A PRACTICAL KEY TO THB CONFIDENTIAL DOCTOR AT HOME, IK ACCORDANCE WITH THB BOOK OF PRUDENTIAL REVELATIONS, AND THE GOLDEN BIBLE OF NATURE. BY A. DE FONTAINE, M.D. rfiMI if • BOSTON: 1845. PROEM. The following Rules and Prescriptions will prove to be a comforter in sickness and distress, a preserver of life^ and an embellisher of grace and beauty. A Catalogue of approved Family. Medicines is here presented, the judicious use of which will contribute much to domestic happiness and prosperity. By due attention to them, most diseases and complaints will be prevented, and, if within the reach of art and skill, radically cured ; but, if beyond recovery, they will certainly be mitigated and relieved, and at small expense. INDEX. Proem. Page 8. A Philanthropic Tour through the United States — Awful Disclosures in Real Life — the French Philanthropic Remedy. Page 7. A Summary of the Attributes and powers of the French Philanthropic Remedy, as follows: — 1. It removes female weakness, fluor albus, (the whites,) green sick- ness, falling of the womb, &c. 2. It corrects irregularities and suppression of the menses, &c. 3. It promotes conception, &c. hid With life's Elixir sparkling high. And whosoever tbund the prize Should feel the transports of the skies, Taste pain no more, and never die. But days of fables now are o"er, No miracles the sick restore, We hail the art divine ; And if there 's aught that can illume, The faded cheek, with healthy bloom, Fontaine! — the secret 's iliine. Come maiden, palid with disease, Come all who vainly search for ease, From slow decay, and wasung paiu, The nervous.gloom, rheumatic ache, Consumptive feebleness; and lake The Life Elixir of Fontaine. DR. FONTAINK'S STRENGTHENING PLASTER. It relieves sore chests, liver and lung complaints, rheumatic affections. sprains, &c. It braces a weak stomach, spine, or back. It is a most pleasant and desirable application, as it neither causes itching nor erup- tions. It is sold in rolls, and applied in the same way as any other plas ter, sprinkling on the top of it a little well-pulverized camphor gum. In ancient times, as valiant knight, To meet his doughty foemen flew ; He buckled on his armor bright, And scorned the javelins lhat they threw Bui living in this age of ease, No useless mail io us is known, We only guard against disease. And strive wiih lyrant death alone. So ye, whose lungs" are weak, and sore, O, shield them well against disaster! And wear a soothing breastplate o'er, Of Doctor Fontaine's Strengthening Plaster. 69 33 A PRACTICAL KEY TO THE OP WORMS — THEIR CAUSES, AND THE METHOD EFFECTUALLY TO DESTROY THEM. There arc several kinds of vermin which infest the human body. Their usual division is into those which inhabit only the intestinal canal, as the asrhmidts, &,c. and those which are found in other parts, as hydatids, Ike. Such is the nature and office of the human stomach and intestines, that insects and worms, or their ovula, may not unfrequently be conveyed into that canal with those things which are continually taken as food and drink; but such animals, or worms, do not live long, and seldom, if ever, gener- ate, in a situation so different from their natural one ; though it is not un- common for them to develope and increase to a very large size, and thus destroy health and even life. Besides these, there arc worms that are never found in any other situation than in the human stomach and intes- tines, and which there generate and produce their species. Thus it appears that the human stomach and intestines arc the seat for two kinds of ani- malculae; one is translated from its natural situation, and the other kind germinates and lives in no other location. First Class. This contains those which are generated and nourished in the hitman intestinal canal, and which there propagate their species. The Second Class comprehends those insects or worms which accident- ally enter the human prima: vue, ab extra, and which never propagate their species in that canal, but are soon eliminated from the body. Such are" several species of Scarabei, the Lumbricus terrestris, the Fasciola. the Gar- dins inteiiiiuilis, and others. The second class belongs to the province of nittnal history, to which the reader is referred. The consideration of the first class belongs to the physician, which, from the variety it affords, we divide into different orders, g-nera, and species. Order 1st.— Hound worms. Genius- \st. — Intestinal ascarides. Chrime'ir. — Body round, head obtuse, and furnished with three vesicles. S/rcies 1st. — Ascarics lumbrieoides, — the long round worm. Char- acter. — It has three nipples at its head, and a triiingular mouth at its middle. Its length is from four to twelve inches, and its thickness, when twelve indies long, about that of a goose-quill. They arc sometimes solidary, at other times very numerous. Speijes id. — Ascaris vcrtnicularis, — the thread or maw-worm. Char- acter.