POPULAR
LECTURES
MECHANICAL NATURE AND PHYSICAL CURE
CHRONIC DISEASES
HUMAN  TRUNK.
U
BY Dr. E. P. BANNING.
               '■■■■)
         BOSTON:
PRINTED BY SAMUEL N. DICKINSON.
            1844. 
PREFACE.
  Did the author of this little work regard either the admi-
ration or contempt of the world relative to its publication,
he most certainly never could have consented to it; being
aware that momentous and ungarnished truth is its only de-
sirable quality.   It is designed only, for that portion of com-
munity, whether professional or not, who are willing to learn,
even at the expense of former knowledge, and the yielding
up of the most darling opinions.  In the pages of this work,
the author has  aimed to address both the common  sense,
and the dearest earthly interests,  of all classes of society,
and has chosen his own peculiar style in doing so.  This is
the first draft, and was written in great  haste, consequently
it is very imperfect in style and  extent.   Much  that is im-
portant  respecting physical education and deportment has
been omitted, and it is only permitted to  go into the world at
the solicitation of his friends, and the hope that he will, at
a future day, be able to offer a more perfect work.
  The author regrets that in  his haste, he has  introduced
many terms that may not be understood by the non-profes-
sional reader; to make up for which, he has affixed a  glos-
sary in the after part of the work.
  That this unassuming work  may do much good, by point-
ing the afflicted to the true  character of,  and remedy for,
their sufferings, and be the instrument of exciting the rising
race to the study of human physiology, and also  to return to
an implicit obedience to the laws  of life and revelation, is
the desire of the very humble                AUTHOR. 
LECTURE   I.
Ladies and  Gentlemen: —
    In  our remarks in this lecture, we design to be brief:
as in  them we only propose to  set forth our object in the
ensuing lectures, and' offer our apology for, and introduction
to, our peculiar views.
  Our object is not to make doctors of you all; or to insinu-
ate that every body is competent to be, or should be, a Doc-
tor. — Neither is it our desire  to teach the  members of the
profession, or lay claim to any discovery, thereby demanding
that applause that is courted by the ambitious.
  Respecting the medical profession, our object is only to
offer to them our views on the influence of the natural  rela-
tions  of matter, as exemplified in the arrangement and form-
ation of the human trunk, and  its organs;  and to inquire,
whether in this natural and mechanical view, we cannot find
a satisfactory clue to the nature and origin of many vital and
functional effects,  whose  definite character and  rationale,
have hitherto been but dimly elucidated, by the dubious light
of conjecture and hypothesis,  on the vital principle.  For, if
we can learn that the cause of some of the most opprobrious
diseases, lies in the relations  of the organs, as matter,  inde-
pendent  of the vital principle, we of course will  have our
attention turned  to this arrangement, in  our curative  in-
 tentions.                                        .
   But let it be remembered,  that  in our attempt to demon-
 strate a mechanical origin, and perpetuity of some of the fatal
 vital derangements,  we only aim  at establishing the fact,
 as it operates like  other  facts, not exclusively, but as cir-
 cumstances may be.                         .          e
    Concerning our address to the non-professional part  ot
 community, we  observe, that it is our object to explain to
 them some of the fundamental principles of the human  econ-
 omy; thereby enabling  them to see clearly, that in he laws
 of life  in their own bodies, they are provided with the anti-
 dotes and preventives of most of the chronic and fatal dis-
 eases that afflict the human race ;  and that they have in their
 systems  the most efficient and  harmless  curative means m
 nl ire viz. the recuperative powers of life; obedience  to the
 laws of life; and a resort to physical means, as indicated by 
4
 the commonest phenomena of life and nature.  And what is
 more, we design to show, that in all this there is no mystery,
 but that it is all the dictate of common sense.
   The ultimate object and desire of the medical profession
 has been, and now is, to provide for the human race an anti-
 dote to, and  remedy for, all the variety of forms and inten-
 sity of woes, with which disease afflicts the  mortal body.
 But, laudable and desirable as is the attainment of this object,
 it is  to  be acknowledged that it has come  far short of its
 attainment.  Yes;  the many badges of mourning  for the
 untimely loss of friends, the  decrepid forms,  the protracted
 agonies and  groans of languishing mortality,  all testify, that
 the prowess of our profession is circumscribed, indeed.  But,
 circumscribed as it is, and glaring as is the fact, it is equally
 true,  that, by aiming  at the whole, and by  combined and
 united energy and perseverance, the profession has been of
 incalculable  benefit in the amelioration, if not the cure and
 prevention, of nearly all  the woes incident to  human life, in
 the form of disease. Many, by its wisdom, are taught to shun
 and to counteract  the predisposing causes to  disease; by it,
 many would be fatal diseases, are arrested, checked, or finally
 deprived of their victim; and many that have hitherto been
 incurable, have been mitigated.
   Still, there is a class of diseases that marches on in scorn-
 ful triumph, bearing its victims steadily and boldly on, amidst
 the ranks of  demurring friends, in spite of all the glittering
 implements of the  surgeon, and  the less frightful, but not
 less potent drugs of the apothecary.   Yes, in this our day,
 there  are diseases, so fatal and sure in their course, that we
 have  little to do, but to be certain of their actual establish-
 ment  in  ourselves  or  friends, and to prepare for the world
 where no disease can come.
  A natural inquiry will here present itself, like this, — And
 is there no hope, no prospect of triumph over  the worst of
 diseases, in time ?   We answer, that in view of the ill suc-
 cess of the efforts of the profession in  some of the diseases,
 there  seems  to be but little hope; but, in another  point of
 view, there is one  ray of hope to cheer  the physician, and
 the heirs of disease, viz. this, —the rapid march of improve-
ment  in  science for a  few of the past years, and the final
triumph  over many diseases  that were once  considered  as
fatal.   Once, the various forms of Scrofula were considered
as positively incurable, as a constitutional disease; but now
it is not so.   Once, diseases of the Liver, and many others, 
5
were viewed in the same light, but may be now approached
with complacent confidence.
  Upon the strength of these facts, we have a right to hope,
upon every principle of philosophy, (reasoning a priori,) and
we do verily believe, that, before time closes, there will have
been found an antidote and a remedy for every disease; and
that if the whole human race would live in consonance with
the laws of life and of revelation, every son and daughter of
Adam might live out all their appointed days, or come to the
grave like  a shock of corn that is fully ripe and laden with
plenty.   But we ask, from what quarter is this relief to come ?
Has not the ingenuity and  imagination of the whole world
been racked, in speculations on  the vital principle, to find
out a rational hypothesis on  the action of consumption; and
has there' not from thence  sprung  as many theories of its
cause and  nature, as there are ambitious men in the profes-
sion?  Furthermore, has not the whole material world, from
the mineral to the animal kingdom, been  ransacked, to find
remedies for this and other fatal  diseases ?  Yes; and with
wild frenzy have  they been applied, often till the last vital
spark was  smothered.  Then since every speculation on the
vital principle has failed in the elucidation of the nature of
our fatal diseases of the trunk, and  seeing that every vari-
ety of treatment, as  applied internally, to act only through
the vital principle, or on the excitability of the fibre through
the vital principle,  has  completely  failed, what shall we
say ?  Is not the prospect of success on the old doctrines a
gloomy one ?
   But has every source been fathomed ?  We say, no; trans-
porting  experience has lighted up a hope of better days, to
some extent  This hope is found, on returning from the vital
principle of man, (as being the seat of these diseases,) to his
material part, and viewing  it in  its  formation and arrange-
ment, as being primarily concerned  in the derangements of
the vital function: and you  will plainly see, that we believe
that most of the diseases of the vital functions are but the
 effects of  some mechanical derangement.
   Much time and talent has been expended upon the physi-
ology of the human  system; and whatever dignity may be
attached to the profession, or efficacy ascribed to it, is refer-
able to the success of physiological  research.   But many of
the discoveries in this  science  have been plants of slow
growth,  and of modern development.
   We will here  remark, that it is singularly true, that  pro-
 gress in science  has not brought to light any new or great
5                1# 
6
mysteries to astonish the wondering and admiring eye, or to
perplex the inquirer,  with the increasing complexity and
number of the laws that control the human system in health
and disease;  but the inarch of science has tended to sweep
away the mists of complex theories and hypotheses, and to
the unfolding of the mysteries and laws of the human econ-   *
omy, — showing that they are few in number, and that they
consist in simplicity of principle and function.
  Furthermore, as the healing art  progresses, it tends to re-
duce  the science of life and disease to those general and
tangible laws and principles, that  preside over and govern
the universal action of matter.  Thus,  the false dignity of
the profession is being swept away.
  We say, that new  discoveries tend to  sweep away the
false  dignity  of the profession, and make the healing art
beautiful, seeing that the phenomena of life  are so compli-
cated, while the laws that  govern them  are so few and sim-
ple, and easy to be comprehended  by every common under-
standing.
  Once, the human system was looked upon as a mere moving
mystery, without any rational comprehension of its structure
and functions.  Once, the muscular system, by which all the
movements of the body are propelled and  made regular and
efficient, was not at all understood. Once, the circulation of
the blood, by which the system is perpetuated and nourished,
was not dreamed of: the best and  wisest of the faculty sup-
posed that blood flowed  through the  system  like water
through a sponge.  The function of assimilation, by which
the food is turned to blood and flesh, was  not conceived of;
and many other matters like the  above, were chaotic, but
noAy are perceived by every common understanding, and ex-
plained by the general action of matter on matter.
  Again, as the human economy is more perfectly understood,
the more does it resemble a machine of great complexity and
perfection; and that it, like a machine, is governed and pro-
pelled by the combined mechanical powers and philosophical
laws that control all arrangements, and give  order  to their
operations; thus reducing the science of life and disease to
those  great and tangible principles that are understood by
every one ; making the human economy to appear sublime,
as well as wonderful, and giving us rational cause to exclaim
with  the Psalmist, " For we are  fearfully and wonderfully
made." — But while we hold up this analogy between ani-
mate  and inanimate machines, we will  here speak of some
of the charactciistics between them, viz. — The one  is made 
7
by finite hands, propelled and perpetuated by  second and
promiscuous causes; whereas the other is made by the Eter-
nal hand, in infinite wisdom, and is propelled and preserved
by an unseen power, in an unseen and hitherto mysterious
manner, and  that, in an unceasing stream, till life is extinct.
   These crude ideas will be our apology for, and introduction
to, the ensuing notions on the physiology of the human sys-
tem ; and the pathology of many chronic and formidable dis-
eases ; together with a proposed plan of prevention and cure.
   Much as we admire the research of Magendi, Richerand,
 Chapman, and others, and value and acknowledge the accu-
racy of  their conclusions, we have not felt satisfied that all
 was known that might be; and while we could offer no im-
 provement to their views of organic life, as exemplified in the
 functions of assimilation, secretion,  absorption, the heart's
 action, &c, we are emboldened to inquire a little further for
 a satisfying pathology of Consumption, Dyspepsy, Prolapsus,
 and other diseases, and see if  they do not originate in the
 morbid relative bearing of the machine ;  and thereby render
 those  opprobrious complaints   more  manageable,  in some
 cases  at least.  We  believe that a  common cause of the
 chronic complaints of the human trunk may be found in the
 mechanical  arrangement, and  is to  be treated on natural
 principles, or rather, by restoring the parts to  their natural
 bearings;  believing them to be only symptomatic.
    Our inquiry is  based  upon  the following positions, viz:
 When we look into the general principles of natural philoso-
 phy, or the general action of matter, and take into considera-
 tion' the mechanical powers that govern  and  propel all ma-
 chinery, and see  how natural  their  action is, and  compare
 them with the anatomy of the human body, its functions, and
 the position of its parts, we are led to conclude that there is
 a striking analogy between them, in action, and in propelling
 power.  We see, that in machinery, it is the due and primi-
 tive relation of parts, and the action of matter and power
 upon this relation, that secures their  designed  action. Just
 so we infer  in the human system, (so far as matter and me-
 chanical arrangement are concerned,) that a certain relative
 position of organs is designed,  and only one relative position,
 and that that arrangement is mechanical, or under  the ordi-
 nary mechanical laws.                             .
    We  also  see, that when there are derangements in the
 operations of machinery, they are remedied with  direct ref-
 erence to the mechanical derangement, whether of shape or
 mal-position; without any reference to any inherent property, 
                            8

 or a change in the composition of the material.  So we infer
 in the human system, so far  as matter and mechanical ar-
 rangement are concerned. For instance, if one organ change
 its place, it breaks the primitive and reciprocal arrangement,
 the mechanical relation will be lost, and there will be  vital
 derangement, from a mechanical cause.   And why may this
 not be reasonably inferred of the soft parts, since this law
 prevails in the hard ?   If there  is the least departure  from
 the primitive arrangement in  the bones, there is immediate
 pain, and  loss of function.
  Furthermore, the malady is always remedied by mechan-
 ical force, placing the parts in their primitive relation.
  With these remarks, we proceed to show, that in our view,
 there are two physiologies of the human  body.   One being
 the vital, presiding directly over the vital functions, as,— the
 heart's action, muscular  contraction, assimilation, secretion,
 absorption, <fcc.  The other being the mechanical physiology;
 which in part, is independent of the vital.  It relates to the
 mechanical and relative action of the organs on each other,
 as matter, upon philosophical principles,  independently  of
 vitality, sympathy, or nervous consent.   We also  design  to
 show, that unless  this relation be accurately preserved, there
 will be placed an  incumbrance on the vital action ; thus the
 equilibrium will be broken, and either local or  general de-
 rangement will be the consequence.
  Our opinion is,  that the true physiology of either of the
 three cavities of the trunk, cannot be fully comprehended by
 an isolated  examination of them, without simultaneously
 having a  reference to the natural formation,  bearing and
 functions of the other two.  Or in other words, they must be
 viewed in their collective, as well as individual bearings, in-
 dependently of any chemical  or vital effect.
  We believe that there is one certain, proper place and po-
 sition, for  every organ, or set of organs, that constitute man,
 and that institutes a healthy action; and that no other relation
 will do. Consequently, that every remove  from that original
 design, which is  truly mechanical, will  both constitute and
institute disease, just as a remove from the relative bearings
of a complicated machinery, tends to injure the parts; but
more  especially, to obstruct  its regular operations.   This
 effect in machines, of course is always the result of common
 causes, without reference to the power that moves, or the
elements that compose the parts.  Consequently, we believe
that every remove from the natural  and  proper bearing  of
 every organ of the human body, has a tendency to produce 
9
an aberration of function in, perhaps, the most remote organs
of the trunk, independently of sympathy or identity of func-
tion.  For instance, the case of prolapsus, and the attendant
effects, as, hysteria, palpitation of the heart, &c.
  Hence we will be pardoned for intimating, that physiolog-
ical investigation is often confined too exclusively to the vital
action  of each individual  organ, or set of organs; without
calling to-our aid the mutual bearings of all the  organs, and
inquiring, what would be the necessary consequence of de-
partures from that relation  ; that we too often are blind to the
mutual reciprocities that exist throughout  the system.
  Now, if this be true, it will be  realized in our pathology,
especially, as that is the very point for which the science of
physiology has been cultivated.   We will incline to confine
our search for causes,  to the ostensible seat of the disease, or
to locality of the  pain, when it is only the effect we see;
hence, we will be prone to treat symptoms, instead of causes,
and too often leave the patient uncured, when the cause is
remote and simple.  Whereas in our view, a large and for-
midable group of diseases, that were only  sympathetic, have
been considered as primary, and treated as such.
  For the laudable purpose of reducing to simplicity of origin,
pathology, and  treatment, a formidable group of  diseases,
that have been the bane of domestic happiness  and the op-
probrium of the physician, we humbly propose to investigate
the physiology of the  three truncal cavities, in health; with
all  the associations that  would grow out of  such a relation.
This we propose  to do in a common sense way, without
reference to the vital physiology, or nervous action,  having no
other object in view than the advancement of the profession.
