NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE Washington Founded 1836 U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Public Health Service LECTURES ON DIET AND REGIMEN: BEING A SYSTEMATIC INQUIRY INTO THE MOST RATIONAL MEANS OF PRESERVING HEALTH AND PROLONGING LIFE: TOGETHER WITH PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL EXPLANATIONS^ CALCULATED CHIEBL* FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES, fN ORDER TO BANISH THE PREVAILING ABUSES AND PREJUDICES IN MEDICINE, By A. F. M. WILLICH, M. D< Qui ftomachum regem totius corporis effe Contendunt, vera niti rations videntur; Hujus enim tenor validus firmat omnia membra; At contra ejufdem franguntur cun&a dolor e. Sereni Sammonici, de Medicina Praceftafalulcrrmdi THE FIRST NEW-YORK, FROM THE THIRD LONDON, EDITION. NEW-YORK: % o'-f; Printed by T. and J. Swords, Printers to the Faculty of Phyfic1 o^' of Columbia College, No. 99 Pcarl-ftreet. ItOl. TO THOSE MOTHERS AND GUARDIANS OF FAMILIES WHOSE GREATEST PRIDE AND HAPPINESS IT IS TO REAR JEffiALTHY AND VIRTUOUS CHILDREN,* TO THOSE FRIENDS OF SOCIETY AND THEMSELVES WHO ARE SOLICITOUS TO PRESERVE THEIR HEALTH, AND TO ADOPT THE PARENTAL HINTS OF NATURE* RATHER THAN SUBMIT TO THE PRECARIOUS RELIEF OF ART, iiVt: ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FIRST LONDON EDITION. THESE Lectures, with the exception of the Eighth and Ninth Chapters, were delivered laft winter,* at Bath, and in. the fpring at Briftol, to numerous and refpectable audiences. The Author had no intention, at that time, to publifh them; but as he found no work, in the Englilh language, comprehending fuch a fyftem- atic view of the various and important objects which came more immediately under his confideration, and conceived that the diffemination of the rules felefted by him might be generally ufeful, he was induced to alter his refolution, and fubmit them to the candour of the public. To many Englim and German writers he muft ac- knowledge his obligations, in the compofition of his work. Among the former, he has occasionally availed himfelf of the excellent writings of Priestley, on the fubjedt of * Air and Weather-? of Fothergill and Vaughan, on < Drefs;' and of Armstrong, Cul- len, and Falconer, on ' Food and Drink.' To Dr. Fothergill alfo, on the fubjedt of ' Sleeping and Waking' he is much indebted, as well as to Mr. Adams' ufeful Treatife on the ' Treatment and Prefervation of the Eyes? Befide the valuable obfervations drawn from all thefe fources, he has been greatly affined by the opinions of feveral German writers, viz. Ingenhouz, Hahne- mann, Hufeland, Marcard, Soemmering, Un- zer, Zimmermann, and others; having derived con- » In the months of January and February, 1798. ( 6 ) fiderable advantage from the general refult of their re- fpedtive inquiries on the fubjecl: of Diet and Regimen. Although it can fcarcely be expected that a work of this nature mould be perfect, or free from inaccuracy, the Author has fpared no pains to render it deferving of the public favour, and trufts it will be found a domeftic guide both to families and individuals. Should the rules and cautions, interfperfed through- out, tend, in the fmalleft degree, to increafe the know- ledge of the inquifitive, difiuade the unwary from inju- rious habits, or refcue the fenfualift from the brink of deftruftion, the exertions of the Author will be amply compenfated. ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SECOND LONDON EDITION. THE firft Edition of thefe Lectures having met with a degree of approbation beyond the molt fanguine hopes of the Author, he has teftified his grateful fenfe to a difcerning public, not only by correcting and improv- ing every page of the work, but likewife by enlarging and rendering it as complete as the limits of a fingle vo- lume would admit. Many important and ufeful articles have been added, especially in the Fifth Chapter, " Of Food and Drink." The principal new fubjetls the Reader will, on confulting the Alphabetical Index, find under the terms—Arrow- fool—Artichokes—A/par agus— Barley—Beans—Beet- root —Cow-pox—Confumption—Exercife—Figs—Game—Lob- Jlers-^-Manna-grafs—Metallic Tractors—Millet—Oats— OH—Olives —Parfnips — Rice—Sago—Salfafy—Salt— Skirret-root—Small-pox—Tamarinds—Vinegar, &c. &c. The quotations translated from Dr. Mead's " Medi- cal Precepts," and inferted in the conclufion of thefe Lectures, will be deemed interefting by every reflecting mind. To this edition, the Author has added a " Pojlfcript? to which he refers the Reader with refpeft to the limited defign of the prefent book, and the practical tendency of a new work, " On the Dietetic Treatment and Cure of Difeafes;" which will contain the farther application of thefe Lectures in a difeafed ftate of the body. With this