— It is very small and slender, (called, also, pin-worm.) The tail ternin ties in a tine point. The whole length of this worm does not cx- cce 1 half an inch. It most generally inhabits the rectum. (r.mus -id. — Intestinal trieurides. Character. — Body round" tail three thins the length of the body; head without vesicles. Spvies — Trichuris vulgaris, — the trichuris, or long, thread-worm. Character. — The head furnished with a proboscis. Ordkk 2i>—The flat worm. Genus 1st. — Intestinal tape-worm. Chmaier.— Bodv long, flat, and jointed. S/erics 1st. — Tenia oscu'.is tnarginalibus,— the long, tape-worm, (re- sembling a fillet, or tape.) Character. — The oscula arc situated upon the margin of the joints. S;>ecies 2d. — Tenia; osculis superficialibus. — the broad tape-worm. Chttnwter. — The oscula are placed upon the flattened surface. These worms were all known to the ancients, the trichuris onlv except- ed, and arc tncntioned in the writings of Hippocrates, Galen", Celsus, Puny, &c. Pkase to examine the annexed cut. CONFIDENTIAL DOCTOR AT HOME. 33 EXPLANATIONS OF^TTIF. TLATE. A--The long tape-worm, showing the appearance of the head, body, and tail. They vary in length, from a few feet to over two hundred and thirty feet, and are more usually found alllicting persons of middle age, although lie age is exempt from them. B — A section of the tape-worm, showing the lateral suckers. C — A female, long, round worm. D— A male, long, round worm. K — Head and neck of a small tape-worm. F - Male maw-worm, magnified. G — Long, thread-worm. Persons of all ages are subject to the above describ- ed worms. If — Female maw-worm, magnified. 1 — Maw-worm, or pin-worm. 40 A PRACTICAL KEY TO THE Infallible Symptoms of Worms. The existence or generation of worms, whether in the stomach or the intestines, is easily detected by the following never-failing symptoms : — The sufferer experiences a variable appetite, sometimes voracious, at oth- er times craving for chalk, dirt, coal, ashes, or other unnatural diet; a bad taste in the mouth, inclination to swallow, foetid breath, nausea, and squeamishncss : acrid eructation, vomiting, and a gnawing sensation, and pains and anguish in the stomach; difficult breathing, sighings, restless- ness, and a general dryness; thirst, a frequent and weak pulse, grinding of the teeth during sleep, picking of.the nose and frequent bleeding, paleness of the countenance, and, at times, a whiteness around the lips, with red, scarlet-like flushed cheeks; the eyes arc either heavy and dull, with the pupils much dilated, or very shiny, with a dark circle under them; dizziness, slight chills, and shivering; headache, drowsiness, stupor; a short, dry cough; a sense of something rising in the throat; choking hiccups and confusion; delirium, disturbed dreams, talking in sleep, somnambulism, sudden starting in sleep, with fright: screaming and a wild look, with trembling and powerful palpitations and cramps; tingling sensations in the cars, hesitancy in the speech, irritable temper, numbness of the limbs, flying pains, griping, more particularly about the navel; belly-ache, heat and itching all over the body, but more especially about the arms and head; milky or turbid urine, bloated bowels, a frequent desire to go to stool, and often slimy discharges, either mucous and undi- gested, or bloody and very green, or black and foetid, supervene, accom- panied by an universal emaciation of the body. The skin possesses an unnatural feeling; a palid hue prevails, and a slow fever with evening exacerbations, a deadly anguish and a general prostration indicates the downfall of life; and a premature, slow, but certain death will close the scene, if a timely, effective remedy is not at hand. Many (and they may be numbered by thousands) more unlucky sufferers terminate their exist- ence very suddenly; and too often we witness such occurrences at a time when no apprehension is felt at their indisposition. Even when only one or two of the mildest of the above enumerated symptoms are present in children, there is no wonder at their being seized, without the least warn- ing, at any hour of the day or night, with the most powerful convulsions, severe epileptic fits, strangulation, and death. These arc the most general and sure symptoms of the existence of worms; yet many other symptoms, well known to the keen, practical observer, might warrant the admission of their presence in the system, when none of the family or the attending physician suspected it. Worms most frequently occur at the age of ten years and downwards; yet males and females, from the tender infant at the breast, to old age, are