   We will  first take an  anatomical, second, a physiological,
third, a pathological, view, and  fourth, offer some practical
suggestions, or rather, we will treat the whole, side by side. 
10
LECTURE  II.
  We will first examine the pectoral cavity, and its contents,
in its anatomical, physiological, and pathological relations.
  This cavity we find at the superior  portion of the trunk;
consisting of the spine, sternum and ribs, with the  muscles
attached.   Of the spine and sternum, little need be said for
our purpose; suffice  it to say,  that the spine is a perpendic-
ular pile of bones ; admitting of slight  motion.  It forms the
base of the chest, and the principal attachment of the ribs,
by means of cartilages.  The sternum is situate at the supe-
rior and anterior portion of  the chest;  exciting little action,
or influence ; but to serve as a firm bond of union  to the long
ribs, and  to strengthen the circle of the chest.
  The ribs are long and curved bones, attached to the spine
and sternum, i. e. the true ribs ; the false, or short ones, being
situate at the lower portion of  the chest, and below the ster-
num, are attached to each other by means of cartilage.
  The ribs are all of a curvilinear form, their convexity being
downward and outward; of course, allowing only  of motion,
outward and upward, as in the expansion of the  chest.   In
this  expansion of the chest, the short ribs participate more
fully, as their front ends allow of being separated, not being
bound at the anterior extremities,  like the true ones ; thus
showing that the chest was designed to be in the exercise of
great liberty of motion, especially the lower portion of it.
Of the superior boundary of the chest, little need  be said for
our present purpose;  suffice it to say, that it consists of  the
larynx and pharynx, of which we  will speak  at length in
the sequel.
  The lower boundary of  the  chest consists  entirely of  the
diaphragm.  It  is membraneous, tendinous,  and muscular.
This is a very important organ, constituting the dividing me-
dium between the chest and abdomen.  It is attached to the
whole  circumference of the chest, principally by the edge
of the ribs; following their form at the front of  the  trunk,
ascending  from right and left,  obliquely upward and inward,
to the centre of the body, at the scrobiculus cordis, where it
comes to/in angle ; giving the chest somewhat the form of a
saddle; and the superior portion of the abdomen,  an appear-
ance like the roof of  a house. 
11
  Now, there  are two or three things that it is important
should be borne in mind concerning this organ, that we will
notice here, for particular use, to wit:  this organ is much the
highest at its centre, or angle, and is stretched across the chest
by the spine, sternum and ribs, and it must undergo varying
degrees of relaxation by the mobility and alternate relaxation
and contraction of the chest; consequently its angle would
gravitate permanently, were it not for an attachment  of the
reflections of the pleura and mediastinum to its upper surface.
   2d.  This organ is concave below, and convex above; and
this is its natural position in life and in death, as is indicated
at the birth of the child, and at the death of the man.
   3d.  It is to  be remembered that there  is nothing in  either
the arrangement or structure of this organ, or in  its  attach-
ment, to preserve it thus concave, or to enable it to act  as
a suspensor, to sustain the pendant organs.   As well  might
a leather dome suspend a mighty weight, as this  organ sus-
tain the  abdominal  contents.   Of course,  then, it was not
designed that it should do it.
   The contents of the  chest are the heart and lungs.  The
heart  is a large, heavy, active organ, occupying a little to the
left of the centre; it is wholly muscular, and designed to be
in  constant action, and that, too, with great uniformity and
equanimity.  This organ seems to be partly suspended by
its ligaments  and vessels, and partly supported- by the dia-
phragm from  below, when in its proper position.
   These remarks we will call into requisition in  our patho-
logical investigation.
   The lungs,  together with the heart, completely fill the pec-
toral cavity, if the diaphragm be  in situ; even when the
lungs are perfectly collapsed.  These organs are lobated and
large, consisting principally of cells, whose walls  are nothing
but vanity ; so much so that the whole collapsed lung weighs
but six or seven ounces.  And so completely do the lungs
 fill the chest, that the least inflation of them is accompanied
by an expansion of the chest and abdomen.   From the ex-
 treme delicacy of the pulmonary tissue, it appears that they
were  designed to be perfectly passive in all their respiratory
and vocal operations; i. e. it seems, from their organization,
 that in expansion and contraction, they are  the mere passive
receivers and disbursers of air; having only a vital or chem-
ical action to superintend.   Of course, then, we  conclude
that these three functions will be performed by external  in-
fluence, to  wit: muscular contraction, atmospheric pressure,
and the elasticity of the ribs and  their cartilages.  Respect- 
12
   ing primary contractility of the air cells, it is at best but  a
   controverted point, not fully settled.   But to our mind  it is
   evident, that if any active contraction of the cells ever does
   occur, it is in disease, and not when they are  healthily per-
   forming their functions.  If this conclusion be  correct,  then
   we are compelled to  look  to some  other quarter than the
   lungs for the active respiratory and vocal action.  And with
   a view to ascertain where it is, we will  examine the  physi-
   ology of  the pectoral muscles;  (as these will  complete  the
   whole pectoral apparatus,) and see if in their physiological
   and anatomical bearing we can conclude that the chest and
   its appendages are the only  organs required or concerned in
   respiration.
     First, we will consider the diaphragm, in the exercise of
   its contractile  functions, and inquire into the extent of its
   respiratory agency.- We have previously described this mus-
   cle, as being in perfect apposition with the collapsed lung, and
   that  when  in  this position  it is convex above and concave
   below; of course, then, when it is in active service, it must
   be by the contractility of its active fibres, and in this  action
   it must lessen both its convexity and  concavity, occasioning
   it to recede from the  lungs.   Thus it sensibly enlarges the
   pectoral cavity, thereby forming a vacuum  that will be im-
   mediately filled, as there will be instant inflation of the lungs
   by atmospheric pressure.  These organs  will cease  to be
   inflated when the diaphragm ceases to  contract or enlarge
   the pectoral cavity.   This is the  point  that constitutes the
   satisfying sense of a full breath.  From these facts  it is obvi-
   ous that  the direct and  only action  of  the diaphragm is to
   enlarge the pectoral cavity;  and if it enlarge it by contrac-
   tion,  of course, it cannot contract it by the same or any other
   action of its own.  Well, if this be so,  then we must look
   further for the full set of respiratory agents, as neither the
   lungs or diaphragm are adequate to produce the least con-
*•  tractile effect on the chest.
     We next find the two sets of intercostals, situate between
   the ribs, and running in opposite directions; their fibres are
   short, and can act only from rib to rib.  Of course, then, as
   the superior part of the chest will be the pivot or  fulcrum,
   the inferior, loose and unattached ribs, will be raised by the
   contraction of these muscles; but there  can be wo contractile
   force exerted by them assisting in expiration and vocality.
     We  have next the  pectoralis major  and minor muscles,
   situate on the superior region of the chest, and inserted into
   the arm and shoulder,  Of course their functions can only be 
13
to assist in inspiration, and in the movements of the arm and
shoulder.
  Hence we see that neither the whole set of pectoral mus-
cles, nor the lungs, are able to exert any agency in voluntary
and forcible expiration, as in vocality and the blowing upon
wind instruments, &c.
  But there is one muscle that seems designed to assist di-
rectly in this function in a feeble manner, to wit: the sterno
costalis, which  rises from the cartilago  ensiformis,  and ia
inserted into the cartilages of the third and fourth ribs.
  The next pectoral power is the elasticity of the ribs, which
tends  to contract the chest some by involuntarily reacting,
and thus to restore  the original dimensions of the chest,
but  this power is very slight, and being involuntary, could
not aid in speaking, singing, or coughing.
  We have now seen that there is  a complicated set of in-
spiring forces, and but two feeble powers of expiration.  It
is also  obvious  that the varied functions of expiration re-
quire more force than would be requisite for inspiration.  By
this exposition,  we are forced to  the conclusion, that  the
chest, as a respiratory apparatus, is imperfect, and that there
must be  some  remote organs associated actively in those
functions.
   With a view  to account for this  expiring deficit, physiolo-
gists give this  exposition of respiration, which  in  part ac-
counts for its moderate and  involuntary performance,  but
does not  furnish the power of  coughing, sneezing, or  vo-
cality.  They say that  inspiration distends the  abdominal
muscles, by compressing the  abdominal viscera, and  that
they react upon  the viscera by their involuntary, inherent,
resistance of texture.   Now it will be readily seen that the
contractility of texture cannot be increased by the  will, so
that we are yet unsupplied with the proper respiratory force.
Another thing we see plainly, viz : that the chest is incpa-
petent to perform the varied, or even the most ordinary res-
piration, without aid from  a foreign quarter, which we now
proceed to find.
  Here, for the present, we leave this point, and will resume
it again where it seems  to be  naturally called up, in  the
physiology of the abdomen.
  We will now  consider the pelvic contents in their mechan-
ical  and  relative  bearings  on the  truncal  organs,  in-
dependently of any vital influence.  Of the form and rela-
tions of this cavity, little need be said for our purpose, save
that the ossa pubes are nearly  in the axis of the body, a
                  2 
14
 circumstance whereby the weight of the  abdominal viscera
 on the pelvic contents is diminished.
   Its contents are the bladder, rectum, and, in the female
 subject, the uterus and its appendages.  The bladder is sit-
 uated in the superior and anterior portion of the pelvis, with
 its body floating in the  abdomen  to accommodate itself
 in distension.   The rectum is situated on the  inner face of
 the sacrum, and bound down to it by cellular  tissue, and a
 reflection of the peritoneum.  Between these  organs is sit-
 uate  the  uterus and its appendages; it is suspended near
 the centre  of the pelvis;  it is  scarcely an inch thick, one
 and a half wide, and  two and  a half long, possessing but
 trifling weight; it is supported in the following  manner,  viz :
   First, by the vagina, which in health is very elastic, and
 according to some of the best writers constitutes its principal
 support, and is considered about adequate to that function.
 Above, it is sustained, in  no  inconsiderable degree, by a
 broad reflection of the peritoneum, reflected over its fundus
 and sides.  Anteriorly, posteriorly, and laterally it is sustained
 by the cellular tissue, intervening between the pelvic organs.
 Furthermore, it  is  sustained  in no  ordinary degree by the
 round ligaments  that arise from its sides, and are  inserted
 into the groins, after passing through  the inguinal opening.
 Again, it  receives support from the  broad  ligaments  that
 arise  from the fundus and  sides of it, and are inserted into,
 or dispersed over, the lumbar region.
   Here it should be remembered that each of these supports,
 to appearance, might be considered adequate to sustain the
 inconsiderable weight of this trifling organ, especially when
 in a healthy state.   But especially is it worthy of notice, that
 each of these supports is very large,  in proportion to the or-
 gan they supply, compared with those of other organs whose
 size and weight are so much greater than that of the uterus.
 Consequently, when we view  this small organ, and  the
 coi^ined powers  that sustain it, we see  a great dispropor-
 tion of support lavished upon  it.
  Now, what  are  the  conclusions to  be  drawn from these
facts ? The following  are our inferences, to wit: keeping
 the minitude of the healthy, unimpregnated uterus in view,
 we conclude that all of this support is  not necessary to sus-
 tain its mere weight, but that there are triple designs in the
 arrangement.  For instance, we  believe their first object is
 to preserve  the uterus in situ; that  the second object is to
 assist in sustaining  the weight of the  abdominal contents;
thirdly, we  believe there  is a reserve strength in them, to
provide for the additional weight in the four first months of 
15
pregnancy, and that when the uterus is not gravid, then it
has the advantage of the support, held in reserve for the
gravid state.
  Now let it be remembered, that were the impregnated and
unimpregnated females of equal number, there would be as
many of the unimpregnated as of the others, that complain
of  some  degree  of prolapsus: and  if  it  be  contended
that the cause of prolapsus in the unimpregnated, be a want
of original power in the uterine supports, where is the power
to prevent perfect prolapsus in pregnation ? for in that case,
we see no provision made for that state; but it appears that
thousands of females complain none in the  first four months.
 Consequently, we believe that the weight of the bowels is
the power that presses on the uterus and produces prolapsus.
 But.it is urged by  those who contend that prolapsus is caus-
 ed by weakness of the uterine ligaments, considering  it a
 primary disease, that it is unfair to reason thus, as in most
 cases of prolapsus the ladies have borne children, and have
 leucorhea, and that the vagina is previously weakened; thus
 inferring  that it is a disease of the vagina that caused the
 prolapsus.
   To this we reply, that this is not always the case; and
 that this leucorhea has very often been caused by the womb
 being crowded into the  vagina, acting as a  foreign body
 there, producing distension of the vagina,  and irritation, ex-
 citing leucorhea.  But for argument sake, we admit, that this
 disease and weak condition did exist before prolapsus ;  they
 gain nothing, but we gain something   We do not wish, to
 prove that the usual weight of the abdominal contents on
 the uterus is always the first cause of prolapsus.   But, that
 it always does  come in, first  or last, as the criminal in the
 case   Now in health there is a given amount of weight on
 the uterus, let us suppose that one of the chief supports of
 the uterus gives way: why, there is yet double power enough
 to sustain  this organ, i. e. its nominal weight; but remem-
 ber  that while some of the supporting power is gone, none
 of the weight on the uterus is gone to balance the matter;
 consequently, this weight completes, and keeps up the pro-
 lapsus, and  not the vagina;  as  there is  still uterine power
 sufficient to sustain the inconsiderable weight of the womb.
  Suppose an  ass  is taken sick on his way to market, with a
 moderate load  on his back, he lies down,  and seems unable
 to rise.  Now,  although it is evident that it is not the load
 that has injured him, yet the load in addition to his debility,
 renders him  unable to stand; the load is removed, and he 
16
  rises up with his remaining strength, and is able to walk
  away :  so here, when there does happen a previous debility
  of the  uterine supports, the power of support is diminished,
  but enough is left to sustain the uterus, and nothing more;
  consequently this load of bowels, as in the case of the sick
  ass, consummates  and  perpetuates  the disease;  and, take
  off the load, and the organ will be relieved.
     Hence, we infer, that prolapsus, without disorganization
  of the  uterus, is never a primary disease, but is produced by
  mechanical encroachment from some other quarter. Hence,
  with deferential respect, we do declare, that  the treatment
  of prolapsus, by tonics  and pessarys, only, is  not pathologi-
  cal or decent; and that it only gives temporary relief,  at the
  expense of the vagina,  and of a sense of propriety: that it
  does not remove  the cause,  only as  the thickness of the
  pessary raises the  abdominal organs, through the medium of
  the uterus.
    We  now  proceed to examine the abdominal contents, in
  their mechanical bearings and mutual relations.   The con-
  tents of the  abdomen consist chiefly of the stomach, liver,
  spleen, large  and  small intestines, and the Mesentary  and
  Omentum.   We find the liver, stomach and spleen situate
  with their convex surfaces in perfect  apposition with the
  diaphragm, even when it is  compressing the collapsed lung,
  as we  find in the  still-born infant, and in  the dead adult.
  Attached to them  are the small and large intestines, with the
  mesentary and omentum.  And here let it be distinctly no-
  ticed, that the principal suspensory support which these or-
  gans receive, is derived from the concave surface of the di-
  aphragm, the messocolon, and the peritoneal bond over the
  duodenum; and that below the messocolon, are floating the
  large and small smooth intestines.  Now when we reflect,
  that the diaphragm is nothing but muscle, and consequently
  unable  to sustain even itself, but ought to be sustained by
,  the* viscera, how could  we  suppose that  these suspensory
  supports  are  the  powers by which the viscera are kept in
  situ.  Hence we see that for them to descend would  be an
  inevitable result,  if  left in this condition.  We  are  then
  driven  to the pelvis  for the required support; but we find
  that its  floor is an inclined plane, and not in the axis of the
  body; of course, the largest amount  of weight would fall
  upon the pubes, leaving a  mass projecting over it, in  many
  subjects; besides, we see  that such is  the distance of this
  support from  the chest, that this mobile mass would only be
  sustained in  part, allowing the intestinal  mass to  elongate. 