view he has thought proper to fubjoin a feries of Queries, addrefled to thofe patients who are anxious to give an accurate and fatisfa&ory account of their diforder, when confulting medical men, efpecially if they cannot have the benefit of an interview. preface TO THE THIRD LONDON EDITION. IN the Advettifements prefixed to the firft and fecond Editions of thefe Lectures, the Author has dated the object of his labours, and the motives which induced him to publifh the Work. He has gratefully acknow- ledged his obligations to many Englifh and German wri- ters, of whofe valuable obfervations he has occafionally availed himfelf; and is more particularly indebted to Priestley, Fothergill, Vaughan, Armstrong, Cullen, Falconer, Adams, Ingenhouz, Hah- nemann, Hitfeland, Marcard, Sqmmering, Struve, and Unzer. As a difcriminating Public has received this Work with the mod flattering approbation, it may appear fu- perfluous to apologize for the infertion of thofe fubjects of inquiry, however important, which fome faftidious critics have deemed objectionable. The Author alludes to the ninth chapter, which contains a body of informa- tion, not to be met with in any popular treatife hitherto publifhed in the Engiilh language. It is true, that, on a point of fuch nicety and peculiaf delicacy, a variety of feelings and fentiments prevail in Society: but if it be admitted, " that falfe delicacy has done greater injury to good manners, and found morals, than undifguifed truth, efpecially if this be related in a manly and philofophical ftyle," the judicious reader will not hefitate to pronounce a verdict in favour of the Au- thor. Indeed, this has, in a great meafure, already been verified by experience. Befides, the method of writing here adopted will be found uniformly chafte and ferious; fo that the good intentions of the writer cannot be mif- b ( io ) taken, particularly as the Work is not immediately acT- drefled to the young and inexperienced, but to Mothers and Guardians of Families. It is therefore to be hoped, that, in a country where goodfenfe and found principles have long been domefticated, the public mind will not be influenced, either by the anonymous calumny of the hyperergic, or the illiberal afperfions of the partifan. Since the fecond edition of the prefent Lectures was publifhed, many applications have been made to the Author, as well as to the different Bookfellers in the Metropolis, refpecting the New Work announced in the Pojlfcript, entitled,' " On the Dietetic Treatment and Cure of Difeafes."*—As the mature digeftion of the materials, and an arrangement of the numerous facts connected with this inquiry, require a much greater portion of time and labour than the Author at firft conceived to be ne- ceflary,, he craves the indulgence of the Public for delay- ing it3 publication; till next year. In that Work he pro- pofes to point out a more limple and rational method of treating chronic diforders, and, at the fame time, to lhow that medicines alone are often unavailing, and in fuch complaints generally mifapplied. It mult, there- fore, contain the practical application of the rules and cautions laid down throughout the prefent volume, in a difeafed ftate of the body. And, as the Author has, on a former occafion, obferved, that, in this refpect, there appears to him a remarkable chafm to be filled up in the philofophy of medicine, he will not venture to ap- pear before the public tribunal with an imperfect or de- fective work.—This promife, however, he requefts the candid and liberal reader to interpret in that limited fenfe, which is applicable to every novel and arduous undertaking. There is another circumftance which ought to be ex- plained. The new treatife before alluded to is not in- tended to preclude the neceflity of applying for medical * As foon as this work comc3 to hand, T. and J, Swords propofc to pu$ it to prefc, and print it uniformly with this volume. ( " ) •advice, in all difeafes whatever, but to enable the reader to difcriminate between danger and fafety, and to warn him againft that implicit reliance on the operation of medicines taken by the ftomach; a practice which mult be frequently the bane of health, while it undermines the foundeft conftitution. Hence the Author will he induced to fubftitute various means of introducing me- dicinal fubftances into the human iyftem, and fuch as are lefs dangerous to the digeftive organs; becaufe thefe are defigned by Nature for a very different purpofe. The Queries addrefTed to patients, at the conclufion of the Poftfcript, have been reprinted in this edition; for the Author has found, by experience, that they were •of fervice to fuch perfons as had not an opportunity of confulting profeffional men, in any other manner than by correfpondence: this, I flatter myfelf, has been the cafe more efpecially with thofe individuals who were af- flicted with painful and chronic diforders, where it is an eflential point to give an accurate and fatisfactory ac- count of their complaints, before the phyfician can ven- ture to return any advice, with fafety or advantage. ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS. I Page. INTRODUCTION 25 On the present state of medicine, as a science founded on facts ibid Observations on the general laws of Nature 27 On the necessity of applying to the study of natural causes 28 An attempt to account for the difference of opinions on medical subjects 29 The origin and causes of diseases investigated 3 J Cow-pox proposed as a preventive of the small-pox 33 Practical remarks and observations tending to illustrate the doc- trine of temperaments # 3+ The absurdity and dangerous tendency of patent or quack medi- cines pointed out, with apposite illustrations 40 Mr. James Parkinson quoted on the subject of quack medicines 41 The nature of fashionable complaints defined 45 The source of them investigated 47 The functions of the skin explained 48 The necessity of bathing inculcated, as the best substitute for nostrums 53 The nature and properties of cosmetics examined 55 The only effectual substitutes for them recommended, and in- junctions relative to the improvement of the skin 57 Strictures on the physical education of children 60 Frequent bathing an useful practice in infancy 6a The proper temperature of the bath, and its general effects 63 The cold bath frequently dangerous to children 64 The lukewarm or tepid bath far preferable ibid directions and cautions how to use this bath with advantage ibid The utility of the air bath pointed out 65 Shortness of sight, and weakness of the eyes accounted for 66 The importance of spacious nurseries, and the daily airing of them inculcated "7 Hufeland's picture of a child properly managed, with respect to washing, airing, and bathing irj'd Anecdote of a Russian postillion 69 Feather-beds and cumbersome dresses condemned 7° The origin of a sweating skin _ 'bid A proper couch for children described jbid Cleanliness a cardinal virtue in a domestic life ibid. Rickets cured by cleanliness alone _ 7r How the head and breast should be covered "bid Historical anecdote from Herodotus 1D>d Sudden improvements are neither successful nor permanent 72. There is no perfect and permanent state of health ^ 73 Quotation from C1 c e k q l"l(^ »4 CONTENTS. Chap. I. On the Means of preferring Health and p-olonging Life. Page. Definition of a good state of health 75 Reasons for being satisfied with our present state ^ _ 76 To avoid or cure diseases we ought to be acquainted with the economy of the human frame }bid The pretended purpose of nostrums explained ibid Man has always more or less valued a long life 77 The method of prolonging life adopted by the Orientals ibid The same plan prescribed byBoERHAAVE 7$ The inefhcacy of it demonstrated 79 The Egyptians resorted to sudorifics and «metks 8<» The sagacious Greeks employ means more natural and effectual 8x The great advantage of gymnastic exercises considered 8a The modern methods of bracing the body cannot be indiscrimi- nately recommended ibid The excellence of the Grecian method illustrated by an instance in the voyages of Captain Cook 83 Plutarch's golden precepts 84 Review of the barbarity of the middle ages 85 The alchemists in search of original matter ibid The tincture of gold introduced 86 Sketch of the goldmakers, Rosencrucians, &c. 87 The productions of alchemy have a tendency to shorten life 88 They impair the susceptibility, or power of receiving vital supplies ibid Theophrastus Paracelsus, an impudent insurer of lives 89 The world of spirits is summoned to assist ibid The professors of astrology begin their impositions 90 The noted Thurneisen appears at Berlin ibid Exposition of that occult science, astrology 91 Cornaro shows the absurdity of resorting to supernatural means, by his illustrious example 03 Blood-letting came into general use 96 In what cases venesection may be of advantage ibid Definition of the art of prolonging life 97 The nature of the blood investigated ibid Libavius discovers the transfusion of the blood 99 A short account of the Paracelsian Theosojikhts, or the society of Rosencrucians 100 The process of transfusion described 101 Lord Bacon deviates from the true path of inquiry 102 He advises the repetition of powerful laxatives every two or three years—his theory controverted IO» Modern method of computing the duration of life 104 Medical imposture still prevalent in our enlightened age 10c Perkins's metallic tractors exploded jbj^ The fanatical system of Jacob Bohmen revived in Germany 106 Messmer. appears with his animal magnetism ibid