equally liable to suffer and die in consequence of worms. /// Consequences of Worms, and Dangerous Treatment. Thousands and tens of thousands have lingered and suffered under disease their whole lives, and at last have been brought to a premature grave, when a post-mortem examination has shown the fatal havoc of worms, to which they had fallen victims, when, while living, no one sus- pected their presence, and the attending physicians pronounced their death to have occurred either'from marasmus, emaciation, catarrh, mania, CONFIDENTIAL DOCTOR AT HOME 41 liver affections, dropsy, consumption, &c.; or epilepsy, fits, convnlsions, cramps, St. Vitus's dance, loeked-jaw, apoplexy, palsy, pleurisy, dysente- ry, cholera, bowel-complaints, and many imaginary diseases, &c. May these monuments of humiliation to physicians, and of horror to the people, awaken the understanding of men and the sympathetic heart of the friends of suffering humanity, to use a better influence and better remedies than the presumptive opinions and prescriptions of ignorant physicians, and never withhold those effectual means, which science ap- proves, and popularity has established on the basis of truth and experience. On this matter, may they shun all prejudices and unbelief, and cling to sound judgment and facts; may they have recourse, as soon as any of the above described symptoms of worms appear, to some efficient antidote and safe vermifuge. May the mothers and relations, the philanthropists and guardians of the sick, particularly of the helpless babe, of the suffer- ing children, and of the dispirited boys and girls, no-longer overlook the doctrine of worms, their possible existence in the system, the symptoms they produce, and those remedies which are harmless, yet most efficacious, for their expulsion and entire extermination. The germ of worms most generally exists and multiplies in all child- ren : they arc, however, often to be found in grown persons of a relaxed habit, be they fleshy or lean, and especially in those whose digestive organs are disordered. An excessive use of vegetable food, of fruits, of sugar, or any other saccharine substance, a rich diet, farinaceous victuals, milk, grease, very strongly favors their creation, and rapidly increases their number, development, and size. Many children and adults suffer for weeks, months, and years, from them, when no one ever suspected their presence, while they'havc been treated by physicians and quacks for some concomitant or imaginary complaint, without the least relief, when nothing ailed them but worms, which fact was entirely overlooked, and when the proper administration of an antidote would quickly have restored them to health. Numerous attempts have heretofore been made by the naturalist, the chemist, and the Faculty in Europe, as well as America, to find a sure and safe specific for worms, but without success. True, their experiments have enabled them to imagine, from time to time, some vermifuge virtues in calomel, gamboge, groffete inermis, temicttum, artemisia santonica, olea europeti, ferritin, dolichos pruricos, spigelia, turpentine, &c. Indeed, in hun- dreds of the mineral, animal, and' vegetable productions, they thought they were in possession of the true specifics for worms, which, however, has" proved a disappointment, and not only a failure in the universal adoption of them, but they were in their administration unsafe and dangerous. We might admit that the various preparations of mercury mav, and often have, destroyed and expelled worms. Let us, however, remember its secondary effects. By their administration health has been injured, the constitution destroyed, and human life rendered miserable and short. The simple use of calomel, notwithstanding the most rigid precautions had been taken, nay. a single application, or only one dose of these mercurial potions, have proved fatal to tens of thousands, while tens of millions fall victims of slow and incurable diseases, under the periodi- cal influence of similar remedies, prescribed by our mercurial doctors, by empiric prescriptions, or by the innumerable hosts of impostors, specu- lators, and pretenders. Every one of these mongers, will assure you 42 A PRACTICAL KEY TO TIIE that their medicines arc purely vegetable and harmless. For your life's sake, beware of their impositions ! Mercury, and mercury alone, is their hidden specific, under the forms of lozenges, drops, powders, and pills. Effectual Cure for Worms. The laborious researches, investigations, and successful experiments, extensively tried for over twenty years in Europe, and the few past years in the United States, by the faculty in general, and by the community at large, has proved that Dr. Fontaine's Vegetable Kecipe for worms is really effectual, in all