17
But were the pelvis even much nearer to the chest, the flex-
ibility of the peritoneum, without the abdominal walls, to-
gether with the smoothness of the intestines, would allow
of lateral displacement, leaving the  diaphragm  yet unsup-
ported.
  Thus far we have progressed by course, and have not yet
found the full means of respiration, or of support to the gen-
eral mass.   Consequently we are driven to the abdominal
parities, as the last resort, for the circumscribing and sup-
porting power for the viscera, and for the power of respiration.
   These walls (very unlike  those of  the other two cavities,)
are composed of flesh, principally of muscular tissue, con-
stituting a vital cavity,— designed to be in the constant ex-
ercise of vital action.  Let  us now  examine these organs,
in a common sense point of view, and see what might be
expected from them.  We first see them act as  a mere me-
chanical, circumscribing  wall to the viscera, as matter only.
But were this all, there would be no elasticity, nor yielding
to the circumstances of emptiness or fulness ; besides, their
action would be as much  downward as upward. 2d. We
see in them the vital  elasticity of texture, by which  the
bowels  are  grasped in  all  circumstances in health, both of
 fulness and of emptiness, and that they yield to the various
 changes of these organs, but constantly resist  any attempt
 at distension.
   But were this  all, we  would  find no elevating power in
 particular;  the pressure  being chiefly in a posterior direction.
 Of course the bowels below the messocolon, would be forced
 upon the pelvic contents.
    We will now view  these walls as separate  organs  and
 not as  one contractile  mass, and see if we do not find the
 required aid, indicated in the very mechanical arrangement
 of them   First, we  have  the ascending  and descending
 oblique muscles.   They both arise  from, and  are  inserted
 into the ribs and pelvis, but principally centre at the front of
 the abdomen, forming the  linea alba: their use is to bend
 the body forward, and  to  one side, and to gently assist in
 contracting the chest.   Here we get the first intimations of
 the power of expiration, in the contraction of the chest, but
 their action is nearly as much downward as upward.
    Next we have  the trans  versalis muscle: its origin and
 insertion, we need not detail; it centres in theTinea alba,
 and its fibres run chiefly in  the circumference  of the abdo-
 men: of course its use is  to compress the  abdomen still
 more- and  as  Dr. Wister has it, "it might not improperly
                   2# 
18
 be  called the constrictor of  the  abdomen;" of  course, it
 only presses  backward, the whole length of the  abdomen.
 So  we yet find the mechanical indications incomplete.
   We next have the rectus abdominalis muscle, arising from
 the pelvis, and inserted into the chest: it is three-bellied,
 and capable of pulling the body forward;  but if that action
 is antagonized, its lower portion only will contract, the chest
 will be by it contracted, and  the lower belly diminished ; of
 course the viscera will be raised, the elevating power then
 preponderating over the posterior.
   Next we  have the pyramidalis muscle, arising from the
 ossa pubes, and is inserted below the umbilicus; its use is to
 contract the lower belly, and of course to elevate the viscera.
   Thus you  see how the  pelvic viscera are protected from
 pressure: you see how the abdominal organs preserve a de-
 terminate form, and portable condition.  You see  how that
 by them the diaphragm is supported, and not dragged upon:
 you see from whence  comes the power of respiration, of
 vociferating, blowing upon wind instruments, &c. &c.
   Now are not the abdominal muscles the tying link of sup-
 port to the whole trunk ; have they not a complicated and
 important  set of functions  to perform;  and do they not do
 it upon mechanical  principles: and did they  fail to do it,
 would not the whole arrangement be mechanically  chang-
 ed, — producing vital disease, mechanically ?
   We have now established  the very extensive use of  the
 abdominal muscles, by anatomy and mechanical physiology,
 and  will proceed to fortify it, by the vital physiology, analo-
 gy, and observation.
   First, this view of the abdominal muscles is borne out by
 M. C. Bell's discovery on the nervous system.  Seeing that
 that class of nerves called  respiratory, supply both the pec-
 toral and abdominal muscles.
   Secondly, we are borne out in our conclusions by analogy
 and  observation.   For instance, when the  hare,  deer, or
 horse are fatigued, they straighten the throat, and  carry on
 synchronous contraction and relaxation with each respiratory
 effort.   Again, the  Indian pursues the game without tiring,
 by the use  of  his belt.  So much for common  respiration.
  We now design to show, that in a more special manner
 are these muscles the effective agents in vocality,  and that
 by their use, the loudest vociferation may be indulged  in,
 without injury to the lungs; whereas, without their use, the
most moderate vocality is injurious to the pulmonary tissue.
  When the swine squeals, or grunts, he does it by the con- 
I
19
traction of  abdominal  muscles.   When the cow  lows,
she does it by elevating  her  abdomen toward the chest.
When the horse neighs, he does it by the rapid movement
of the flanks.   Now all of  these  animals make the most
clear and deafening sounds, and never become hoarse.   The
child, also, has  a round,  hard, abdomen; the viscera  are
always grasped by the muscles; so that if the muscles con-
tract at all, they at once  play upon the abdominal contents,
raising them  up ; consequently raising the  diaphragm, of
course thereby expelling the air, and  thus producing expira-
tion ; and it is well known that they never become hoarse,
from the most protracted screaming.
   We have now got through with what we call the mechan-
ical arrangement of man,  as being that relation upon which
depends the  healthful action  of  the vital functions.   We
have thus far considered the system in its natural and heal-
thy state, and not in disease.  But with a view to reduce to
practice our  principles, we will  next view this  structure
under the influence of mal-position, or relaxation of the ab-
dominal muscles, if  perhaps  we  may learn something of
pathological  value.
LECTURE  III.
  Let us now suppose that the abdominal muscles are re-
laxed, and have ceased to perform their elastic and voluntary
functions.   What will  be the  consequence?   Common
sense would  say, that the intestinal  chain would descend
and  rest like dead matter upon  the pelvis and muscles,
either  dragging  after them  the  other viscera,  or leaving
them to the influence of their own gravity, occasioning an
actual  sinking of these viscera, and  an interruption of the
reciprocal relation and mutual support of the truncal  con-
tents.  It  may here be objected, that from  the  strength of
the peritoneum, together with the other supports, there will
be such an embrace of the truncal contents as to prevent
any descent of them, should  the  abdominal muscles even
become much relaxed.   In reply, we  say, that it matters not
how much or how little the descent may  be, so that the
mere fact of  some descent does exist. 
20
  For  example, the finger or nose are not designed to  be
permanently extended by an attachment of the most incon-
siderable weight, and in order to prove that such extension
would  be injurious to them, it would not be  necessary to
prove an elongation of them to any given amount.
  Furthermore, if an inch on a man's nose is a good deal,
of course, in some other matters, one eighth of an inch
would  be much more.  Hence we see that we have not to
prove any given amount of elongation to show that  serious
effects  will follow a breach of the primitive relation of parts.
The fact is, that the state of  being is changed, from that of
comfortable support, to that of vacancy or tension; and we
now ask, what are the effects  naturally to be expected from
such a derangement?
  The following are the conclusions to which we have arri-
ved, and we are to be pitied if in error.
  First, the abdominal vault will be enlarged,  and the law
of gravitation will preponderate over the viscera, producing
a complete change of relation, from the larynx to the anus.
The consequences are the following :
  The intestinal chain will lie coiled on itself,  like an inac-
tive mass, inducing a torpor in them, from the want of action
in themselves, and their muscles to act on them; hence the
sensation of  weight in  the  hypogastrium, so common in
Dyspepsy and Prolapsus.  Again, this weight puts the peri-
toneum upon an unnatural and permanent extension, that is
injurious  to so vascular a tissue; giving rise to that tender-
ness and  sensation of stricture in the  circumference of the
abdomen, so common in  dyspeptics  and others.  Again,
there will be that pain in the left side,  so common in prolap-
sus and hypocondriasis, in  consequence of a tension of the
splenic ligaments.  Again, the liver will be the seat  of pain,
by reason of the tension of  the  hepatic  ligaments.  This
organ will also  often become  deranged by engorgement, for
want of  pressure on all  points, to facilitate the  passage of
the  biliary secretions, or there  may  be less  of secreting
power from the loss of the stimulus of pressure.  Hence we
see  that  many of the diagnostics of  chronic hepatitis,  are
only the mechanical effects of relaxation  of the abdominal
muscles.   Again, the stomach will be in  a partial  state of
suspension, and loss of the benefits of pressure to assist in
digestion.  There will be  sinking of that organ, or great
sense  of  emptiness;  the patient feeling as though  his
stomach was  gone.
   Now, two states or conditions may occur from this morbid 
21
relation, to wit:  general torpor and inaction; or great irrita-
bility of the nerves of organic life, and consequent vitiation
of all the visceral secretions, producing either obstinate con-
stipation or diarrhoea, — probably both, in  alternation;  cor-
dralgia, and cold sense of weight, tenderness and enlargement
of the liver, or diminution of its size and secretions.
   In this situation, see how the patient bends forward, as if
to touch something  below; how he  instinctively puts his
hand to his exhausted stomach, and to the hypogastnum,  to
fill the indications of nature, by raising the viscera, to  pre-
vent himself from being jarred.   In  eight cases out of ten
of hypocondriasis and dyspepsy, they will find relief by a
judicious support, and whether the cause is muscular relax-
ation or not, that state of the muscles  generally exists, as an
exciting and perpetuating cause.                      .
   We will now consider the effects of this state of things
 on the pelvic contents, keeping in mind the morbid abdomi-
 nal  effects,  as  there will  be a reciprocal action between
 those effects in the two cavities, and cause them to appear
 ambiguous.                                        _   ,
   First, the intestinal mass will tend to rest upon the fundus
 of the bladder, and produce incontinence, or retention ot
 urine, by  either compressing its fundus, or retroverting  it,—
 thus explaining a mechanical cause of those afflicting  com-
 plaints.  This we have noticed too often for us to be mistaken
 in the matter.                                       _,,
    The next  effect we find on the colon, and rectum,  ine
 intestinal mass will tend  to rest upon the colon, at its sig-
 maid flexure, and by degrees produce a mechanical obstruc-
 tion to the descent of the  fecal  contents, as well as organic
 inactivity in them.   Hence there will, from these two causes,
 occur an unhealthy accumulation of feeces; they remain,
 become hard and heating, absorbing  the natural  secretions,
 and acting as an irritant to the mucous membrane, inviting
 an undue quantity of blood to it. At length the mass must
 be thrown off, with straining and force; pushing along  the
 membrane, unfolding the  lacune or  folds of the intestines
 and irritating the bowels.  Let this state continue long, and
 Vou will  have hemorrhoids  for certain.   In these  opinions
 we cannot be mistaken, as we  have  so often observed their
 rise and progress in the above set of patients, and have had
 the pleasure of witnessing their hasty departure on  the
 application of the Lace.  It has never  yet failed in  our
 Titti ds                                             •
    We next speak of the natural effects of this relaxation on 
22
the uterus, with their reflected influence.   Our description
of the pelvic contents and their relations will be borne in
mind; especially that  the  pelvic contents form  a natural
floor for the abdominal viscera to rest upon, which  they must
and will do now, as the muscular  support is removed by
which they were elevated.   Consequently, the uterus must
bear this load with impunity, or be depressed into the vagina,
permitting a more perfect elongation and gravitation of the
abdominal viscera.
  But what are the natural effects of this new relation ?  We
find that the patient complains of grinding pain, and weak-
ness in the lumbar  region,  from tension or irritation of the
broad ligaments. She complains of dragging pains in the
groins, from tension of the round ligaments.  She complains
of burning pain in the  centre of the pelvis, often  by reason
of the irritation of the os uteri, resting on the  perineum and
sacrum; there are also pains, imitative of labor, instituted by
this unnatural relation.   She also complains of pains in the
thighs, and at times, paralysis  and numbness, with edama,
from pressure on the lymphatics, and  intrusion on the ischiatic
and femoral nerves.
  But there  is another  set of functional effects of a serious
character.   We find  that by this procidentia,  the  vagina is
dilated,  and filled with the body of  the uterus; here it acts
as a foreign substance, provoking lucorhea. The  exhalants
become relaxed  and expanded by the distension, and they
finally pour out  one constant stream of leucorhal discharge,
exhausting the powers of life; and this leucorhea, in turn,
reacts, as  an exciting and perpetuating cause, both of itself
and of the prolapsus;  and we have yet to find the case of
leucorhea  that has not disappeared, or declined, soon after the
application of the Lace.
  But there  is a still more serious set of affections accruing
either from this morbid relation, or from the  enervated or
irritated powers  of life, in the uterus.  We mean a derange-
ment of catamenia;  most commonly, they are very frequent
and excessive,  and very often this  gives rise to the most
dangerous and  habitual floodings, and we have never failed
(except in one case,) to effect decided relief, with  the use of
judicious  support.   These effects also  aggravate the above
described  abdominal symptoms, so that in general they are
all  classed under the head of prolapsus uteri.
  But there is another interesting view of the subject.  We
have described the viscera, as pressed back by the abdominal
muscles, keeping them in the axis  of  the body;  of course, 
23
thus requiring  less dorsal power  to sustain the body;  but
now, the dorsal muscles have to sustain the whole weight of
the body; the viscera have left the axis, and the body bends
forward and rests upon the bodies of the vertebra; the mus-
cles become fatigued  and relaxed; some tenderness of the
vertebra comes on, with great weakness:  this is particularly
the case in the latter stage of primary spinal irritation, when
the acute symptoms are relieved; the muscles then want
exercise and support only, to complete the cure;  and be it
remembered, that many supposed cases of spinal irritation
are not primary, but are only muscular weakness.
   Many things are to be learned by this relation.  1st. That
prolapsus is not  occasioned  by a  debility of the uterine, or
visceral ligaments; but from torpor of the abdominal mus-
cles.   2d. That internal remedies, in general, cannot remove
the  cause of uterine  debility.  3d.  That pessarys tend to
destroy the elasticity of the vagina, it being the natural sup-
port of the  womb.  4th.  That they are a prolific source of
leucorhea, and its perpetuity.  5th.  That their use  is not
pathological or philosophical.
   We next proceed to consider the natural effects of relaxa-
tion, on the pectoral contents.
   It will be borne in mind  that  we have  represented the
heart as being partly suspended by its ligaments and vessels,
and partly supported by the pericardium  and diaphragm,
when in their proper condition.
   It will now appear obvious that from  a relaxation of the
abdominal muscles, the diaphragm will be inverted to some
 extent at least; of course depriving the heart of a part of its
 support, leaving  it more  perfectly suspended by its vessels
and ligaments.  We  take it for  granted that  this will be
 considered  as an unnatural  and unfavorable position for an
 organ of such activity, weight and size;  and especially,  see-
ing that its function is one of so much  importance, and that
it is so necessary that it should be performed with the most
perfect  uniformity and  equanimity.   It  is very natural  to
 suppose that that organ would be detrimentally affected by
 such an unnatural  state of  things.   The nerves of organic
 life, presiding over  functional action,  will  very  soon  feel
 offended by this position of things;  the consequence  of
 which will be, that an accelerated and irregular action will
 ensue, the  order of life  being changed;  this state of things
 is called palpitation.   This affection (if continued,) produces
 a complicated and formidable set  of affections, in the follow-
 ing order and manner, to wit: the force of the circulation is 
24
 increased;  there is a beating of the corritigs, and a particu-
 lar determination to the head, occasioning vertigo, ringing of
 the ears, and  confusion of ideas;  especially are  these felt
 on stooping, reaching, or taking any exercise.   These are
 accompanied with  the  whole  train of symptoms and phe-
 nomena attached to Hysteria — including gloom, despond-
 ing, lowness  of spirits, irritability of temper, &c.; this  is
 manifested more commonly in the case of females who are
 laboring under most of  the previously described symptoms;
 making up  a very unhappy and unfortunate subject.