CONTENTS. *5 Page. An account of his artful proceedings, and an authentic narrative of his pretended discovery 107 His advertisement extraordinary 109 He imposes upon the French government 110 He realizes a princely fortune in Paris 11 r He is at length proved to be either a fanatic or impostor ibid L.AV ater himself propagates animal magnetism and somnambulism 112 Messmer's system exploded, both in Germany and England ibid St. Germain's tea for prolonging lfre 113 D'Ailhoud's deleterious powder still in vogue on the Continent ibid Cagliostro, an impostor, with his balm of life, &c. ibid Father Gassner ascribes all diseases to diabolical agency 114 Count Thun, the latest of German fanatics, obtains no credit 11 £ All specifics and plans for prolonging life rest upon erroneous principles ibid Conditions requisite to the attainment of a long life 116 I. A certain bodily and mental disposition to longevity ibid a. A sort of hereditary disposition ibid 3. A perfect birth of the child, and proper conduct in the mother ibid 4. A gradual1 culture of the physical and mental faculties 117 5. A constant habit of brooking and resisting the various impres- sions of external agency 118 6. A steady and equal progress of life 120 7. A sound state of digestion > ibid 8. Equanimity of mind—avoiding violent exertions ibid Concluding remarks on the subject of longevity 121 On the symptoms of actual dissolution 12a Account of a new institution in Germany ibid Cases in which death can be clearly ascertained 125 Cases where the symptoms of death are less certain 124 Children and young persons should not too hastily be considered as dead 125 Summary account of a dietetic system 126 Explanation of the six non-naturals ibid The present mode of living compared with that in a state of nature 127 Many writers are misled by partial methods of inquiry 128 Farther illustrations relative to a dietetic system ibid Chap. II. Of Air and Weather. Of air in general—Respiration. 138 Definition of air and atmosphere 13a Account of the pressure of the atmosphere incumbent on our bodies ibid Component parts of the atmosphere ibid Concise history of oxygen 133 Properties of oxygen, and its effects on respiration ibid Properties of azote 134 16 CONTENTS. Page. Properties of carbonic acid gas, or fixed air 134 Properties of inflammable air 135 Specific gravity of the different airs ibid Noxious effects of mephitic gases 136 Noxious effects of the vapours of lead ibid The chemical process in improving and restoring atmospheric air described 137 General remarks relative to the advantages to be derived from a systematic view of dietetics 138 Effects of warm and cold air on the body 139 Effects of damp or moist air ibid Effects of dry and cool air 140 Effects of sudden changes of air ibid Effects of the different winds ibid On the relative salubrity of the different seasons 141 Effects of strongly scented bodies I4a Effects of dwelling on lakes, marshes, and rivers, 34* Which is the most wholesome air to live in 1.±h Of the Improvement of Air in Dwelling-houses* Situation of a house in point of health jam Criterion of a damp and unwholesome air i Different strata of air in a room jbid Various modes of purifying the air by ventilators ibid! Rules respecting the admission of fresh air ibid Rules in moist and cold air—moist and warm air 148 Rules in hot and dry air j?a Effeds from the exhalations of green plants and flowers ibid Effects from large trees with thick foliage ibid Effects from the burning of candles ibid Effects from the steam of ceoked provisions 150 Effects from the exhalation of green fruit, oil, tallow, foul linen, &c. ibid Effeas from the vapours of charcoal jbjd Effects from impure wool, oil, colours, &c. ,*, Effects from keeping wet substances in dwelling-rooms ibid General effects of heat and cold jl j j General effects of sudden transitions , -- Of the proper dress for the season jhjj Of heating rooms in autumn Of exposing the body to the bracing effefts of cold ibid Precautions respefting the changes of temperature ! ,. Chap. III. Of Cleanlinefs. Extent of this domestic virtue Rules for prating it—as to the body, face, neck, and hands ibid Rules for practising it-as to the head, mouth, nose, tongue, feet, beard, and nails b 7 » , Rules with resped to eating and drinking j * CONTENTS. >* Page. On the Management of the Teeth* Advantage of cleaning them at night 158 Precautions in removing the tartar from the teeth ibid The use of dentifrices examined ibid Rules for preventing the tartar from settling on the teeth 159 How to remove the tartar when settled ibid Some of the best remedies for the tooth-ache ibid Treatment of scorbutic teeth and gums 160 Directions for preserving the teeth—tooth powders ibid Directions for cleaning them properly 161 Of the