cases, without exception of age, stage, or clime—■ harmless, and sure to expel the worms, and to destroy the last vestige of them. Of the virtues and sure efficacy of this Anthelmintic Kcmcdv, and of its positive and certain curative powers, the smallest doubt does not exist, as no one has, or ever could have, pointed out or substantiated a single case of disappointment among the innumerable partakers of this invaluable, vermifuge. This medicine may he administered with perfect safety to the most delicate infant, and in all cases it will prove effectual to every one, and be a sudden relief to the sufferer, even in the absence of worms. This fact should induce every family to keep this precious article in their pos- session for unforeseen emergencies. The discoverer recommends it without hesitation; and be it known to all, that he feels amply rewarded from the satisfaction of witnessing the benefits of health and life imparted by it, under Providence, to thousands who otherwise would have perished. It is his philanthropic ambition to do good, and he asks no other bounty from man. The needy, then, and the sufferer, should not overlook these beneficent purposes, but freely use this sure vermifuge. DR. FONTAINE'S WORM POWDERS. These powders are in high repute as a certain cure for diseases of the stomach in children, and will expel worms. They arc universally used for their virtues in destroying the seeds of worms and preventing their crea- tion. If taken occasionally, they give a healthy and vigorous action to the alimentary organs. They are a specific antidote for pin-worms and their species, which afflict all ages, but especially the young. They con- tain no calomel nor mercury, nor any deleterious substance, such as Carolina pink, which often causes serious secondary diseases, convulsions, and death. These powders will not only prove harmless in the absence of worms, but will immediately and effectually relieve the sutt'eror from all other diseases arising from a foul stomach. Wc recommend them then to every person of bilious habits and to those in need of a thorough cleansing of the stomach and bowels. Directions. — Children under twelve years of age. should take one powder, in molasses or honey, in the morning; one or two hours afterwards, give a dose of common family physic. Castor Oil may be preferable to some. Give the physic notwithstanding the powder mav prove cathartic. Adults must take two or three powders at once, as above. The remaining doses should be reserved for another occasion — perhaps once a month, as may seem necessary. If the child should vomit up the powder as soon as taken, give another in a few moments. If worms should exist in the stomach of children, this medicine will, within a few hours, sicken the patient, or CONFIDENTIAL DOCTOR AT HOME. 43 cause vomiting, so as to alarm the nurse. But let it have its own course, as this is a proof of the efficacy of the medicine, which poisons the worms, and digests them. No danger need be apprehended, as by next day the poor sufferer will be found well and hearty, and his stools will confirm the fact. It is good for children who periodically sink under the deadly power of worms, to take occasionally, besides the above medicine burnt wormwood tea. Can aught enshroud in deeper dread The lonesome grave, it is to know — Thai reptiles, on corruption led. Shall our companions be below. Vet little malters how or where Dissolves the cold, and putrid form, But who in rosy life would share His body with the noisome worm? Know ye who would escape the pest. Nor death's slow scavengers retain, The virtues thousands can attest; Of the ' Worm Powders' of Fontaine. DR. FONTAINE'S TEETHING, OR SOOTHING STRUP. This is a most highly prized article with mothers, nurses, and the public. A child could have no more effectual remedy. It affords the little sufferer instant relief. How many children might have been saved, by the timely application of this invaluable syrup! It soothes the pain at the first application, and, if used according to the directions, will pre- vent a series of diseases, such as fevers, bowel complaints, dropsy, and fits. Be it remembered, that dearer is the comfort and life of children, than the little expense of this never-failing Remedy. Try it; no disappointment will be met with, and if it deserves patronage, recommend it for chil- dren's sake. Directions. — Shake the phial well, and with a drop or two gently rub the gums of the little sufferer for some time. Use it two or three times a day. Take also equal quantities of spirits of camphor, vinegar, and water: mix well together, and bathe its head, cheeks, chin, and breast. Give also, two or three times a week, a little rhubarb and magnesia; not enough to physic the patient, except it be required. This treatment