassional attacks of bilions colic, habitual constipation, (often with pile tumors, or ulcers in the rectum), capricious appetite, cold ex- tremities, fits of great mental depression, amounting some- times to melancholia, palpitation of the heart, tenderness in the region of the epigastrium, and pain under the shoulder- blades. In most cases a number of these symptoms are absent; and when the disorder istof long standing, other diseases (as consumption, chronic diarrhoea, etc.) may set in. In every case, there is at least functional disorder of the liver. Taken in time, recovery though sometimes slow, is almost always possible; but it must be brought about by a natural process, which will not waste or destroy the vital forces. Dyspepsia (indigestion) is not cured by medicines; it can only be cured by a strict adherence to physiological habits; and chief among these, is a correct dietary. The food eaten should be nutritious rather than stimulating, and taken in such quantity that it can be assimilated. Our success in this class of diseases has been in the high- est degree gratifying, both to ourselves and our patients. For many years we have made a close study of Dietetics, Food Combinations, etc. ; and our close contact with invalids in general, and dyspeptics in particular, has given us every op- portunity for studying the different phases of dyspepsia, and noting facts in regard to its treatment. DISEASES OF WOMEN. The treatment of these diseases we have for many years made a specialty ; and our uniform success in this kind of practice, has given the greatest confidence in the methods that we employ. Often and often we begin with patients who have been under the ordinary methods of treatment, for one, two, and three years, receiving little or no benefit therefrom; and after sixty or ninety days we send themjhome cured. Where there is displacement of the pelvic organs, we employ what is known among hygienists as the localized manipula- tions, with the very best results. All the "supporters," pessaries, etc., in existence, must and ever will fail to do what we accomplish rapidly and easily, by using Nature's methods. By hand manipulations judiciously applied, we strengthen the weakened muscles, and bring the displaced organs into their natural position; this can never be done by merely mechanical appliances, and certainly never with drugs. Where there is local inflammation, ulceration, or abnormal growths, we combine the various kinds of treatment in such a way as to reduce the inflammation, heal ulcers, and promote absorp- tion if there are growths or tumors. Pity it is that so many women should suffer, when they could so easily be relieved. And it is doubly unfortunate that these diseases when allowed to run on, are very much harder to cure. Not only so, many a woman dies of cancer or other malignant tumor, from not seeking advice in time. In cases of chlorosis in young girls, painful menstruation, suppression, etc., the hygienic methods not only give prompt relief, but they effect a rapid and complete cure. With our present facilities for treatment, we are able to do for womankind what the ordinary practice can never hope to accomplish. In Uterine Displacements, and other diseases incident to women, the localized manipulations afford more speedy and permanent relief than any other remedial appli- ance yet known to the profession. As for drugs, they are, as women themselves are coming at last to understand, ex- ceedingly mischievous in their effects. For nearly twenty years we have devoted ourselves to the management of these ailments; and with what success, thousands of women in and out of St. Louis can testify. With hygienic treatment we are able to offer encouragement to invalids, even after they have failed of benefit by all other means. In treating these special diseases, we use baths, and water applications when the case requires it-taking care always, that these be properly administered. stitutions. After the purifying process is over they rise from their beds, not with aches and pains, and swollen limbs, but feeling (as our patients have often said to us) "like new be- ings." Every few weeks we receive letters from former patients saying, "You would not believe how much I am im- proved, and how much work I can do; I never was so well in my life. Really, I am a surprise to myself and to all my FRIENDS." Among the disorders that we have treated successfully, are Headaches, Vertigo, Constipation, Piles, Jaundice, "Liver Disease," Enlarged Spleen, Obesity, Congestion of brain, Ery- sipelas, Apoplectic tendencies, Epilepsy, St. Vitus' Dance, Chronic Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Inflammation and ulceration of stomach and bowels, Catarrh, Laryngitis, Bronchial affec- tions, Pleurisy, Congestion of lungs, Asthma, Pneumonia,. Consumption in its early stages, Hypochondria, Chlorosis,. Hysteria, Neuralgia, Gout, Rheumatism, Stiff Joints, Heart Derangement (caused by dyspepsia), Dropsy, Kidney Disease,. Scrofula, Tumors, Abscesses, Granulated Eye Lids, Eczema, Nervous disorders, and other diseases too numerous ta mention. TO MARRIED WOMEN. Child-Bearing made easy.