Use of Baths. Bathing forms the basis of domestic cleanliness 16a Effects of the bath in general ibid Division of baths—effects of the warm and tepid bath 163 Of bathing in rivers 165 Historical narrative of the practice of bathing 166 The nature, properties, and effects of the cold bath 167 Doctors Currie and Fr anklin quoted 169 Rules for the use of the cold bath 170 Cases in which the cold bath is injurious 17E The shower-bath recommended—substitutes for it 17a Advantages of the shower-bath 174 Account of the aerial or air bath jyc Friction of the body—cutting of the hair—washing and shaving the head recommended 176 Friction of the soles, and bathing of the feet 177 Of pomatums for making the hair grow—of changing its colour ibid, Of corns—how to prevent and cure them ibid Chap. IV. Of Drefs. Substance and form of dress 177 The general properties of a good dress 178 On the Materials used for Articles of Dress. The proper colour and surface of substances considered 178 Of animal wool—linen—silk—wax-cloth 179 Of cotton and furs ibid Attention to be paid to the season, climate, &c. 180 On the immediate covering of the skin 181 The advantages of animal wool or flannel explained ibid The objections against flannel answered 183 The salutiferous effects of flannel when worn next the skin 184 Of stockings—the proper substances for them examined 186 Of Dress, as to its Form. On the most proper method of covering the head 188 Of shirts, coverings for the neck, &c. 19* Oi laced stays, &c« 393 C 18 CONTENTS. Page. Of narrow sleeves in gowns '94- Of breeches and pantaloons ,ljld Of Braces—drawers for females, and garters 19S Of the form of stockings, and the size of shoes 196 Of the substance for shoes, and the manner of rendering them water-proof a°r ©f changing the shoes from one foot to the other ibid Chap. V. Of Food. Introductory remarks on the nature and effects of food and drink soa Observations and rules relative to the quantity of food 205 On the different kinds of appetite 20r> Remarks on the quality of aliment—on the nature of digestion and nutrition—mode and time of taking food 209. On the propriety of sleeping after dinner 213 A discussion on the general effects of animal food 314. Of Animal Food. The properties of game ai 7 The different methods of dressing victuals investigated a 18 On the digestibility of animal and vegetable substances 319 ©n preternatural hunger 221 ©f animal jelly—the flesh of different animals compared as to its salubrity ' ibid On the properties of veal 323 On the properties of beef 225 On the properties of pork ibid ©n the properties of smoked hams- 227 ©n the properties of sausages and bacon ibid On the properties of lard—sheep—lamb 228 On the properties of house-lamb—goats—deer—venison and hare 229 On the properties of the lungs, liver, heart and kidneys of animals 230 On the properties of the fat of animals ibid On the properties of the blood of animals ibid ©n the properties of the milk of animals ibid Directions for making artificial ass's milk 233, ©n the properties of cream, butter, and butter-milk 234 ©n the properties of cheese 235 Cheese forms the strongest cement yet contrived 236 On the relative wholesomeness of birds in general ibid On the relative wholeiomeness of birds' eggs 228 On the various methods of preserving eggs % 230 An account of Mr. Donaldson's patent ibid On the properties and effects of fish 240 On the properties and effects of amphibious animals, lobsters, crabs, oysters, and turtles 2. t The legs of frogs used as food j^jj On the properties and cffeds of snails and muscles 2^z. CONTENTS. 19 Page. Of Vegetable Aliment. Division of the vegetable articles of nourishment into five orders 243 1. The farinaceous vegetables-j—bread, its nature and properties reviewed ibid Rice 246 Barley—millet—oats—manna-grass 247 a. The leguminous productions, as beans, peas, lentils, &c. ibid Green peas 248 3. The various kinds of salads and herbs used for cooking ibid Asparagus 250 Artichokes—salads—spinage—sorrel ibjd Of red and white cabbage—Sauer Kraut ibid ©f lettuce 25 r 4. The esculent roots used at table ibid Of carrots—turnips—beet-root—parsnips 253 ©f parsley, smallage, celery, scorzonera, skirret-root, &c. 254 Salsafy # 255 ©f onions, garlic, shallot, chives, and radishes ibid Arrow-root 256 5. Fruit, or the production of trees and shrubs ibid Sago—cherries 257 ©f plums—tamarinds 258 Of peaches—apricots—pears 259 ©f apples—quinces 260 Of lemons, oranges, limes, shaddocks, &c. 261 ©f raisins 26s Vegetable acids excellent correctors of opium ibid ©f currants, goosberries, grapes, and strawberries 263 Strawberries a preventative against the stone in the kidneys ibid ©f cucumbers—melons—gourds—olives 264 ©f almonds, walnuts, hazlenuts, and nuts in general ibid ©f mushrooms 