will also prevent belly-ache, flatulency, and bowel-complaints. In such cases, one or two drops" of this soothing syrup may be given internally, daily. Howtnany little mounds are seen, Scattered through ihe church-yard green, And tears from mmy a mother's eyes, With lireaking hearts have there been shed, O'er spirits passed into the skies, And hopes departed with the dead. Om arrow of disease to fly, Which yearly has its thousand slain j ' Let tender parents only try The Teething Syrup of Fontaine. %, 44 A PRACTICAL KEY TO THE DR. FONTAINE'S INFALLIBLE TOOTHACHE DKOPS. We are so entirely confident of the efficacy of these drops, that we havo adopted the rule, of refunding the money whenever they fail to give satis- faction. Thus any one may test our assertions, and the benefit of these drops. [T^p" This remedy will, i"n all instances, without exception, still the nerves of the teeth, jaws, and face. Be it remembered, that many of the preparations sold as remedies for the toothache, are injurious to the teeth and gums, and to the health, if by any accident the smallest quantity is swallowed. Acids, creosote, essential oils, opiates, &c, are all corrosive, or deleterious, or narcotic. It is otherwise with these drops. They will not injure the teeth, gums, stomach, or system in the least. DC?" The active ingredient of this cure, is a single European vegetable root, the efficiency of which, for soothing the nerves, and removing that excruciating pain — the toothache, is remarkable, and almost magical. It does not always operate instantaneously, but within five or six minutes. N. B. — The most noted dentists in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and New Orleans, say to us:—'You must not hesitate to recommend this perfect cure, in unmeasured terms. We make use of it, unreservedly in all cases of decayed teeth, before filling them with gold, and have re- recommended it to our patients for years. Nothing which we have tried will so permanently quiet the nerves, and give relief, as these drops. In all our practice, we never knew it fail.' Directions. — Apply the drops, in the usual way, on cotton, or in any other convenient manner. If the pain be in the lower jaw, or teeth of the lower jaw, let a few drops also be put in the car. Mark Well.— We will not insure a full cure in tic dolorcux, neu- ralgia, nervous toothache, &c. These drops, however, if they do not rad- ically cure these complaints, will, at least, abate their intensity. In such cases, rub a large quantity of it on the exterior and interior parts affected, the face, gums, teeth, &c. It may also be held in the mouth with advantage. dr. Fontaine's earache oil Will remove periodical deafness and obstructions, although chronic, and of years' standing. It is soothing, and softens the car, if clogged with wax. It will prevent the gathering of ulcers, heal them up, and in- stantly remove the acute pains. Directions. -* Dip some cotton or lint in this oil, and keep it constantly in the cars. Change it three or four times a day. Hub. also, with a little of this oil, the hollow under the ears. , Once, Robert Bums of toothache sang, And crowned it chief of every pang; But had he only known The torments of an aching ear, He would have given it, 't is clear, By far the longest groan. Though little boots it which i« worst, To ihose wiih both, or either curst, The last should not complain; Because they needless throes endure, If they neglect the certain cure, Thy Earache Oil— Fontaine. 0 CONFIDENTIAL DOCTOR AT HOME. 4;j dr. Fontaine's salt rhecm lotion Is sure in its effects, has been recommended l>y hundred.-", and is war- ranted to cure, in all cases, without exception, even if it has been gen- crated by birth. It does not, drive in the eruption, but, on the contrary, draws the disease to the surface ; and soon it is radically removed, leav- ing the skin perfectly smooth. It is also the best remedy for ringworms, scurvy affections, dandruff, scald head, &c. Directions. — Shake the phial, and bathe the eruptions freely, with your finger, three or four tunes a day. so as to make it penetrate. If practi- cable, apply, after the application of the wash, a plaster, prepared as fol- lows, and change it as often as it becomes soiled. Melt together, equal quantities of sweet oil and bees'wax. On cooling it, add a little sugar of lead, or borax, and camphor. Stir it until it is well condensed, and thick; spread it on a linen cloth, and apply it as above stated. The application of the lotion may be at first very painful, as it draws all the corrupted humors to the surface, which gives a worse appearance to the disease; but, in a few days, it will be healed, and a radical cure will be effected. This lotion should be continued a few days after the symptoms disappear, as