   In addition to these, there is a set of organic, local affec-
 tions, of a serious character, that may be traced to this cause,
 for their origin and perpetuity.
   We have attempted to show that muscular relaxation will
 give rise to increased action in the fibre of the heart, conse-
 quently giving  rise to hypotrophy of the ventricals; the effect
 of engorgement and the stimulus of exertion, as in the case
 of the  arm of  the  blacksmith.  Another  effect  may be, an
 ossification  of the valves of the auricles and ventricles, in-
 ducing pulmonary  affections  in a mechanical  way.  For
 instance, the left auricle may refuse to admit the blood, on
 its return to it from the  lungs, occasioning  a  consequent
 engorgement in  them,  with all its natural  and attendant
 consequences;  these pulmonary effects may, in  their turn,
 react on the-heart, and thus prove one perpetuating cause of
 the palpitation.
   We now  inquire  whether it  does not appear possible, and
 even rational, that a radical deficit in the  abdominal mus-
 cles, may produce an extended train of effects on the heart,
 and on the lungs through it; and also on the brain, in all the
 ordinary nervous affections that  harass  the human  race.
 We also ask if it is  not even the most probable cause of the
 chronic ailments of the trunk? and the one that should re-
 ceive the first attention,  before we  grope into the more
 uncertain paths of hypothesis on the vital action.
   We now proceed to  consider the extended and natural
 effects of muscular  relaxation on the  pulmonary tissue and
 function ; and be it borne in mind, that we are considering
 the matter in a  mechanical light, just as we would enter into
 an investigation of any or all of  the actions and effects of a
 complicated machine; and  whatever vital  or sympathetic
 effects are  developed, will  be but the effects of either  a
healthy or morbid mechanical relation.
   In order to fully appreciate  and  comprehend us in this
period of the subject, it will be  absolutely essential to call 
25
to mind all of our anatomical remarks and relations, as we
have advanced them; more particularly this, to wit: that the
abdominal contents are designed to sustain the diaphragm,
rather than them to be sustained by it; also, that when this
organ is  properly sustained, it is raised so high  as actually
to compress the collapsed lung, thus perfectly filling the
pectoral cavity at all times; and that this throws every organ,
from the uterus to the larynx, into perfect apposition; and
that this relation is the only one that can be called natural,
and depended on, to  ensure the healthful  developement of
every function.
   Suppose  there is a morbid relaxation of the abdominal
muscles, producing the above described effects on the vis-
cera, from the anus to the  diaphragm; what are the natural
effects that may be expected ?   Let us  see.  We left the
liver, stomach, and spleen in a pendant  condition from the
diaphragm, and as we previously showed, it is incapable of
exerting suspensary power; of course it will be permanently
inverted or lowered, occupying a straight line in an oblique
direction, rather than a concave and curvilinear one.  The
immediate consequence of which is, that the pectoral cavity
will be enlarged, the  proximity of the diaphragm and lungs
destroyed, and the stimulus of pressure from below remov-
ed.  Furthermore, the pleura is  placed  in much the same
condition as the peritoneum is, to wit: in an unnatural and
extended position, a state which so  delicate and irritable an
organ is  illy calculated to  endure with impunity; thus con-
stantly disposing it  to  unnatural   susceptibility, inducing
primary and reflected sub-acute pleuritis.
  Another unavoidable conclusion is, that in this position of
things the mediastinum is put upon the  stretch, or at  least
placed in a very new and  unfavorable condition, exercising
the function of a suspensor, as well as that  of separation
between  the lungs; of course it will not be expected that
this organ will suffer this with impunity,  and the query now
is, what will be the vital infringement on this organ ?   We
take it to be this; that as congestion is so peculiar to  all
portions of serous membranes, this condition will increase
its irritability, and invite, on slight causes, an undue propor-
tion of blood to it, accounting for that deep seated sense of
heat and soreness  of the centre  of the breast;  also this
mechanical influence will produce  a sense  of weight, or
weakness, or tightness in the breast, which is so commonly
referred to the pit of  the stomach, and so uniformly accom-
panies phthisis, bronchitis and dyspepsy;  causing the patient 
26
often to speak of the tightness of the chest, and difficulty of
standing erect;  and he nee  the  sinking or retraction at the
scrobiculis cordis, in most pulmonary and dyspeptic patients,
and hence also is  explained the  apparent and perplexing
similarity between  the various  grades of phthisis  and dys-
pepsy, showing  that they  are closely allied  in  nature, and
are cause and effect.
   Another mechanical  effect, through the medium of the
mediastinum and the specific gravity of  the  lungs, has ref-
erence to the larynx.  The nerves of organic life  will soon
become sensible of the new and unnatural position  of tilings;
of  course  its irritability will  be increased, its  tone de-
stroyed, and the organ exposed to any affection that the force
of circumstances may dispose it to,—as ulceration, conges-
tion, and so on.
   But we now proceed to the more important effects  upon
the substance of the lungs, in both a mechanical  and vital
point of view.
   We last spoke of the partial invertion  of the diaphragm;
of course it will be immediately seen that the  pectoral cavity
will be enlarged, and that the substance  of the lungs will
occupy a new relation to the surrounding parts; there will
be a vacuum or space between the  diaphragm  and lungs,
or, to say the least,  there will not be  that usual support, and
stimulus of contact, that is  necessary;  consequently, the
mechanism and functions of respiration will be  interrupted
in the following manner.
   Here it will be necessary, in order to be the more readily
comprehended, to give  our philosophy of  both inspiration
and expiration.  It  appears that inspiration  is the first token
of independent life—by which the creature  lives  indepen-
dently of maternal  invigoration; and hence it is  the first ef-
fort of nature that is the result of birth,  and that without it
every other human  phenomena will fail  to succeed.  And
we do most emphatically inquire of every intelligent mind,
if the foregoing fact or coincidence does not imply, or more
than intimate, that whatever infringes in  the least  on  inspi-
ration, will act like  the withering sun on the mown grass, in
regard to every vital action  of the  system.   By the coinci-
dence, we mean that inspiration is the first action of indepen-
dent life, and probably about the  last action performed  at
death, and just in proportion as we enjoy it, we  live, and
without it,  in the same  ratio, we die.  By this, it will  be
seen, that all (or nearly so,) cases  of difficult  respiration are
founded in difficult  or incomplete inhalation.  But  to return 
27
to the physiology of inspiration.   We say that  previous  to
inspiration, the lungs are collapsed, yet completely filling
the pectoral cavity, by the diaphragm being crowded against
them by the abdominal viscera.   This is the case at  birth.
When the healthy child  is propelled into  this world,  if he
stay, he must breathe.  Hence the Divine author has inspir-
ed every member of the body with the instinctive, or rather
inherent ability and  disposition to act up to their design-
Hence, (perhaps partly through the influence of atmospheric
pressure,) the intercostal, and other  pectoral  muscles, con-
tract ;  in so doing, they  elevate the ribs and shoulders, of
course, expand the chest, thus forming a small vacuum, in-
creasing the force of  atmospheric pressure ; from the  same
cause  that actuated the other muscles, the diaphragm is in-
duced to shorten its fibres; of course, in so doing,  it will
bring its broad, concave face in  the form of an  extended
sheet  across the  trunk.  This will increase  the vacuum in
the chest, and enhance the power of atmospheric pressure;
the consequence is, that the lungs  will be immediately in-
flated, until they again  feel  the  comfortable sense of pres-
sure on the costal and diaphragmatic boundary, when a re-
acting and antagonizing power is called into action, and pro-
duces expiration. And  as this is the most natural and prop-
er  place, we here proceed to give our view of the physiology
of expiration.  This will bring into practical requisition our
physiology of  the abdominal muscles.
   We now have the lungs inflated with atmospheric air, and
 the pulmonary vessels well dilated,  for the free ingress of
 the blood to the air cells, sent by the right ventricle for pu-
 rification ; this is now performed by the exchange of  carbon
 for oxygen.   Of course, the  next step is, to send this blood
 (which has passed into  the  pulmonary veins,) back  to the
 heart, for distribution, and to dispose of the impure  atmos-
 phere now in the lungs, and obtain a new supply.  Now how
 are these two objects to be accomplished?  We answer in
 the following manner.  The pectoral muscles are to contract,
 and the vacuum within, being destroyed by inflation, and the
 elasticity of texture  in  the  abdominal muscles having  be-
 come impatient, as  it were, being distended  beyond their
 given dimensions, too ether with the involuntary elasticity of
 the ribs and cartilages,  all at hand  unite,  and by combined
 and concentrated force close in upon the  lungs from  around
 and below, and expel the air; while the  lungs are  as pas-
 sive as the cavity of a bellows,  the ribs being the  cheeks,
 and the abdominal muscles  the handle.   By this means, the 
28
diaphragm is passively pushed back to its proper and origi-
nal position, the fibres again put upon the stretch, which will
act as a natural stimulus to another contraction,  and so the
whole respiratory apparatus is again ready for another inspi-
ration.  Thus the impure  atmosphere is disposed of; but
what has become of the blood that was to be sent back to
the heart?   We say, in few words,  that by the passive con-
traction of the lung, through the combined power referred to,
the pulmonary veins were diminished in calibre by compres-
sion, and the blood was thus propelled into the left auracle.
   Thus we have the physiology of respiration, and the  mo-
dus operandi of its use and effects,  as performed by a well
balanced system, and we will now be prepared  to place an
intelligent  estimate on  an aberration  of this function,  pro-
duced by muscular relaxation.
   We see  that the inherent and voluntary contraction of the
abdominal muscles is lost;  consequently, by  this relaxation,
both inspiration and expiration are greatly  impeded, to the
cost of the system.   For instance.—Inspiration  will be im-
perfect, not having the  exciting stimulus of  diaphragmetic
support to  dictate and invite a natural inflation, because the
diaphragm will already have receded from the lungs, and so
far, too, as  to not press firmly on the  lung when inflated;
hence the patient cannot get the satisfying sense of  a full
inspiration, or getting the catch, as many term it; this infla-
tion not distending the muscles much, of course, they  will
not react and expel the air by the pressure of  the diaphragm.
The consequence of this will be, that there will ensue both
imperfect inflation and expiration ; of course, panting, or gen-
eral difficulty of breathing will  be the inevitable conse-
quence ; and on taking observation, it will be found that the
abdomen does not rise, and fall  as freely as is usual in the
healthy subject; but that the breathing will be hurried, and
performed  wholly by the use of the intercostals and the ster-
no costalis muscles;  it will also be observed  that the  inferi-
or portion of the chest will not expand as usual.   For an ex-
emplification of what we mean, see those ladies  who are in
the suicidal practice of tight lacing—also those  who  are in
the latter stages of consumption.
   We have now shown, in an indirect way, that this state of
■affairs will produce an imperfect supply of pure air, and an
imperfect exit of the impure air;  of course, just in proportion
as this does obtain, so may we expect the various grades of
anhelation.  But the more common development of this is
in a more moderate degree; imperceptibly creeping on, and 
29
doing its constitutional work  full well, before  the  patient's
attention is called to the matter.
  But aaain, there is another and very important effect that
is an inevitable consequence  of the foregoing facts, and this,
too, on mechanical principles.  It has reference to  the pul-
monary circulation.  We attempted to show that it was the
full inflation of the minute air cells that expanded the calibre
of the pulmonary arteries, but particularly their minutest ex-
tremities, and facilitated two things,  to wit: the rapid and
free passage of blood through  them, and the  perfect pre-
sentation of this blood to the fresh  atmosphere.   We also
showed that expiration compressed these muscles, and im-
pelled this blood back  to the  left auracle.  But now the or-
der is changed, in consequence of imperflect inflation ; there
is imperfect arterial expansion, and also imperfect presenta-
tion of blood  for purification.  By this, two sets of effects
will ensue.  First, an arterial engorgement of  the  lungs,  in
consequence  of the slow passage of the blood—giving rise
frequently, to tenderness in the breast, also tending to hepa-
tization, or consolidation of  the lung.   There  will be a sen-
sation of dead weight in the breast, a dull pain, and occasion-
al sub-acute inflammation, till there is finally disorganization,
by tubercles,  or suppuration.  The second effect is, the sys-
tem becomes impoverished,  by  innutritious  and carbonized
blood, giving  a whiteness, or pale leaden hue to the body gen-
erally, and a  lividity of the countenance, lips and ears.
   We have now gone a desultory round of mechanical phys-
 iology, in some of its bearings, not  with a view to say  all
that°might be said, but to inquire if something similar might
not be°said, and  practised upon.   Have you detected the
place where we have  erred  in  anatomical,  physiological or
pathological truth?  And, strange  as our views are  have
 we not kept  our  eye  on the mark, and hewn to the line of
 philosophy, in an  inductive manner  that would be justified
 in reasoning upon matter  and phenomena,  m any  other
 form or  situation? If we  have, then, unless the human
 system is proved  to be an exception to the laws that gov-
 ern matter, we think that  our  inferences will be judged by
 all, to be of immense importance to the faculty, and to the
 afflicted.                       ,          ,      „   ,  ,
   But if the principle, on which these remarks are founded,
 is a true one,  then we are forced to say that  we have now
 an explanation of our universal ill success in the treatment
 of Consumption, Dyspepsy, Prolapsus, and most other chron-
 ic affections: and for this plain reason, to wit:  that they
                3* 
30
  have mechanical and organic causes, viz : mal-position, and
  mechanical infringement, or negative defect; consequently,
  they are not under the cognizance of medicine, but rather of
  the laws of life and of revelation, and the adjustment of the
  relative position of the organs.
    There is one important subject that we have forgotten to
  consider.   We refer  to the function of vocality, the conside-
  ration of which explains the cause, perpetuity, and  cure of
  common chronic bronchitis, or the throat complaint of public
  speakers; also, the reason of the frequent debility of speak-
  ers, who have actually sound lungs, and no necessary  im-
  pediment to any amount of vocal exercise.
    In order  to  comprehend this subject,  it  is necessary to
  bear in mind that every vocal sound, as speaking, hallooing,
 laughing, or blowing  on wind instruments, is but one variety
 of expirations, under  an infinite number of modifications and
 circumstances, performed by the same organs  as moderate
 expiration in breathing.  Consequently, we  have only to
 study the law or power that  affords this  variety of  sound,
 and understand the philosophy  of sound, to  arrive  at  the
 point at  once.
   It will be conceded by this time, that the abdominal mus-
 cles are  the true respiratory levers; but designed more espe-
 cially, to preside in the different grades of vocality.   It will
 also be conceded, that, in general, it requires more force  to
 speak, than to breathe; of course, then, if the pectoral appa-
 ratus is insufficient for all respiratory operations, the labor of
 vocahty  will devolve  on the abdominal muscles.
   Here,  we have the  secret of the throat complaint of pub-
 lic speakers, and of common chronic bronchitis ;  for it is no-
 torious, that but few  adults either breathe  or speak from
 this source;  but rather by bending forward,  depressing  the
 shoulders, and contracting the chest, especially in passionate
 speaking, thus pressing the air out with a convulsive veloci-
 ty by surrounding pressure, rather  than by the more natural
 direct, and gentle force of the diaphragm below, in a straight
 line  By this morbid  and unnatural method  of expiring  we
 see how lungs of a strumous predisposition, will be liable to
 injury, or rupture of some portion of their tissue, or to a per-
 petuation of  any previous lesion.   And why is it so » The
 answer «, because, that when any body is to be  propelled,
 either with facility or  force, it is a known law that the force
 should be applied in  a direct line;  else, it both requires
 more  force to move it, and the motion produced,  will be an
 indirect one-going on a medium  line  between the  direct
one and that in which the force came. 
31
  Now, the direction in which the air is to be forcibly, but
gently expelled, is as near in a direct line as possible, viz:
from the diaphragm to the mouth, it being a little elevated,
particularly in public speaking.