265 Chap. VI. Of Drink and Spices. I. With respect to the quantity and time of drinking a66 II. With respect to its quality 269 ©f spring—well—river, and lake-water ibid Of rain—snow—hail-water, and dew 270 Various methods of corre&ing bad water,and preserviag it whenfresh 2 yf. Division of wines into five principal classes 27a ©f cyder and perry ibid Constituent parts of wine 273 Its properties and effects in general ibid The state of intoxication explained 274 How to treat a person in that state 275 Effects of a copious use of wine > ibid On the adulterations of wine, and the dangers attending them 276 Directions for detecting adulterated wines 277 aft CONTENTS. Page. HaHNEMann's liquor viniprobatorius 278 Of ardent spirits, their general properties and effects 279 Of beer, its ingredients, adulterations, properties and effects 281 Of tea, its properties and effects on the system 285 Substitutes for Indian tea recommended 287 Of coffee, its properties and effects on particular constitutions 288 Of chocolate 290 Of punch—negus 291 Of vinegar—oil 29a Of Spices. Of salt 393 Lord Dundonald's method of purifying salt ibid Of sugar a94 Of honey 29$ Of pepper ibid Of cubebs, cardamoms, vanilla, &c. 296 Of cloves, mace, nutmeg, cinnamon, cassia, pimento, (all-spice and ginger) ibid Of parsley, marjoram, thyme, sage 297 Of caraway, and its effects in flatulency, hysterics, &c. ibid Classification of the various Articles used as Food, Drink, and Sfiices. I. Food: Alimentary substances containing wholesome fluids 298. Alimentary substances containing unwholesome fluids 301 II. Drink: Watery liquors, ibid Spirituous liquors 30a III. Spices ibid Chap. VII. Of Exercifi and Reft. Of the advantages and disadvantages of exercise in general 303 Of the various kinds of exercise, and the time of taking it 304 Of the duration of exercise 305 ©f walking, and its effects on the body 307 Rules to be observed in walking 308 Of running 309 Of dancing 310 Of riding in carriages 311 Of leaping—fencing, the military exercise ibid New species of muscular exercise 31a Of the sedan-chair—sailing in barges, and at sea ibid Of riding on horseback 31 * Of swimming 214 Of playing at hand-ball, cricket, caroussel, and swinging ibid Of speaking—singing 21 r Of wind instruments -x5 Of the harmonica; the influence of stringed instruments in general ibid ©f friction of the body - j - ©n the conduct proper to be observed after exercise 310 How to satisfy thirst after exercise ibid CONTENTS. 21 Page. How to satisfy a craving appetite 320 Consequences arising from the want of exercise ibid The most usual postures of the body examined 321 Of exercising the functions of the mind 32a Chap. VIII. Of Sleeping and Waking. Necessity of this alternation 324 A concise theory of sleep 325 An inquiry into the nature and origin of dreams 326 Haller's definition of dreaming 327 The existence of a subreasoning faculty proved 328 A curious dream related and illustrated by Professor Ma as ibkl Another singular dream of Galileo 331 Consequences arising from too much or too little sleep 33a On the proper duration of sleep 333 In what situations sleep is more or less necessary 334 Causes of a disturbed and uneasy sleep 336 Whether sleeping after dinner be advisable 337 On the most proper posture in sleeping 338 Time and manner of going to bed—influence of dreftrm 339 On the most proper couches and coverings 340 Disadvantages of feather-beds 341 Disadvantages of curtains 34a Disadvantages of common sleeping-rooms ibid Disadvantages of warming the bed 343 Of the proper situation for a bed-room ibid Of the use of burning candles or rush-lights ibid Chap. IX. Of Evacuations, On the importance of these functions 344 The three principal emunctories defined 345 Of Evacuations by Stool. Consequences of neglecting them 346 Means of promoting them, and preventing costiveness ibid The different appearance and effect of such discharges 348 The causes of obstructions and costiveness ascertained 350 The means of preventing them pointed out 351 How to guard against too frequent excretions 35a Necessity of water-closets, and other precautions 353 Of Urine. Of the quality and quantity of this discharge 354 Of the prognostics from its appearance ibid Of the nature and origin of urinary complaints 356 Of Insensible Perspiration. On the nature and great importance of this function 357 Circumstances suppressing and affecting perspiration 359 « CONTENTS. Page; Circumstances tending to promote it 359 Distinction between perspiring and sweating 3^.0 Effect of cold on insensible perspiration ibid Effect of food and drink on the same 3°* Effect of the depressing passions and emotions ibid How too violent perspiration should be treated ibid On the common treatment of colds 3^a On excessive bleedings in