its tendency is to draw all the infected matter out of the system to the surface, remove it, and thoroughly purify the skin, render- ing it soft and white, and producing a delightful sensation. Under such treatment, it would be well to abstain from salt or high-seasoned food, greasy substances, acids, and fermented liquids. Take internally, daily, a small portion of cream of tartar and sulphur, prepared in best old wine. The torments that a saint annoyed,* The fire that eats the mould'ring flesh, Although it thousands has destroyed, By death commissioned, spreads afresh. No more the martyr's sacred bones, Can charm the frightful scourge away j Earth hides his monumental stones, No legends tell us where he lay. But Heaven, in mercy to mankind, A good physician sends again ; A certain cure the sick will find — The Salt Rheum Lotion of Fontaine. dr. Fontaine's corn salve. This salve is unparalleled in its virtues, quickly eradicating corns from their very roots, softening and removing the hard and dead epidermis or skin, which causes so much disagreeable feeling and pain. Directions. —Pick out the corns well, removing, at the same time, with- out causing bleeding, the surrounding dead skin. Spread a thick coat of this salve on a very thin cloth or silk, and apply it to the part affected. Every two or three days remove the salve, again pick out the corns, re- move" the roots and dead skin, and apply another coat of salve. N. B. — A few repetitions of this operation, with the use of this almost magic Corn Extractor, will insure the patient a sure and lasting deliver- ance from one of the greatest torments with which man is afflicted. • «t Anthony was the first person supposed to be afflicted with 'salt rheum.' Hence it was called St. Anthony's fire, and a visit to his tomb was, in monkish times, supposed to be the only remedy. ' 70 46 A PRACTICAL KEY TO TUB DR. FONTAINES CUTANEOUS BALSAM. Melancholy Truth*. A woman with a winning face But with a heart untrue, Though beautiful, is valueless, As diamonds formed of dew ; And thus, though cast in mould most rare, Be woman's classic face — Worthless are all her charms, ff there Pimple or tan we trace! This is a valuable wash for all kinds of pimples or eruptions of the fare and neck, to which youth are generally subject; and will restore beauty to the skin, and preserve its bloom and health. It is a most popular article with both sexes, who use it freely, to clear and expand their skins, and thus preserve a juvenile appearance, by preventing wrinkles on the forehead and face. In time, and by perseverance in itsjisc, it changes the brownish, rough, or dirty complexion, into a fair, soft, and delicate one. Directions. — Shake the phial, then dip the finger in the balsam, and touch the pimples with it, several times a day. At first, it will irritate the eruption, as it draws it out; but it soon kills the disease, removes the superficial scabs, and leaves a pure, healthy, and smooth skin. Lady! lady! what are dimples, Or complexion white as snow ; If the face is rough with pimples — Ask your mirror? ask your beau ? Would you from blemishes be free, A smooth and rosy cheek obtain, Neglect no more to purchase the Cutaneous Balsam of Fontaine. ' And you 'U remember me.' What other joys, what other charms, May fill the heart with glee, Give me the greatest balm of balms, O! Fontaine's balm for me. When pimples come upon the face, As I 've seen come on thee, If you would these defects erase, O! do remember me. When winter's winds, with rugged power, May chop the hands and face; When summer's sun your charms deflower, Will burn and tan each grace; When freckles, or when yellow skin, From face to neck should flee — At such a moment I must win, And you 'II remember me. Then Fontaine's balm will show its power Upon your face and neck — Your skin, more clear than fairest flower, Without a blotch or speck; And then from freckles, pimples, tan, Your skin will be quite free — Thus you '11 be made the love of man — And you '11 remember me. Missing Pages: P. 47-50 CONFIDENTIAL DOCTOR AT HOME. 51 become acquainted with the Doctor, during his residence here, speak of him in the lughest terms, and will testify to the coirectness of the article in our last. All who can appreciate a noble spirit, and a soul full of benevolence and sympathy, will find them in the Doctor. This, com- bined with his knowledge of the human system, and human nature, makes him an invaluable physician. Skill, not diplomas, make the good prac- titioner. ' We would say one word for ourselves, before we close. We would have certain individuals understand, that we are capable of writing our own editorials, without the aid of any one, or of a bribe.' APPEAL TO JUSTICE — TRUTH TRIUMPHANT. 