:-<»i *s/ ■%m i, F MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICI NE N A T I O N A I I I B R A R Y O F M E D I C 1 IVNOIIVN 3NI3IQ3W JO A » V » 8 II IVNOIIVN 3NI3I03W JO A II V II 8 I 1 TVNOI A r» I '\J\\K/ F MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE N A T I O N A I I I B R A R Y O F M E D I C H IVNOIIVN 3N.3IQ3W JO 1IVIII1 TVNOI1VN 3 N I 3 I 0 3 W J O A « V B 8 .1 T V N O i (> V ONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL II BlF f>fCN ! asw jo Aavaan ivnoiivn 3 n i 3 1 a 3 w jo a 11 v 11 e 11 ivnoiivn jnoiqjwjo a'1 Sj_( o < . ^i l 3NAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIB 19 IQ3W JO ABVB8I1 IVNOIIVN 3 N I 3 I d 3 W JO A a V II 8 II IVNOIIVN 3NI3IQ3WJO Al My 3NAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE N A T I O N A I I I B R ( -C&j : ■so™ ADAM STD; AVADU.l lenilleton's Lithography,Boston -I -^AJIJr t, 9c/s> m some account ROXBURY: PRINTED, FOR A. STEWART, ZEIGLER-STREET, __' 1834. AMM STKWART Ten diet an :v L ithvq/ap/ty,Boston m SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, TOGETHER WITH MANY OBSERVATIONS on VARIOUS DISEASES OF THE HUMAN FRAME. WITH FULL AND COPIOUS DIRECTIONS FOR COMBINING AND USING COMPOUND VEGETABLE AND OTHER PILLS. ! t : t t.W« -.1 ROXBURY: PRINTED, FOR A. STEWART, ZEIGLER-STREET, __t_____i. 1834. yv/£ \m Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1834, By A. Stewart, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts S. N. Dickinson, Printer, 53, Washington-street, Boston. PREFACE. A fellow-feeling for the afflicted has been one of the strongest motives for bringing this little volume before the public. Our own af- flictions teach us compassion for the unfortunate. Had not ill-health followed me nearly all through life, most certainly my attention would never have been turned to the subjects treated of in the following pages. Necessity, with me, at least, has truly been the mother of invention. It was the desire of doing something for my- self, that at length resulted in my being able to do something for others. Here I would not be understood as speaking boastfully ; nay, as for that matter, I will not speak at all. Those who have received benefits in their health, speak more effectually, and with a better grace, in their certificates, than I can possibly do. There- fore enough on this point. With regard to a particular disease, treated of at some length in the following pages, it may iv be well to state, that the most cogent reason for admitting that subject at all was simply this: there are instances where the innocent become victims to it; and for the relief of such I thought best to treat of it pretty thoroughly. This motive, surely, must satisfy the most fastidious, for is it not better that ninety-nine guilty per- sons should avail themselves of a knowledge of the treatment of that disease, than that one innocent person should suffer from withhold- ing the subject altogether ? One word more, and I shall dismiss the work. These pages were thrown together with a view to their usefulness, and not with a view to furnish food for criticism. The critic will find nothing to feed or fatten upon, there- fore I pray him to pass it by. It is dressed up in a homely style, intended more for service than for show. If it be the means of doing good to any of the human family, I shall feel myself richly rewarded. If so be, that my object fails in this particular, the consciousness that good was intended will still be my solace. CONTENTS. Narrative of the Author........................ 1 Several cases entirely cured or greatly relieved, by the use of the Vegetable Pills.................25 Certificate of Wm. Bishop......................27 " " Mary Pool.......................27 « Moses Childs.....................28 « ! " Stephen Childs.................... 28 '" William Hill.....................30 " " Elijah Tolman....................31 " " James Baker.....................32 " " Stephen Danforth.................82 " " Jonathan H. Loring...............83 " " Caleb Hammett...................33 " " Mrs. Davenport...................34 » " Otis Claflen......................35 •' " Samuel Stone....................35 " " Timothy Nichols.................. 36 " " Amos Morse......................37 '• " Artemas Adams................... 37 " Jason Morse......................38 " *• Mrs. J. Veazie....................39 " " Amos Bennett.................... 41 Observations.................................. 42 Of a Scirrus and Cancer....................... 43 Damp Houses................................. 45 Observations on Ulcers......................... 46 Of Intemperance.............................. 48 vi Of Urine..................................... 41 Of the Perspiration............................52 Of Religious Melancholy.......................55 Of Ulcers....................................56 Of the Pleurisy...............................57 Worms......................................58 The Hip Disease..............................61 Dropsy...................................... 63 The Studious................................. 65 Of Wounds.................................. 68 Of the Gout.................................. 70 Of the Rheumatism............................ 71 Hysteric..................................... 74 Ulcer and Fistula.............................. 77 Inflammation of the Bladder....................80 Inflammation of the Liver......................81 Of the Cholera Morbus........................83 Of the Diabetes............................... 85 Of a Suppression of Urine..................... 87 Of the Venereal Disease.......................89 Of the Virulent Gonorrhoea..................... 91 Of Gleets....................................96 Of the Swelled Testicle........................99 Of Buboes.................................. 101 Of Chancres................................ 102 Of a confirmed Lues......................... 107 Of Persons who expire in Convulsion Fits.......110 Directions for recovering persons who are supposed to be dead from Drowning................... 115 To prevent the fatal effects of Drinking Cold Water, or cold liquors of any kind, in warm weather ... 117 Cases of Suffocation from the Fumes of Burning Charcoal.................................. H8 vii To prevent the fatal effects of Lightning......... 118 To prevent Danger from Exposure to the excessive Heat of the Sun............................ 119 To prevent the effects of Excessive Cold......... 121 Bad Digestion................................ 122 Melancholy.................................. 124 Of the Scrofula, or King's Evil................. 125 Of Nervous Diseases.......................... 126 Of the Dropsy............................... 127 Of the Jaundice.............................. 128 Of Consumption......,...................... 129 Of the Epilepsy, or Falling Sickness............ 131 Diseases of Children.......................... 132 Galling or Excoriation........................ 134 Inflammation of the Kidneys................... 135 Directions for Combining and Using No. 1 Pill. .. 137 " No. 2 "... 138 " " " No. 3 "... 138 " No. 4 "... 139 " " " No. 5 "... 140 " " " No. 6 "... 141 »« it " pfo. 7 "... 142 Use of the Strong Cathartic or Purgative Pills, No. 1 143 " Mild Cathartic and Aperient Pills, No. 2 143 " Mild Aperient, Deobstruent or Female Pills, No. 3....................... 144 " Ulcers,Consumptive,AlterativePills,No.4 144 Rheumatic Pills, No. 5 . .'\............ 145 Asthmatic Pills, No. 6................ 145 " Syphilis, or Anti-venereal, Chemical Pills, No. 7............................ 146 Use of Pill No. 8............................ 147 Certificate of William Hill..................... 148 viii Cut, representing the creature ejected from the stomach of Mr. Hill........................ 149 Description of a worm taken from Mr. Joel Knight 150 Cut, representing the above worm.............. 151 Certificate of Mr. Knight...................... 152 NARRATIVE. It has long been my wish to state to the candid and enlightened public, the reason and the cause of my com- ing publicly before them in this my present capacity It is true that from the age of sixteen to the present time I have always been dabbling in medicine, and surgery for it has ever appeared to me, that every man of a thinking mind, ought to turn his attention to the study of his own frame; and particularly those who have been afflicted with various diseases through life. Such has been my situation. From the age of six- teen, I may candidly say, I have not known what it was to enjoy good health. My first attack at that age, was that direful disease, pulmonary consumption ; brought on perhaps, by heats and colds, for it is well known that young men at that age are frequently careless about themselves. In that state I continued growing worse and worse for nearly a year, until I was brought nearly to the last stage of it; so that I was scarcely able to walk ; I was distressed with a severe cough and pain in my side, raising of blood, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, weakness of the limbs, and in a word, all the symptoms generally attending that direful disease. The 1 2 physician that then attended me, told my parents, he could do no more, and requested the consultation of some of the physicians of Edinburg, which was accordingly done ; and their answer was, every thing had been done, that was possible, excepting, I must be kept quiet and easy, and advising me to take a voyage to the south of France; this I could not conveniently do; but upon hearing of an old gentleman by the name of Dr. Hall, who had formerly practiced physic, but had retired on account of poor health, I was therefore taken to him, and made my case known; after examining me very thoroughly respecting my ailings, he then told me in these words, " young man, you are very far gone in this disease, nevertheless, while there is life, there is hope ;" he observed that while he was in practice, he had some cases as bad as mine, and with some he had been very successful, and observed he could only try, which would do no harm, that is, he would only give me, three plants combined, which might be found in our gardens, or by the road side, not forgetting to tell me that if that did not produce the effect in the course of five or six weeks, (should I live as long) nothing else would. He said I might take it, either in a powder, (as he gave it to me,) or form it into pills ; (these ingredients are now the prin- cipal compound, of my No. 4. pills, which has, and is now producing wonderful effects in this direful complaint.) I commenced taking it, as he directed, a tea-spoonful, morning and evening. The first week little effect was produced; the second week I felt a little giddiness, or vertigo in the head; the third and fourth weeks I was still growing more weak, with sickness at the stomach; 3 on the fifth week I could not raise my hand to my head, or turn myself in bed, and I well remember, at that time, the minister of our parish, and the school master, to whom I had attended, were sent for to visit me. By this time I was sensible my end was near at hand. I recollect the minister on shaking hands with me, observed " we shall meet in another and better world." I passed that evening in great uneasiness. The next day, Dr. Hall made it his business to call upon me; after feeling my pulse and enquiring what effect the medicine pro- duced, he turned round and observed to my friends, this young man will get better; and I need not take any more powders; but must live light, upon fresh and nour- ishing food, such as milk, chicken broth, &c. &c. His words were like an electric shock to all present. Some of my friends, even chided him, for building me up, upon false hopes, when all the physicians had said 1 could not live. He smiled, and as he went out observed, he wished me to call and see him as soon as I was able. This, I was not long in doing; for from that day I began to get better ; my appetite increased, and in about three weeks, I was able to ride to Jedburg, a distance of twelve miles, where my friend resided, to the astonishment of every one with whom I was acquainted. He advised me to ride on horse back, as often as possible, which would greatly assist me in obtaining strength. In a few months I was able to take a journey up to London ; and having letters of introduction to the celebrated Charles Bell, chemist Hume, professor Acum and Mr. Sheldrich, the artificial leg and hand maker; and having two artificial hands, of my own invention with me, and showing them 4 to these gentlemen, they were induced to patronize me in the art, and advised me to turn my attention immedi- ately to anatomy; and they would (and did) assist me all in their power. I therefore was requested to attend all dissections in the different hospitals, with Charles Bell and others; and was almost wholly employed by those gentlemen, in making such surgical instrument?, as were found useful in performing difficult operations; likewise in making artificial legs and hands for those who were so unfortunate as to lose them, which (being in the time of the French war) were not a few in number. I was also invited by professor Acum, to attend his chemi- cal lectures, and assist him in his experiments; this gave me a pretty general information of practical chemistry, and that combined with anatomy, gave me more real satisfaction and benefit than any thing I ever studied. Without these acquirements I should have never dared to come before the public as I now have done. It may be said (and I believe it is true) that I was born under that unfortunate planet, which many others have called natural genius; always searching after that, which was difficult to obtain, and hard to accomplish ; this has been my situation thus far through life. I never could be at rest until I had satisfied myself whether the thing was possible or not. Witness my universal joint; to which no philosopher would give credit were he to see it. As yet I have kept the discovery from the public ; but shall one of these days make it known to the world. In the capacity of which I spoke while in London, I remained about five years, when 1 was attacked with the liver complaint. A number of my friends, advised me to 5 discontinue my present employ, as they thought the con- finement and study was too much for me. I then turned my attention to another more active business, (although my complaint was increasing upon me very fast) viz. the manufacturing of musical instruments, particularly the piano forte, which I carried on with great success, considering the little chance I had in that art; and the only thing that induced me to this, was, that I could per- form a little on most instruments, and this only lead to show what some men are born to do even without in- struction, and I always remember the words of Solomon viz. whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might. And as I said before, I pursued this business, more than seven years, and by this time my instruments were ranked among the first in London. Nevertheless, I was tormented with the liver complaint, and pain in my side, so that at times, 1 was unable to attend to my business. About this time, and previous, we were receiv- ing large orders from America, for piano fortes, and it struck me that as I was in this business, it would be to my advantage to go to America. I therefore gave over my business to a younger brother, who had served his time with me. I took a passage on board a vessel to this country; though under the embargo law, I succeed- ed in bringing with me six piano fortes. Whether from the sea sickness, or from a change of climate I know not, but on arriving here, my liver complaint had nearly left me. I soon succeeded in commencing business, which I carried on with success, but not without some disadvantages, particularly in getting workmen who were acquainted with the business, as there was nothing of the kind carried on in this country. 1* 6 I therefore wrote to my brother, to sell out there, and come to this country to assist me, which he did, but had scarcely arrived, when war was declared between Eng- land and America. This, I assure you, put an extra dam- per upon each string. However, we carried on business until another unfortunate circumstance took place ; viz. the mob in Baltimore, of which every citizen must have heard of with regret. And I had unfortunately associa- ted with Mr. Hanson, General Lingan, and a few other federal gentlemen, which the mob had pitched upon as their victims. We had assembled together, several even- ings previous, to consult upon what measures to take, in case we should be attacked. This was after the mob had torn down Mr. Hanson's printing office, and had threat- ened vengeance, as they said, upon all lories. One even- ing, about 11 o'clock, while conversing upon the subject, pretty well provided with fire arms, to defend against an attack, which we expected every night, the alarm was given that the house and party in Charles street were at- tacked, although it was supposed no attack would be made that night, as every thing was quiet and siill. (I believe there is a fate to every man, which in this case was clearly verified, for from previous fatigue, and having that day, caught cold, 1 felt myself unwell, and had that night taken a smart dose of medicine, which did not pro- duce the desired effect until ahout 10 o'clock, when 1 felt very sick, and retired from the house.) I immediately put on an old watch coat and made for the scene. On my arrival I found the house surround- ed ; but, owing to the darkness, I was unseen by them, al- though, frequently hearing my name pronounced, along 7 with many others, by the vagabonds, (as I can call them nothing else) and they seemed to be acquainted with all our names. After proceeding among the mob, I ob- served in a small lane opposite Hanson's house, about fifty yards distant, a cannon charged with canister shot, with a person setting across it, and the mob swearing if they did not surrender immediately, they would blow the house down. I then made my way in front of the house to hear what was going on. I perceived that a number of the mob had muskets, &c.; all was in darkness. As the lights were extinguished, the mob threatened that if they did not give themselves up they would fire upon them. General Lingan, and Mr. Hanson opened the windows, and begged of the mob to retire; as they should sooner die, than surrender; and if they did not disperse, they would defend themselves. When in- stantly the mob commenced, throwing brickbats, stones, he. and several guns were fired, by the mob. The shots were returned by the inmates of the house, and although it was dark, the balls seemed to be directed to some of the ringleaders of the mob, for a man (an Englishman) one of the foremost, though not three feet from me, fell dead the first fire, another (a Frenchman) who had been very troublesome for many years, also received a pill at the same time, which put an end to his career ; names I forbear to mention. 1 found I was needless there, and retired, lest I also should receive a pill.* * A certain doctor, well known at that time, for making dis- turbance, and getting the lo er classes to acts of this kind, was the per .11 i allude to, viz. a Frenchman. 8 My retirement was not so far but that I could observe what was going on, when the mayor and city council ar- rived, and begged of the mob to retire in peace; they refused, saying, they would not until they had those men in their power. The mayor addressed Mr. Hanson, and told him if they would give themselves up, they should be escorted to jail, and safely taken care of. I could not distinctly hear, but have since heard Mr. Hanson said to them, If we should commit ourselves to your protection, we should all be dead men. But after several solemn promises by the mayor, and severe threats by the mob, (if they did not do so,) they unbarred the doors, and were immediately deprived of their arms, and bound two and two, and marched under the mayor and counsel, followed by the mob, to the tune of the rogues march, up Charles Street, down Baltimore Street, to the jail. I followed on, and saw them, apparently safely lodged there, when the mob retired, and appeared pretty well satisfied. As I stood with a number of others, near the jail wall, with my watch coat around me, and conversing with those that spoke to me, in broken dutch, I heard them say, there were two of the d-----d tories missing, and they were, Stewart and Williams; but they would soon find them. This was a hint for me to keep out of the way ; the next day, several citizens went to visit them, but were refused admittance. All passed on quietly, no suspicion of any one, until about 11 o'clock that night, when the jail was attacked ; the doors forced, and the poor wretches, again in the hands of the mob; then a scene of blood and destruction commenced, which my pen cannot describe. 9 A few friends whh myself, stood on an opposite side of the jail, about 100 yards distant, where we could dis- tinctly hear what was going on, some of them escaped in the dark without much injury, others were mangled and killed on the spot, and the great General Lingan of Maryland, one of our first revolutionary officers, had his brains dashed out with a stone hammer while descending the jail steps.* Also a Mr John Thompson, merchant in Baltimore, a powerful man, and one who had defended himself against the mob, was at last overpowered, put into a cart, tarred and feathered, and drawn through the streets, and tortured in a most shocking manner, and at last left for dead, between three and four o'clock in the morning in Fell's Point butcher market house, and those few who last escorted him, were so drunk, they were scarcely able to stand upon their feet. To the above I was an ear, and eye witness ; but for me to de- scribe all the particulars would be perhaps considered as sticking my fork into another man's mess. I will leave the rest, for the pen of some one, who is more able than myself; although I do not recollect of ever seeing an account of it in print.f At this time no one of the opposite party, to the mob, were safe to go to bed ; many hundreds of the first men in Baltimore, were forced to leave it, to save their lives. I immediately gave up my business of Piano Forte making, to my brother, and left Baltimore, for • And Mr. Hanson after a noble defence was dreadfully mangled, and left for dead. Afterwards he was carried across Jones' Falls, by two of the party, to a place of safety. t Since writing the above, I have understood, it was briefly no- ticed in Grimes' history of America. 