general ibid Of the saliva—the custom of smoking tobacco censured ^ 363 Of the mucus of the nose—the habit of taking snuff, and its dan- gerous consequences 3°4 The acroamatic belts and sneezing-powders of a certain empiric animadverted upon ibid Of the wax in the ears 3^6 Of haemorrhages; the menses, haemorrhoids, bleeding of the nose, &c. ibid Of the retention of milk 367 Of the Sexual Intercourse. On the important consequences attending the exercise of this function 368 Conditions under which-it is conducive to the well-being of the individual 369 In what cases it is detrimental to health 370 Observations relative to the loss of semen 37a Situations unfavourable to the sexual intercourse 373 On the nature and constituent parts of the seminal fluid 375 On the proper time for this intercourse, and the consequences arising from excess 377 Of the proper time and requisites to a married life 379 On the general effects of too great abstinence 380 On the means of restoring the impaired energy, aphrodisiacs 38a On the means of diminishing the desire of venery ibid Chap. X. Of the Pafjions and Affeclions of the Mind. Origin of the passions 384 Lord Kaimes's distinction between affections and passions ibid Influence of the passions on the body—they are either of an agreeable or disagreeable nature 385 General effect.s of joy, gaiety, cheerfulness, &c. 386 Sanctorius's advice to the passionate 387 Definition of laughter, and its consequences 388 Definition of hope ibid Definition of love, sorrow, grief, &c. 389 Of the effects of weeping aqt Of the desire of returning home, common among the Swiss 392 The nervous fever described by Manningham ibid Of an extravagant degree of love 203 ©f disappointed love—jealousy ibid CONTENTS* 23 Page. Means of opposing the passions 394 ©f the origin and consequences of envy—fear 39^ ©f the origin and consequences of bashfulness—terror 396 Of the origin and consequences of anger 397 Of the origin and consequences of inwai«d fretting—mal de cour; despair 4°° Pythagoras's advice for avoiding passions and desires 402 Rules of conduct for the prevention and mitigation of passions ibid Chap. XI. Of the Organs of Senfe. A short analysis of sensation 4°4 Sommering's hypothesis of the seat and operation of the soul ibid Definition of the external and internal senses ^ 4°5 Specification of the five senses, and conjectures respecting a sixth 407 The sense of-touch analyzed 4°<> Description of the integuments of the body 4°9 Of the epidermis, or scarf-skin ibid Of the rete mucosum, or middle skin ibid Of the cutis vera, or true skin—nervous papilla: 410 Of the mechanism of this sense 411 The sense of sight analyzed 4ia Curious assertion of Baron Trenk _ ibid Of presbyopia or far-sightedness, and myopia or short-sightedness 414 Cautions how to place children in bed ibid The phenomenon of sneezing explained 4'S Of the sense of hearing 4X^ Of the mechanism of this sense 4X7 A better substitute than the common ear trumpets suggested 418 Of the sense of smell, and its mechanism 4*9 Of the different size of the nerves in man and animals 420 On the improvement of the sense of smell ibid Anecdoteof Leonhard ZoLLiKOFER'sdog ibid Of the sense of taste, its mechanism and functions 42r Remarks on animal motion, or muscular action 42S Summary of the powers inherent in the human body _ 423 Description of a muscle;—their number in human and animal bodies; their peculiar structure and power ibid Account of the bursa mucosa 425 Account of the blood and its constituent parts ibid Concluding remarks on the variety of temperaments 426 Chap. XII. On the Treatment and Prefervation of the Eyes. I. On the importance of bestowing proper care on these organs 427 II. Of short-sightedness, and the reverse 428 Directions for preventing short-sightedness in children 429 Directions for the use of concave spectacles ibid Of far-sightedness in particular .43° H CONTENTS. Page; III. General rules for the preservation of the eyes 43$ IV. Of the conduct to be observed in weak eyes # 43* Of the use of candles—the most proper screens described 433 How to manage the eyes in the morning ibid How to manage the eyes in jyriting and reading * 434 The best situation of a sitting-room 435 The best situation of a desk pointed out ibid Cautions relative to the exposure of the eyes to candle-light, and objects strongly illumined 436 Cautions respecting candle-light in the night ibi£ Cautions to avoid strong fires and hot rooms 43P Cautions against suspending the exercise of the eyes ibid Remarks on the common eye-cases 438 ©n the advantage of bathing the eyes in cold water 439 V. Dietetical precepts respecting the eyes in general 440 A singular fact related by Montaldus 443 Another by Dr. Russell ibid VI. Some additional rules addressed to those who are