-By the Hygienic- mode of treatment, the pains of Child-Bearing and its dangers are lessened to a degree that is scarcely credible, except to those who have witnessed the facts. And fatal hemorrhage, puer- peral fever, etc., together with accidents, so common at present to mother and child, are almost unknown to our school of practice. The mother, having been saved the usual suffering and exhaustion, is therefore able to be up and about her work in less than the usual time. ft When patients desire it, home treatment is given previous to confinement, and both mother and child are greatly bene- fited by it. The baths prescribed keep down inflammation, and prevent hemorrhage; and the hand manipulations given strengthen the muscles, and render delivery easy and safe. For patients who can come to our house we have a lying- in chamber. CHRONIC DISEASES. To those who are suffering from chronic diseases, we offer words of cheer. The Hygienic System is admirably, because naturally, adapted to diseases the most obstinate and chronic, and otherwise hopeless. Moreover, when our patients are cured, other diseases do not "set in." We do not believe in "curing one disease by producing another;" instead of adding new ones, we remove the causes of disease, and so get rid of it entirely. Persons who are in the habit of taking drugs when sick, will find their ailments increase, both in number and severity; so that the more they "doctor," the more they need to; and sooner or later their lives will be prematurely cut off. By employing Nature's life-giving agents (not poisons), the sick are not only saved the nausea of drug taking, and the suffer- ing induced by its terrible effects, but they save their con- OUR METHODS. The Hygienic system of treatment is the process of cur- ing the sick by such agents only as are conducive to health; its advocates do not believe in poisoning people because they are sick. We take Nature's Materia Medica, viz.: Air, Light, Temperature, Electricity, Magnetism, Exercise, Rest, Food, Drink, Bathing, Sleep, Clothing, Mental or Emo- tional Influences, and Mechanical or Surgical Appliances. From these we cull and combine, and so apply, as to meet the demands of every patient, and of every known disease. Neither do we believe in exhaustive processes in treating the sick. Every thing in the hygienic method of cure is de- signed, first to purify, and second, to build up. Prominent among our remedial appliances are 1. HAND MANIPULATIONS-Including Massage. there is great nervous exhaustion with feeble power of reac- tion, treatment with the hand is generally preferable; it is more soothing to the patient, and the results obtained are more satisfactory. In many cases, however, we find it a good plan to combine the two. In nearly all chronic diseases, the best and most efficient of all the hygienic agents and appliances (after fresh air, correct diet and bathing), are Hand Manipulations. There is nothing else that can be substituted for them; perhaps the nearest approach to these in efficiency, are mechanical vibrations - though even this plan of treating, excellent though it be, can never take the place of the trained human hand, with its wonderful adaptation, and its mag- netic HUMAN TOUCH. WHAT THEY ACCOMPLISH. Perfect health, means well balanced vital action; good circulation; normal con- ditions. Sickness is disturbed vital action; hot head; cold feet and hands; congested organs; too much blood in one part of the body, and too little in another. How shall these conditions be corrected? By adminis- tering poisons? Something that the vital instinctswill fight against? Not at all. Common Sense says, draw the blood from the congested parts; call it off into the capillaries; dis- tribute it; warm the hands and feet; make the surface glow; in other words, balance the circulation. This is what is done by hand manipulations. And in diseases of women, as uterine displacements, prolapsus, etc., there is positively nothing equal to this treatment locally applied, and prop- erly given. They do more. They not only relieve congestion, strengthen the muscles, and facilitate natural growth, but they quiet the nerves, inducing restful sleep. By remov- ing obstructions, and promoting absorption and depuration, they prevent abnormal growths, as tumors, etc. They like- wise correct deformities, arising from contracted muscles and tendons, and are therefore beneficial in cases of curvature of the spine, shortened limbs, etc. They also enable the body to throw out its own impurities; and when this is done, nature rallies OF her own accord. No drugs, no artificial stim- ulants ; no wear and tear of the vital machinery; no mineral or earthy deposits, to create rheumatism or neuralgia. Hand manipulations cure these diseases; medicines pro- duce them. This mode of treating, which is applicable to nearly every form of chronic disease, presupposes on the part of those who administer it, a thorough acquaintance, not only with the structure of the human body, but with its functional action. Improperly given, these manipulations are worse than useless, they are positively injurious; hence they should al- ways be directed by the intelligent physician. 3. DIET. In all cases of disease, acute or chronic, we deem it im- portant to adapt the diet of the patient to the condition of the body. What is eaten should favor (not hinder) the processes of purification and reparation which are essential to recovery. Suppose a patient comes to us with a congested liver; could we ever hope to cure him if we permitted him to clog that organ, daily, with improper food? By attention to these common-sense matters, we make our cures rapid, as well as thorough. Food, to be wholesome, must not only be digestible, it must be nutritious; it should contain the elements-all of them-best suited to build up the structures of the body. Wheat, for example, is found to contain fifteen different ele- ments, only three of which are saved in the white flour of commerce; the parts richest in muscle and bone-forming material, being separated with the bran. Can we wonder that there are so many "rickety" children ; and that children and adults have bad teeth ? But what can the people do ? The Graham flour manufactured in most of our cities, is either a vile mixture of "shorts," bran, and white flour, or is man- ufactured from inferior, shrunken wheat, of doubtful cleanli- ness, and so coarsely ground as to be unfit for any human stomach. We import all our oatmeal, and most of our other cereals, from Schumacher's celebrated mills, Akron, O. Our unbolted wheat meal is all made there; it is manufactured from the choicest white wheat; every grain is thoroughly cleaned be- fore it is ground, so that the flour does not get musty; and the bran is cut fine enough to pass through a common sieve. Bread made from this meal is sweet, wholesome and palatable. Our table is abundantly supplied with good nutritious food. We have the best quality and variety of grains, and of fresh fruits and vegetables, each in its season. We see to it, moreover, that no improper combinations of foods shall be made at a given meal. 4. BATHING. In most forms of ohronic disease, and in all forms of acute, we prescribe baths, and water applications in various ways. The bathing processes, simple as they seem, should never be trilled with, or applied by ignorant, inexperienced hands. A single bath, injudiciously taken, may cause the death of the patient; and yet, properly administered, it might in that very case be just the thing needed. 2. MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS. While we place hand manipulations, massage, etc., before any purely mechanical action, as a remedial appliance, still, there are certain chronic diseases in which the latter does good work. For example, where there is torpor of the liver and spleen, mechanical vibrations are of the first import- ance; hence we employ these in all such cases. We also resort to this treatment where he patient has chronic congestion of the liver and other organs. But if 5. ELECTRICITY. In certain cases, Electricity, which is simply "a mode of motion," is useful in enabling the system to throw out its poi- sons rapidly, and thus purify itself in a much shorter time than it might otherwise do. This agent can be readily applied to the internal, as well as to the external portions of the body. No muscle is so deeply seated, no tissue so obscure, that elec- tricity cannot pass through it. We use it, therefore, in cases of inactivity of the internal organs, as torpid liver (dyspepsia), paralysis of the bladder, etc. In promoting depuration, through the skin or other out- lets, electricity is a valuable aid; and like others of our hygienic agents, it can be applied either locally or derivatively, as the case may require. HOUSE PATIENTS. To our friends and patrons we would say, that we con- tinue to receive a limited number of patients into our house for board and treatment. Our home combines the health appliances found in a first-class cure, with all the retirement and quiet seclusion of a private residence. Patients who lodge with us will also have the benefit of the hygienic dietary- a thing impossible to find in boarding houses, and very difficult to obtain in private families, because of the limited knowledge which people possess as to what hygienic cooking really is. Among the advantages offered to patients in our home, we would invite attention to the following: A building thor- oughly ventilated, well heated, and with dry walls. A fine, high locality-the best in the city-and entirely free from mala- ria. Plenty of light and sunshine in every room. A quiet neigh- borhood, and a physician always in the house. Local and general baths, carefully administered, Opportunities for frequent exercise in the open air and sunshine. Healthful, nutritious food, in connection with treatment. Special atten- tion to diseases of women, which we treat successfully with- out the application of caustics, or the use of artificial supports. 6. ARRANGEMENT OF CLOTHING. We are able to cure our patients in much shorter time, particularly in diseases incident towomen, by an arrangement of the under garments which tends to secure evenness of tem- perature to the entire body, freedom of action to the internal organs, and the unrestricted use of the muscles. By thus in- creasing capillary action, and balancing the circulation, we are able to treat successfully the worst forms of Congestion or Hemorrhagia. We employ, in addition to the preceding appliances, other Hygienic agents, as the case may demand. TERMS. NO DRUGS OR STIMULANTS. Examination Fee, $5. Four weeks' Office Treatment, given daily (except Sundays), $50; given on alternate days (Sundays excepted), $30. Visits in the city, $2 and upwards, according to distance and detention. Night calls, $5. Sin- gle Consultations, $2. Prescription for Home Treatment, $5; subsequent letters of advice, $2 each. Board, Lodging and Treatment, including heat and gas, $15 to $20 per week, according to accommodations, and amount of treatment given. Night Calls to patients in the house, $2. Extra charge for meals and baths in rooms; and when patients are sick enough to keep their beds, they must furnish their own nurse and pay her board. Payments to be made weekly. House patients should bring with them six towels, and one blanket for bathing purposes. And ladies will provide themselves with a loose cotton wrapper, for taking treatments. On reaching the Union Depot, take a carriage or omnibus to our residence. Street cars run from the bridge, past our door. Address with stamp, DBS. S. W. & M. DODDS. Our hygienic cook-book "Health in the Household," is kept for sale at our office; price $2.00. We do not in any case permit the use of drugs, miner- al or vegetable. The two systems (Drugopathy and Hygeio- Therapy) do not work together. They are positively antagonistic ; the patient who perils life and health by at- tempting to combine them, will have to be responsible for the consequences. Nor do we permit interference, on the part of friends, with any portion of our treatment, dietetic or other- wise. As for stimulants, we never give them; they are poisons, and as such, can not be assimilated by the vital organism. On the contrary, they are expelled by it; consequently, they waste the patient's vitality. Instead of "strength- ening," they create inflammation, and wear out the vital ma- chinery. This is proved by the reaction (prostration) that always follows stimulation. "To-morrow's share of vitality is called forth and exhausted to-day, without recompense." GENERAL PRACTICE. In addition to our office work, we visit patients at their ■homes, either in the city or country. We likewise attend ob- stetrical cases in any part of the city-or receive the patient into our home during her confinement.