10 Philadelphia; no sooner had I arrived there than I was accosted to know whether I was one of the mob- bers: I answered no; but was one of them who had been mobbed, and like many others had come to this quiet city to reside. I was received with open arms imme- diately, and was assisted with any aid that I was in want of. By this time the candid reader may inquire, why I was entangled in this way, I know of no other circum- stance, or reason than this, I did not at this time know the meaning of the words democrat and federalist; and as I have before stated when there was any thing new, or difficult, I was sure to be in the mess, I was at this time frequently asked what I thought of the war. I told them I thought it a very unnatural thing, it was like a brother fighting against a brother or a house divided against itself: this I thought could give no offence, to any one; but it appears it did. I also told them I had always lived in peace, in my own country, and wished to do the same in this, where I expected to spend my days. After some time making inquiries respecting what I should do, I found there would be a want of surgical instruments ; likewise artificial hands and legs. I commenced once more my former business, and in that I found myself completely at home ; finding as much to do as I could attend to. In this I continued, until within about twelve months of the close of the war; when finding I had nearly supplied what was wanted for the army and navy, I was in- duced by a few of my quaker friends to establish a small foundry for the casting of the butt hinges, and other such things as were then in demand, and no one calculating that peace would come for many years, I was now very 11 extensively engaged in that business. The only difficulty I then encountered, was the want of hands, as every able bodied man was engaged in war; the only hands that I could get, were boys, blacks, and invalids; to such, I had even to pay very high wages : however, the high price our hinges commanded was sufficient to meet this, as it was frequently the case when an order came to refuse ten or twelve times the sterling cost. Often many casks of them were sent to the then town of Boston. There was also other disadvantages, under which I labored; as the furnaces were stopped we could get no scrap iron, and was at last forced to take it from the ore. Likewise wire became so scarce, 1 was obliged to draw my own, for the centre pins of said hinges. Also files were in great de- mand, and could not be purchased for love, or money. I was then compelled, to make my own, which was like- ly to be a great source of trouble ; but that was soon obvi- ated, by two young men, (file cutters) who had deserted from the English army. I immediately engaged them, and pursued my business extremely well. There is a circumstance, I will mention, which will clearly show what a man may do by being irritated or taunted by his fellow men. One Saturday afternoon I was sitting in my counting room, looking over my accounts and men's wages for that week, and these along with the wire, putting the hinges together, and finishing them for market, amounted to upwards of $500, without including the casting and annealing the same. I then went upon the true English principle of manufacturing the article. As I sat musing myself, two of my friends, (then my agents) walked into the office; and after the compliments of the 12 day, asked me if any thing was wrong, or how business prospered ; I said very well, and wished them to observe how much money I had that evening to pay, to a parcel of boys and invalids, for putting these hinges together, &c. after I had cast and annealed them. They laughingly re- plied I was the only man making money in the city ; and I ought to be contented; 1 replied I was, but if I could invent a plan to cast the hinges out of the fluid metal, moveable themselves without hands to put them together, I should make much more ; expecting this would be a sufficient answer: (as quakers are generally well known to be very ready at their jokes, and perhaps thinking I might be earnest in what 1 said,) they told me in a very sarcastical manner—Friend Adam, we would advise thee to something better than that; which is, that thee had better cast the houses and doors, 8ic, all at once, then we shall have the trouble of building saved ; and walked off, thinking they had prevented me from a no- tion, which might have done me a great injury. 1 felt the severity of the remark, but as God knows, I had never thought of such a thing, for I considered it to be as impossible as the perpetual motion ; however, from that time, 1 never could divert my mind from it, and on the following Monday, I went to my private workshop, and commenced upon this supposed impossibility. I worked nearly all the week, night and day ; and the next Monday by 12 o'clock, I had completed a bed of patterns, with- out saying a word to any person. They were removed down to the moulding room, when one of my colored people, which had then become a pretty good workman, was told to mould me six flasks of them ; to be well done, 13 and as soon as possible ; and to be sure to keep out all interlopers, while he was employed in that, (as no one was allowed there from abroad, except the two above named gentlemen :) our cupula being in blast and metal ready, I poured it into the six flasks myself; and while they were cooling, I was walking about, and over heard my black servant saying to others, I wonder what massa be going to do, wid dese solid tings; and just as we were about to open the flasks, who should walk in but my two old friends, which I was not at all pleased with. And if ever I had any anxiety about an experiment it was at this time; not for the great emolument which might arise, but for the victory which I should gain over my two friends. I therefore brought one from the bed, and upon striking it with the hollow of my foot, I found it bent up; I then picked it up, brushed the sand from it, and found it opened and shut neater than any one 1 had ever seen. By this time my two friends were for breaking off", and brushing up likewise; when it was found all the hinges in the bed, had become perfect. My two friends were now exchanging looks with each other, at the same time, they were holding hinges in their hands. I then walked back up to my office, and was followed by my friends, who asked me in a very serious manner, whether that was a reality, or a deception, and whether the hinges had not been put into the flasks previous, in order to deceive them. 1 replied deception was a thing I had always de- spised, and was proud to say, it was a reality ; and, but for you, gentlemen, this invention would have never been discovered by me. They replied, well friend, if that is the case, we will purchase one half the right of thee, and 2 14 erect another establishment next to this; and carry on the business more extensively. 1 kept ihem in suspen- sion a few moments, without making any answer; ap- peared to be very busy in writing; when they repeated these words, saying, this would be a better mode of cast- ing, and would come much cheaper, and we could under sell the English market, let peace come when it would. Then was the time for my retaliation. No, gentlemen, I have done my part, I have cast the hinges, out of the fluid metal, moveable of themselves; and you have only the houses and doors to cast. I then walked off* and left them. 1 continued casting them upon that principle until peace was declared ; and I think it was not more than a month from the time we commenced upon this plan, that we were able to cast 3000 pair of assorted hinges per day; and many thousand of them, were sent to Boston, and purchased by a Mr. John Odiorne ; (merchant,) and doubtless some of them, may be found at the present day. Some of the first hinges that were cast, were sent as a specimen, to the Washington Patent office, also to the Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York museums; and 1 believe they are there to this day ; no one having yet found out how they were made, I have never yet made it known. In this business, I went on prospering, and had many large offers, for an interest, or right, in the business; all of which I refused, thinking as all others did, there would be a few years of war, and in that time 1 could make a hand- some fortune. I went on improving in my establishment every day. At last an offer was made to me to purchase one half of my establishment in that business, by a private gen- tleman ; the inducement was so great, I could not well re- 15 fuse it, we came to terms, and had our papers made out; one half to be paid in cash, at the time, the remainder in six, nine, and twelve months; and on the next Saturday we were to have met at the attorney's office, to sign the papers, but myself having caught a very bad cold and cough, to which I have always been subject, and it being a very wet and disagreeable day, I sent word to my attorney that I thought we had bet'.er postpone the business until Monday next. This circumstance will prove how uncertain every thing is in this world. For the next day (Sunday) about 12 o'clock, the news of peace arrived. It was like an electric shock to every one; as for me, my thoughts were upon something else, viz. my unsigned papers, and loss of money. However, I made myself contented, until Monday, hoping it would not be true, but about 12 o'clock M. I received a note intimating we had better defer this business, till we knew whether this rumour was true, and this was the last I ever heard of that affair ; and like many other disasters perhaps it was better for me. As I thought my business was an injury to my health, 1 made up my mind to dis- pose of all my stock and trade to a manufacturing com- pany near Pittsburg, which I did; except reserving the patterns, and secret, of my new discovered butt hinge ; and as yet have never disclosed it to any person, and strange to tell, no one has yet discovered the principle, although they knew it was done; and several hundreds have tried, to my knowledge, but without success. And I often think what a pity it is, that such a valuable in- vention should lie dormant; but being a business which very much injured my health I have never since engaged 16 in it myself. Though many handsome offers hare been made to me, they have not been sufficient to justify my making it known, for I have made up my mind, I will never dispose of it, until 1 am handsomely rewarded. Difficult as this discovery may appear, I have many times been astonished how any man could cast in any other way, when he had his metal in a fluid state; but like many other discoveries, when found out, it appears very simple. Having now sold out, and nothing in particular to turn my attention to, I commenced the invention of ma- chinery of various kinds. Among the rest I established several miUs for the purpose of cutting veneers. One in Baltimore by steam; two in Philadelphia, two in New York. Whether from carelessness, in agreement of dif- ferent parties, or a fate of Providence I know not, but I lost by all. But having a good offer made me by a com- pany in Boston, and nothing particular on hand, I was induced to come and see what it was. However, in that I found myself disappointed, not suiting my purpose ; ray health beginning to fail me, I was employed as a drafts- man in machinery, when a party applied to me, to know if I had any objections to erect another veneering mill, upon shares, and upon an extensive scale. I hesitated for a time, but at last agreed upon the terms, provided, I should have the whole sway of the building, and ma- chinery ; this was not altogether for the great emolument which I should gain by it, but to shew I could undertake a building, (a thing I never before had done) make my drawings, and give directions to my workmen. Though a very bad foundation, being situated on the marsh near 17 the corporation dike, it was completed in a very short time, and answered every purpose, for which it was in- tended. Some months after its completion, it was sur- veyed by the well known Mr. Samuel Baldwin chief en- gineer, and was pronounced by him to be a substantial and well arranged building; and the water wheels and machinery were excellent; and further, the building had not given away in any part; though we had to dig, and spile 30 feet into the marsh. Every thing was going on apparently well, when, (as it has universally been the case with me, when engaged in business with other men, things were sure not to go right,) one of the party was forced to stop payment, from what cause I knew not, which put a considerable stand to the business. We however, went on for some time ; the sheriff" occasionally calling my way to know how matters stood. I made up my mind the best thing I could do, was to back out with the loss I had sustained, and be done with it, lest things should become worse. About this time several failures took place, in other places, among those with whom I had been engaged in business. I then began to find my sit- uation was a bad one. My health was now very much impaired from fatigue and trouble, in trying to save some of the wrecks of my property, part of which, was then in the state of Maine. On my return to Boston, I was thrown from my chaise, near Portsmouth; had my collar bone bro- ken, and was otherwise severely injured ; so that I was unable to rise from bed, for more than two years. I was at that time attended by two of the first physicians in the city of Boston, who I am certain did every thing 2* 18 in their power for me. About the commencement of the summer of the third year from this time, 1 began to walk about a little, although very weak ; thus I continued to get better until fall, when I was again attacked with numerous diseases at once ; viz. cough, pain in my side, asthma, catarrh or stoppage in the head, retching up my food, so that I could retain nothing upon my stomach ; and that winter J never knew what it was to get five minutes sleep at a time, for the cough and oppression of the chest were very severe, and indeed the symptoms were similar to those 1 experienced at the age of sixteen, while in consumption. My physicians candidly told me, they could do no more for me, but they would call and see me occasionally, not as physicians, but as friends. They advised me to turn my attention to my own situation, and try if I could mitigate my pains and benefit myself. In this way I went on nearly through the winter, trying many things which were simple, and some very severe medicine from the vegetable kingdom. At last, thinking there might be some of my old complaint remaining about me, I took recourse to the directions of my old friend Dr. Hall, (while in Scotland,) for the consump- tion, and in a few days, I found my cough and oppres- sion of the chest, greatly mitigated ; my stomach and bowels became stronger, and my greatest trouble then was, the catarrh and stoppage of the nose, which still continued, though in a more slight degree than formerly. I was then very much debilitated and scarcely able to walk twenty yards. One of my physicians observed to me one day, that if 1 would have my body rubbed with New England rum and flannels, it would ease me much. 19 I had recourse to it, and had my body rubbed for three or four days; but, whether from the coldness of the liquor, which was used, or from a predisposition of some other complaint coming on, I was attacked immediately with a most violent pain in my neck and head, so that it seemed as though the bones were parted. This continued for nearly two weeks, without intermission night or day; though I cupped and scarified my head several times during this period, yet without any benefit. The beginning of the third week it began to abate, and I was immediately attacked with similar pains in my limbs, so excruciating, I had no rest night or day. I treated it as a severe case of rheumatism, using such things as were recommended at that time for this com- plaint ; but it proved not to be the rheumatism. It was a humor, which had secreted itself from the time I had the consumption, (or a late attack of the liver,) which had never been properly purified from my blood ; for frequently I had been attacked with a humor coining out upon my back and breast similar to that of a child with the small pox, which a few doses of smart medicine formerly, for a time drove away. About this time my feet and hands began to swell and be inflamed very much ; the pain and heat, was so great, I was forced to keep them in luke warm water, which was the only thing that would give me temporary relief; in this con- dition I remained about four weeks when small bard bunches or swellings appeared, one on the back of each hand, one on each arm, and one on the outside of each leg; when the severe pains I had suffered in my limbs immediately left me. The only trouble then was the 20 burning heat produced by these coming tumors; which were slow in their progress. I resolved to try the Saratoga Springs to see if they would benefit me, but I returned much worse than when I went. It was then the opinion of every one, also my- self, that these tumors would not come to a head ; but in that we were deceived ; for in about twelve months, they were nearly all superated, discharging from them sanis, or ill conditioned matter. I then had the consul- tation of all the first physicians in the city of Boston, from time to time; some thought it one thing, some another; until they all declared they knew not what it proceeded from, or what the disease was ; but all with one accord advised me to go over and spend the sum- mer in the Massachusetts hospital, where 1 should not only have an opportunity of seeing all the physicians in this state, but have the consultation of physicians from other states and countries, who were in the habit of visi- ting there during the summer months. I therefore ob- tained a private room for myself, and went. This was in the year 1829. While there I was well attended, and I believe the doctors did all in their power for me. My right leg and knee then were in a very bad state; approaching to mortification. After they had tried all the means in their power to subdue it, but in vain, I was candidly told, the only thing I had to save my life, was to have my leg amputated. I replied as two legs were little enough for any man of my weight, I would have it done only on this condition ; 1 would have my head taken off first, and 21 they might then take off my tegs at their leisure ; nothing more was said. I immediately left the hospital. I then commenced on my own account; taking the secuta, or in other words, the poisonous hemlock, then called Io- dine ; * but without the least effect; as for mercury and colchicum, which I had previously taken, it was sufficient to set up a country apothecary; and all without any other effect than general debility, and salivation. I then tried the Prussic acid for a time, but without effect; and last of all I was determined to try Fowler's solution, or in other words arsenic. I did until my eyes were swollen so I could scarcely see out of them ; without the least benefit or change in my ulcers. I was now completely disheartened; thinking death would soon follow, I made up my mind to try no more, when some of my friends called, (as is generally the case, when any one is sick,) and recommended some new nostrum. As my mind as well as body was very weak, they advised me to take one of the present day quack medicines, after showing me a few certificates, which by the by, lay in other coun- tries. However, I was induced to send for a $3 box of these pills, and continued taking them, ( I am ashamed to say,) for nearly three months, which only made the matter worse, being very much reduced in body from taking medicine. I then gave up in despair; determined to try nothing more : being so far gone, I was not able to stand upon my feet, and had to be fed like a child. I then resolved to be as easy as possible, and try to rein- * A medicine as yet not understood. 22 state my broken constitution, by a generous and light diet. I found in a few weeks my health much improved, although my ulcers continued to discharge, and the pain was not mitigated at all. About this time I had a person employed to write a history of my life ; to give a faithful statement of all the incidents, which had occurred, while in health and sickness, also a few supposed causes, which may have been as forerunners of' this my present com- plaint. I then resided where I now do, in Zeigler street, Roxbury. As life is always sweet to every one, I re- solved to try another experiment, which should be the last; which was, to lay aside ail surgical operations, and dress the ulcers with dry lint alone; and commence a regular course of internal medicine, taken from the vege- table kingdom. I do not remember that my stomach and bowels were ever out of order, and accordingly thought from that circumstance, all was right within. But alas! 1 was mistaken. I therefore commenced with the pur- gative, and continued taking it for nearly nine weeks, and living upon a fresh and generous diet. By this time I was able to rise from my chair and walk across the room with my cane, and soon was able to leave my chamber, which I had not done before, for over two years. I was frequently visited by a number of my friendly physicians, who in former years had attended me; and even to the present day are in the habit of cal- ling to see how I am getting along. They then told me, as I had done so much for myself, after I was declared incurable by the faculty, it was my duty to turn my atten- tion to the benefit of my fellow mortals, who were suffer- 23 ing under similar afflictions. I at first smiled at their observations, thinking it was flattery. However, this pas- sed on some days, during which time 1 was constantly importuned by them, saying, I should be sure of success, and as I was now getting old, it was the best advice they could give me. I thought so myself, but was afraid, lest it should place me before the world as a quack; a thing I always despised, whether in medicine or any of the other arts. The next day as I was setting musing myself, one of my friendly physicians walked in ; a gentleman who is now ranked among the first physicians in the city. He asked me if I had made up my mind to what was proposed, I answered not yet. He then plainly told me, there were iw«» things, 1 ought to choose upon, which were, 1 should either make known to some one, my compound ingredients which I used, or commence business myself. (It must also be known that this gentleman had previously for several weeks, had many boxes or rather papers of my pills, as then I had neither boxes or directions, which he frequently used upon himself, and likewise his patients in private practice, as well as the hospital, where he declared they produced all the effect which was necessary, both purgative and alterative.) Some may think, I have been very precise, in stating particulars, but it was necessary I should ; and it is to be hoped I have given no offence to any of the medical gentlemen, in this, my candid statement. I therefore refer the generous reader to a few cases that have of late taken place under my care, which are recorded on 24 the following pages. As there are no cases recorded there, except such as were volunteered by the patients themselves, for further information, you are referred to the subscribers of the same. A. STEWART, Boston. CASES. Among the cases which have been entirely cured, or great- ly relieved, will be found— GENERAL DEBILITY, arising from a complication of diseases in the breast and bowels, loss of sleep, no comfort, getting worse and worse, though under the care of three phy- sicians. In a short time after taking one box No. 1, and one box No. 5, was completely cured. Inquire of Captain Lin- coln, near Fisher's Hotel, Roxbury. GENERAL DECAY. The patient could not turn herself in bed, so ill, as at times to require volatiles to keep life in her, had several most able physicians, had been sick several years, and was given over as incurable by all. The first and second weeks, she took Pill No. 4, third week, No. 3, fourth week, No. 2, and occasionally, No. 1. Began with four pills a dose, and increased to twelve. Drank an infusion of Stew- art's Powders) and, wonderful to relate, in a few weeks, she visited Mr. S. with her family, and is now in nearly as good health as ever. Inquire of Mr. Dana, Currier, Roxbury. ULCER ON THE LEG, of about fourteen years' stand- ing, the patient in very great pain day and night, from ulcer- ation, swelling and inflammation, at times the itching in the night was insupportable, it deprived him of rest; he could get no relief, though he had advice and attendance from many of the best physicians, as well as quacks of every kind. He took twelve No. 1, and twelve No. 2 Pills, alternately, each night, which soon gave relief. The scarificator and cups were applied by Stewart, from time to time, which took from him great quantities of coagulated matter. In six 26 weeks, his leg was restored to its natural size, the cure near- ly perfect; he, pleased with the Pills, recommends them to his friends. Inquire of T. Parsons, 56, Quincy Market. SCROFULA, Erysipelas, Glandular Swelling, Deafness, arising from humors in the head—given over by the faculty, never expected to be cured. Took Pills No. 1 and No. 4— completely cured in about five or six weeks. Inquire of Mr. French, Randolph, Mass., or Mr. Kingsbury, Dedham, Mass. STRANGUARY, very bad, attended with Dropsical symp- toms, general decay, could get no benefit, was not expected to live till night, patient aged sixty-three years, when he took Pill No. 3, one box, and Pill No. 2, one box, occasion- ally a few No. 1. He declares himself fully reinstated, and appears vigorous and active. Inquire of Luther Morse, Rox- bury, or of any of his sons. HIP COMPLAINT and Lumber Abscess, Ulcer on the Leg—a case of extreme suffering, the patient crying and moaning from morning till night, health getting worse and worse. One of the first Boston physicians could do no more. Stewart could give no encouragement. Began with No. 3— being a young miss, was afraid to give stronger, performed several operations with the scarificator and cupping glasses. After taking two boxes of Pill No. 3, her health is now good, and she walks the streets nearly upright. Inquire of Mrs, Baker, Union-street, Roxbury. MORBID ULCER ON THE LEG. of about seventeen years' standing, discharged from the Massachusetts Gen- eral Hospital, was about to return to have the leg taken off. Stewart performed about twenty-seven operations with cupping glasses, took away abundance of offensive matter, gave Pill No. 1 and No. 5, sometimes No. 3, Female Pill. In about twelve weeks, health was restored, and she walks about her business. Inquire for Alathea Keene, of Pem- broke, Mass. May be seen at Mr. Stewart's house. GOUT AND RHEUMATISM. A desperate case, pa- tient could not lift his hand to his head, was lifted out of the wagon, crawled into the house on his hands and knees, could not bear any one should touch him ; his friends thought it not worth while to try Stewart's Pills. One single operation with the scarificator and cupping glass, and two boxes Pills Nob. 1 and 5, restored him to walk about as usual. Inquire of Mrs. Griggs, near Capt. Smith's, Spring-street, Roxbury. 