obliged to make use of eye-glasses ibid In what cases eye-glasses may be used to advantage ibid How to choose spectacles properly 444 Green glasses, when to use them 445 Reading glasses condemned ibid Spectacles, when proper, and how to be chosen 446 Spectacles, when the use of them is improper 447 Conclusion. General reflections: on moderation 448 Mead on the affections of the mind quoted ibid on cleanliness 449 On atmosphere and air 450 on medicine, as daily food ibid on the frequency of meals ibid on drinking water ibid on the effects of proper diet 451 on the duration of work or exercise ibid on the division of the day ibid Dr. Mead on the effects of sleep ibid on the effects of modern luxury 452; Dr. Meadm real happiness in life ibid Postscript. Intimation of a new work 4^ General questions addressed to patients jr6 Queries relative to females . -a Queries relative to children . j. INTRODUCTION. On the prefent State of Medicine as a Science. WE apparently live in an age, when every branch of human knowledge is reduced to a popular fyitem j when the moft important fciences lay afide the garb of pedantry and myfticifm; when, in fhort, the fources of information are open to both fexes, and per- fons of every rank. An improvement, which is fo con- fpicuous, muft ultimately be attended with the moft deferable and extenfive effects. Among other beneficial purfuits, which render the comforts of life more numerous and permanent, we have occafion to obferve, that Natural Philofophy and Chemiftry are at prefent much cultivated, while they contribute a principal (hare in fpre^ding ufeful know- ledge among all clafles of fociety. Since Medicine, confidered as a fcience, which refta upon practical rules of experience, is, in a great mea- fure, founded upon Natural Philofophy and Chemiftry, it will be allowed, that with the daily progrefs of the latter, Medicine alfo muft neceffarily partake of their improvements, and continually receive acceflions con- ducive to its further perfection. . With the progreflive increafe of refinement and lux- ury, a certain weaknefs and indifpofition, whether real or imaginary, has infefted fociety in the character of a gentle epidemic. It cannot properly be called a difeafe, but rather an approximation to an infirm ftate, which almoft involuntarily compels man to reflect upon the relative fituation of his phyfical nature, to acquire, cor- rect ideas of health, difeafe, and the means of preven- tion or relief, and thus imperceptibly to become his own guide. -, .y_. . Every individual of the leaft penetration now claim*'"^ the privilege of. being his own phyliciaa:—it is not ua- B 26 INTRODUCTION. fafhionable to form a certain fyftem concerning the ftate of our own health, and to confidcr it as the criterion, by which we may judge of ourfelves and others, of patients and their phyiician. • Formerly people were, not accuftomed to think of the phyfical ftate of their body, until it began to be afflicted with pairir or debility : in which cafe they in- truiled it to the practitioner in Phyfic,. as we deliver a time-piece to a watch-maker, who repairs it according to the belt of his knowledge, without apprehending that ks owner will be at the trouble of thinking or reafon- ing upon the method which he judged to be the moft proper. In our times, we frequently undertake the charge of prescribing medicines for ourfelves; and the natural confequence is, that we feldom are able to tell whether we are henlthy or difeafed; that we truft as much, if not more, to ourfelves than to the phyfician, who is only fent for occafionally; and that we cannot conceive him to be perfectly free from the, fyftems of the fchools, from felf-intereft, or profefiional motives. Thus, by an acquaintance with medical fubjects, which, of itfelf, is laudable, not only the fkill of the phyfician is frequently thwarted, but the recovery of the patient unhappily retarded, or, at leaft, rendered more difficult. No difeafe is now cured without demonstration ; and he who can neither difcover nor comply with the pecu- liar fyftem of health adopted by his patient, may, indeed, act from motives dictated by reafdn and humanity; but his fuccefs as a pratlical phyfician, in the common accep- tation of that phrafe, muft ever remain problematical. Yet this general propenfity to inveftigate medical fub- jects, if it were properly directed, might be attended v UK.'*1 very naPPY effects. For the medical art ought not tojbe fubject to an imperious and fafcinating demon, vvnofe labours are chiefly carried on in the dark recefles of Hlyftery, whom we know only from his baneful influ- ence," as he fpares no objects of prey, and holds his vo- taries in a perpetual ftate of dependence! INTRODUCTION. 27 ** The veil of myftery," fays a popular modern writer*.