  But how different from this philosophical order, is the ex-
piration of pulmonics  and  dyspeptics  performed,—viz : by
contracting the chest, in lieu of expanding it; drawing down
the mouth instead of elevating it; raising the larynx, in lieu
of depressing it;  employing the force of  expulsion at right
angles, rather than in a direct line; giving necessarily an
oscillatory and unmechanical  movement to the air,—and
were there an exit like the  larynx at the diaphragm, a full
share of the air would be there expelled:  the consequence
is—that there are always harsh and husky intonations pro-
duced by those who thus speak, attended with  a jarring  or
shaking of the breast, from  centre to circumference ; the
air is expelled with  excess, too, and with such convulsive
velocity as actually to denude the bronchial membrane, in-
ducing tenderness thereof, with hoarseness.
   Now, this method of speaking is peculiar to those affected
with pulmonic diseases, or dispepsy.  I mean public speak-
ers  when they address an audience; but in common  con-
versation their voices will be effeminate, and their sentences
 often terminate in a whisper—which they ascribe to a weak
 stomach.                        .          .
   Thus we see, that just at the time when the organs are
 least prepared for effort, they are called upon for an unnat-
 ural exertion, and that, too, at a great disadvantage, inducing
 and perpetuating bronchitis or soreness of the throat, as well
 as tending to induce hymoptosis.                  -in
   It should  here be observed, that those thus exercised will
 always labor under this flaccidity of the abdominal muscles
 which we have labored to explain, and have the apparent
 necessity of their speaking in the unphilosophical  manner
 above described.  Let us  now take  another position and
 method of speaking, and see how different the effects, and
 also see what conclusions can be drawn from it
   If we take the following posture, the above described dif-
 ficulties will be relieved; showing what the science of speak-
 in- is, and consequently pointing out the principle on which
 diseases incident to vocality may be remedied  or prevented
   When we stand erect, and throw back the shoulders, the
 following are the relations that are effected.  1st.    I he  ca-
 pacity of the chest is much enlarged, especially at its inferi-
 or portion:  of course, by this means there can be a greater 
32
stock of speaking material used at each inspiration.   2d.—
By this position,  we involuntarily put the abdominal mus-
cles on the stretch, consequently the diameter of the abdo-
men is diminished, and the viscera compressed; of  course
the diaphragm is supported.  It  will  now be seen, that if
there is any contraction at all of the muscles, it must act in
elevating the viscera, and consequently produce expiration.
By this means, if  the head is properly elevated, the larynx
depressed, and the mouth freely opened,  the air will  come
in one smooth stream, in a direct line, producing clear and
smooth sounds.
   This system of speaking by abdominal action has restored
and braced many weak lungs, revived the system by the in-
creased proportion of oxygen there is thereby inhaled, re-
stored the  system by the  free  distribution of  arterialized
blood, and given tone to the stomach by the constant action
of the firm muscles on the abdominal contents.
   Now if our remarks are  in accordance with  mechanical
principles, and with common sense, to what conclusions will
they lead us ?  We have summed them up as follows, viz:
   1st. That the human system is constructed upon the sub-
limest principles of architecture and mechanical philosophy,
and that it of course is chiefly governed and perpetuated by
the laws of that science, ascribing to God the  continual, in-
visible, and inscrutable power that propels and vitalizes it.
  2d.  That there  is  one  certain construction and relation
throughout, that constitutes health, and but one : of course,
that every degree and. variety of departure from  this mutual
relation, constitutes, and institutes, disease.
  3d.  That the composition and structure of the system is
such  as  tends to destroy this relation, and  that the law of
gravitation is the most natural and obvious power, that tends
to break this mutual bearing.
  4th. That the abdominal muscles appear to be the grand
supporting and binding link to the organs and functions of the
three  cavities of the trunk, and that the abdominal cavity per-
forms a complicated and vital set of functions, that elevates
them  in importance, if possible, above the other two cavities.
  5th. That a morbid relaxation of these muscles is the key
to an  extended train of maladies, that may affect every mem-
ber and function of the body.
  6th. That this explains the cause of the proverbial ill suc-
cess of  the profession, in the treatment of  Consumption in
its  Protean shapes, Dyspepsy, Bronchitis, and Affections of
the Heart, Prolapsus, Hysteria, &c. 
ob
  7th.  That the cause of the above affections is often me-
chanical, and that they  must  be treated by  mechanical
means, as they are not under the cognizance of medicine.
  8th.  That  external support, judiciously applied, so as to
preserve the diaphragm well sustained, is the  means that
promises incalculable relief to most chronic diseases, that are
unmanageable by  medicine.
  The result of this train of reasoning — the fruits of a long
practice — has been the invention of an instrument as much
as possible designed every way to carry out the above inten-
tions.  After a description of which, we will give a list of its
applications, with  a correct report of the accompanying suc-
cess, and offer a few  practical remarks on different diseases.
   Many are the instruments that have been invented for ex-
ternal support, but only a few  of them possess very much
merit; and  all of  them show that they were not contrived
upon true physiological principles.
   Among the first, is Dr.  Hull's, which instrument has done
much  good; but I found  it deficient in the three following
particulars, beside some minor ones.
   1st. Its force is  applied only posteriorly, pressing the small
intestines upon the uterus; also, by this force, with so large
a pad, the capacity of the abdomen was diminished, and that,
too, near the umbilical region, tending to produce sickness at
the stomach, when a firm support is given.
   2d  I found, in  emaciated  patients, that the counter pres-
sure of the back pad was too severe, producing restiveness
in nearly all cases, and where they kept the recumbent pos-
ture much, deep excoriations  ensued.
   3d.  It was too confining, also, when applied sufficiently firm
to render the required support, having no elasticity but that
of the main-spring.  Besides these there are other objections,
which are attached to all the others in common, to wit: they
are heating and irritating, from their stuffing, and cannot be
well worn in the recumbent posture; and that the  pads  are
always to be worn in the same place each successive day.
   Next, Dr.  Chase put out one of another construction, with
the same objections -to it as to Dr. Hull's, excepting one
thing, which is this:  it places the support in an upward or
elevating direction, but it is bungling and arbitrary, has  too
high a pad, and places most of the pressure on the linea alba,
and not much on the muscular portion of the abdomen, where
the actual debility lies, especially on  the  inguinal openings,
that in all such cases are peculiarly relaxed, and disposed to
hernia. 
34
  Next, is the Corset of Mrs. Betts; this is a highly useful
construction, and, so far as uniform pressure is concerned on
the old pathology, is good, excepting in very warm weather ;
but it must be remembered that it only acts in a posterior
direction.
  Another  invention  is that of Dr. Thompson.   It consists
simply of a front and rear pad, connected by straps. A verier
bantling has never been in use.  In my patients I have seen
them produce almost complete strangulation by the straps on
the inomenata, in order to get sufficient pressure on the front
pad; for in most cases there is emaciation, raising the inomen-
ata higher than the abdomen when it is slightly  compressed.
  I have used these instruments, and necessity under their
use has compelled me to construct something better.
  The instrument invented  by myself, has, under my appli-
cation and observation, avoided all the inconveniences of the
others in use, and pretends to additional advantages, of which
the afflicted are to judge, and say whether it shall take the
preference in the extensive  application that some like con-
trivance must in future take.
  Its first peculiarity consists in its perfect adaptation to the
body, avoiding all the ossific protuberances and surfaces. —■
This is accomplished by the curvilinear  form of the main-
spring, around the inominatum, occupying the soft space be-
tween that bone and the ribs : next, when it descends suffi-
ciently low before and behind, it comes directly horizontally
across the body, the posterior branch passing quite round the
hips, so as to embrace the  person and hold itself on.  Its
next peculiarity is its general flexibility; first  on the front
pad, as you see, unlike Hull's or Chase's, it is not attached
to the arbitrary main-spring, but to a curved subsidiary spring,
giving it an oblique,  upward and backward force.  Again,
this  gentleness and flexibility is increased by the attachment
of the  elliptical spring, that takes off the  harshness of the
main-spring, while we lose  none of its power; at the same
time, it has the effect of doing away with the necessity  of
stuffing, that heats the parts, and absorbs the salts of the skin,
and  soils the instrument.  The next peculiarity of the front
pad  is, that it is narrow, and raises the abdomen but does not
compress it, and that  it reaches around to the relaxed mus-
cular tissue and supports  them,  especially the abdominal
rings;  by this  means, too, with the flexibility, the patients
can  breathe or inflate as much as they please,  and the pad
gives way; or they may contract, and the  pad  immediately
follows up, with one steady force. Another advantage is, that 
35
placed on these springs it has that oscillating movement that
imitates  the healthy kneading  of the abdominal muscles.
Let it be remembered, that all this time the main-spring sits
like a saddle, not moving at all.
   The next set of advantages lie in the number, position, and
flexibility of the back pads.
   Dr. Hull's back pad either presses on the spine, or to one
side of it, it being immovable.   Dr. Chase's  are  each side,
and immovable and arbitrary.
   The Lace has the whole of the counter pressure divided
between four pads, so that no one pad rests with more than
one fourth the force that those do of the other instruments.
Two of  these pads are placed above the main-spring, like a
cross, and press on the  small of the back, binding the re-
laxed, painful, dorsal muscles to each  side, instantly reliev-
ing, weakness and  pain; thus, by raising the patient to an
erect posture, these pads can be separated or approximated,
or heightened and lowered, thus at pleasure changing the
seat  and position, or exchanging size, as the patient may
choose.   It is worthy of notice, that these  pads never touch
the spinous processes, and arc very flexible ; they can also be
 shoved from right to left.
   The next advantage lies in the two lower  pads, placed on
 curved  flexible subsidiary springs, so that they may rest on
 any point between the trochentre major to the centre of the
 spine or sacrum ; but are principally designed to rest on the
 lame belly of the  gluti muscles, — they, together with the
 flexibility of the spring, answering the purpose of padding,
 or quilting. These the patient can change every day.   These
 springs  curve just enough to keep the main spring off from
 the body, in a uniform  distance.
    The next advantage lies in the perineal support, which is
 so constructed that it does not interfere with the evacuations
 of nature.
    Thus you are now able to decide on the comparative merit
 of the instrument.   The question is simply this, — is it well
 calculated to carry out the indications of cure ? It has never
 failed in our hands. 
36
LECTURE  IV.
  We now proceed to make some  practical  remarks on the
diagnostics and management of chronic diseases, incident to
the three truncal cavities.

               of diseases of the lungs.
  When there are evidently diseased sensations in, and dis-
turbed functions of, the chest, the great question respecting
the probability of cure resolves itself into another question,
to wit: Is there, or is there not, a disorganization of any por-
tion of the lungs, beyond  incipient  hepatization?  If there
is, either by tubercles, abscesses, or confirmed hepatization
of an  extensive character, then the case is likely to be hope-
less, sooner or later.  But if there be not, although functional
derangement may have gone far,  very far,  yet, by  proper
physical treatment, applied in accordance with the indications
of nature, occasionally combating concomitant and accidental
symptoms of a vital and constitutional character, by appro-
priate internal remedies, there is hope.
  If the patient complains of pains, either dull, sharp, dead,
or wandering, in the chest, with  a sense of tightness or stric-
ture, as though he was breathing through something, he should
be directed to draw as long a breath as is possible for him to
do,  and if he make but a feeble effort, and do not. inhale 52
cubic  inches of air, his lungs should be examined by percus-
sion, and that too in a horizontal posture.  But if he can make
repeated, long, and full inspirations, either lying or standing,
the whole circumference of  the abdomen  expanding freely
and uniformly, then there is, as yet, no fatal  disorganization
of the lung   He should first make the experiment in the
upright posture, and if he  succeeds, well; if not, he should
try  it in the horizontal posture, and if he then succeed, well;
but if not, then the abdomen should  be  examined,  and if
found relaxed and flabby,  and not round and firm, it should
be thoroughly held up by pressing at its bottom with the flat
of the curved hand, raising  it efficiently upward and  back-
ward; if he then can breathe much fuller,  then the lungs
either are not at all, or much affected, in an  organic point of
view.   If the patient complains of dyspepsy, or a sensation
of sinking at the stomach,  pain or weight there, shortness of 
37
breath,  disposition to sit  crooked, with a retraction at  the
stomach, (in connexion with the ability to draw a full breath
lying down,) the symptoms are either the vital or mechan-
ical effects,  produced by mechanical causes, i. e. the gravita-
tion  of  the abdominal contents, producing the effects com-
plained of in the manner described in our pathology, that the
lungs may be cured by physical means.
   Now what are the indications of cure ?  We answer, that
they are found in the pathological state, of the  chest first,
and  next that of the other two  cavities.
   We  find the patient with a flaccid abdomen; retracted,
sunken stomach; a disposition to walk and  sit  crooked, or
bent forward.  The chest is then much contracted in its in-
ferior region, where and when  it should be most expanded.
 The lungs  are  permanently compressed to a greater or  less
extent.  By this means,  the arteries and veins are com-
pressed; the arterial, and venous  circulation interrupted in
the  lungs, inducing congestion, tenderness, and pain, with
 sense of stuffiness, as some express  it.   The blood by  this
 means  is not fully purified,  by oxygen received or carbon
thrown off; thus impoverishing the system, and by degrees
 doing the fatal work.  The lungs in this state are like our
 other organs that lose their exercise, they become relaxed
 and torpid,  the cells tend to agglutinate together, by lymph
 secreted, and a whole set of fatal effects will finally accrue,
notwithstanding the  cause is  only a breach of  the natural
bearing of all the truncal  organs.  These effects may go so
far as to exist and proceed independently of the cause,  and
then they both go on together,  and come to a fatal issue.
   By this time common sense is prepared to point to the ra-
tional means of cure, viz :  — First, place and keep the patient
in that  position of body that is indicated, by artificial helps to
the back and abdomen, or without them,  as soon as the pa-
tient can cultivate the habit of keeping the proper posture.
Let him sit and walk perfectly erect, let him  hold the head
well up, let him throw back the shoulders thoroughly,  and
place upon  him a patent  Lace to keep  the lungs well  sup-
ported.  If there continue pains and a sense  of tightness in
the breast, and some tenderness, then let  him daily be well
brushed and make gentle  percussion with the  open hand, as
he can  bear it; increasing as the tenderness  subsides, until
he is able to strike with  force.  But  let him not begin so
harshly as to excite inflammation, but be cautious and watch
the effect.   The next, and last  thing to be attended to is, to
restore  a healthy and full respiration;  opening every cell and
                 4 
38
 expanding the arteries and veins.  This is only to be done by
 the exercise of respiration itself;  daily and constantly culti-
 vating the habit of inhaling the longest and fullest breath that
 he can, in a recumbent posture, and exhaling as slowly as is
 possible.  By this means the lungs will be strengthened, the
 cells reopened, and the whole chest  finally expanded.  Let
 him be prudent in body and in habit, and he will improve.
 But is there no relief for those whose lungs are disorganized
 to some extent  We say there is.  Apply the same measures,
 for the same complicated state of mechanical affections ex-
 ists in the incurable as in the curable cases, which aggravate
 the symptoms and oppress the feeble powers of life.

                 OF CHRONIC BRONCHITIS.
   The following cases are very interesting and instructive,
 and confirmatory of our views on diseases of the trunk gen-
 erally, and more especially of the chest.
   Miss I.  came home from the  South laboring under  the
 following  symptoms, viz: daily hymoptosis, pain in the  chest,
 and palpitation of the heart, distressing weakness in  the
 stomach and breast, sense of tightness there, with difficulty
 of breathing, inability to sit or stand erect, sensation of drag-
 ging from the centre of the breast to the umbilicus, pain in
 the left side, dead weight in the inferior abdomen, dragging
 in the groins, pains in the limbs, and  inability to take either
 carriage or foot exercise, with fainting, disturbance of  mind,
 and great  gloom;  she  had cough, an excessive leucorhea al-
 so attended her other symptoms.  The Lace  was applied,
 and in one instant she said that she  felt better: but in four
 days, she was so much better as to walk freely and ride
 with  comfort; her spirits returned, and in a word she said
 that she was better every way.  For  four days after the  ap-
 plication,  she had not an  appearance of the  hymoptosis,
which afterward returned to some extent.  A long time  af-
 ter this, I saw her Physician, Dr. Gazzam, and was inform-
 ed, that she  bid fair to ultimately recover.