27 ULCERATED SORE LEG Boston, Jan'y, 29th, 1834. Mr. Stewart : Sir—Having been afflicted nearly seventeen years with an ulcerated sore leg, and after trying many outward applica- tions, and taking almost as many different kinds of medicine, with little or no benefit, I was advised by a friend to apply to you, at a time when I had almost given up all hopes of relief, when, after taking three boxes of your pill, No. 8, to my astonish- ment, my leg is healed up and free from pain, and I have reason to think will continue to be so, from all appearance : and feeling it a duty I owe you, sir, as well as to them who are suffering the same affliction, to make this acknowledge- ment, for you to make public if you see fit. I am, Sir, respectfully your's, &c. WM. BISHOP, Exchange street. PULMONARY CONSUMPTION, LIVER COMPLAINT, AND OTHER DISEASES. I have been severely afflicted, for eighteen years past, with a complication of diseases, and have made application to vari- ous physicians, and taken their several kinds of medicine ; and instead of decreasing my complaints, they were increas- ing with great rapidity, during this series of years. I was failing fast, and soon expected death would follow. For some time I had been confined to my room, and for four or five weeks was not able to walk but a few steps, and part of the time I could not bear my weight upon my feet without fainting. After which, I was completely confined to my bed, unable to move ; and, as I am told, I looked more like a corpse than a living person. February 14th, 1833, I received a box of Pills, from a stranger, (which I afterwards learned were made by Dr. Stewart, of Roxbury,) saying, you may act your pleasure re- specting them. I had just taken farewell of my Minister, (Rev. Mr. Leverett,) and all my friends, expecting I should not live through the night. But feeling anxious to get well if possible, I did not hesitate to take them; and the next day, to my great satisfaction, found myself greatly relieved : and in the course of two weeks, I was able to walk my chamber, with- out assistance. For some time previous to my taking the pills, I could not take any nourishment excepting liquids. I have taken four boxes of No. 4, and four boxes of No. 3 ; and now am enjoying good health. 28 As long as I live, I shall have great reason to be grateful to Dr. Stewart, for his kind generosity, who volunteered his services, having never heard of each other previous to the taking place of this circumstance. Any further information will thankfully be given by the subscriber. MARY POOL. Roxbury, Dec. 12th, 1833. CONSUMPTION AND GENERAL DEBILITY, NEAR- LY IN THEIR LAST STAGE. I do hereby certify that my wife has been lingering for many months with a complication of diseases, such as severe cough, pain in her side, shortness of breath, and general weakness, so that she was scarcely able to get about her room. Our family physician, (who is ranked among the first in the city,) candidly told me he could do no more for her; only, she must wean her child she was then nursing, (about six or seven months old,) and go into the country to take the air, for the benefit of her health ; saying, possibly she might recover. This she seemed unwilling to do ; but on hearing some of her friends speak of Dr. Stewart, of Roxbury, she was taken to see him, about the middle of June, 1833. He at first stated her case to be a very doubtful one, but advised her to continue to nurse the child, and stay in the city a few weeks longer; saying he would do his best. He gave her Pill No. 2, and No. 4, directing her to take 15 of No. 2 one night, and four of No. 4 the next, alternately, until she had decreased to four of each ; at the same time taking his Drops —a teaspoonful three times per day. On the third day after she began to take this medicine, she was greatly relieved— increasing in strength every day ; and now is enjoying good health, and able tq attend to the concerns of her family as well as usual. The child also is well. The above I affirm by oath if necessary. And all my friends that I have since heard were laboring under similar diseases, I have recommended them to Dr. Stewart, of Rox- bury, ,who has given general satisfaction. MOSES CHILDS, Pleasant street. Boston, Dec. 17th, 1833. A DISEASE OF THE SPINE, AND HIP COMPLAINT. For the benefit of those who are suffering under a similar complaint, I state, that my daughter, aged about 15, was sud- denly attacked, nearly six years ago, with a severe pain in 29 the lower part of her back, and hip, so that she could neither stand nor walk ; and was suffering under the most excruci- ating pain, day and night. We sent for one of the first sur- geons and physicians in the city, who came, and attended her for a number of months. During this time an abscess formed near the spine, another on the hip, a third a little down the thigh. They were opened at different times, discharging great quantities of bad matter. Our physician treated her in the best manner he could, and I believe did everything in his power. At last he candidly told me he could do no more for her ; but said we must keep her as easy as possible, and see what nature would do. We had the consultation of several physicians, but to no better effect. Her health was fast de- clining, when Mr. Jonathan French, a friend of mine, (who was in the practice of calling to see her,) asked me why I did not take her out to Roxbury to Dr. Stewart, who, he thought, could do something for her. After several solicitations of this kind, (and she growing worse every day,) myself and wife agreed to take her to this Doctor,—which was in Feb- ruary, 1833. As we entered his room we found Dr. Stewart and one of her former physicians conversing together, when the latter rose up and shook me cordially by the hand, and addressed me as follows, viz. Mr. Childs, this is what I have been wanting. Let my friend Stewart undertake this case of your daughter, for he has had more real experience from his own sufferings of this kind, than all we doctors in Boston. Therefore I beg you well entrust her to his care. This gave us considerable confidence in him. After examining the parts affected, he observed he was afraid it was beyond his skill to do any thing for her; but nevertheless, if we thought proper, he would try. He said first, it would be necessary to rein- state her health, before performing any operations. At this time she was suffering the most severe pain, and could not rest day or night. He gave her a box of his No. 2 pills, to act: both as purgative and stomachic; likewise cupped and dressed those ulcers every other day for two weeks, when her health was so far restored she was able to rest nearly all the night free from pain ; when the Doctor requested she should be brought two or three times a week to his room, where he would perform the operation of drawing off the mat- ter from the affected parts, by the means of a suction pump, and dress them with a kind of ointment, I know not what. She daily increased in strength, and her pains had left her, except a little smarting from the operation which he had oc- casionally to perform. He then g*ve her a box of pills, whicfc 3* 30 he then called No. 100. We still continued to take her out to see him, once or twice a week. Thus she continued till the middle of July, when he discovered a small, hard knot, coining upon the hip joint; which he thought was likely to soon form a desperate abscess. He proposed to open it, and extract it, before it came to a head. He did so, and in about three weeks succeeded by his^uction pump (which was occa- sionally used)to extract something like a piece of burnt glass, about the size of the end of your finger ; after which it healed up very soon, without giving any pain. Also the one on the back healed very kindly. All went on well. The one on the outside of the thigh he kept running with a seaton, as he said to draw off any matter that might be lodged in the hip. This he allowed to heal of itself, without using any means, but rather to keep it open. About the beginning of October, and for the last time she visited him as a patient, he discharged her as being well, with the exception of a slight contraction of the muscles; and he is about to prepare a machine to ex- tend the muscles of the knee. Her bodily health is perfectly good. I shall be ever grateful to Doctor Stewart for his indefatig- able trouble, and kind attention to my daughter, under this affliction. STEPHEN CHILDS, Wharfinger, Boston, Jan. 23d, 1834. Front street, Boston. A CASE OF A CREATURE EJECTED FROM THE STOMACH OF A PERSON, WHILE UNDER THE OPERATION OF MY STRONG NO. 1 PILLS. The following is a statement of facts in his own words. For a number of years I, William Hill, have been afflicted with a severe cough, oppression of the breast, and a mucous or phlegm arising in my throat very frequently ; and at times, 1 felt something crawling within me, which appeared like a snake. I was somewhat alarmed at this, and made it known to the medical faculty, who endeavored to relieve me of my distress and anxiety ; also took various kinds of quack medi- cines, but all without effect. I was at this time reduced al- most to a skeleton, and my physicians told me it was the tape- worm ; and upon hearing that Dr. Stewart, of Roxbury, had been very successful in removing this worm, I called upon him, and made known my condition. He refused to have an v thing to do with me. I told him to give me something if possible, for I could not live in this condition. He sltid 31 he would not give me the medicine for the tape-worm, as I was too much reduced; but he would give me some of his strong No. 1 pills, which might do something for me. That night I took a smart dose of them, and very early the following morning I was in great distress, and repeated the dose. I thought I could not live but a short time: but soon after taking the second dose, which was on the 17th of July, 1833, to the great astonishment of many people who were present, with much difficulty, I threw a living creature from my stomach. From that hour I have been getting better, and now I am able to attend to my daily business. The above creature, which resembles an eel, may be seen at the house of Dr. A. Stewart, in Roxbury. The above I do sincerely affirm to be a true statement of facts, and if necessary, many hundreds can attest to the same. WILLIAM HILL, Boston, Jan. 27, 1834. No. 170, Ann street. A SEVERE CASE OF JAUNDICE, LIVER COMPLAINT AND DYSPEPSIA. I do hereby certify that for nearly seven years I have been afflicted with the above complaints so severely, I have scarce- ly been able to walk about. I tried almost every thing, but received no benefit. At this time, (which was the beginning of the summer of J833,)my wife being very unwell, she wish- ed me to take her to see Dr. Stewart of Roxbury. Upon en- tering his room I observed to him I had brought my wife to see him. The Doctor jokingly replied, he should think my wife had brought me, from the outward appearance of things. I denied any thing being the matter with me. The Doctor insisted upon it there was, and without hesitating stated to me my complaint, as correctly as though it had been previouslv described to him. He gave me some medicine to take, and I left him. That night I commenced as directed, and so con- tinued for about three weeks, when I felt nearly well: and ever since, I have been gaining strength, and now I am en- joying better health than I ever did in my life, and able to work from day to day ; a thing I never in my life again expect- ed. Also my wife, who at the same time was taking similar medicine, now enjoys good health. Since that time I have recommended many patients of sim- ilar complaints, to Dr. Stewart, who has been very successful in performing a cure. And all others, who are suffering un- der bodily infirmity, I advise to apply to the same gentleman. 32 who resides in Zeigler street, Roxbury. For further informa- tion inquire of the subscriber. ELIJAH TOLLMAN. Dorchester, Jan. 28th, 1834. Sash and blind maker. DYSPEPSIA, LIVER COMPLAINT, AND CONSUMP- TION. Having for many years been much afflicted with a compli- cation of diseasess and being reduced so low that I was unable to get about, or walk twenty yards without much difficulty on hearing of Dr. A. Stewart, of Roxbury, I made application to him, but he gave me very little encouragement; saying, he was fearful I had neglected myself too long. But, however, he advised me to try his mode of treatment; to which I con- sented. I commenced with taking his pills; twelve of No. 1 and five of No. 4, every night alternately. And at the end of four or five weeks, to my great astonishment, I was able to perform my daily business, and now I am in perfect health. I still continue to take a few of his pills occasionally, and shall endeavor always to keep a supply on hand through life JAMES BAKER. Dorchester, Dec 9th, 1833. CONSUMPTION. For about nine months, I have been afflicted with shortness of breath, pain in my side, cough, and oppression of the breast, which were increasing upon me, until I was brought to a very low state, and was fast approaching the last stage of con sumption. I was at a loss to know what to do. My family physician advised me to go- to the South, or take a voyage to a warmer climate. This I was about to do^ but on hearing that Dr. Stewart, of Roxbury, had performed some wonderful cures both upon himself and others, I therefore applied to him; he gave me poor encouragement, bat after conversing with me some time respecting the medicine I had taken, he ap- proved of what had been done, but said he was fearful it would not move my complaints, but he would try if 1 was willing He gave me pill No. 2 and No. 4, one box of each, together with his Cough Drops, taking two or three table spoonfuls a day, at the same time taking fifteen of No. 2 pills, one night, and four of No. 4 the next, alternately, until I had decreased to eisrhtof each. In the course of six or seven weeks I found myself restored to health. On the second or third week after commencing with his medicine,! was somewhat alarmed at a 33 breaking out upon my body similar to a child with the small pox. I returned to Dr. Stewart and made it known to him. He said it was all in my favor, and now I was sure of getting well. I have great reason to be thankful, as his words be- came true. I now enjoy as good a state of health as ever I did in my life. STEPHEN DANFORTH, Washington street. Boston, Dec. 17th, 1833. ST(ONE IN THE BLADDER. I do hereby certify that for some years I have been suffer- ing under one of the greatest afflictions to which the human body are subject, viz. Gravel and Stone, with at times a com- plete stoppage of urine. From time to time my attendant phy- sicians did all they could for me, but in vain. And in one of my excruciating paroxysms, I requested to be carried to Dr. Stew- art, of Roxbury; who immediately pronounced it to be a se- vere case of stranguary or stone in the bladder. He immedi- ately gave me a wine-glass full of his brown mixture ; which in less than one hour after taking, I was able to sit upright: previous to which, I was writhing in agony. He gave me of his pills, No. 2's and No. 6's, with particular direc- tions for the same; also I was directed to sit about fifteen minutes at a time in a tub of warm water, which I did ; and to my great astonishment, on the third day I passed a stone from the bladder larger than a large sized coffee-bean, of an oblong shape, and very rough in its texture ; and from that moment I have not had the slightest irritation or pain; and now enjoy good health. I still keep this medicine by me, for fear of a re- turn of this deplorable complaint, which every one must know, who have ever suffered from it. Any further information will be cheerfully given by the subscriber. JONATHAN H. LORING, Cabinet Maker. Dorchester, Dec. 18th, 1833. A CANCEROUS ULCER OF THE FACE. This may certify that I have been severely afflicted with a cancer-tumor or carious upon each cheek, and it had baffled the skill of the medical faculty for over three years. I then applied to Dr. Stewart, of Roxbury; and after making several attempts, he succeeded in about seven weeks, to cure me of my serious complaint. He gave me pill No. 1 and No. 4, al- ternately ; directing me to take twenty of No. 1, and six of 34 No. 4, increasing and decreasing as occasion required. My face is now perfectly well, and I enjoy good health. CALEB HAMMETT. Charlestown, Dec. 2d, 1833. A SEVERE CASE OF DROPSY, AND GENERAL DEBILITY. For a number of years I have been suffering under a com- plication of diseases, such as swelling of the limbs, bloating of the body, severe affection of the stomach and bowels. My attendant physicians were trying from year to year their va- rious medicines and prescriptions, but without effect; to all of which, I was faithful in attending. Also, I had recourse to all kinds of nostrums, such as are in use at the present day, but in vain. At last a female friend of mine called, who had labored under the same affliction, and asked me why I did not try some of Dr. Stewart's pills, telling me at the same time, how much she had been benefited by them. I then made up my mind to try some of them, and requested her to call and state my case to him. Dr. Stewart sent me two boxes, No. 1 and No. 3, which I took ; twenty of No. 1 the first night, and six of No. 3 the next, increasing one and decreasing the other, alternately, for two weeks. He then requested to see me. I was carried to his house. He proposed to cup and scarify my limbs, which were very much swollen at the time. He drew off some quarts of water and blood, and other matter, which seemed to give me immediate relief. I was then carried home much more comfortable than when I came. I still continue to take his pills, 8 of one kind and 6 of the other, alternately. Previous to taking these pills I had not been able to walk, but was moved across my room in a chair ; and on the third Sab- bath after taking this medicine, I dressed myself and walked to meeting and returned ; although a short distance, yet, to the great astonishment of all those that were present, all of whom were well acquainted with my complaint. I still con- tinue to take his pills in small doses, for fear of a return of my complaint. I am now able to attend to the concerns of my family as well as usual. All of which can be attested by hun- dreds of my acquaintance. Also, I consider it a duty to state that a son of mine, who resides in Boston, whose complaint had prevented him from attending to business for a long time, Dr. Stewart declared it to be dyspepsia and bilious; and by taking one box of No. 2 and one of No. 5, alternately, of his pills, was restored to good health, and was able to attend to business in the course of three or four weeks. Dorchester, Dec. 12th, 1833. Mrs. D. DAVENPORT. 35 RHEUMATISM. I consider it a duty I owe to my fellow mortals, suffering with the same affliction that I have been, for over twenty years, not being sure of a single day passing without a return of it; after taking all kinds of doctors' prescriptions, likewise quackeries and nostrums of all kinds; finding all of them only to give me temporary relief, I made up my mind to call and state my case to Dr. Stewart of Roxbury, with little hopes of his doing much for me. However, he gave me two boxes of his compound pills, No. 1 and No. 5, with directions for the same ; and before I had taken one half of those pills my pains left me, to my great joy. All the time I was taking his pills I followed my employment the same as usual; exposed myself to all kinds of weather, which I had not done before for many years. And I candidly declare I have scarcely had an attack of rheumatism since ; and now it is more than eight months. I continue to take a few pills, perhaps once a week, for fear of a return of my complaint. Any further information I shall cheerfully give to all who may be suffering in the like situation. OTIS CLAFLEN, No. 40, Pleasant street. Boston, Dec. 14th, 1833. ERYSIPELAS AND SCROFULOUS HUMOR. In the year 1832, my son, (about fifteen years of age,) was attacked with a kind of scrofula, which may have proceeded from a hereditary taint. It was exceedingly troublesome, and appeared to be daily increasing upon him, and his health fast declining. I tried various methods, which were recom- mended by experienced physicians, but it appeared to be growing worse. He was literally covered with something like the small pox: he could not raise his hands to his head. I heard of Dr. Stewart, of Roxbury, and with little hopes of receiving any benefit, I applied to him, in March, 1833. The Doctor told me he could cure him in less than three months ; but it was impossible for me to believe him; he observed, time would prove it. He commenced by giving him pills No. 1 and No. 4, to take alternately in small doses, which he con- tinued to take about six weeks ; when to the great astonish- ment of all, the humor had left him. He is now perfectly free Yrom it, and is able to attend to his daily employment as well as usual. Any further information will be cheerfully given by the subscriber. 