1. Why are some of our physicians making such strong efforts to mis- represent Dr. Fontaine's real merits and skill, and to \rutdown his cele- brated medicines, and extensive practice 1 Let the public answer. 2. Why do some of the physicians oppose the doctrine of Dr. Fontaine's practice, denying its soundness, and his ever-increasing success, and yet ac- knowledge him to have been, and that he still is, a popular doctor, and a great benefactor to mankind ? Let the public answer. 3. What medicines have cured, do cure, and will cvre, the most obstinate diseases, chronic and organic; consumption, dyspepsia, liver affections, and the various female infirmities, which physicians generally cannot cure 1 Let facts answer, and inquire at Dr. Fontaine's office, or of the thou- sands redeemed from afflictions and the grave; or let the public answer. 4. Why are many noted physicians constantly pelting Dr. Fontaine's medicines, and his eminent talents and ability, saying nothing against other medicines and doctors ? Let their day-books answer. 5. Why do physicians censure Dr. Fontaine's honorable proceedings, when professionally called for ? Because of his skill in detecting diseases, his mode of treatment, and his honesty in giving, without restraint, his opinion about them and their business; thus lessening their income, and exposing their ignorance, and the injuries they inflict. Besides, the crafty designs of the inex- perienced physicians, and of many M. D.'s, unworthy of their parchment diplomas, are by him too often, and at once, detected and exposed in their mal-practices, and their bold and unjustifiable experiments, or in vile and criminal pursuits, and murderous actions. How many purposely, in their treatment, and by withholding the surest remedies, lay the foun- dations of long diseases, jeopardizing the lives and happiness^ of men 1 The only object of many physicians is to enrich themselves with a long job, at the expense of the miseries of their fellow-men, by prescribing dangerous and highly improper medicines; and if, unexpectedly, by an interposition of the laws of nature, a cure is effected, there yet remain corrosive and deleterious influences upon the system, worse than the disease itself. Is it not so ? Let thousands of unhappy beings answer, and give a reward to the deserving one. 6. Why do some physicians procure the recipes of Dr. Fontaine, and s -cretly buy his medicines, and mix or disguise them with then- own ? That they may have the credit of the cure, 7. How did some of the physicians attempt to convince their patients, 52 A PRACTICAL KEY TO THE who had bought some of Dr. Fontaine's medicines, that they were dan gerous ? Let the daily papers answer. Be it known, also, that hundreds of ex- periments had been tried with these medicines, by many unprejudiced and honest physicians, in chronic cases, which had been despaired of, and their good effects were suddenly manifested in all; and, beyond expect- ation, in most of them a cure was effected, which clearly proves that these medicines are salutary and harmless. They were made to cure; and not to kill, or extort money. 8. Why are, and were, several invalils, belonging to the first families, privately using Dr. Fontaine's medicines, and diking his advice, without letting their physicians know it ? The recovery of their health has and will shortly answer. 9. Why are many physicians trying to persuade agents to give up sell- ing Dr. Fontaine's medicines ? They know, If they should be sold every where, they would be obliged to resort to some other business, or else starve. 10. Why are Dr. Fontaine's medicines and prescriptions so much in repute, and by thousands considered as leading antidotes for every disease 1 Let physicians answer, and the public will judge. 11. Why did certain physicians try to hire the editors of certain papers to misrepresent the philanthropic motives of Dr. Fontaine, to dispute his professional merits, deny his skill and success, and to write against his medicines and practice ? Let their conscience answer. N.B. — Dr. Fontaine is the only nephew and pupil of the celenrated and immortal Felix and Gregory Fontana, (see London Biographical Dic- tionary,) from whom he, and his class-mates, the celebrated Gall and Spurzheim, received the first rudiments of medical science, in Florence, Italy. Dr. F. is a scholar, and an experienced physician ; graduated in France, Italy, and Germany, 1812, and since his arrival in America, 1831, has been a regular practitioner in New Haven, where lie was recom- mended by Dr. Spurzheim himself. In Connecticut, he has twice suc- cessfully performed the extraordinary, hazardous, and delicate Ca:sarean operation. Sec New Haven, Hartford, Norwich, New London, Pro- vidence, Springfield, and Boston newspapers, where full particulars arc detailed. His fame