  Case 2. — Mrs. H., married, aged 45, had for 12 years  been
 supposed to  be in a consumption, and yearly would seem to
be taken nearly off by it.  She had every feeling that  could
 be  attached  to a  mechanical derangement of the truncal
viscera, she  complained of very oppresive sensations in the
breast, pains, dead and sharp, fixed and wandering, complain-
 ed much of  a sense of tightness in the region  of the medi-
astinum or centre  of the breast, which disabled her from  sit-
ting erect; she had palpitation of  the heart on the slightest 
39
causes, difficulty of respiration, from a sense of pulling and
smothering; she labored under occasional cough, her shoul-
ders were humped, or drooped forward, spine curved, and
the stomach was much retracted: she also had every variety
of dyspeptic symptoms, her stomach was very irritable and
tender,  appetite was very capricious, and powers of diges-
tion weak; she labored under pains in the side, great sensa-
tion of sinking in  the  region of the  stomach; there  were
bearing down pains, dragging in the  groins, weight and en-
largement at the bottom of the belly, with great  relaxation,
and flaccidity of the whole abdomen;  she labored also un-
der great pain and weakness in the back: there was remark-
able weakness in the hips, she felt as though they would
come apart if she did not move with  care ; there was pain
in  her  limbs, with numbness, loss of motion, and inability
to walk but a few rods  at a time.  In this situation  I appli-
ed the Lace: she  soon said she felt supported, and shortly
began  to speak of unexpected relief in the breast and
stomach; she  said her unpleasant sense of pulling and
tightness, with difficulty of  breathing, were  all  gone; said
her stomach felt better, that her hips did not now feel as
though they would come apart, she felt like moving as free-
ly  as when a girl, could walk up hill, her spirits were im-
proved, she was able to engage in her domestic duties with
 ease and cheerfulness.
    This lady's  friends  had no other idea than that she must
 be laboring under pulmonary disease.
    Many other cases might be cited, to show  that either  a
 cure or relief will be  uniformly experienced in  the above
 described affections of  the lungs and heart, but we  content
 ourselves with two more cases.  These patients complained
 much of pain and weakness in the breast, difficulty in respir-
 ing freely, had some palpitation of the breast, complained of
 that sensation of pulling in the centre of the breast and pit of
 the stomach, (which all my patients have done,) producing a
 constant disposition to sit bent forward; they  had  some
 symptoms of prolapsus of the uterus, particularly the cerebral
 irritation, which is so common, as ringing in the ears, dizziness
 in the head, especially, on reaching or stooping.   On direct-
 in * them to inhale as fully as possible, I think they did not
 inhale  over 12 cubic inches, in lieu of 52, the proper amount.
 At this I was alarmed, and  decided on a auscultation, and
 while  one of them was in the recumbent position, on plac-
 ing my ear to the chest I found she could inhale freely, in-
 flate every  proportion  of the lungs  and distend the  abdo- 
40
men and chest uniformly, which she said she always did in
the lying posture; but on sitting up, the sense1 of tightness
or pulling beset her.  The Lace was applied to these la-
dies, enjoining them to lace around  the waist none, and al-
ways to sit and stand  erect, with the shoulders well thrown
back and the  mouth elevated when engaged in  conversa-
tion ; they also were to use the flesh brush freely, and to
knead the abdomen freely, — first in a downward and then
an upward direction; they also were to pat the breast with
the hand, at first gently, increasing as they could bear it, till
they could do  it with  great force.   These patients are now
able to breathe freely, pains nearly gone, are able to sit erect,
and take any amount of exercise with pleasure and profit.
  These cases have been cited for the particular purpose of
demonstrating the influence of the  abdominal muscles on
the chest, in health, and in disease; showing that not near
all who have apparently a full set of consumptive symptoms,
have got the consumption, or any disease of the lungs,  in
an organic or primary point of view.  Our object was  also
to show, that these cases of apparent consumption, do pro-
ceed from an oppressed state of the lungs, from the gravita-
tion of the abdominal contents, mechanically impeding the
vital and mechanical function of inspiration  We also de-
signed to demonstrate, that they  were curable by the sim-
plest means, and they of a physical character.  But these
cases also demonstrated the mechanical origin, and mechan-
ical cure of Dyspepsy and Prolapsus, with Leucorhea.
  You are now prepared to see what course should be pur-
sued by the physician or the patient  himself, when be begins
to feel indications of disease about  the lungs or heart.   As
a general rule, rest assured,  that the  effects are only the
want of action in the organs themselves, or that they depend
on mal-position of the truncal organs ; and that to this should
be turned their first inquiry;  and prompt, physical, natural
and rational treatment, on philosophical principles, should be
applied.  But if you in your judgment, have reason to fear
organic and primary  derangement, you  must  turn  your
course, and do the best you can; but  don't do  too much,
look well to the  spine, attend  to the position, use gentle
means, regulate the  secretions, and leave your case > with
the great physician to manage. 
41
             OF AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN.
  Dyspepsy, among the group of abdominal diseases, seems
to stand forth as chief of all, and  capable of monopolizing,
every sympton of abdominal  disease to  itself.  We  shall
therefore generalize all the abdominal effects of relaxation
of the abdominal muscles, as  arising  under one head, and
requiring very similar treatment.
  Now what is the pathological condition of the dyspeptic ?
Let us see.  He complains of tenderness of the abdomen
often, with swelling or bloating in the lower belly, from the
intestines lying on the floor of the  abdomen, or brim of the
pelvis; here they lie, like inactive matter and a dead weight,
having the benefit of no muscular elasticity to  rest upon,
and act like a  spring  board, in jolting  or jarring.  Hence
why these patients so often place their hand to the abdomen
to imitate the muscles in elevating the abdominal contents;
they also  feel more or  less pain in one or both  sides, sup-
posed to proceed from functional derangement of the spleen
and  liver.  This may  be; but oftener proceeds from the
fact, that these muscles are relaxed, the intestines descended,
and are dragging along the stomach, liver  and spleen; or, to
say the least, they are  no longer  supported, and of course
are  left  to  the influence of their  own  specific  gravity ;
thereby putting the visceral ligaments upon the stretch.  By
this means, two sets of effects often ensue :  1st. Pain and
weight on the visceral ligaments, producing all the mechan-
ical  effects  that one  would  naturally conceive  of, in this
deranged and unfavorable  relation.  2d.  There  may ensue
functional derangement in the Liver, and it may cooperate
with the mechanical derangement, to wit: there  may ensue
organic torpor, inducing want of biliary secretion: or there
may be visceral engorgement of bile; both caused by want
of the natural,  necessary, and accustomed  pressure of the
viscera and walls on all points, to  stimulate the  organ and
press along the accumulation of  biliary  secretion.  All  of
these symptoms, in a vast majority of cases, will be relieved
by replacing the organs in situ, and  by restoring a general
tone to the  muscular fibre through the proper medium, i.  e.
their natural exercise.   But of what else does the patient
complain?   He complains  of tenderness, or else loss  of
sensibility of the  stomach, and is generally afflicted with
either a sour or alkaline stomach;  he will have a capacious,
gnawing appetite, or perhaps no appetite  at all; if he eats,
he generally spits it up, or is  distressed with its presence on 
42
 his stomach, feeling that there  is a weight, or load there,
 generally wishing that he had  not eaten;  he also feels a
 distressing sensation of either distension or sinking  in  the
 stomach, there being a retraction  or actual sinking in that
•region.   Now what is  the  pathology  of these  symptoms,
 and the indications of cure ?  We say,  that common sense
 indicates the following to be the rationale of the whole set
 of symptoms.   The abdominal muscles have ceased  to per-
 form their proper functions, the  intestines have descended,
 dragging along the stomach, or leaving  it to the influence of
 its own weight;  the diaphragm  being unable to sustain this
 weight, descends also; thus there is a total change of rela-
 tion and  condition, to wit: not  one truncal organ will be
 pressed and supported, whereas, they all should be, and are,
 in the primitive  arrangement.   Again,  in addition to their
 loss of position  and support, they actually  are suspended.
 This being a fact, we at once see, according to our introduc-
 tory position, that but one  original relation will facilitate
 the development of healthy vital functions ;  so of course
 in this case, the nerves of organic  life  become  irrita-
 ted or exhausted, and act with a morbid excitement.   Con-
 stipation  of the bowels  ensues, just  as the other organs
 have been deranged;  they lie inactive,  and not acted upon.
 This condition is contrary to every law of nature, and their
 vital power wanes.
   The following cases illustrate  the influence of abdominal
 support on this  set of symptoms.  Mr.  C, a gentleman of
 talents, who had led wholly a literary life, had been a dyspeptic
 from his boyhood.   Suffice it  to say,  that he had every
 variety of feeling and effect that is peculiar to  a  dyspeptic.
 He relinq'uished  a  lucrative business  and honorable post,
 and was  in every way  misanthropic  and unhappy.  On*
 applying  the Lace, he instantly said that  he was better; in
 one day his  spirits changed, and, unconsciously to himself,
 he became more pleasant.  He was absent on  business for
 some weeks: he returned, improved every way;  said  he
 could now take exercise freely, and be fatigued only in Ins
 limbs:  the tympanitic swelling was gone, and the tender-
 ness was gone, his back was stronger, and he  said that it
 was invaluable  to him.
   Case 2.  Mrs. Irving,  aged 45, married; had been ill of
 dyspepsy for 18  months, had some symptoms of prolapsus,
 but complained  especially of gastric  difficulties,  very con-
 stant grinding and insupportable  weight in the stomach;
 after eating, complained of distressing  sense of sinking in 
43
the stomach, and disposition to lean forward w^hen standing
or sitting; especially  after eating was she  compelled to
immediately take the lying posture, on account of a distress-
ing sense  of weight  in  the region of the  stomach,  and#
sense of sinking or  vacancy there; it seemed that every
thing in the abdomen  had fallen, and was  dragging  the
lungs after them; she complained, mean time, of sensations
of pulling in the centre of the breast, and  pain  in different
parts of it;  she never sat erect, because it occasioned such
a sensation of pulling  in the breast and stomach,  which
distressed  her.   She  informed  me, that  for the last  six
months she had been unable to  converse  audibly; while in
the erect posture, said she had no comfort; her spirits were
very much depressed, the senses were easily deranged, and
on the whole she made up a most miserable and unhappy
subject.  This lady's abdomen was very flaccid indeed, and
the largest in the hypogastric region, from  the actual descent
 of the intestines; there was a considerable retraction at the
 stomach, on account of the descended and suspended state
 of those organs.  She had suffered much  from many physi-
 cians, but "rather grew worse."   They had treated her for
 dyspepsy principally;  they had  applied the ordinary treat-
 ment as laid down by authors for this complaint, and judi-
 ciously, too, so far as I could judge.  By this time she  had
 become disgusted with the profession.   On  examination, I
  could detect no primary  disease of any of the  viscera, but
  found a remarkable flaccidity of the abdomen, and a  total
  derangement of the mechanical relations, or natural bearing
  of the organs of the  three cavities. I gave no medicine
  but applied a Lace; she instantly rose  from  the bed, and
  said, before she was  perfectly erect, "  I  feel better in my
  stomach."   She walked  firmly to  the fire  and conversed
  animatedly for about three quarters of  an hour which she
  could  not  previously have possibly done   She afterward
  never experienced  any of her former difficulties; the chest,
  abdomen, and pelvis were all  relieved,  and she went on
  gradually to improve, and the last I heard of her  she was
  convalescent.  Other  cases might be cited to corroborate
  what we have said, but  we deem  it inexpedient  to detai
  them here.  And,  respecting the-cases  reported  we will
  here add! that we have never failed in our application, and
  that we will feel bound to report  any unfavorable  cases it
  they should occur.   In connection with  the Lace  and the
  restoration of the normal relations by it,  the next step is, to
  so invigorate the several powers and  organs concerned, as 
44
 to enable  them to resume their former wonted action and
 tone, which will, with care and perseverance on the part of
 the patient, enable him to live on his  own  vigor, and grad-
, ually lay by his mechanical support.  The steps  calculated
 to effect this very desirable  object, may be divided into the
 internal and  external measures, of which, however, the
 external are all important, and should  be  commenced upon
 instanter.  The patient, after the application of the  Lace,
 should immediately begin to knead and champoo his abdo-
 men upward and downward, and increase the kneading and
 friction as  he can bear it;  he should  use the flesh  brush
 daily; he  should never  sit  crooked,  nor  walk  thus; his
 shoulders should be thrown  back, his chest shoved out, and
 his head elevated.  This posture he should cultivate, till it
 become habitual.   If he  find  difficulty in doing it, then  he
 must set apart half an hour, morning and  evening, when he
 will attend to it, and  increase the  length of time  as he is
 able.   He should also be in the habit of striking  the chest
 with the open hand, as he can bear it, and increase until he
 can beat the chest with great force  for some time.  He
 should also daily, morning and evening, either saw or chop
 wood, or use the spade for half an hour, briskly.
   The internal means have  more reference  to  food and
 drink than to  medicines.  Be  prudent  in  quantity always;
 be regular also in the hours of eating; watch closely what
 sits well, and use it;  and what does not, avoid it with decis-
 ion of  character.  As a general rule,  mutton chop  is the
 best meat, and an alternation  of coarse wheat, rye, and corn,
 singly, or in admixture, will constitute the best bread.  The
 use of tobacco should be decidedly avoided; also tea and
 coffee.  Let all he eats be simple, but nourishing, and easy
 of digestion.  If the  patient persevere in this course, and
 watch his own case with self  command, he  will regain his
 health, and enjoy the blessings of society.

                      OF  STRANGUARY.
   It is very common  for patients to complain  that they are
 unable to retain their urine  as usual; and also that at times
 they are unable to pass it;  this is particularly the case in
 ladies laboring under prolapsus, or pregnancy.  If she be
 pregnant, there is no  question as  to the  cause of the diffi-
 culty, or the  indications of relief; i.  e.  the incontinence
 arises from constant pressure on  the  body of the bladder,
 thereby compressing  it, and reducing its capacity for retain-
 ing any quantity of that fluid.  In  the retention of urine, it 
45
is caused by the abdominal contents pressing on the bladder
and womb, pushing them down, forming an acute angle in
the neck of the bladder; thus mechanically obstructing the
passage of that fluid.  If the patient be  not  pregnant, and
the same phenomena obtain, it will be by the same process,
but without the  interference  of  the weight of a child in
utero.   Yet the intestines will so  descend as to displace the
uterus, and, as circumstances may be, will produce varying
degrees of urinal difficulty.  In both cases the  indications
of cure are the same.   First,  apply a Lace.  Secondly, put
vigorously into practice the physical treatment laid down for
dyspepsy, provided the patient be not pregnant.

                      OF THE PILES.
   This troublesome complaint may proceed from either con-
 stitutional or vital causes, or it may, as it  does  commonly,
 depend  on a breach of the mechanical  relations  of the
 organs of the trunk.   It is  very  commonly connected with
 all the varieties of dyspepsy,  and constipation.   Our view
 of the  pathology of this disease was glanced  at  in our
 physiological  remarks.  Now  what is  the general condition
 of a  patient laboring under piles.  We  find  the following
 description to be correct, as a general rule.