6 SAMUEL STONE. Newton, Dec. 20th, 1833. 36 A COMPLICATION OF DISEASES, Accompanied by Scrofula, Ulcers, Swelling of the Joints, Bil- ious, with Vertigo and Headache; and in short, this indi- vidual was attacked with almost all the diseases to which the human body are subject. This is to affirm that my wife has for a long time been af- flicted with a complication of diseases unknown, and had baffled all medical skill, and as many others had done in like situation, she resorted to all kinds of nostrums, viz. hot drops and other quackeries; but finding no benefit from those, at last she was advised to try the Hygeian, or cure-all pills, (or rather, I would say, and with propriety too—kill-all pills.) She continued taking them for over ten months, being as- sured by the pretended agent of those quackeries, that if she would persist in them she would certainly be cured. This she believed, until it was nearly too late, when she was per- suaded by some of her friends to call on Dr. Stewart of Rox- bury. By this time we had frequently observed that her mind, (as well as body,) was affected; and it was thought by all that she was a dying woman. I therefore took her out to Dr. Stewart, and he, after making close inquiries respecting her deplorable situation, before he.asked any questions about what she had taken, or not taken, without hesitation decided that her whole system was poisoned, either by accident or combined with some medicine she had taken. She therefore stated to him that for more than ten months past, she had taken the Hygeian Pills, in large doses. He then replied, that she had only to take them for one or two weeks more, when she would want no medicine from him or any other person. I then inquired if he could do any thing for her. He replied he could do one thing, which was,—set a thief to catch a thief; or in other words, give one poison to destroy another. He commenced giving her some medicine (I know not what) which she continued to take for a few days. She then took pill No. 8, formerly known as No. 100, in small doses, not exceeding eight. Previous to this Jier whole body was covered with a scrofula. She then took No. 1 and No. 5, alternately, for about five weeks; the No. 8 she took for about four weeks. And now she declares herself well. I shall always respect Dr. Stewart for his candor ; also for his kind attention to her. Any further information will be cheer- fully given either by myself or wife. TIMOTHY NICHOLS, Painter. No. 4, Carver street. Boston, Dec. 31st, 1833. 37 A SEVERE CASE OF INFLAMMATORY RHEU- MATISM. This may certify that for a number of years past, I have been afflicted with what is called the inflammatory rheumat- ism. In the spring of 1833, I was again attacked very se- verely. I immediately made application to my neighbor, Dr. Stewart. He gave me of his pills, No. 1 and No. 5, to take alternately, which I did, and in a very short time I was much relieved. But being anxious to return to my business, I was too hasty, and therefore exposed myself while unwell, and accordingly took a severe cold, and was more seriously afflict- ed than ever. I again called in Dr. Stewart, who began once more to remove my complaint, which at this time had become very distressing. He gave me a phial of liquid mixture, whicli I continued to take for some time, together with the former pills, viz. No. 1 and No. 5. At this time I was suffering un- der the most excruciating pain, and was in such distress I could not bear the weight of the bed clothes upon my swollen limbs, which now were in a distressing condition. My friends used their utmost exertions to relieve me from my painful sit- uation, but all seemed to afford but little relief; they thought I had but a short period to exist in this world. Dr. Stewart continued to pay his kind attention to me,and directed such a mode of treatment as soon relieved me. I continued to get better and increase in strength, and in the course of three or four weeks I was able to return to my business, and have since enjoyed good health. For any further information, please inquire of the subscriber. AMOS MORSE. Roxbury, Jan. 6th, 1834. A SEVERE ULCER UPON THE LEG. For over nineteen years I have been sorely afflicted with an ulcer upon my leg ; and suffering the most excruci- ating agony, by day and night. I was attended by some of our first physicians from time to time, and strictly followed their different modes of treatment; none of which gave me any relief. And like many others suffering under a severe affliction, I at last resolved to try some of our present day quack medicines which have been so highly extolled in the public prints ; but finding no relief from any of them, I was again induced to consult two of my former physicians who told me candidly, the best thing I could do was to have my leg amputated, which I declined ; and continued in the same way, until the year 1833, when I heard of a man by the name 4 38 of Stewart, in Roxbury, who had performed some wonderful cures of long standing. I thought I would call upon him, which I did. A little conversation had passed, when the Dr. observed, from appearance I should think you were lame. I replied I was, and always expected to be ; I did not come to you thinking to have you do any thing for me—\ have been told nothing can be done except amputation The Doctor observed, perhaps there might, and there would be no harm in trying. About the 1st of July of that year, I commenced taking his pills, No. 1 and No. 5, and in the course of three weeks I felt better, and perceived my ulcers were healing. When I began with the pills, my leg was in a terrible condition. I occasionally called on Dr. Stewart, who spoke encouraging and thought I should soon be well. I followed his directions, and took the pills for about six weeks, when to my astonishment, but satisfaction, my leg appeared well. This, the 16th day of January, 1834, I thought it my duty to call upon Dr. Stewart, who expressed great satisfaction when he found the ulcer upon my leg com- pletely and permanently healed up, which was far beyond the expectations of either myself or any of my friends. My bodily health is perfectly good, and my leg is as well as the other. And for the encouragement of all those who may be suffering in a similar manner, and have resorted to various resources for relief, and have given up in despair, I advise them to apply to Dr. Stewart, of Roxbury. The above I do cheerfully affirm to be a true statement of my complaint. For further information inquire of the sub- scriber. ARTEMAS ADAMS. Watertown, Jan. 16th, 1834. GENERAL DEBILITY, AFFECTION OF THE LUNGS AND BREAST. The following may certify that for a number of years my wife has been lingering with a severe illness—a general de- bility, affection of the lungs and breast, pain in her side and shortness of breath ; and to all appearance was fast approach- ing her end. She had been under the care of many physicians, who had tried various ways to restore her, but whether they misunderstood her complaint or not, I cannot say, but they afforded her only a little temporary relief. Having for several years been acquainted with Dr. Stewart, of Roxbury, who to my knowledge had been very successful with some complaints which were very difficult, I concluded to call upon him with my wife, and hear what he would say to her. This was about the 1st of September, 1833. At this time she was so oppress- 39 ed at the breast, and her lungs so affected, she was not able to speak sufficiently loud to be heard ; and for some time pre- vious, conversed in a whispering tone of voice, and was so debilitated and weak she was not able to walk across the room without assistance. I asked his opinion; he told me she was very low, and if she ever got well it would require something more than medicine. He however said to her, he would try, if she was willing, and see what could be done. He gave her pill No. 1 and No. 4, to take alternately for two weeks, when he should again want to see her. At the end of this time, the pain in her side was somewhat relieved, though the hoarseness, oppression of the breast and lungs continued about the same. After making necessary inquiries of the effect of the medicine, he proposed as the only thing which he thought would be the means of saving her life, to cup and scarify her (as he called it) on the breast and side, pretty plentifully, in order to reduce the inflammation and oppres- sion of the breast. He then gave her a phial of his Consump- tive and Cough Drops, and told her to continue taking the pills as before. And I candidly declare from that very day, and even from the hour that the operation was performed, she began to get better, and so continued doing every day. The oppression of the breast left her, her lungs became free, and at this time she can speak as loud and free as ever, and attend to the duties of her family as she formerly did. The time she continued taking these pills I think was about eight weeks, and has since taken them at intervals, perhaps once a week. For further particulars inquire of the subscriber. JASON MORSE. Newton, Jan. 17th, 1834. A MOST WONDERFUL CURE. About five years ago, my son, now aged sixteen, had a fall from an apple tree, which totally deprived him of the use of his back and limbs, so that he could neither sit nor lay, but squatted down upon the floor, so it appeared that nothing was alive, except from the lower part of the breast upwards. He could not retain any thing in his bowels, but it came from him like an infant a month old. He was such an object, it was pitiful to look at him. All the physicians here tried their utmost to restore him, but without effect. Having heard much said of Dr. Stewart of Roxbury, I determined to take him there ; which I did, about the 1st of July, 1833. When he was carried into the Doctor's room, he looked upon both the boy and myself with astonishment, saying, he wondered 40 that I should think such a case could be cured. However, I prevailed upon him to try ; he did ; but not without telling me there was but very little hopes of doing any thing for him. He gave him pills No. 1 and No. 5, which he took for a fort- night, when he felt a little stronger, and could restrain his bowels better than formerly. I then took him to Dr. Stewart, who proposed what he called cupping and scarifying; which he did on each side of the back bone, round his hips, and down to the soles of his feet. At the same time directing him to have a frame to stretch his limbs. In three weeks more the second operation was performed. His back now be- came a little stronger, and he was able to sit upon the floor nearly upright. About two weeks more, the third operation was performed. And while under this operation, something took place I did not understand, but remember that he kicked with his limbs with considerable force, and threw off many glasses which were used upon him. The Doctor then de- clared he believed he would again obtain the use of his limbs. He gave him a phial of drops to take, which acted very pow- erfully. He has continued taking them daily ever since : and more than wonderful to relate, at this time he is able to set in a chair as upright as any person ; and his bodily health is per- fectly good. He is able with his crutches to walk about tol- erable well. A few days since I took him to visit Dr. Stew- art, who was astonished upon seeing him enter his room with- out assistance. And he declared he had never in all his life known such a case to be cured ; not forgetting to tell me he should have given up the case at the second operation, if it had not been for the anxiety I expressed to try a little further. His situation in former years was known by many hundreds, who now to see him walking with crutches are astonished. But so it is: my son enjoys perfect health at this time, and Dr. Stewart is entitled to all the credit of the same. An*y further inquiries respecting this case, can be received by any one who will call on the subscriber in Quincy. Mrs. J. VEAZIE. Quincy, Jan. 21st, 1834. N. B.—When this pitiful object was first brought to me, I conceived that the spinal marrow was gone : the same was the opinion of the other physicians who had formerly attended him. But upon the third operation, (as above mentioned,) I struck a certain spot with the scarifycator, near the lower part of the spine, which caused him to throw out one of his limbs with great violence, so that I could scarcely keep it sown. I then struck upon the opposite side, which produced 41 a similar effect upon the other limb. I was then convinced it was not a disease of the spine, but rather a spasmodic con- traction of the muscles, or a paralysm of the back and limbs. A. STEWART, Zeigler street. Roxbury, Jan. 22d, 1834. Sandwich, Feb. 4th, 1834. Dr. A. Stewart, Dear Sir—In the year 1823,1 was seized with a complaint called the Dyspepsia, which reduced me to such a state of de- bility as to prevent my attending any kind of business for six months ; after that, by regulation of diet and occasional relief by medicine, I kept along until the Spring of 1829, when I was seized again with the same complaint with double vio- lence, and have been unceasingly followed since that time, until September last, during which time I have been under the care of an eminent physician, also consulted some of the first in Massachusetts ; all of which testified that medicine was of no use, but I must-follow a regulation of diet, and get along as well as I could ; which course I did for two years in the most strict sense of the word, but grew no better ; and for a long time previous to taking your pills, I was followed with unceasing pains in the head, back and sides, so that I could neither sit, lie, nor stand, with any kind of satisfaction, and was unable to attend to any kind of business whatever ; when unexpectedly, for the first time, I heard of your pills, and I lost no time in procuring two boxes of the same, of Nos. 1 and 4, which I commenced taking Sept. 7, which before I had taken half, I was completely relieved. Since that, I have been able to eat and drink with the rest of my family, and have been able to perform my daily occupation with ease, and enjoy my rest nights as well as ever, though I continue taking the pills, and shall, until I am satisfied they have overcome the disease, which I am satisfied they will. I am yours, Dear Sir, with respect, AMOS BENNETT. N. B. The above I wish you to make known to the public if you think proper. A. B. 4* OBSERVATIONS. The great variety of forms into which almost every article of medicine has been manufactured, affords another proof of the imperfection of the medical art. A drug which is perhaps most efficacious in the simplest form in which it can be administered, has been never- theless served up in so many different shapes that one would be induced to think the whole art of physic lay in exhibiting medicine under as many different modes as possible. The instruments of medicine will always be multiplied, in proportion to men's ignorance of the nature and cause of diseases; when these are sufficiently understood, the method of cure will be simple and obvious. Ignorance and superstition have attributed extraordi- nary medical virtues to almost' every production of nature. That such virtues were often imaginary, time and expe- rience have sufficiently shown. Physicians, however, from a veneration for antiquity, still retain in their lists of medicine many things which owe their reputation entirely to the superstition and credulity of our ances- tors. Ignorance of the real nature and permanent proper- lies of those substances employed in the cure of diseases, is another reason why they have been so greatly multi- 43 plied. Physicians thought they could effect by a num- ber of ingredients, what could not be done by any one of them. Hence arose those amazing farragos whieh have so long disgraced the medical art, and which were esteemed powerful in proportion to the number of sim- ples that entered their composition. Different forms of medicine, no doubt, have their use; but they ought never to be wantonly increased. They are by no means so necessary as is generally imagined. In the exhibition of medicine, regard should not only be had to simplicity, but likewise to elegance. Patients seldom reap much benefit from things that are highly disagreeable. OF A SCIRRUS AND CANCER. Causes.—This disease is often owing to suppressed evacuations; hence it proves so frequently fatal to women of a gross habit, about the time when the men- strual flux ceases. It may likewise be occasioned by excessive fear, grief, anger, religious melancholy, or any of the depressing passions. Hence the unfortunate, the choleric, and those persons who devote themselves to a religious life in convents or monasteries, are often afflic- ted with it. It may also be occasioned by the long continued use of food that is too hard of digestion, or of an acrid nature, indolence, cold, blows, friction, pressure or the like. Women often suffer from the last of these by means of their stays, which squeeze and compress their breast so as to occasion great mischief. Sometimes the disease is owing to an hereditary disposition. 44 Symptoms.—This disorder seems often very trifling at the beginning. A hard tumor about the size of a hazel nut, or perhaps smaller, is generally the first symp- tom. This will often continue for a long time without seem- ing to increase, or giving the patient great uneasiness; but if the constitution be hurt, or the tumor irritated by pressure, or improper treatment of any kind, it begins to extend itself towards the neighboring parts by pushing out a kind of roots or limbs. It then gets the name of cancer, from a fancied re- semblance between these limbs and the claws of a crab. The colour of the skin begins to change, which is first red, afterwards purple, then bluish, livid, and at last black. The patient complains of heat; with a burning, gnawing, shooting pain. The tumor is very hard, rough, and unequal, with a protuberance, or rising in the middle; its size increases daily, and the neighboring veins become thick, knotty and of a blackish color. The skin at length gives way, and a thin sharp ichor begins to flow, which corrodes the neighboring parts till it forms a large unsightly ulcer. More occult cancers arise, and communicate with the neighboring glands. The pain and stench become intolerable; the appetite fails; the strength is exhausted by a continual hectic fever; at last, a violent haemorrhage, or discharge of blood, from some part of the body, with faintings, or con- vulsion fits, generally put an end to the miserable pa- tient's life. Regimen.—The diet ought to be light, but nourishing. All strong liquors, and high seasoned or salt provisions, 45 are to be avoided. The patient may take as much exer- cise as he can easily bear.* All kinds of external injury are carefully to be guarded against, particularly of the affected part, which ought to be defended from all pressure, and even from the exter- nal air, by covering it with fur, or soft flannel. DAMP HOUSES. Damp houses frequently produce ill consequences; for this reason those who build should be careful to choose a dry situation. A house which stands on a damp marshy soil or deep clay, will never be thoroughly dry. All houses, unless where the ground is exceeding- ly dry, should have the first floor a little raised. Servants and others, who are obliged to live in cellars and sunk stories, seldom continue long in health : masters ought surely to pay some regard to the health of their servants as well as to their own. Nothing is more common than for people, merely to avoid some trifling inconveniency, to hazard their lives, by inhabiting a house almost as soon as the masons, plas- terers, &ic. have done with it: such houses are not only dangerous from their dampness, but likewise from the smell of lime, paint, &tc. The asthmas, consumptions, and other diseases of the lungs, so incident to people who work in these articles, are sufficient proofs of their being unwholesome. Rooms are often rendered damp by an unseasonable * After taking my No. 1 and No. 2 pills, as directed in Table No 1, 1 advise the patient to use No. 8 pill, and persist in it. 46 piece of cleanliness; I mean the pernicious custom of washing them immediately before company is put into them. Most people catch cold, if they sit but a very short time in a room that has been lately washed; the delicate ought carefully to avoid such a situation, and evert the robust are not always proof against its influence. OBSERVATIONS ON ULCERS. Ulcers may be divided into two general classes. In the first may be comprehended all those that are entirely cocal, and do not depend upon any disorder of the sys- tem at large. In the second class all are included that are the con- sequence of, or that are connected with, any disease of the constitution. The utility of such a classification must be evident from the difference of treatment necessary in accomplishing the cure of the species arranged under each division. Those of the first class requiring none but topical remedies; while in the latter, medicines that affect the whole system are also absolutely necessary. The topical ulcers are, first, the simple purulent ulcer, second, the simple vitiated ulcer, third, the fungous ulcer, fourth, the sinuous ulcer, fifth, the callous ulcer, sixth, the carious ulcer, seventh, the cancerous ulcer, and eighth, the cutaneous ulcer. The ulcers connected with an affection of the whole system, are, first, the venereal ulcer, second, the scorbu- tic, and third, the scrofulous ulcer. 47 The general causes of ulcers are, first, occasional or exciting, second, predisposing, or, third, a combination of both of these. Under the first head may be ranked wounds in gen- eral, bruises ending in suppuration, burns, and inflamma- tion which terminates in gangrene or suppuration. The second division includes all systematical affec- tions attended with topical determinations; such as fevers that terminate in abscesses, lues, scrofula, and scurvy. And in the third, are comprehended the sores produced by a concurrence of the causes above enumer- ated. Thus a slight wound, in a habit contaminated by the above mentioned diseases, will occasion a trouble- some sore, which, in a healthy constitution would have healed without difficulty. The prognosis in ulcers must depend, first, upon their causes, second, their situation ; and third, on the time of life and habit of the body of the patient.* With respect to the treatment of ulcers, the first cir- cumstance to be determined is the propriety of attempt- ing a cure or not. In recent sores there is no room for doubt; but when ulcers have been of long continuance, or appear to have had any effect, either in carrying off or preventing diseases to which the system has formerly been subject, it has always been considered as dangerous to heal them; and instances have often happened of the fatal effects of the sudden stoppage of long continued and large discharges. From experience, however, we may now affirm, that the cure of any ulcer may be * See Table No. 6, followed by No. 8 pill, until the ulcers are healed, which will be sooner or later, according to the virulence. 