is spreading every where in the United States. THE FRENCH DOCTOR AGAIN. A social assembly of physicians, from different parts of the States of New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts was convened in New Yorl city, in Sept. 1839. At this meeting, the following resolutions were signet by two hundred and seventy-five members of the Faculty, who testify, from their personal acquaintance with Dr. Fontaine, to the facts set forth, to his merits, and to his uncommon knowledge, his profound physiologic, anatomic, and pathologic researches, and successful practice, which have been evinced also by his manuscripts and medical communications, which have from time to time appeared, in the best medical and literary period- icals of our largest cities. Caution. Whereas, it has been ascertained, that certain statements, bearing hard on Dr. Fontaine's reputation and skill as a physician, written, it is pre- sumed, in an envious and jealous spirit, and in opposition to his practice and to the serious injury of those afflicted, and who might likewise apply CONFIDENTIAL DOCTOR AT HOME. 53 to him for relief, have been for a time suppressed; and whereas the edi- tors of certain newspapers of our principal cities, to their honor be it spoken, have refused a large sum, which was offered to them as a bribe, to publish such statements, which would not have been compatible with the respectability even of the authors of such communications, in whom, however, no confidence whatever should be placed — therefore Resolved, That we will, individually and collectively, support the truth against error and prejudice; ^and, as many malignant insinuations and vile fabrications arc extensively circulated, affecting Dr. Fontaine's char- acter : this, therefore, is tff request of candid inquirers, and of the public, that any thing that has been said, or is intended to be published, in any newspaper, or in any other form, which tends to degrade the merits, character, standing, morality, conduct, profession, knowledge, or skill of Dr. Fontaine, as a physician, a gentleman, and a philanthropist, should be carefully examined and investigated before too much confidence is placed in it, even though it should be supported by affidavits and refer- ences. Such testimony, if any be produced, could easily be shown to be destitute of truth, and to be base and villainous forgeries, or obtained anonymously, or by fraud and conspiracy, in order to annoy the Doctor, and more effectually to deceive the community. And whereas Dr. Fontaine's professional friends are very numerous, and of the first respectability, and his acquaintance is very extensive not only in this State, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, but throughout the neighboring States, to whom he always has, when requested, given re- ference. And whereas, as far as our knowledge extends, he has no ene- mies, unless it be those created by professional jealousy, meanness, and envy, engendered by his noted skill and incomparable success; whereas such persons, since his arrival in America, (1832,) have been at work, and are at present engaged in the most fiend-like and atrocious attacks on Dr. Fontaine's reputation as a physician, and as a citizen; and where- as their efforts have always proved abortive, and by their persecutions new laurels have been added to his merits, and his talents have become the subject of constant admiration; and whereas, as a last resort, they have now rallied their energies and engaged the assistance of all their gossipping friends, and formed a determination to attack him in a pha- lanx, and by the help of bribery, penny papers, and the literati, to over- throw his beneficent purposes to do good unto all men in his professional pursuits; to throw a shade upon the spontaneous and heartfelt tribute of gratitude of thousands throughout the land, whose praises of his deep investigations, of his intellectual might, and correct judgment, and of his wonderful medical success, and true philanthropy, have been the familiar discourse of many domestic circles, the enchanting attraction and hope of the sick and the afflicted, and the theme of the most favored votaries of the muses; and whereas wc unanimously claim the privilege of pro- tecting the innocent and the persecuted, and exalting the meritorious; therefore Resolved, That we recommend Dr. Fontaine to public notice and pat ronage, as a highly educated gentleman, a"d » skilful practitioner; and that these resolutions and proceedings be published in our Medical Jour- nal, and the daily papers of this city; and also Resolved, That the same be presented by the Secretary to Dr. lontaine in token of our respect and esteem for his character and merits. J. B. Blake, M. D Pres't ) ^ , , S. M. Anderson, M. D., hecy. ) r