   He is usually costive, if not dyspeptic; and if dyspeptic,
 there will be  pretty uniform gravitation in all the abdominal
 organs.   These  organs tend  to  rest upon  the  descending
 bowel, at the brim of the  pelvis,  and thus prevent  the
 descent of the faeces,  thus causing a retention of fecal con-
 tents  there,  that  accumulates,  dries, becomes  hard, and
 absorbs the natural fluids of the bowel; irritates the mucous
 coat, and invites an undue quantity of blood there.  Now,
 this mass must eventually be thrown  off, and that, too, by
 great force and straining, unfolding the plica, or folds of the
 bowel, and shoving the internal  membrane along, mechani-
 cally producing Piles, if this state is continued long.  Now,
 what are the indications of cure?  Vie say that they are as
 follows.   Apply a Lace ; it will actually take the weight of
 the abdominal mass off the colon.  Secondly, it will actually
 raise it up, and draw it back to its position.   By this means,
 the mechanical causes are  removed, and the bowel left to
 its resources; also, by this means, the patient will  be im-
 proved in .general tone, as  he will, in  conjunction with the
 use of the Lace, take proper exercise, and apply the whole
 of the treatment  previously laid down for  dyspepsy  and
 pulmonary derangements.  We have  never  known a case 
46
fail of immediate relief, when the course as here presented,
was properly applied.  We will cite only one case for the
present.  Dr. C., a physician, who had lost his health  by
repeated attacks of spasmodic cholic, of the severest char-
acter, became so infirm that he declined  business; he be-
came bowed forward, like  an old  man, complained of great
weakness at the stomach,  and  sense of  sinking, attended
with those sensations in the breast that have been previously
described.   His stomach was contracted, and the body was
the smallest at the waist, and the abdomen much  the lar-
gest, and very  ponderous  in the hypogastrium.  He said
that he was a broken down man; he suffered much with the
Piles.  He  applied the Lace, and  was immediately able to
perform a hard half day's riding, and felt invigorated by the
exercise at  night.  He called in particularly to  inform me,
that the Piles, which  had for six months sorely afflicted him,
were instantly relieved; and in six months after, he informed
me that they never again made their appearance.

                  OF PROLAPSUS UTERI.
   The treatment and cure of this malady and its effects,
are second  in importance to the treatment of no other  mal-
ady,— seeing that the time has come  when a majority of
the best  half of the  world, down to the young  and  chaste
girl, are afflicted with this destroyer of individual and social
comfort, and which, if not  arrested, lays the foundation of
serious and even fatal pulmonary and abdominal  disease.
The peculiar manner in  which this disease is  interwoven
with diseases of the  head, heart, lungs, and abdominal vis-
cera, and identified with them, either as an effect, cause, or
symptom, no doubt has been noticed, as we have progressed
with this work; therefore, in describing this complaint, these
remote effects should be kept in  mind, although we may
not speak of them.   Also, in pointing out the nature of this
affliction, the extensive connection of causes  and effects
must be kept in view, in  the light of common  sense and
mechanical principles.
   Before proceeding  to speak of the treatment of this protsen
complaint, let me refer you to my  anatomical and physiolog-
ical remarks on the pelvic  contents; particularly of the very
small size  of this hollow organ; also of the five different
supports to sustain it.  You will recollect that this  organ
enjoys more support than is provided for the liver, an organ
of twenty  times  its  weight. You will recollect that this
great strength is designed  by nature to assist in sustaining 
47
the abdominal contents and the weight of the womb in the
four first months  of pregnancy.  Of course you conclude
that the  cause of  the  falling was pressure above, and not
want of original power  to sustain the  uterus.   Of course,
then, we conclude that support applied  below did not apply
to the cause, and  was neither  philosophical, physiological,
pathological, successful, or decent.  Therefore you are pre-
pared to see that we advise all such patients to apply a Lace,
and thus take off  all pressure from the womb, leaving it to
rise by the returning  strength of the relieved uterine sup-
ports.
   Here we have come to a controverted point, and the con-
troversy lies between the comparative curative merit of the
pessary  and  external support.
   We will give our treatment of this  complaint, and then
attend to the objections urged against it.
   In every complication, variety, or degree of this disease,
we advise the immediate judicious application of the Lace,
with a strength suited to the peculiarity of the patient.  Let
it fit  neatly,  and feel perfectly comfortable, or else exchange
it for another.   Be careful not to wear it too long on its first
application, or you may become irritated, made sore and res-
tive,  especially  if  there be tenderness'of the abdomen ; use
at first  a gentle instrument, and at intervals, and by pru-
dence, and the use of the  Lace and the  following means,
the patient will recover  health and spirits.  As there will
generally be manifest a diseased condition of the chest and
abdomen, as well  as of the pelvis, it will be requisite for her
to use faithfully the means laid down for their relief, viz:
 She  must be in the daily habit of brushing the abdomen and
back thoroughly.  Let her knead the abdomen in an upward
direction, increasing the force as she can  bear it.  Let  her
commence taking moderate exercise in a  carriage, and in-
crease  in activity as the  powers  of  life arise.  Let  her
cultivate the habit of constantly sitting erect, and  throwing
back her shoulders.   Never have her lace her waist at all.
 Let  her rise early and take the air, and  to retire early will
be of advantage,  and if she can  obtain her own consent to
lay aside  her tea  and coffee, she will be much  the gainer.
 By pursuing this  course, in  conjunction with common pru-
dence,  every patient will be restored from a confinement of
 even for many years, to perfect health.
   But here we  are met with several objections to our prac-
tice  They also come from  sage personages, and gray heads,
whose authority it is in general  not very safe to deviate from. 
48
 We will honestly state the objections below, and  answer
 them just as conscientiously as we state them.
   First, we are met at the threshhold, and told that our
 pathology of the disease is incorrect, that  the complaint is
 caused by a weakness of the uterine supports, and that the
 round and broad ligaments do not  act as  a  support to the
 uterus.  Now, concerning the assertion that the malady does
 proceed from primary weakness of the ligaments, we only
 refer you to our anatomical remarks, and  to this  fact, that
 taking off abdominal weight always will relieve the patient.
 Secondly, as to whether the round and broad ligaments do
 support the  uterus perpetually, we say that reason pronoun-
 ces this attempt to show that they do not, is more ingenious
 than useful  or wise.   We have only two reasons to urge in
 support of the fact that all the uterine ligaments constantly
 assist  in sustaining  the womb.   First, when I see a  body
 suspended in space, and attached to several  firm and fixed
 points, by one or more  ropes or tissues, my common  sense
 tells me that they are  all concerned in the support of that
 organ  or body; some may yield more support than  others,
 but they will, in their place, be considered as the suspensory
 powers of that body.   But especially will we be drawn to
 this conclusion when we can see no other important function
 for these connecting organs to perform.  But  again, if these
 organs were not designed to be the  perpetual and  proper
 supports of the  uterus,  why is  it that the descent of this
 organ is  generally attended with  the dragging pain  in  the
 groins, where the round ligaments are inserted ? and why is
 this  general relaxation  so universally accompanied by that
 dragging, grinding pain, and weakness in the lumbar region,
 the very region where the broad  ligaments are dispersed ?
 There can  be no other reason but that these  ligaments are
 put upon the stretch, and their insertions are the  extreme
 points  of resistance, producing  these  peculiar feelings that
 are diagnostic of mat-position of the  pelvis  and abdomen.
   The next  objection is, that external support does no good;
 that it presses as much upon the uterus as it presses off, and
 that they have seen these supports do mischief.
   In reply to this, we say that  most gladly would we rest
 this  point upon  facts, for  the  profession and the world  to
judge; but as  it cannot be  brought  universally before the
 sense, of either the profession or the people, we return to
 the physiology of the human system.  The point to be set-
 tled is, if prolapsus proceed from the superincumbent weight
 of the  bowels, can any external support relieve this  pres- 
49
sure ?  We say that most assuredly it can, as is proved by a
multitude of facts corroborative, and by physiological points.
First, it will be remembered that  the  posterior floor of the
abdomen, or  brim of the pelvis, is  several inches higher
than the  pubes, or anterior part of the abdominal floor, or
brim of the pelvis.   Consequently the peritoneum, or lining
membrane of the belly, that is stretched across the brim of
the pelvis, forming the floor of the abdomen, is much higher
behind than before, and looks obliquely forward  and down-
ward, like one side of the roof of a  house.  Hence we see
that this  form would facilitate the pad of the Lace, which
lifts upward and backward, in getting between the floor and
the bowels, and allowing them to rest upon it.
   But here again we are met by another objection, to wit:
that the weakness of the muscles is not the cause of  the
mal-position, but that it  is a relaxation of the ligaments.
That the latter is not  the fact, is proved  by the  invariable
relief  to  these  complaints by the application  of pressure
upward and backward.   But again; if judicious  pressure,
imitating the action of the  muscles,  will not relieve  the
patient, then we are  placed between  the horns of a difficulty,
as we will now show.
   It has been admitted that the natural action of the abdom-
inal muscles, when  in  health, and all  acting in concert, is
upward and backward ; it is also admitted that they are the
actual organs that do support the viscera, and perpetually
preserve  their determinate form  and position.   It will of
course  then, be admitted, that the more healthy and elastic
these  organs are, the more  perfectly will they effect this
perpetual elevation and  protection  of the pelvic viscera.
Now, if this  be the case, the inverse ratio of strength and
activity of these muscles will be attended by  an inverse
action on the viscera, to wit:  gravitation, thus proving that
a relaxation of the abdominal muscles will act as an exciting
and perpetuating cause  of prolapsus.   But again;  if  a
judicious upward and backward pressure be applied, and
produce as much pressure downward as upward, then of
course, by parity, the more healthy the abdominal muscles
are, and the  more active and elastic they are, the more will
they tend to produce prolapsus, by pressing part of the bowels
more forcibly on  the uterus.   This conclusion is a fair one,
and necessarily compels us to decide that a relaxation of the
abdominal muscles  may be the  cause of prolapsus, and
general mal-position of the abdominal and pectoral organs,
and that external support, like that supplied by the Lace,
                 5 
50
will relieve these effects, or that the more healthy the mus-
cles of the abdomen are, the more perfect will  be the pro-
lapsus.   This latter conclusion would be so ridiculous, that
no  one would consent to its tenability.  But we are met
here by another objection of a very grave character, which
has an actual existence in theory, but not in  practice, in the
case under consideration, to wit:  it is admitted, say some,
that external support does give immediate relief, but that it
does it in an unscientific manner, and in opposition to a
known law of the vital economy; i. e. they say, that a tem-
porary relief  is gained, at the expense of a permanent evil;
to wit: that if you do mechanically or artificially perform  the
function  that an organ  should perform vitally, you  will
increase  the  torpor of that organ; its stimulus for  action
being withdrawn, it will rest on the support, and finally lose
its tone entirely.  This  is physiologically and theoretically
true, and in accordance with  a law of the human economy,
and when applied to muscles in  health, as when the farmer
or blacksmith lay by their  calling, and bandage their mus-
cles up to support their  bodies, and take no  exercise, they
will dwindle, and become weak; or if you apply support to
a patient, and compel him or  her to take no exercise, to
strengthen the system, and give her not the  advantage of
every invigorating circumstance, of course the present relief
will be followed by the effect stated in the objection.   But
in the present case, the situation is far different; we come
to, not a well person, but a sick  one, who is laboring under
both local and general muscular relaxation, and  its effects;
these effects  have become very aggravating, and now both
the effects and the  cause cooperate, enfeebling the patient
very much; so much so, that the very exercise that is calcu-
lated to relieve her, (even the most gentle carriage exercise,)
aggravates the difficulty, and increases the patient's misery;
and that, too, just  in proportion to  the  effort she makes.
The fact is, she is ineligible to those most efficient curative
means, and something must be done to give her the advan-
tage of the means that nature has pointed out to relieve her.
Now, how shall we do this ?  Common sense  says, why,
bind her up, that she fall not to pieces; hold her comfortably
together, by  imitating the primitive relation, and by this
means she will bear to  be moved briskly into the air, and
into society, and soon she will  endure bodily exertion, and
unconsciously, will find every fibre gaining tone.
  But what would our patients say to us, were we to address
them in  the  following language, which is the spirit of the 
51
scientific objection?  This is  it.  My friend : you now are
laboring under great distress, and have been for years, in
consequence of a loss of vitality and energy in some of your
organs, producing general displacement of all the organs
of your trunk.  You have been thus ill a long time, and I
among others, have tried my utmost to render efficient relief,
by pessarys, tonics, anti-spasmodics, and all other remedies
that promised any relief; — but I am compelled to say, that
my resources are exhausted.   To be  sure, I know of a very
simple and  comfortable remedy, that would  afford instanta-
neous relief to you; relieve your spirits, relieve your pains,
and enable you  to  exercise, and go into  the air, and into
society;  and while you use it, almost make you forget your
troubles.  But I must warn you against its use, for there is
great danger of your getting into a habit of depending on it,
and finally can't  go without it.  Now considering that she
has for  years had nothing but a  habit of enduring pain, and
no  prospect before her  but to keep that habit, having been
kept scientifically sick  all this time, and all this a view of
comfort, only for  the danger of the habit of being comforta-
ble;  what  language would express her  indignity at this
savage  scientific inconsistency.   Or if a patient, convales-
cing from an intermitting  or remitting fever, had got able to
walk into the invigorating air, by the aid of a cane, should
be  told, not so. You must wait till the powers of the system
are able  to carry you, or you will relax your weak muscles
by  depending on your cane, depriving them of the stimulus
of  exertion; you will also get  in a habit  of using it, and
lasting evil will  be the consequence.  Who would not be
indignant at  this?  or who would father such  a position.
YeAhe opposers of judicious abdominal support, do actually
lie  under the same dilemma.  But they say they do not, as
the cases  of the  most protracted prolapsus  are not  thus
ineligible to exercise, even without support.  We say they
are, and the perpetual sighs of millions continually say that
they are, and common observation says they often are, and
the success of the  Lace, in relieving  the  oldest and most
obstinate cases of prolapsus, proclaims the  childishness and
obstinacy of them that  oppose this simple  and mechanical
means of relief;  opposing it simply because facts^run con-
trary to sainted antiquity,  high names,  and  the speculations
of  science.   These things are very pretty, but they cost too
many lives, too many groans, and too much suffering and
pain, to be any longer cherished.  Oh,  that I had the power
of  tearing  away  the hypothetical veil, and of showing in 
52
 captivating relief, the full  ranks of  facts,  as  they have
 occurred in  the world, in opposition to  the  usages of the
 former writers.  We now assume the offensive, and proceed
 to  prove that these  last  objections are futile and repre-
 hensible.
   What is the course and view of those who advocate the
 objections just  attended  to?  It  appears to  be this;  that
 prolapsus  is a primary disease, existing in the uterus or its
 ligaments; and that  all of the attendant affections of the
 stomach, side, heart, lungs, and  head, and in fact of the
 whole nervous system, are the result of sympathy, and  not
 of natural and  tangible causes, as explained in our phys-
 iological and  pathological  remarks; consequently they  say
 that it is a local disease, and that the  remedies should be
 applied to  the seat and origin of the complaint; and that as
 descent of the uterus is characteristic  of the complaint, of
 course, to  elevate the organ,  is  the  true  indication.   Of
 course, then, the only means of  elevating this organ is to
 place  a  prop  below to  sustain it, thereby carrying  it to its
 natural position.  Indeed this has been the practice  for
 many years, and extolled by the loftiest heads, and proudest
 names of the profession, — and in many cases, where the
 case was not aggravated, or of  long  standing, or  accom-
 panied with general torpor, or  atrophy  of the muscles, this
 means, in conjunction with invigorating constitutional reme-
 dies, and exercise, has  done much good; but this does not
 prove its expediency or validity, and as  we proceed, we will
 show that the probability is, that it has done more hurt than
 good in point of health, to say nothing of other objections to
 its use, which we will attend  to.  Now if this be  correct,
 efficient, and  scientific practice,  let us examine into  the
 condition of things.  First, the  objection to our supporting
 the viscera by  mechanical  means  was, that it  tends to
 weaken  the  powers of life, by  doing  mechanically what
 should be done vitally.  Now let us candidly  examine how
 it is that the pessary produces its boasted  relief.   Does it
 not do it  by mechanically doing for the uterus, what its liga-
 ments  ought to do vitally ?  Does  this not constantly tend°to
 weaken those ligaments,  by doing away the necessity for
 their own action, allowing them to become more torpid'?  for
 it is alleged that their previous debility was the cause of the
 descent.   Most certainly this is the case in one instance, as
 well as in the other.   So we see that their stupid objection
on physiological grounds, applies as much to the pessary as
to  the external  support.  Then,  so far as the danger of 
53
mechanical support is concerned in the argument, the matter
is  neutralized; leaving the decision  to  be made up  from
facts and other points in the case.  Again, it is said that the
vagina is the principal support of the uterus, by contracting
itself, like an India rubber  tube.  For argument's  sake, we
say, let it go at that, and we will pass on to scrutinize a little
further.  If, when  there is prolapsus, there is  generally a
relaxed and dilated vagina, and this state of that organ will
stand as the cause of the descent, what is the natural effect
or action of the pessary on these parts ?  It appears to be
this;  that it perpetuates and aggravates the cause, i. e. the
relaxation of the vagina, by occupying the utmost diameter
of this organ, destroying its elasticity, and adding  to its pri-
mary relaxation.   It also acts as a foreign substance there,
irritating the nerves of organic life, and provoking them to
an unnatural  action ; this  is followed by fluor albus, which
in turn acts  as an  exciting cause both of itself and of the
relaxation, perpetuating procidentia,   and general debility.