48 attempted, provided a discharge of matter, equal in quan- tity to that produced by the ulcer, be kept up by any other means. This discharge is most conveniently fur- nished by an issue. OF INTEMPERANCE. The danger of intemperance appears from the very construction of the human body. Health depends on that state of the solids and fluids which fits them for the due performance of the vital functions; and, while these go regularly on, we are sound and well; but whatever disturbs them, necessarily impairs health. Intemperance never fails to disorder the whole animal economy ; it hurts the digestion, relaxes the nerves, renders the dif- ferent secretions irregular, vitiates the humors, and occa- sions numberless diseases. The analogy between the nourishment of plants and animals afford a striking proof of the danger of intemper- ance. Moisture and manure greatly promote vegetation ; yet an over quantity of either will entirely destroy it. The best things become hurtful, nay destructive, when carried to excess. Hence we learn, that the highest degree of human wisdom consists in regulating our appe- tites and passions so as to avoid all extremes. It is that chiefly which entitles us to the character of rational beings. The slave of appetite will ever be the disgrace of human nature. The Author of nature hath endued us with various pas- sions, for the propagation of the species, the preservation of the individual, he. Intemperance is the abuse of 49 these passions; and moderation consists in the proper regulation of them. Men, not contented with satisfying the simple calls of nature, create artificial wants, and are perpetually in search of some thing that may gratify them ; but imaginary wants can never be gratified. Na- ture is content with little ; but luxury knows no bounds. Hence the epicure, the drunkard, and the debauchee, seldom stop in their career, till their money or their con- stitution fails : then, indeed, they generally see their error, when too late. It is impossible to lay down fixed rules with regard to diet, on account of the different constitutions of man- kind. The most ignorant person, however, certainly knows what is meant by excess; and it is in the power of every man if he chooses, to avoid it. The great rule of diet is to study simplicity. Nature delights in the most plain and simple food, and every animal, except man, follows her dictates. Man, alone, riots at large, and ransacks the whole creation in quest of luxuries, to his own destruction. An elegant writer of the last age, speaks thus of intemperance in diet: " For my part, when 1 behold a fashionable table set out in all its magnificence, I fancy that I see gouts and dropsies, fevers, and lethargies, with other innumerable distempers, laying in ambuscade among the dishes." Nor is intemperance in other things less destructive than in diet. How quickly does the immoderate pursuit of carnal pleasures, or the abuse of intoxicating liquors. ruin the best constitution ! Indeed these vices generally go hand in hand. Hence it is that we so often behold the votaries of Bacchus and Venus, even before they have 5 60 arrived at the prime of life, worn out with diseases, and hastening with swift pace to an untimely grave. Did men reflect on the painful diseases and prema- ture deaths, which are daily occasioned by intemper- ance, it would be sufficient to make them shrink back with horror from the indulgence even of their darling pleasures. Every act of intoxication puts nature to the expense of a fever, in order to discharge the poisonous draught. When this is repeated almost every day, it is easy to foresee the consequences. That constitution must be strong indeed, which is able long to hold out under a daily fever! but fevers occasioned by drinking do not always go off in a day; they frequently end in an inflam- mation of the breast, liver, or brain, and produce fata!! effects. Though the drunkard should not fall by an acute disease, he seldom escapes those of a chronic kind. In- toxicating liquors, when used to excess, weaken the bowels, and spoil the digestion; they destroy the power of the nerves, and occasion paralytic and convulsive dis- orders ; they likewise heat and inflame the blood, destroy the balsamic quality, render it unfit for circulation, and the nourishment of the body. Hence obstructions, atrophies, dropsies, and consumptions of the lungs. These are the common ways in which drunkards make their exit. Diseases of this kind, when brought on by hard drinking, seldom admit of a cure.* * It is much to be feared that some physicians have too often in- cautiously made drunkards of their patients, by prescribing spirits, or brandy and water, for their drink; which, however, are never 61 Many people injure their health by drinking, who sel- dom get drunk. The continual habit of soaking, as it is called, though its effects be not so violent, is not less pernicious. When the vessels are kept constantly full upon the stretch, the different digestions can neither be duly performed, nor the humors properly prepared. Hence most people of this character are afflicted with the gout, the gravel, sores in the legs, &c. If these dis- orders do not appear, they are seized with low spirits, hypochondriacal affections, and other symptoms of indi- gestion. OF URINE. So many things tend to change both the quantity and appearances of the urine, that it is very difficult to lay down any determined rules for judging of either. It has long been an observation among physicians, that the appearances of the urine are very uncertain, and very little to be depended on. No one will be surprised at this who considers how many ways it may be affec- ted, and consequently have its appearance altered. The passions, the state of the atmosphere, the quantity and quality of food, the exercise, the clothing, the state of the other evacuations, and numberless other causes, are sufficient to induce a change either in the quantity or appearance of the urine. Any one who attends to this, will be astonished at the necessary. For instance, look at our present day Gin Bitters and Brandy and Pepper Quacks, which I am certain have made more drunkards than all the grog-shops in Boston. 52 impudence of those daring quacks, who pretend to find out diseases, and prescribe to patients from the bare in- spection of their urine. These imposters, however, are very common every where, and by the amazing cre- dulity of the populace, many of them amass considera- ble fortunes. Of all the medical prejudices which pre- vail in this country, that in favor of urine doctors is the strongest. The common people have still an unlimited faith in their skill, although it has been demonstrated that no one of them is able to distinguish the urine of an horse, or any other animal, from that of a man.* Dr. Cheyne says, the urine ought to be equal to three fourths of the liquid part of our aliment. But suppose any one were to take the trouble of measuring both, he would find that every thing which altered the degree of perspiration, would alter this proportion, and likewise that different kinds of aliment would afford very different quantities of urine. Though for these, and other rea- sons, no rule can be given for judging of the precise quantity of urine which ought to be discharged, yet a person of common sense will seldom be at a loss to know when it is in either extreme. OF THE PERSPIRATION. Insensible perspiration is generally reckoned the great- est of all the discharges from the human body. It is of so great importance to health that few diseases attack us * The experiment was lately tried with one of these gentry, with the water of a pig and a horse. The one had inflammation of the kidneys the other liver complaint, he said. 53 while it goes properly on ; but when it is obstructed, the whole frame is soon disordered. This discharge, how- ever, being less perceptible than any of the rest, is con- sequently less attended to. Hence it is, that acute fevers, rheumatisms, agues, &c. often proceed from ob- structed perspiration before we are aware of its having taken place. On examining patients, we find most of them impute their diseases either to violent colds which they had caught, or to slight ones which had been neglected. For this reason, instead of a critical inquiry into the nature of the perspiration, its difference in different sea- sons, climates, constitutions, &c. we shall endeavor to point out the causes which most commonly obstruct it, and to show how far they may be either avoided, or have their influence counteracted by timely care. The want of a due attention to these, costs annually some thousands of useful lives. One of the most common causes of obstructed perspir- ation, or catching cold, in this country, is the changeable- ness of the weather or state of the' atmosphere. There is no place where changes happen more frequently than in this country. With us the degrees of heat and cold are not only very different in the different seasons of the year, but often change from one extreme to another in a few days, and sometimes even in the course of one day. That such changes must affect the state of the perspira- tion is obvious to every one. The best method of fortifying the body against the changes of the weather, is to be abroad every day. Those who keep most within doors are most liable to 5* 54 catch cold. Such persons generally render themselves so delicate as to feel even the slightest changes in the at- mosphere, and by their pains, coughs, oppressions of the breast, &c. they become a kind of living barometers. Wet clothes not only by their coldness obstruct the perspiration, but their moisture, by being absorbed, or taken up into the body, greatly increases the danger. The most robust constitution is not proof against the dan- ger arising from wet clothes: they daily occasion fevers, rheumatism and other fatal disorders, even in the young and healthy. It is impossible for people who go fre- quently abroad, to avoid sometimes being wet; but the danger might generally be lessened, if not wholly pre- vented, by changing their clothes soon. When this can- not be done, they should keep in motion till they be dry. So far are many from taking this precaution, that they often sit or lie down in the fields with their clothes wet, and frequently sleep even whole nights in this condition. The frequent instances which we have of the fatal effects of this conduct, ought certainly to deter others from being guilty of it. Even wet feet often occasion fatal diseases. The colic, inflammations of the breast and of the bowels, the iliac passion, cholera morbus, sore throat. &c. are often occa- sioned by wet feet. Habit will no doubt render this less dangerous; but it ought as far as possible to be avoided. The delicate and those who are not accustomed to have their clothes or feet wet should be peculiarly careful in this respect. 55 OF RELIGIOUS MELANCHOLY. Many persons of a religious turn of mind, behave as if they thought it a crime to be cheerful. They imagine the whole of religion consists in certain mortifications, or denying themselves the smallest indulgence, even of the most innocent amusements. A perpetual gloom hangs over their countenances, while the deepest melancholy preys upon their minds. At length the fairest prospects vanish, every thing puts on a dismal appearance, and those very objects which ought to give delight afford noth- ing but disgust. Life itself becomes a burden, and the unhappy wretch, persuaded that no evil can equal what he feels, often puts an end to his own miserable ex- istence. It is a great pity that even religion should be so far perverted, as to become the cause of those very evils, which it was designed to cure. Nothing can be better calculated than true religion, to raise and support the mind of its votaries under every affliction that can befal them. It teaches them that even the sufferings of this life, are preparatory to the happiness of the next; and that all who persist in a course of virtue shall at length arrive at complete felicity. Persons whose business it is to recommend religion to others should beware of dwelling too much on gloomy subjects.* That peace and tranquility of mind, which true religion is calculated to inspire, is a more powerful argu- ment in its favour than all the terrors that can be uttered. * To such patients, I recommend the use of No. 1 and No. 3 in emali doses—6 of No. 1 the first night, and 6 of No. 3 the next. 56 Terror may indeed deter man from outward acts of wickedness, but can never inspire them with that love of God, and real goodness of heart, in which alone true re- ligion consists. To conclude ; the best way to counter- act the violence of any passion, is to keep the mind close- ly engaged in some useful pursuit. OF ULCERS. Ulcers may be the consequence of wounds, bruises, or imposthumes improperly treated ; they may likewise pro- ceed from an ill state of the humors, or what is called a bad habit of body. An ulcer may be distinguished from a wound by its discharging a thin watery humor, which is often so acrid as to inflame and corrode the skin ; by the hardness and perpendicular situation of its sides or edges, by the time of its duration, &tc. It requires considerable skill to be able to judge wheth- er or not an ulcer ought to be dried up. In general, all ulcers which proceed from a bad habit of body, should be suffered to continue open, at least till the constitution has been so far changed by proper regimen, or the use of medicine, that they seem disposed to heal of their own accord. Ulcers which are the effect of malignant fevers, or other acute diseases, may generally be healed with safety after the health has been restored for some time. the cure ought not however, to be attempted too soon, nor at any time without the use of purging medicines and a proper regimen. When wounds or bruises have by wrong treatment, de- 57 generated into ulcers, if the constitution be good, they may generally be healed with safety. When ulcers ei- ther accompany chronic diseases, or come in their stead, they must be cautiously healed. If an ulcer conduces to the patients' health, from whatever cause it proceeds, it ought not to be healed ; but if, on the contrary, it wastes the strength, and consumes the patient by a slow fever, it should be healed as soon as possible. We would earnest- ly recommend a strict attention to these particulars, to all who have the misfortune to labor under this disorder, par- ticularly persons in the decline of life ; as we have fre- quently known people to throw away their lives by the want of it, while they were extolling and generously re- warding those whom they ought to have looked upon as their executioners. The most proper regimen, for pro- moting the cure of ulcers, is to avoid all spices, salted and high-seasoned food, all strong liquor, and to lessen the usual quantity of flesh meat. A fistulous ulcer can seldom be cured without an ope- ration. It must either be laid open so as to have its cal- lous parts destroyed by some corrosive application, or they must be entirely cut away by the knife; but as this ope- ration requires the hand of an expert surgeon, there is no occasion to describe it. OF THE PLEURISY. The true pleurisy is an inflammation of that membrane called the pleura, which lines the inside of the breast. There is likewise a species of this disease, which is called the spurious or bastard pleurisy, in which the pain is more 59 external, and chiefly affects the muscles between the ribs. This is, strictly speaking, a rheumatism. It is most fre- quent in the Spring season. Symptoms.—This, like most other fevers, generally begins with chilliness and shivering, which are followed by heat, thirst and restlessness. To these succeeds a violent pricking pain in one of the sides among the ribs. Sometimes the pain extends towards the backbone, some- times towards the forepart of the breast, and at other times towards the shoulder blades. The pain is generally most violent when the patient draws his breath. A distressing cough usually attends this disease. Topical bleeding has often a very good effect in this disease. It may either be performed by applying a number of leeches to the part affected, or by cupping, which is both a more certain and expeditious method than the other. Fomentations are good to ease the pain, relax the vessels, and prevent the stagnation of the blood and other humors. The side may likewise be frequently rubbed with a little of the volatile liniment, and No. 1 and No. 2 pills, taken in small doses, just to keep the bowels open, with about two 6t three stools a day. WORMS. It is universally known that lumbrici ascarides, gourd- seed worms, and tenia or tape worm, are hostile inhabi- tants of the first passages; to say nothing of various in- sects, out of the common order of nature, concerning which, Vanislieri, Andry, Leclerc, and Bianchy have 59 given an accurate history, who seem to have entirely ex- hausted this subject; which, to confess the truth, is more physical, or natural, than medical; The lumbrici, which are common from the sixth year to puberty, but which spare no age, are known by sour breath, loathing of food, or insatiable hunger ; a spitting breaking out at night, the mouth in the meantime remain- ing dry; eyes inflamed, blueness of the cheeks, gritting of the teeth in sleep, or a peculiar motion of the lips and jaws, resembling swallowing; excessive night sweats, and terror in sleep, from which the sick suddenly awake up. Meantime there comes on vomiting, heartburn, rumblings of the bowels, and a most troublesome sense of pricking or biting, which is allayed by food ; tenesmus, fluid, whitish stools, cough, hiccough, &ic. swelled belly, some- times much elevated, sometimes depressed and flattened beyond measure. In some cases a fever comes on with chills recurring irregularly: the pulse in some is found equal and obscure, and indeed it is sometimes quite obliterated. To these marks we may add various symptoms arising from the generation of worms, namely, ileum, suffocation, vertigo, convulsive fits, comatous affections, stupidity, delirium, loss of voice, blindness, palsy, fainting, &c. From all other signs, even more evident, the worms themselves take the palm ; these are passed through the mouth, nostrils, or by stools, in which last way they come in heaps. But often this mark is wanting, because the worms being killed in the first passages, are soon dissolved, whence nothing but a viscid and glutinous matter, mixed with the feces, is evacuated. With such impetus do 60 these fits of worms come on, depriving of sensation, that they are taken for genuine apoplexy, if attention be not paid to the contracted pulse and coldness of the extrem- ities, which excite suspicion of the genuine cause; but those convulsive accessions of worms, common to child- ren, are with difficulty distinguished from epilepsy. So that there is often need of adipus, unless its character be learnt from an accurate attention to the history. Besides, worms are numbered among the symptoms of oppressive diseases; for small pox and measles promote their forma- tion, as also putrid, malignant, petechial, epidemic fevers, &c. which are therefore by the unskilful called worm fe- vers. The lumbrici sometimes bore through the stomach and intestines, out of which they make their way, and roll into the cavity of the abdomen, or getting further, perfo- rate the periteneum and abdominal muscles: when lodged in the adipose substance they excite inflammation, terminating in abscess, from the opening of which pro- ceeds worms, which medical writings testify to have often taken place about the navel and groins. Ascarides show themselves, evacuated together with feces, like cheese worms, round and very small. They infest the intestine rectum, and excite tenesmus or very troublesome itching in the anus. In such a heap do they sometimes infest this den, that if the bowels are not open they make their way through the neighboring parts. The cucurbitini are thus called from the cucurbit or gourd seed forms which they bear with sufficient accuracy: these are more conspicuous than ascarides; and afford no uncertain sign of tape worm. They sometimes stick together in a distinct series, and 61 are linked, and when thus joined, are with difficulty sep- arated. These insects sometimes produce a most troublesome itching in the anus, and, like the ascarides, make themselves an outlet in living bodies, when the fecei are retained. The belly in some women is very prominent, the appe- tite depraved, and the menses suppressed, so that they are sometimes considered pregnant. Lastly, this most troublesome worm excites more op- pressive symptoms, namely, faintings, vertigoes, convul- sions, comatous affections, &c. The taenia stretches through the whole course of the intestines; although the length of it has never been correctly ascertained, yet it is supposed to be from twenty-five, to fifty feet; and sometimes ascends from the stomach to the throat, not without anxiety and terror of the patients, nor are there wanting some who throw out large pieces by vomiting. Many remedies against the broad lumbricus are pro- posed which seem to have been of great use in many cases, namely, the seed of rue, red precipitate aethiops* mineral, preparations of iron, and mineral waters, partaking of iron, &c. all of which have been tried without much nenefit. Therefore to all persons who suppose they have the large round, or tape-worm, I recommend my treble strong No. 1 pills, in as large doses as the patient is able to bear. My narrow limits forbid me adding more. See Directions to pill No. 1. THE HIP DISEASE. Under this title we wish to be understood that affection 6 62 of the hip, sparing no age, which was first discovered by the celebrated and very experienced De Rjen. It especially respects infants and not rarely brings on lameness or irnpotency of the legs, and even deprives many of life. The hip diseases is threatened by contu- sion, a fall from a height, a stroke, or some other cause. Imprudent exertion of strength, dancing and other sportive exercises of the body. Pains affecting the limbs denote this misfortune, which sometimes is followed by swelling of the part. This disease is also subject to* internal causes, for an afflux of humors to this part, in acute dis- eases, produces it, nor i3 this translation rare in small-pox. rickets, scrofula, scurvy and venerea, and lastly, in ad- vanced age, the gouty and rheumatie diathesis; it is adso promoted by an external cause, excited by dyscrasy of the humors. It is obvious that acute pain arises from contusion. Collision, tearing, or any violent elongation of the ligaments, as also from luxation and fracture, which is followed by a defluxion of humors, or genuine inflam- mation. This affection is often terminated by resolution, > provided unsuitable remedies do not oppose the efforts of nature. Pus is also formed there, whence very severe pains, slow fever, and consumption. This defluxion of humors is thought more difficult of resolution, from the translation of morbid matter in acute diseases, namely, small-pox, malignant fever, putrid fever, he. or from rickets, scrofula, or other virus ; whence arises a tumor, more or less conspicuous, which sooner or later promotes suppuration, tending outwardly. No wonder, therefore, if a large abscess should in most cases occasion the great- est damage to the connection of the bone, and parts sub- 63 servient to it.* The ligaments being loosened by this putridity, the head of the thighbone is gradually removed from its situation, and the leg from this luxation is usual- ly at first a little elongated, to become afterwards shorter. It is easily seen that a lameness arises from the shortest leg; but there is another cause, namely, pain, on account of which, the sick Cannot lean upon the affected leg. This disorder when arrived to a certain pitch, baffles all the industry of physicians, namely, when there is pur- ulence, and carries off the bones. In which case the mis- erable patients gradually waste away, until they are re- leased by death. But there is no small hope of recovery in the first stage, while the part does not recede from its natural form, and the sick complain of a pain in moving the leg. But all hope of health is almost shut out, if there be marks of suppuration, since from the long stagnation of pus, the cartillages and bones are consumed with caries, or contaminated by the foulest putrefaction. In which case nothing is to be left undone, to invite the matter to the skin, which is promoted by emollients and maturants. But when the cause of the disease is noticed by fluctu- ation or other signs, an extensive incision must be made without delay, to let out the pus. DROPSY. A serous colluvies diffused through the whole habit of body, shows itself openly. The ascites is also manifest. * I have always had recourse to wet cupping repeated every week, and giving the Nos. 1 and 2 pills for two weeks ; then No. 8 as di- rected table No. 6. 64 There is a watery encysted tumor perceptible to the touch, affecting the peritenium, ovaries, he. and growing to a certain size. But dropsy of the breast and peri- cardium, is with difficulty known, and a collection of water in the brain and medulla spinalis is veiled in ob- scurity. It is our duty in this place, to treat of general dropsy or leucophlegmasia, for we shall discourse of the other species according to order elsewhere. Persons who lead a sedentary life, and inhabit marshy places, are thought to be liable to serious colluvies or dropsy. Intemperate eaters and drinkers are thought to be prone to it. It is common to the female sex, nor does it spare infants, as we shall show in the proper place. The ardent and malignant fevers, the small-pox, measles, and other acute diseases are followed by this; it accom- panies also obstructions, cachexy, jaundice, scurvy, gout, quartan fever and other chronic diseases. Moreover, the dropsy follows close at the heels of large haemorrhages, both spontaneous and artificial, and menstruation continued beyond the accustomed limits of the natural period. Long continued diarrhoea or other immoderate evacuations produce the same effect, and even the sudden stopping of these when habitual, threatens the same misfortune. Lastly, the dropsy takes its rise from the premature cure of intermittent fevers; from repelled efflorescences or cutaneous eruptions; from the drying up of ulcers and fistulae, from ischurid and dysury, to say nothing of tu- mors, scirrus, abscesses, internal ulcerations, and putrid- ity which very commonly give origin to this disease. At the commencement of the disease, and towards 65 evening the oedema* surrounds the ancles, which disapr pears in the morning. Respiration is not freely perform- ed, especially when going up an ascent. Some complain about this time of thirst and slight cough. As the disorder advances, an oedematic swelling occupies the feet entirely, and is gradually diffused to the legs, then to the thighs and other parts, as if propagated by grafting. During the disease the urine flows in less quantity, de- posits a lateritious sediment, especially when the liver is affected, or any stagnation lurks in the abdomen. The sweat at this time is either deficient, or breaks out more sparingly. THE STUDIOUS. intense thinking is so destructive to health, that few instances can be produced of studious persons who are strong and healthy. Hard study always implies a se- dentary life; and when intense thinking is joined to the want of exercise, the consequences must be bad. We have frequently known even a few months of close appli- cation to study, ruin an excellent constitution, by inducing a train of nervous complaints, which could never be re- moved. Man is evidently not formed for continual thought, more than for perpetual action, and would be as soon worn out by the one, as by the other. So great is the power of the mind over the body, that, by its influence, the whole vital motions, may be accel- erated or retarded, to almost any degree. Thus cheer- fulness and mirth quicken the circulation, and promote * A swelling which dents with> the finger. 6* 66 all the secretions; whereas sadness and profound thought never fail to retard them. Hence it would appear, that even a degree of thoughtlessness is necessary to health. Indeed, the perpetual thinker seldom enjoys either health or spirits; while the person who can hardly be said to think at all, generally enjoys both. Perpetual thinkers, as they are called, seldom think long. In a few years they generally become quite stu- pid, and exhibit a melancholy proof, how readily the greatest blessings may be abused. Thinking, like every thing else, when carried to extreme, becomes a vice : nor can any thing afford a greater proof of wisdom, than for a man frequently and seasonably to unbend his mind. This may generally be done by mixing in cheerful com- pany, active diversions, or the like. Instead of attempting to investigate the nature of that connection which subsists between the mind and body, or to inquire into the manner in which they mutually affect each other, we shall only mention those diseases to which the learned are more peculiarly liable, and endeavor to point out the means of avoiding them. Studious persons are very subject to the gout. This painful disease in a great measure proceeds from indigestion, and an obstruct- ed perspiration. It is impossible that the man who sits from morning till night should either digest his food, or have any of the secretions in due quantity. But when that matter, which should be thrown off by the skin, is retained in the body, and the humors are not duly pre- pared, diseases must ensue. The studious are likewise very liable to the stone and gravel. Exercise greatly promotes both the secretion 67 and discharge of urine ; consequently a sedentary life must have the contrary effect. Any one may be satisfi- ed of this by observing, that he passes much more urine in the day than in the night, and also when he walks or rides than when he sits. The circulation in the liver being slow, obstructions in that organ can hardly fail to be the consequence of inac- tivity. Hence sedentary people are frequently afflicted with scirrus livers. But the proper secretion and dis- charge of the bile is so necessary a part of the animal economy, that when these are not duly performed, the health must soon be impaired. Jaundice, indigestion, loss of appetite, and a wasting of the whole body, seldom fail to be the consequences of a vitiated state of the liver, or obstructions of the bile. Few diseases prove more fatal to the studious, than consumptions of the lungs. It has already been observed, that this organ cannot be duly expanded in those who do not take proper exercise; and where that is the case, obstructions and adhesions will ensue. Not only want of exercise, but the posture in which studious persons gen- erally sit, is very hurtful to the lungs. Those who read or write much are ready to contract a habit of bending forwards, and often press with their breast upon a table or bench. This posture, cannot fail to hurt the lungs. It is much to be regretted that learned men, while in health, pay so little regard to these things! There is not any thing more common than to see a miserable ob- ject over-run with nervous diseases, bathing, walking, riding, and in a word, doing every thing for health after it is gone; yet, if any one had recommended these things to 68 him by way of prevention, the advice would, in all probability, have been treated with contempt, or, at least with neglect. Such is the weakness and folly of man- kind, and such the want of foresight even, in those who ought to be wiser than others. We would likewise recommend the use of the cold bath to the studious. It will, in some measure, supply the place of exercise, and should not be neglected by per- sons of a relaxed habit, especially in the warm season.* No person ought either to take violent exercise,, or to study immediately after a full meal. OF WOUNDS. No part of medicine has been more mistaken than the treatment or cure of wounds. Mankind in general be- lieve that certain herbs, ointments, and plasters are pos- sessed of wonderful healing powers, and imagine that no wound can be cured without the application of them. It is however a well established fact, that no external appli- cation whatever, contributes towards the cure of a wound, any other way than by keeping the parts soft, and clean, also defending them from the external air, which may be as effectually done by dry lint, as by the most pompous applications, while it is exempt from many of the bad consequences attending them. It may be said that fresh wounds are healed by the application of Turlington's bal- sam, and similar medicines. The truth is, that these * To sueh I recommend my No. 2 and No. 5, taken alternately, ia doses say from 5 to 10 pills every night, till they give 3 or 4 stoo!» per day; then reduce till they give only 2 stools or so. 69 substances do good only by excluding the external air, which dry lint would do much better. The same observation holds with respect to internal applications. These only promote the cure of wounds as far as they tend to prevent a fever, or to remove any cause that might obstruct or impede the operations of nature. It is nature alone that cures wounds. All that art can do is to remove obstacles, and to put the parts in such a condition as is the most favorable to nature's efforts. With this simple view, we shall consider the treatment of wounds, and endeavor to point out such steps as ought to be taken to facilitate their cure. The first thing to be done when a person has received a wound, is to examine whether any foreign body be lodged in it, as wood, stone, iron, lead, glass, dirt, bits of cloth, or the like. These, if possible, ought to be extracted, and the wound cleansed before any dressings be applied. When that cannot be effected with safety, on account of the patient's weakness, or loss of blood, they must be suffered to remain in the wound, and afterwards extracted when he is more able to bear it.* In parts where this bandage cannot be applied, various other methods may be tried to stop the bleeding, as the application of styptics, astringents., he, cloths dipped in a solution of blue vitriol and water, or the styptic water of the dispensatories may be applied to the wound. When these cannot be obtained strong spirits of wine may be * The Ups of a simple wound should always be brought together either by bandage, sticking plaster, or suture. 70 used. Some recommend the agaric* of the oak as pre- ferable to any of the other styptics; and indeed it de- serves considerable encomiums. It is easily obtained, and ought to be kept in every family, in case of accidents. A piece of it must be laid upon the wound, and covered with a good deal of lint, above which a bandage may be applied so tight as to keep it firmly on.f OF THE GOUT. The regular gout generally makes its attack in the spring, or beginning of winter, in the following manner. About two or three in the morning, the patient is seized with a pain in his great toe, sometimes in the heel, and at other times in the ancle, or calf of the leg. * Dr. Tisset, in his advice to the people, gives the following di- rections for gathering, preparing, and applying the agaric : " Gather in autumn," says he, " while the fine weather lasts, the agaric of the oak, which is a kind of fungus or excresence issuing from the wood of that tree. It consists at first of four parts, which present them- selves successively: 1st. The outward rind or skin, which may be thrown away. 2d. The part immediately under this rind, which is the best of all. This is to be beat well with a hammer, till it be- comes soft and very pliable. This is the only preparation it re- quires, and a slice of it of a proper size is to be applied directly over the open blood-vessels. It constringes and brings them close togeth- er, stops the bleeding, and generally falls off at the end of two days. 3d. The third part adhering to the second may serve to stop the bleeding from the smaller vessels ; and the fourth and last part may be reduced to powder as conducing to the same purpose," When agaric cannot be had, sponge may be used in its stead. It must be applied in the same manner, and has nearly the same effects. t Lint alone, or lint dipped in flour, will often stop a bleeding; so will scraped hat and cob-webs. 71 This pain is accompanied with a sensation as if cold water were poured upon the part, which is succeeded by a shivering, with some degree of fever. Afterwards the pain increases, and fixing among the small bones of the foot, the patient feels all the different kinds of torture, as if the part were stretched, burnt, squeezed, gnawed, or torn m pieces, he. The part at length becomes so exquis- itely sensible, that the patient cannot bear to have it touched, or even suffer any person to walk across the room.* OF THE RHEUMATISM. This disease has often a resemblance to the gout. It generally attacks the muscles and large joints with ex- quisite pain, and is sometimes attended with inflammation and swelling. It is most common in the spring, and to- wards the end of autumn. It is usually distinguished into acute and chronic: or the rheumatism with or without a fever. Causes.—The causes of a rheumatism are frequently the same as those of an inflammatory fever, viz. an ob- structed perspiration, the immoderate use of strong liquors, and the like. Sudden changes of the weather, and all quick transitions from heat to cold, are very apt to occa- sion the rheumatism. The most extraordinary case of a rheumatism that I ever saw, where almost every joint of the body was distorted, was that of a man who used to work one part of the day by the fire, and the other part * My Gout Drops have recovered several persons of gout in 48 hours, by taking GO drops in ginger tea, at bed-time, every night. 72 of it in the water. Very obstinate rheumatisms have likewise been brought on by persons not accustomed to it, allowing their feet to continue long wet. The same effects are often produced by wet clothes, damp beds, sitting or lying on the damp ground, travelling in the night, he. Rheumatism may likewise be occasioned by excessive evacuations, or the stoppage of customary discharges. It is often the effect of chronic diseases, which vitiate the humors; as the scurvy, the lues venerea, obstinate au- tumnal agues, he. The rheumatism prevails in cold, damp marshy countries. It is most common among the poorer sort of peasants, who are ill clothed, live in low damp houses, and eat coarse unwholesome food, which contains but little nourishment, and is not easily digested. Symptoms.—The acute rheumatism commonly begins with weariness, shivering, a quick pulse, restlessness, thirst, and other symptoms of fevers. Afterwards the patient complains of flying pains, which are increased by the least motion. These at length fix in the joints, which are often affected with swellings and inflammation.* When blood be let in this disease, it has generally the same appear- ance as in the pleurisy. In this kind of rheumatism the treatment of the patient is nearly the same as in an acute or inflammatory fever. If he be young and strong, bleed- ing is necessary, which may be repeated according to the exigencies of the case. The body ought likewise to be kept open by emollient clysters, or cool opening liquors ; as decoctions of tamarinds, cream of tartar whey, senna- * My practice has been to cup and scarify on the part affected, and with great success. 73 tea, and the like. The diet should be light and in small quantities, consisting chiefly of roasted apples, oatmeal- gruel, or weak chicken broth. After the feverish symp- toms have abated, if the pain still continues, the patient must keep his bed, and take such things as promote per- spiration ; as wine-whey with spiritus minderesi, he. He may likewise take, for a few nights at bed time, in a cup of weak wine whey, a drachm of the cream of tartar, and half a drachm of gum guaicum in powder.* The chronic rheumatism is seldom attended with any considerable degree of fever, and is generally confined to some particular part of the body, as the shoulders, the back, or the loins. There is seldom any inflammation or swelling in this case. Persons in the decline of life are most subject to the chronic rheumatism. In such patients it often proves extremely obstinate. Though this disease may not seem to yield to medi- cines for some time, yet they ought still to be persisted in.f Persons who are subject to frequent returns of the rheumatism, will often find their account in using medi- cines, whether they be immediately affected with the dis- ease or not. The chronic rheumatism is similar to the gout in this respect, that the most proper lime for using medicines to extirpate it, is when the patient is most free from the dis- order. * Smart purging in rheumatism is generally of very essential service. See directions in No. 3, table. t My Rheumatic and Gout Drops have not in any case failed in my practice, if persisted in as directed. 7 74 HYSTERIC. Hysterics is justly reckoned among the more frequent disorders, and seems to spare only viragoes, or persons leading difficult or laborious lives. It often comes on clandestinely, and puts on the appearance of other disor- ders, resembling the more severe; wherefore it is little wonder if it should be often blamed by the unskilful, that is, so often as they are in doubt about the character of the disorder, and know not what to do. Yet hysterics and hypochondriasis, are so very various and are asso- ciated with so many diseases, that the diagnosis of either is surrounded with the greatest difficulties. A slothful and idle life, grief and solicitude, jealousy, anger and oth- er purturbations of the mind, long fasting, great loss of blood, or other humor, haemorrhage, suppression of the catamenia or lochia,* he. are the common causes of hys- teric affection. It sometimes proceeds or follows the menstrual flux ; the sight of various horrid objects pro- mote it; some odours, although very grateful to most people, he. But, it takes its most common rise from adversity; concerning which it is always necessary, to en- quire of the patient, or of the bystanders. We cannot doubt that this prote-form and very intricate disease af- fects the nervous system, but experience and anatomical observation prove that this morbid constitution of the nerves is promoted by a certain state of the uterus and ova- ries :f for no one is ignorant that pregnant and puerpe- ral women are more prone to hysterics; very frequent * Monthly Timeg. t Parts of generation. 75 births bring it on, faults of the menses, retained lochia, he. But it seems to be placed beyond all doubt, that it is sometimes brought on by a peculiar state of morbid lymph. Hysterics shows itself by so many signs, and is attended with such a crowd of symptoms, differing highly with respect to the grade, age, temperament, and kind of living, that it deserves to be called a legion of diseases : hence it is plain, that the history which we now attempt to give, will be very intricate. To begin with the supe- rior parts: the head is afflicted in various ways, very often it aches exceedingly, and is affected with vertigo, and a kind of absence of mind ; although there is an acute pain familiar to it, confined to a very small space, which is called clavus hystericus. Besides, many com- plain of a pulsation of the temporal arteries, of cold of the forehead, and noise in the ears. The limbs are sometimes shaken with spasmodic tre- mor, or are distorted by dreadful convulsions, followed by distressing weariness. Moreover, the patients are vexed with grief, and sometimes not in their right mind; at times they take deep sighs, or overcome with sadness, shed tears; sometimes they sing and shake their sides with laughter; so that then they differ little from ma- niacs. Meanwhile there breaks forth flatus, acid or of- fensive belchings, with frequent spitting, sometimes tooth ache. Frequent suffocations arising from constriction of the pharynx and larynx, excite terror so that the patients seem to strangle from the swelling of the neck. A dry and very troublesome cough oppresses many: palpita- tions of the heart are very frequent, the violence of which is sometimes such, as to be seen and heard by the by- 76 standers. Besides in many there is perceived by the hand applied, a pulsation of the coeliac or superior me- sentaric. Yet the pulse when usually felt, is now weak and slow, now unequal and intermittent, again quick and frequent, and indeed sometimes quite obliterated. A fever sometimes rises, which recurring once or twice every day, has the type of intermittent. These are the principal symptoms in the head and breast; we come now to the abdominal. Hysterical patients are plagued with anxiety and nau- sea, and indeed great vomitings sometimes occur, nearly resembling ileus. Rumblings and pains of the bowels are frequent. And colic pains of the spasmodic kind not rarely become severe, and often exercise the greatest ty- ranny. In some the abdomen is inflated and swells, and presents a kind of undulatory motion ; which not only, as they think, is directed from the uterus to the epigastric region like a ball ascending; but is propagated even to the fauces; which, as above hinted, is thereby affected with spasmodic and very violent constriction : of this phenomenon, it is well to remark, some hypochondriacs also complain. The urine is colourless, the bowels sometimes loose, but oftener constricted. Heat and cold alternate, and wander through the whole surface of the body, and gapings, and stretchings frequently occur. Moreover, the patients complain of pains of the back and of a spasmodic and very troublesome sensation of the legs. Lastly, there arises a swelling of the legs which does not vanish on lying down, and does not retain the prints of the fingers, by which marks any one may under- stand that it differs altogether from oedema. 77 Hysterics, although difficult of cure, and sometimes baffling all attempts at cure, yet mostly occasions more terror than harm. Nevertheless, some hysterical pa- tients are taken off by a violent fit; since this affection, as already inculcated, when attaining the utmost grade, may end in genuine apoplexy ; the character of which appears beyond doubt, by hemiphlegia not rarely follow- ing. At other times this disease is of long duration, oc- casions much inconvenience and impatience ; and indeed, very often lays secret snares for life. It is certain that jaundice has also often followed an hysteric fit: but wheth- er this lesion of the liver was owing to this cause, we leave for others to examine.* There is the same judg- ment of some other affections, accidentally appearing af- ter hysterics. Another evil threatens from long continued hysterics, namely, incurable atrophy; if the primary disease be occasioned by any organic fault of the uterus or of any other viscus. ULCER AND FISTULA. Ulcers arising from phlegmon, erysipelas, bubo, and scirrus, from those which proceed from a wound, contu- sion, burn, application of caustic, and gangrene, Sic. But there is another investigation of even greater moment: namely, rightly to find out whether there be a certain taint lurking in the blood, and humours which very frequently, as is well known, is contaminated by the virus of scurvy, scrofula, venereal disease, and cancer. It is evident * See Table No. 7, Hysterics. If persisted in will soon give relief in the worst cases. 