Now we ask, which course looks the most rational ?  Which
course holds out  the most natural prospect of relief, and acts
the most in accordance with the normal relations of the sys-
tem ?   Which course seems best calculated to conciliate the
deranged nervous system,  and to beckon back the  powers of
life to^fheir wonted relation and action ?   Or, to say nothing
of the amount of relief effected, which produces the wonted
relief at the least expense, or with the fewest evils ?   The
facts  in the case, and reason, instantly reply,  that this
rational view should be preferred, until it  is proved to be of
no avail.
   Again; let us  view the comparative merits  of the two
practices, to wit, by external support and  exercise, or by
constitutional treatment and the introduction of  a pessary,
in another point of view,  and see if  in this view  there can
be but one  voice on the subject, even allowing that one
mode of treatment is not  paramount to the other in point of
 efficiency.   First, constitutional treatment — what is it ?  It
 is  but an application to some of the reflected, or extended
 effects of the physical and primary cause.  But of the pes-
 sary, what is associated with it in  all its  considerations ?
 The  very nature of the subject precludes a full  examination
 of its peculiarities and associations.   But who are they, that
 must wear  the  pessary?   The mothers and the  daughters,
 the fair sex, the virtuous, the modest, the  diffident; those
who  hold female peculiarity as a pearl, deposited in the se-
 cret archives of the female cabinet.   Who are they ?   They
                  5* 
54
are our mothers, our  wives, our sisters, and our daughters.
And again we ask, who are they?  Ask your observation of
things and events, and you will see who and what they are ;
something which, constitutionally, intellectually, morally, and
intrinsically, is better conceived of than described.  But to
make the matter perfectly obvious in its comparative merit,
let us slightly contemplate what is embraced in the use of
the pessary.  First, it  implies as a general rule, that both
mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, on suspicion of ex-
isting prolapsus, must submit to an actual  inquisition, (not
exactly  occular,) but next to that, so far as temporal matters
are concerned;  this itself seems like an unhallowed entrance
within the  vale, i. e. of female sanctity.  But by whom is
this inquisition instituted? by her, or themselves, who  often
blush at the contemplation of themselves ?  No.  Is it by
a father, or a husband, or a  brother?  No;  but by a stran-
ger ; perchance a devil, with no sympathizing feeling for his
patient,  or sense of moral obligation ; and what gives  edge
to the matter, is, that it does not take place  under imminent
danger or racking pain; but  in a state of  exalted nervous
sensibility, and comparative health, at all times and hours of
the day.  But again; the bitter part is to come; for it is
now a fact, that the unmarried, from fifteen years upward,
as well  as married  females, labor under the class of diseases
under consideration, and require the same means of cure.
Now, to say nothing of the mental torture of the poor, and
chaste, virtuous girl, — are even rough fathers, brothers, and
husbands, prepared to like it ?  No, it is always attended by
a sort of submissive, but humbled pride.  Again, considering
it in its moral tendency.it is truly demoralizing in its na-
ture.  Previous to submission, the poor creatures would give
every thing if they could avoid it, they feel as though they
were about to be ruined; yea, to be offered on the altar of
degradation; but once done, the  die  is cast, the relief ob-
tained or not, the mental anguish is  over,  and the matter
sinks in her imagination ; it becomes  a necessity, a common
occurrence; she now has the outer strong door to the beauti-
ful temple of  chastity broken down, or severely tried; I
mean the  door or  bar of female delicacy and  suspicion.
Moral feeling is blunted, fine feeling put to sleep ; whatever
the doctor says, soon becomes a law, and a matter of course;
and the sprightly, roguish, and blythe countenance of the
young girl, is exchanged for the premature gravity and  tame-
ness of the mother, who has been stricken by all the accu-
mulated and incidental  exigencies, and peculiarities of the 
55
connubial state.   But I leave the subject now; it is enough;
when the matter is duly considered, there will  be but one
voice.   As this subject has been shown up, not only does it
appear that we,  by the  use of external support, avoid these
moral objections, but we instantly, and more perfectly, obtain
the desired object; extending not only to the local affections,
but to the reflected and extended associations also.

                      FLUOR ALBUS.
   This complaint is almost  universal, and generally exists
along  side of prolapsus, or  muscular relaxation; though it
may depend upon other causes, not connected  with this re-
laxation, requiring a correspondent specific treatment.  But
in  a majority of cases, it is but the natural, and often the
necessary effect of the morbid mechanical relations of the
pelvic contents.   The womb is pressed into the vagina, dis-
tending it, and  destroying its  elasticity;  the little elects or
 exhalants on its service are both relaxed and expanded, and
 they pour out the leucorheal discharge in a most exhausting
 manner;  this is also  aggravated, by the presence of the
 uterus in the vagina, acting as a foreign substance, and the
 discharge operating somewhat like  a mock suppuration to
 relieve the vagina, as in the case of  matter being formed
 and discharged where a ball or sliver has lodged in the flesh.
 Of the treatment of this affection we have but little to say ;
 the course indicated is plain.   Apply the Lace judiciously,
 regulate your general habits, particularly those of exercise;
 and go into  cheerful company, and good air.  Avoid exciting
 causes of every description,  and in nine cases out of ten,
 relief will soon follow, the cause having  ceased to  exist.

    UTERINE HEMORRHAGE AND EXCESSIVE MENSTRUATION.
    Between these two diseases, it is often difficult to draw a
 distinction, sometimes one running into the other, and some-
 times both existing at once ; my private opinion is, that they
 are only different degrees of the same thing.  V  e explained
 in our remarks on  prolapsus, how the nerves of  organic life
 in the uterus might become either torpid or irritated by this
 morbid mechanical relation,  producing either  suppressed
 menses, profuse menstruation, or flooding.
    We nave never  known a case of this kind, to  resist the
 efficacy of the  Lace, when skilfully applied; to say the least,
 it will remove  many of the exciting causes, and aggravating
 effects of  the  malady, if  it do not remove the disease;
 thereby enabling the patient the better to bear up under the
 exhausting discharge. 
56
   We have now closed our remarks  on disease and  its
treatment.   They are very imperfect, and come far short of
what is wanted:  but they have already extended to three
times  their intended length.   This work was, and is now,
only designed to attract both professional and popular atten-
tion to the  real nature and- proper treatment of the diseases
on which we have treated so cursorily.  It is hoped, that at
least, they will elicit from some one of talent, a much more
perfect work on this subject, that will fully answer the ne-
cessities and demands of society.
   I have reluctantly given my consent to this book's present
publicity, as I am not insensible to its imperfections and in-
accuracies, but the public clamor for it, as it is.   If my life
is spared, perhaps I may resume the subject more at large,
and with better taste, (if I possess it.)
   It may now be asked  what are  the direct signs that the
Lace may be employed to advantage without an accurate
knowledge of either or  all  of the  above described dis-
eases ?   We say in reply, that it  never does any harm, but
for the specific direction of the  inquirer, we add the follow-
ing set of symptoms, all or a part of which, will indicate that
the sufferer will find advantage from the judicious applica-
tion of the Lace:

                       SYMPTOMS.
   Bleeding at the lungs, cough, pain in the chest, particu-
larly in its centre and inferior region, shortness of breath,
sensation of tightness or stricture about the chest, especially
when in the erect posture, and the chest thrown forward;
palpitation of the heart, to a greater or less degree, dyspepsy
in all its forms, as indicated by a pain in the stomach after
eating, sense of a load, as if some hard substance was de-
posited ; heartburn, waterbrash, spitting up of the food, at-
tended  with  capricious appetite, gnawing sensation at the
stomach, sensation of goneness, or sinking at the  pit of the
stomach, with a retraction at that place ; disposition to sit or
walk more  or less bent  forward, pain in one or both sides,
which are  generally supposed to  be the  effect of liver
complaint, but are only the result of gravitation of that or-
gan.   More or  less  tenderness of the abdomen, especially
on being jarred or jolted; abdomen the most pendulous at
the pubes, the walls being very flaccid, so that the patient
can  grasp them in  the hand in any quantity.   Also, a sen-
sation  of dragging in the groins, with a  bearing down, or
pulling sensation, causing the patient to stoop very carefully; 
57
there will generally be more or less pain in the back, of a
grinding character, with great weakness there; often the
patient feels great weakness in the hips, and pain in one or
both of them, or  numbness of the limbs.  There  is  also
most generally, (especially in females,) a  weakness in the
limbs,  disallowing them much exercise, and often accom-
panied  by pain  and numbness, and  sometimes by loss of
motion  in them.   Costiveness is an almost constant atten-
dant on the foregoing signs, also Fluor  Albus, Piles, and
Prolapsus.  The nervous system, in a diseased state, is par-
ticularly under the power of the  Lace. For instance, ring-
ing in the ears, dizziness of the head, on reaching or stoop-
ing, feebleness of mind, or confusion of ideas, disposition to
 great gloom and desponding, weeping, often apparently with-
 out cause, and not knowing why herself; disposition becomes
 irritable and  peevish, and memory fails.  The patient may
 come to the dreadful  gloom of insanity, or the perpetration
 of the horrid crime of suicide; very much more might  De
 said, but the  above is sufficient.
   Ladies in pregnancy may find surprising relief  fromme
 use of the Lace; but more especially those who are in child-
 bed, should always have one ready to apply;  thereby filling
 up  the great  vacancy, feeling more  comfortable, and avoid-
 ing the exciting cause of prolapsus with weakness of the
 back, and the common evils of child-bed, arising from a too
 sudden getting up.
  DIRECTIONS  FOR THE APPLICATION AND USE  OF THE  LACE.
    1st. Be certain to have an exact fit, and that  it  feel com-
  fortable, or at least not uncomfortable, in any part.  To this
  end never trust any but an experienced  hand to  make  the
  first application, as otherwise you may frustrate your hopes
  orsuccess ffor a small lack of adaptation will often produce

  1X12? SZtength be well proportioned to the amount
  of relaxation and sensitiveness  of the patient.  Too  much
  pressure w£ make  the patient restive and irritable occasion
  soreness, and discourage her in  the continuance of its use
  In a  word,  let the  strength  be such -^a&rd^XSte^
  comfortable support, and not of compression.  See^that all
  the pads are in the  right position and feel comfor abba
     3d   How to put it on, and take it off.  Let your Doay pe
  in a horizontal  posture, so as to elevate  the  abdominal  vis-
  c^ra tmuch a^ may be then take &I«em^
  hand around the front pad, grasp it firmly.   Pass your leu 
58
hand under the small of your back, and press the palm on
the upper and lower pads, then open the Lace so wide as to
abundantly admit the body; then carry on  the  Lace, thus
open, so as to bring it to the exact spot without dragging; let
the curved part  fit  exactly in  the  soft space between the
haunch bone and the ribs; then fasten it comfortably tight
by the, strap that  passes round the left side, and hooks on to
a stud on the ends of  the main spring.  Should  the instru-
ment incline to slip up, and should there be weakness of the
perineum, use  the perineal pad, as  follows :  hitch the long
and broad straps  to  the studs or  hooks on the lower back
pads; bring the  rest  of the strap  between the limbs, and
hook them on the studs or hooks on the front pad.  In gen-
eral, let the pad be so far back  as not to interfere with the
urinal evacuation.   When the  Lace is adjusted, be sure to
hold down the front pad with one hand, while with the other
you raise the abdomen so as to  insinuate the lower edge of
the pad, under the  whole  mass,  allowing it  to rest on the
pad, and not be too much pressed by it.  If you are irritable,
do not wear the lace long enough to be irritated too much at
first, but increase in its use as your endurance increases, and
when you lay it by, select a time  when you are going to be
at ease, and put it on when you attempt to exercise.  And
if you are vigorous in exercise as  described heretofore,  you
at length may lay it by, and live without the  necessity of its
frequent use, 
GLOSSARY.
Aberration, the act of going astray.
Anhelation,  shortness of  breath;  dimcult
  respiration.
Amis, the lowest part of the intestine.
Assimilation, the reduction of aliments to
  the body; " the union of aliments to the
  body."
Broad Ligament, a support to the womb.
Carotid Artery, main artery in the neck.
Cartilago, gristle.
Cartilago ensiformis, the tip or extremity of
  the breast bone.
Cellular, full of cells.
Cerebral, pertaining to the brain.
Colon, the large bowel.
Diagnostic,  judgment of a disease from the
  symptoms of the patient.
Diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest
  from the abdomen.
Diathesis, state of the body as to health.
Faces, excrement, settlings,  sediment.
Fecal, consisting of sediment, or alvine ex-
  crement.
Fundus, a sling, or stirrup.
 Git utei Muscle, fleshy  portion  of the  but-
  tock.
 Gravid, being with child.
Hepatic, pertaining to the liver.
Hepatitis, inflammation of the liver.
Hypertrophy, enlargement.
Hypogastrium, middle part of the lower re-
  gion of the abdomen.
 Incontinence, not holding.
 Innominata, haunch bones.
 Linea Alba, white line  in the centre of the
  abdominal walls.
 Lumbar Region, the region of the loins.
 Mediastinum,  membrane separating the
  chest into two divisions.
 Membraneous, consisting of membranes.
 Os, bone.
Ossa Innominata, two haunch bones.
Parities, walls.
Pathology,  philosophy of diseases — their
  nature, causes, effects, &c\
Pectoral, pertaining to the breast.
Pelvis, the lower cavity of the trunk.
Peritoneum, the membrane which encloses
  all the bowels.
Phthisis Pulmonalis, consumption.
Physiology, the science of the  properties
  and functions of the human frame.
Physiological, pertaining to physiology.
Pulmonary, pertaining to the lungs..
Rectum, lower part of the large bowel —
  the straight gut.
Retrovertion, a turning or falling back.
Round Ligament, a support to the womb.
Sacrum, rump bone.
Sanguiferous, conveying blood.
Scrobiculus Cordis, the pit of the stomach.
Sigmoid Flexure, bend of the colon, as it
  passes into the pelvis.
Spine, back bone.
Strumous, relaxed, or chronic.
Synchronal, happening at the same time.
 Tendon, a hard bundle of fibres, by which
  a muscle is attached to a bone.
 Tendinous, partaking of the nature of ten-
  dons.
 Tissue, texture, or organization of parts —
  a connected series.
 Trochanter Major, bony protuberance on
  the hip.
 Tympanites,  a flatulent distention of the
  "belly.
 Umbilicus, the navel.
 Vagina,  the  membraneous passage to the
  womb.
 Ventricles,  small cavities in the  body.
 Vertigo, dizziness in the head.
 Viscera, the bowels, or intestines. 
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