7* 78 that fistula is nothing else than a sinuous and deep ulcer, the opening of which is mostly narrower than the bottom, on account of the cavities which the pus forms, having be- come very acrid by detention. The fistula of the anus and of the lachrymal sac, are very common and well known; concerning which we shall treat separately in order; but this, notwithstanding does not hinder us making a few general and brief obser- vations on the subject, in this chapter. The edges of re- cent ulcers arising from phlegmon are very easily brought into contact, especially in the young and vigorous, or those who enjoy a florid habit of body ; but the case is otherwise in advanced age, or in a cachectic constitution. Ulcers are more troublesome when they proceed from erysipelas, oedema or scirrus. How great difficulty is found in healing scorbutic, ve- nereal, scrofulous, or cancerous ulcers, is universally known. Besides, ulcers of the nostrils, mouth, breasts, and genetals are difficult of cure. Putrid, foul, and wormy ulcers can scarcely be healed, as they throw out a fetid, glutinous, bloody, ichorous, and greenish pus, or sometimes mere blood, in great abundance ; the lips of which are inverted, luxuriant with flesh, fungus, livid, greenish or blackish. Phagedenic (eating) or fistulous ulcers baffle all cure, which are occasioned by caries of the bones or ligaments, and are wet with an oily and blackish sanies. Pus mixed with the blood excites no little fear, unless it finds its way through the lungs, kid- neys, or intestinal sink; a happy event indeed; but some- times these strainers receive from it a fatal taint. Old ulcers often bring on marasmus and slow fever j which, 79 nevertheless, are salutary in old age, at which time, woe be to them that attempt to dry them up, or heal them ; since from this ill-timed method, the pus usually excreted through the passage, falls upon the viscera, and imparts to them a fatal injury; which the examination of bodies exhibit. It must be obvious that what has hitherto been said of ulcers, respects fistulas also, since, as above noticed, fistulas are nothing else than sinus and cavernous ulcers, the cure of which is also difficult; nor is it often effected without the aid of surgery, since medicines applied to them, (if we except injections) are not able to reach to their ultimate recesses. Fistulas affecting the tendons, ligaments, cartilages, and naked bones which thereby be- come carious, are very obstinate and hard to cure, or altogether without remedy. Lastly, fistulas opening into the cavity of the breast or abdomen, soon put an end to life : their edges, if imprudently healed by art, ought without delay, to be broken open, lest, from their ill-timed approximation, the wolf should be shut up in the sheep- fold. The intention should be, in the cure of ulcers, to keep them discharging a suitable and pure pus; which may be soon healed, if this fluid be excreted of the best kind. For by the sordes by which they are contaminated, the cure is procrastinated or altogether hindered. Therefore we must endeavor to clear out these, that afterwards by the help of nature, or the due administration of sarectics, (or restorers of flesh) their lips may be brought into mu- tual contact and unite. On the efficacy of remedies prepared for this purpose, 80 there has -been great controversy among physicians; but 1 will leave the dispute to be settled by those who have more leisure than myself, since the only duty incumbent on me is to exhibit those which have been selected and proved by long and successful practice. INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. The inflammation of the bladder proceeds, in a great measure, from the same causes as that of the kidneys. It is known by an acute pain towards the bottom of the belly, and difficulty of passing urine, with some degree of fever, a constant inclination to go to stool, and a per- petual desire to make water. This disease must be treated on the same principles as the one immediately preceding. The diet must be light and thin, and the drink of a cooling nature. Bleed- ing is very proper at the beginning, and in robust consti- tutions it will often be necessary to repeat it. The lower part of the belly should be fomented with warm water, or a decoction of mild vegetables ; and emollient clysters ought frequently to be administered, he. The patient should abstain from every thing that is of a hot, acrid, and stimulating quality, and should live entirely upon small broths, gruels, or mild vegetables. A stoppage of urine may proceed from other causes besides an inflammation of the bladder ; as a swelling of the hemorrhoidal veins, hard feces lodged in the rectum ; a stone in the bladder ; excrescences in the urinary pas- sages, a palsy of the bladder, hysteric affections, &rc Each of these requires a particular treatment, which does 81 not fall under our present consideration. We shall only observe, that in all of them mild and gentle applications are the safest, as strong diuretic medicines, or things of an irritating nature, generally increase the danger. I have known some persons kill themselves by introducing probes into the urinary passages, to remove, as they thought, somewhat that obstructed the discharge of urine, and others bring on a violent inflammation of the bladder, by using strong heating medicines, as oil of turpentine, he. for that purpose. INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. Symptoms.—This disease is known by a painful ten- sion of the right side under the false ribs, attended with more or less fever, a sense of weight, or fulness of the part, difficulty of breathing, loathing of food, great thirst, with a pale or yellowish color of the skin and eyes. The symptoms here are various, according to the de- gree of inflammation, and likewise according to the par- ticular part of the liver where the inflammation happens. Sometimes the pain is so inconsiderable, that an inflam- mation is not so much as suspected; but when it hap- pens in the upper or convex part of the liver, the pain is more acute, the pulse quicker, and the patient is often troubled with a dry cough, a hiccup, and a pain extend- ing to the shoulder, with difficulty of lying on the left side, he. This disease may be distinguished from the pleurisy by the pain being less violent, seated under the false ribs, 82 and by the difficulty of lying on the left side. It may be distinguished from the hysteric and hypochondriac disor- ders by the degree of fever with which it is always at- tended. This disease, if properly treated, is seldom mortal. A constant hiccuping, violent fever, and excessive thirst, are bad symptoms. If it ends in a suppuration, and the matter cannot be discharged outwardly, the danger is great. When the scirrus of the liver ensues, the pa- tient, if he observes a proper regimen, may nevertheless live a number of years tolerably easy; but if he indulge in animal food and strong liquors, or take medicines of an acrid or irritating nature, the scirrus will be converted into a cancer, which must infallibly prove fatal. Regimen.—The same regimen is to be observed in this as in other inflammatory disorders. All hot things are to be carefully avoided, and cool diluting liquors, as whey, barley water, he. drank freely. The food must be light and thin, and the body, as well as the mind, kept easy and quiet. [See table on liver complaint. No. 2.] We shall take no notice of inflammations of the other viscera. They must in general be treated upon the same principles as those already mentioned. The chief rule with respect to all of them, is to let blood, to avoid every thing that is strong, or of a heating nature, to apply warm fomentations to the part affected, and to cause the pa- tient to drink a sufficient quantity of warm diluting liquors. 83 OF THE CHOLERA MORBUS, And otlter excessive discharges from the stomach and bowels. The cholera morbus is a violent purging and vomiting, attended with gripes, sickness, and a constant desire to go to stool. It comes on suddenly, and is most common in summer and autumn. Causes.—It is occasioned by a redundancy and acri- mony of the bile ; cold ; food that easily turns rancid or sour on the stomach ; as butter, bacon, sweet meats, cucumbers, melons, cherries, and other cold fruits. It is sometimes the effect of strong acrid purges or vomits, or of poisonous substances taken into the stomach. It may likewise proceed from violent passions or affections of the mind ; as fear, anger, he. Symptoms.—It is generally preceded by a cardialgia7 or heart burn, sour belchings, and flatulencies, with pain of the stomach and intestines. To these succeed exces- sive vomiting, and purging of green, yellow, or blackish colored bile, with a distension of the stomach, and vio- lent griping pains. There is likewise a great thirst, with a very quick unequal pulse, and often a fixed acute pain about the region of the navel. t As the disease advances, the pulse often sinks so low as to become quite impercep- tible, the extremities grow cold, or cramped, and are often covered with a clammy sweat, the urine is obstruct- ed, and there is a palpitation of the heart. Violent hic- cupping, fainting, and convulsions, are the signs of ap- proaching death. Medicine.—At the beginning of this disease the efforts 84 of nature to expel the offending cause should be assisted, by promoting the purging and vomiting.* For this pur- pose the patient must drink freely of diluting liquors; as whey, butter-milk, warm water, thin water gruel, small posset, or, what is perhaps preferable to any of them, very weak chicken broth. After these evacuations have been continued for some time, a decoction of toasted oats may be drank to stop the vomiting. The oats should be toasted till of a brown color, and afterwards made into a tea. If oats cannot be had, wheat bread, or oat meal well toasted, may be used in their stead. If this does not put a slop to the vomiting, two table spoonfuls of the saline julep, made without lemon juice, with ten drops of laudanum, may be taken every half hour, 'till it ceases. The vomiting and purging however, ought never to be stopped too soon. As long as these discharges do not weaken the patient, they are salutary, and may be allow- ed to go on, or rather, ought to be promoted. But, when the patient is weakened by the evacuations, which may be known from the sinking of his pulse, he. re- course must immediately be had to opiates, as recom- mended above; to which may be added strong wines, with spiritous cinnamon waters, and other generous cor- dials. Warm negus, or strong wine whey, will likewise be necessary to support the patient's spirits and promote the perspiration. His legs should be bathed in warm water, and afterwards rubbed with flannel cloths, or * No 1. or No. 2. must be given alternately in large doses bruised up and repeated according as the case may require. See No. 1, table, on bilious. 85 wrapped in warm blankets, and warm bricks applied to the soles of his feet. Flannels, wrung out of warm spir- itous fomentations, should likewise be applied to the region of the stomach. The patient's food ought to be nourishing, but taken in small quantities, and he should use moderate exercise, when able to go abroad. As the stomach and intestines are generally much weakened, an infusion of the bark, or other bitters, in small wine, sharpened with the elixir of vitriol, may be drank for some time. OF THE DIABETES, And other disorders of the kidneys and bladder. The diabetes is a frequent and excessive discharge of urine. It is seldom to be met with among young people ; but often attacks persons in the decline of life, especially those who follow the more violent employments, or have been hard drinkers in their youth. Causes.—A diabetes is often the consequence of acute diseases, as fevers, fluxes, &,c. where the patient has suffered by excessive evacuations; it may also be occasioned by great fatigue, as riding long journies upon a hard trotting horse, carrying heavy burdens, running, he. It may be brought on by' hard drinking, or the use of strong stimulating diuretic medicines, as tincture of cantharides, spirits of turpentine, and such like. It is sometimes brought on by long exposure to cold and damp. It is often the effect of drinking too great quan- tities of mineral waters. Many imagine that these will do them no service unless they be drank in great quantities, 8 86 by which mistake it often happens that they occasion worse diseases than those they were intended to cure. In a word, this disease may either proceed from too great a laxity of the organs which secrete the urine, from something that stimulates the kidneys too much, or from a thin dissolved state of the blood, which makes too great a quantity of it run off by the urinary passages. Symptoms.—In a diabetes the urine generally exceeds in quantity all the liquid food which the patient takes. It is thin and pale, most commonly of a sweetish taste, and an agreeable smell. The patient has a continual thirst, with some degree of fever; his mouth is dry, and he spits frequently a frothy spittle. The strength fails, the appetite decays, and the flesh wastes away till the patient is reduced to skin and bone. There is a beat of the bowels ; and frequently the loins, testicles, and feet are swelled. This disease may be often cured at the beginning; but after it has continued long, the cure becomes very difficult. In drunkards, and very old people, a perfect cure is hardly to be expected. Regimen.—Every thing that stimulates the urinary passages, or tends to relax the habit, must be avoided. For this reason the patient should live chiefly on solid food. His thirst may be quenched with acids; as sor- rel, juice of lemon, or vinegar. The mucilaginous vege- tables, as rice, sago, tapioca, and saled, with milk, are the most proper food. Of animal substances, shell fish are to be preferred; as oysters, lobsters, he. The patient ought daily to take exercise, but it should be so gentle as not to fatigue him. He should lie upon 87 a hard bed or mattress. Nothing hurts the kidneys more than lying too soft. A warm dry air, the use of the flesh brush, and every thing that promotes perspiration, is of service. For this reason the patient ought to wear flan- nel next his skin. A large strengthening plaster may be applied to the back.* There is a disease incident to many people in the decline of life, called an incontinency of urine. But this is very different from a diabetes, as the water passes off involuntarily by drops, and does not exceed the usual quantity. This disease is rather troublesome than dangerous. It is owing to a relaxation of the spinc- ter of the bladder, and is often the effect of a palsy. Sometimes it proceeds from hurts, or injuries, occasioned by blows, bruises, preternatural labors, he. Sometimes it is the effect of a fever. It may likewise be occasioned by a long use of strong diuretics. This disease may be mitigated by the use of astringent and coroborating medicines, such as have been mention- ed above, and by a blister to the lowest part of the back bone. In an incontinency of urine, from whatever cause, a piece of sponge ought to be worn, or a bladder applied in such a manner as to prevent the urine from galling and excoriating the parts. OF A SUPPRESSION OF URINE. It has already been observed, that a suppression of * Gentle purges have a good effect. I therefore give No. 2. No. 3. alternately, say six of No. 2. one night, and six of No. 3. the next, also my brown mixture as directed. 88 urine may proceed from various causes; as an inflamma- tion of the kidneys, or bladder; small stones or gravel lodging in the urinary passages, hard feces lying in the rectum, pregnancy, a spasm or contraction of the neck of the bladder, clotted blood in the bladder itself, a swel- ling of the haemorrhoidal veins, he. Some of these cases require the catheter, both to remove the obstructing matter, and to draw off the urine; but as this instrument can only be managed with safety by persons skilled in surgery, we shall say nothing farther of its use. A bougie may be used by any cautious hand, and will often succeed better than the catheter. We would chiefly recommend, in all obstructions of urine, fomentations and evacuations. Bleeding, as far as the patient's strength will permit, is necessary, especially where there are symptoms of topical inflammation. Bleeding in this case not only abates the fever, by less- ening the force of the circulation, but, by relaxing the solids, it takes off the spasm or stricture upon the vessels which occasioned the obstruction. Op ates should be used if there is any pain. After bleeding, fomentations must be used. These may either consist of warm water alone, or of decoctions of mild vegetables ; as mallows, camomile flowers, &,c. Cloths dipped in these may either be applied to the part affected, or a large bladder filled with the decoction, may be kept continually upon it. Some put the herbs themselves into a flannel bag, and apply them to the part, which is far from being a bad method. These continue longer warm than cloths dipped in the decoction, and at the same time keep the part equally moist. Silting in warm water is also a very important remedy. 89 In all obstructions of urine, the body ought to be kept open. This is not, however, to be attempted by strong purgatives, but by emollient clysters, or gentle infusions.* Clysters in this case not only open the body, but answer the purpose of an internal fomentation, and greatly assist in removing the spasms of the bladder and parts adja- cent. The food must be light, and taken in small quantities. The drink may be weak broth, or decoctions and infu- sions of mucilaginous vegetables, as marsh mallow roots, lime tree buds, he. A tea spoonful of the sweet spirits of nitre, or a drachm of Castile soap, may be frequently put into the patient's drink. Persons subject to a suppression of urine ought to live very temperately. Their diet should be light, and their liquor diluting. They' should avoid all acids and austere wines, should take sufficient exercise, lie hard, and avoid study and sedentary occupations. OF THE VENEREAL DISEASE. Bad consequences, no doubt, may arise from ignorant persons tampering with medicines in this disorder; but the danger from that quarter seems to be more than bal- anced by the great and solid advantages, which must arise to the patient from an early knowledge of his case, and an attention to a plan of regimen, which, if it does not cure the disease, will be sure to render it more mild, and less hurtful to the constitution. * No. 2. pills with No. 6. will answer an excellent purpose here, five of No. 2. one night, and eight of No. 6. the next. 8* 90 It is peculiarly unfortunate for the unhappy persons who contract this disease, that it lies under a sort of dis- grace. This renders disguise necessary, and makes the patient either conceal his disorder altogether, or apply to those who promise a sudden and secret cure ; but who in fact only remove the symptoms for a time, while they fix the disease deeper in the habit. By this means a slight infection, which might have been easily removed, is often converted into an obstinate, and sometimes incu- rable malady. Another unfavorable circumstance attend- ing this disease is, that it assumes a variety of different shapes and may with more propriety be called an assem- blage of diseases than a single one. No two diseases can require a more different method of treatment than this does in its different stages. Hence the folly and danger of trusting to any particular nostrum for the cure of it. Such nostrums are however generally administer- ed in the same manner to all who apply for them, with- out the least regard to the state of the disease, the con- stitution of the patient, the degrees of infection, and a thousand other circumstances of the utmost importance. Though the venereal disease is generally the fruit of un- lawful embraces, yet it may be communicated to the in- nocent as well as the guilty. Infants, nurses, mid wives, and married women, whose husbands lead dissolute lives, are often affected with it, and frequently lose their lives by not being aware of their danger in due time. The unhappy condition of such persons will certainly plead our excuse, if any excuse be necessary for endeavoring to point out the symptoms and cure of this too common disease. To enumerate all its different symptoms, how- 91 ever, and to trace the disease minutely through its various stages, would require a much larger space than falls to this part of my subject; I shall therefore confine my ob- servations chiefly to circumstances of importance, omit- ting such as are either trifling, or which occur but sel- dom. I shall likewise pass over the history of the dis- ease with the different methods of treatment which it has undergone since it was first introduced into Europe, and many other circumstances of a similar nature; all of which, though they might tend to amuse the reader, yet could afford him little or no useful knowledge. OF THE VIRULENT GONORRHOEA. The virulent gonorrhoea is an involuntary discharge of infectious matter from the parts of generation in either sex. It generally makes its appearance within eight or ten days after the infection has been received: some- times indeed it appears in two or three days, and at other times not before the end of four or five weeks. Previous to the discharge, the patient feels an itching with a small degree of pain in the genitals. Afterwards a thin glairy matter begins to distil from the urinary pas- sage, which stains the linen, and occasions a small de- gree of titillation, particularly in the time of making water; this gradually increasing, arises at length to a degree of heat and pain, which are chiefly perceived about the extremity of the urinary passage, where a slight degree of redness and inflammation likewise begin to appear. As the disorder ad\ ances, the pain, heat of urine, and 92 running, increase, while fresh symptoms daily ensue. In men the erections become painful and involuntary, and are more frequent and lasting than when natural. This symptom is most troublesome when the patient is warm in bed. The pain which was at first only perceived towards the extremity, now begins to reach all up the urinary passage, and is most intense just after the patient has done making water. The running gradually grows yellow, and at length puts on the appearance of matter. When the disorder has arrived at its height, all the symptoms are more intense ; the heat of urine is so great, that the patient dreads the making water; and though he feels a constant inclination this way, yet it is rendered with the greatest difficulty, and often only by drops: the involuntary erections now become extremely painful and frequent; there is also a pain, heat, and sense of fulness about the seat, and the running is plentiful and sharp, of a brown, greenish, and sometimes of a bloody color. By a proper treatment the violence of the sj*mptoms gradually abates; the heat of urine goes off; the invol- untary and painful erections, and the heat and pain about the seat, become easier; the running also gradually de- creases, grows whiter and thicker, till at last it entirely disappears. By attending to these symptoms, the gonorrhoea may be generally distinguished from any other disease. There are however some few disorders for which it may be mistaken, as an ulcer in the kidneys or bladder, the fluor albus, or whites in women, he. But in the former of these, the matter comes away only with the urine, or 93 when the spincter of the bladder is open; whereas in a gonorrhoea, the discharge is constant. From the latter it is more difficult to be distinguished, and must be known chiefly from its effects, as pain, communicating the infection, he. Regimen.—When a person has reason to suspect that he has caught the venereal infection, he ought most strict- ly to observe a cooling regimen, to avoid every thing of a heating nature, as wines, spiritous liquors, rich sau- ces, spiced, salted, high seasoned and smoke dried pro- visions, he. as also all aromatic and stimulating vegeta- bles, as onions, garlic, shallot, nutmeg, mustard, cinna- mon, mace, ginger, and such like. His food ought chiefly to consist of mild vegetables, milk, broths, light puddings, panada, gruels, he. His drink may be bar- ley water, milk and water, decoctions of marsh mallows and liquorice, flaxseed tea, or clear whey. Of these he ought to drink plentifully. Violent exercise of all kinds, especially riding on horseback, and venereal pleasures, are to be avoided. The patient must beware of cold, and when the inflammation is violent, he ought to keep his bed. Medicine.—A virulent gonorrhoea cannot always be cured speedily and effectually at the same time. The patient ought therefore not to expect, nor the physician to promise it. It will often continue for two or three weeks, and sometimes for five or six, even where the treatment has been very proper. Sometimes indeed a slight infection may be carried off in a few days, by bathing the parts in warm milk and water, and injecting frequently up the urethra a little 94 sweet oil or linseed tea about the warmth of new milk. Should these not succeed in carrying off the infection, they will at least have a tendency to lessen its virulence. To effect a cure, however, astringent injections will generally be found necessary. These may be various ways prepared, but I think those made with the white vitriol are both most safe and efficacious. They can be made stronger or weaker as circumstances may require; but it is best to begin with the more gentle, and increase their power if necessary. I generally order a drachm of white vitriol to be dissolved in eight or nine ounces of common or rose water, and an ordinary syringe full of it to be thrown up three or four times a day. If this quantity does not perform a cure, it may be repeated, and the dose increased. Whether injections be used or not, cooling purges are always proper in the gonorrhoea. They ought not how- ever to be of the strong or drastic kind. Whatever raises a violent commotion in the body increases the danger, and tends to drive the disease deeper into the habit. Procuring two or three stools every second or third day for the first fortnight, and the same number every fourth or fifth day for the second, will generally be sufficient to remove the inflammatory symptoms, to diminish the running, and to change its color and consis- tence. It gradually becomes more white and ropy as the virulence abates. When the inflammatory symptoms run high, bleeding is always necessary at the beginning. This operation, as in other topical inflammations, must be repeated ac- cording to the strength and constitution of the patient, and the vehemence and urgency of the symptoms. 95 Medicines which promote the secretion of urine, are likewise proper in this stage of the disorder. For this purpose, an ounce of nitre and two ounces of gum arabic, pounded together, may be divided into twenty-four doses, one of which may be taken frequently in a cup of the patient's drink. If these should make him pass his urine so often as to become troublesome to him, he may either take them less frequently, or leave out the nitre alto- gether, and take equal parts of gum arabic and cream of tartar. These may be pounded together, and a tea spoonful taken in a cup of the patient's drink four or five times a day. I have generally found this answer ex- tremely well both as a diuretic, and for keeping the body gently open. When the pain and inflammation are seated high towards the neck of the bladder, it will be proper fre- quently to throw up an emollient clyster, which, besides the benefit of procuring stools, will serve as a fomenta- tion to the inflamed parts. Soft poultices, when they can conveniently be applied to the parts, are of great service. They may be made of the flour of linseed, or of wheat bread and milk, soft- ened with fresh butter or sweet oil. When poultices cannot be conveniently used, cloths wrung out of warm water, or bladders filled with warm milk and water, may be applied. I have often known the most excruciating pains, during the inflammatory state of the gonorrhoea, relieved by one or other of these applications. Few things tend more to keep off inflammation in the spermatic vessels, than a proper truss for the scrotum. It ought to be so contrived as to support the testicles, 96 and should be worn from the first appearance of the disease till it has ceased some weeks. The above treatment will sometimes remove the gon- orrhoea so quickly, that the person will be in doubt whether he really labored under that disease. This, however, is too favorable a turn to be often expected. When the above treatment has removed the heat of urine, and soreness of the genital parts; when the quan- tity of running is considerably lessened, without any pain or swelling in the groin or testicle supervening; when the patient is free from involuntary erections ; and lastly, when the running becomes pale, whitish, thick, void of ill smell, and tenacious or ropy; when all or most of these symptoms appear, the gonorrhoea is arrived at its last stage, and we may gradually proceed to treat it as a gleet, with astringent and agglutinating medicines. OF GLEETS. A gonorrhoea frequently repeated, or improperly treat- ed, often ends in a gleet, which may either proceed from relaxation, or from some remains of the disease. It is, however, of the greatest importance, in the cure of the gleet, to know from which of these causes it proceeds. When the discharge proves very obstinate, and receives little or no check from astringent remedies, there is ground to suspect that it is owing to the latter; but, if the drain is inconstant, and is chiefly observable when the patient is stimulated by lascivious ideas, or upon straining to go to stool, we may reasonably conclude, that it is chiefly owing to the former. In the cure of a 97 gleet proceeding from relaxation, the principal design is to brace, and restore a proper degree of tension to the debilitated and relaxed vessels. For this purpose, be- sides the medicines recommended in the gonorrhoea, the patient may have recourse to stronger and more power- ful astringents, as the Peruvian bark,* alum, vitriol, galls, tincture of gum kino, he. The injections may be ren- dered more astringent by the addition of a few grains of alum, or increasing the quantity of vitriol as far as the parts are able to bear it. From twenty to sixty drops of the balsam capaivi, or oil of turpentine, taken two or three times a day, in a little sugar and water, will be found to be one of the most powerful medicines in these cases. The last remedy which we shall mention in this case is the cold bath, than which there is not perhaps a more powerful bracer in the whole compass of medicine. It ought never to be omitted in this species of gleet, unless there be something in the constitution of the patient which renders the use of it unsafe. The chief objections to the use of the cold bath are, a full habit, and an un- sound state of the viscera. The danger from the former may always be lessened, if not removed, by purging and bleeding; but the latter is an unfathomable obstacle, as * The Peruvian bark may be combined with other astringents and prepared in the following manner: Take of Peruvian bark bruised six drachms, of fresh galls bruised two drachms; boil them in a pound and a half of water to a pound ; to the strained liquor add three ounces of the simple tincture of the bark. A small tea cupful of this may be taken three times a day, adding to each cup fifteen or twenty drops of the acid elixir of vitriol. 9 98 the pressure of the water, and the sudden contraction of the external vessels, by throwing the blood with too much force upon the internal parts, are apt to occasion ruptures of the vessels, or a flux of humors upon the diseased organs. But where no objection of this kind prevails, the patient ought to plunge over head in water every morning fasting, for three or four weeks together. He should not, however, stay long in the water, and should take care to have his skin dried as soon as he comes out. The regimen proper in this case, is the same as was mentioned in the last stage of the gonorrhoea : the diet must be drying and astringent, and the drink Spa, Pyr- mont, or Bristol waters, with which a little claret or red wine may sometimes be mixed. Any person may now afford to drink these waters, as they can be every where prepared at almost no expence, by a mixture of com- mon chalk and oil of vitriol. When the gleet does not in the smallest degree yield to these medicines, there is reason to suspect that it pro- ceeds from ulcers. In this case, recourse must be had to mercury, and the decoction of China, sarsaparilla, sassafras, or the like. Mr. Fordyce says, he has seen many obstinate gleets of two, three, or four years standing, effectually cured by a mercurial unction, when almost every other medi- cine has been tried in vain. Dr. Chapman seems to be of the same opinion; but says, he has always found the mercury succeed best, in this case, when joined with terebinthinate and other agglutinating medicines. For which reason, the Doctor recommends pills made of cal- 99 omel and Venice turpentine* ; and desires that their use may be accompanied with a decoction of guaiacum or sarsaparilla. The last kind of remedy which we shall mention for the cure of ulcers in the urinary passage, are the suppu- rating candles or bougies : as these are prepared various ways, and are generally to be bought ready made, it is needless to spend time in enumerating the different in- gredients of which they are composed, or teaching the manner of preparing them. Before a bougie be intro- duced into the urethra, however, it should be smeared all over with sweet oil, to prevent it from stimulating too suddenly ; it may be suffered to continue in from one to seven or eight hours, according as the patient can bear it. Obstinate ulcers are not only often healed, but tu- mors and excressences in the urinary passages taken away, and an obstruction of urine removed, by means of bougies. Obstinate gleets may be removed by the use of bougies. OF THE SWELLED TESTICLE. The swelled testicle may either proceed from infec- tion lately contracted, or from the venereal poison lurk- * Take Venice turpentine, boiled to a sufficient degree of hard- ness, half an ounce, calomel half a drachm. Let these be mixed into sixty pills, of which five or six may be taken night and morn- ing. If, during the use of these pills, the mouth should grow sore, or the breath become offensive, they must be discontinued till these symptoms disappear. But I prefer No. 7, A. which is more efficacious and certain. 100 ing in the blood : the latter, indeed, is not very common, but the former frequently happens, both in the first and second stages of a gonorrhoea; particularly when the running is unseasonably checked, by cold, hard drink- ing, strong drastic purges, violent exercise, the too early use of astringent medicines, or the like. In the inflammatory stage bleeding is necessary, which must be repeated according to the urgency of the symp- toms.* The food must be light, and the drink diluting. High seasoned food, flesh, wines, and every thing of a heating nature, are to be avoided. Fomentations are of singular service.f Poultices of bread and milk, softened with fresh butter or oil are likewise very proper, and ought to be applied when the patient is in bed, where he ought to be constantly: when he gets up, the testicles should be kept warm, and supported by a bag or truss. If it should be found impracticable to cure the testicle by the cooling regimen now pointed out, and extended according to circumstances, it will be necessary to lead the patient through such a complete anti venereal course as shall ensure him «gainst any future uneasiness. For this purpose, besides rubbing the mercurial ointment on the part, if free from pain, or on the thighs, the patient must be confined to bed, if necessary, for five or six * I have been accustomed, for some time past, to apply leeches to inflamed testicles, which practice has always been followed with the most happy effects. f For nine months past I have ordered my Brown ointment for the swelled testicle, some of over twenty years standing, and have not failed in any case. It is to be rubbed in at night and continued till the swelling is completely dispersed. 101 weeks, suspending the testicle all the while with a bag or truss, and plying him inwardly with strong decoctions of sarsaparilla. OF BUBOES. Venereal buboes are hard tumors seated in the groin, occasioned by the venereal poison lodged in this part. The cure of recent buboes, that is, such as appear soon after impure coition, may be first attempted by dis- persion, and, if that should not succeed, by suppuration. To promote the dispersion of a bubo, the same regimen must be observed as was directed in the first stage of a gonorrhoea. The patient must likewise be bled, and take some cooling purges, as the decoction of tamarinds and senna, Glauber salts, and the like. If, by this course, the swelling and other inflammatory symptoms abate, we may safely proceed to the use of mercury, which must be continued till the venereal virus is quite subdued.* But if the bubo should, from the beginning, be attend- ed with great heat, pain, and pulsation, and it cannot be dispersed, it will be proper to promote its suppuration. For this purpose the patient may be allowed to use emol- lient cataplasms, consisting of bread and milk, softened with oil or fresh butter, applied to the part; and, in cold constitutions, where the tumor advances slowly, white * For the dispersion of a bubo, a number of leeches applied to the part affected will be found equally efficacious as in the inflamed testicle. 9* 102 lily roots boiled, or sliced onions raw, and a sufficient quantity of yellow basilicon, may be added to the poul- tice. When the tumor is ripe, which may be known by its conical figure, the softness of the skin, and a fluctuation of matter plainly to be felt under the finger, it may be opened either by a caustic or a lancet, and afterwards dressed with digestive ointment.* It sometimes however happens, that buboes can neither be dispersed nor brought to a suppuration, but remain hard, indolent tumors. In this case, the indura- ted glands must be consumed by caustic ; if they should become scirrus, they must be dissolved by the applica- tion of hemlock, both externally and internally, as direct- ed in the scirrus testicles. OF CHANCRES. Chancres are superficial, callous, eating ulcers, which may happen either with or without a gonorrhoea. They are commonly seated about the groins, or prepuce, and make their appearance in the following manner. First a little red pimple arises, which soon becomes pointed at top, and is filled with a whitish matter inclining to yellow. This pimple is hot, and itches generally before it breaks: afterwards it degenerates into an obstinate ulcer, the bottom of which is usually covered with a viscid mucus, whose edges gradually become hard and * The caustic is preferable to the lancet, but it is better if they will open of themselves. 103 callous- Sometimes the first appearance resembles a simple excoriation of the cuticle ; which, however, if the cause be venereal, soon becomes a true chancre. A chancre is sometimes a primary affection, but it is much oftener symptomatic, and is the mark of a con- firmed lues. Primary chancres discover themselves soon after impure coition, and are generally seated in parts covered with a thin cuticle, as the lips, the nipples of women, the glans penis of iren, he.* When a chancre appears soon after impure coition, its treatment is nearly similar to that of the virulent gon- orrhoea, if there is much inflammation. The patient must observe the cooling regimen, loose a little blood, and take some gentle doses of salts and manna. The parts affected ought frequently to be bathed, or rather soaked, in warm milk and water, and, if the inflammation be great, an emollient poultice or cataplasmf may be applied to them. This course will, in most cases, be sufficient to abate the inflammation, and prepare the patient for the use of mercury. Symptomatic chancres are commonly accompanied with ulcers in the throat, nocturnal pains, scurvy, erup- tions about the roots of the hair, and other symptoms * When the venereal ulcers are seated in the lips, the infection may be communicated by kissing. I have seen very obstinate ve- nereal ulcers in the lips, which I had all the reason in the world to believe were communicated in this manner. Nurses ought to be aware of suckling infected children, or having their breasts drawn by persons tainted with the venereal disease. This caution is peculiarly necessary for nurses who reside in the neighborhood of great towns. t Poultice of bread and milk, or of flaxseed and water. 104 of a confirmed lues. Though they may be seated in any of the parts mentioned above, they commonly appear upon the private parts, or the inside of the thigh. They are also less painful, but frequently much larger and harder than primary chancres. As their cure must de- pend upon that of the pox, of which they are only a symptom, we shall take no further notice of them, till we come to treat of a confirmed lues.* Thus we have related most of the symptoms which accompany or succeed a virulent gonorrhoea, or lues, and have also given a short view of their proper treat- ment ; there are, however, several others which some- times attend this disease, as a stranguary, or obstruction of urine, a phymosis, paraphymosis, he. A stranguary may be occasioned either by a spas- modic constriction, or an inflammation of the urethra and parts about the neck of the bladder. In the former case, the patient begins to void his urine with tolera- ble ease; but, as soon as it touches the galled or in- flammed urethra, a sudden constriction takes place, and the urine is voided by spurts, and sometimes by drops only. When the stranguary is owing to an in- flammation about the neck of the bladder, there is a constant heat and uneasiness of the part, a perpetual desire to make water, while the patient can only render * 1 have found it answers extremely well to sprinkle chancres twice a day with calomel. This will often perform a cure without any other application whatever. If the chancres are upon the glans, they may be washed with milk and water, a little warm, and afterwards the calomel may be applied as above, or they may be touched with the lunar caustic for two or three days, and them dressed with red precipitate finely powdered. 105 a few drops, and a troublesome tenesmus, or constant inclination to go to stool. When the stranguary is owing to spasm, such medi- cines as tend to dilute and blunt the salts of the urine will be proper. For this purpose, besides the common diluting liquors, soft and cooling emulsions, sweetened with the syrup of poppies, may be used. Should these not have the desired effect, bleeding, and emollient fo- mentations will be necessary. When the complaint is evidently owing to an inflam- mation about the neck of the bladder, bleeding must be more liberally performed, and repeated according to the urgency of the symptoms. After bleeding, if the stranguary still continues, soft clysters, with a proper quantity of laudanum in them, may be administered, and emollient fomentations applied to the region of the bladder. At the same time, the patient may take, every four hours, a tea cupful of barley water, to a pint of which half an ounce of nitre may be added. If these remedies should not relieve the complaint, and a total suppression of urine should come on, bleeding must be repeated, and the patient set in a warm bath up to the middle. It will be proper in this case to discontinue the diuretics, and to draw off the water with the ca- theter ; but as the patient is seldom able to bear its being introduced, we would rather recommend the use of mild bougies. These often lubricate the passage, and greatly facilitate the discharge of urine. Whenever they begin to stimulate or give any uneasiness, they may be withdrawn. The phymosis is such a constriction of the prepuce 106 over the glans, as hinders it from being drawn back- wards; the paraphymosis, on the contrary, is such a constriction of the prepuce behind the glans, as hinders it from being brought forward. The treatment of these symptoms is so nearly the same with that of the virulent gonorrhoea, that we have no occasion to enlarge upon it. In general, bleeding, purg- ing, poultices, and emollient fomentations are sufficient. Cold water dropt on the part has sometimes relieved the most violent cases, especially if it be applied for a con- siderable time. It sometimes happens, that, in spite of all endeavors to the contrary, the inflammation goes on, and symp- toms of a beginning mortification appear. When this is the case the prepuce must be scarified with a lancet, and, if necessary, divided, in order to prevent a strangu- lation, and set the imprisoned glans at liberty. We shall not describe the manner of performing this opera- tion, as it ought always to be done by a surgeon. When a mortification has actually taken place, it will be neces- sary, besides performing the above operations, to foment the parts frequently with cloths wrung out of a strong decoction of camomile flowers and bark, and to give the patient a drachm of the bark in powder every two or three hours. With regard to the priapism, chordee, and other distor- tions of the penis, their treatment is no way different from that of the gonorrhoea. When they prove very troublesome, the patient may take a dose of laudanum at night, especially after the operation of a purgative through the day. 107 OF A CONFIRMED LUES. We have hitherto treated of those affections in which the venereal poison is supposed to be confined chiefly to the particular part by which it was received, and shall next take a view of the lues in its confirmed state ; that is, when the'poison is actually received into the blood, and circulating with it through every part of the body, mixes with the several secretions, and renders the whole habit tainted. The symptoms of confirmed lues are, chancres, bu- boes in the groin, pains on the head and joints, which are peculiarly troublesome in the night, or when the pa- tient is warm in bed ; scabs and scurfs in various parts of the body, especially on the head, of a yellowish color, resembling a honeycomb; corroding ulcers in various parts of the body, which generally begin about the throat, from whence they creep gradually, by the palate, towards the cartilage of the nose, which they destroy ; eruptions in different parts, excrescences or exostoses arise in the middle of the bones, and their spongy ends become brit- tle; and break upon the least accident; at other times they are soft, and bend like wax; the conglobate glands become hard and callous, and form, in the neck, armpits, groin, and mesentery, hard moveable tumors, like the king's evil; tumors of different kinds are likewise form- ed in the lymphatic vessels, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, as the gummata, ganglia, nodes, tophs, he.; the eyes are affected with itching, pain, redness, and some- times with total blindness, and the ears with a singing noise, pain, and deafness, whilst their internal substance 108 is exulcerated and rendered carious; at length all the animal, vital, and natural functions are depraved ; the face becomes pale and livid ; the body emaciated and unfit for motion, and the miserable patient falls into an atrophy or wasting consumption. Women have symptoms peculiar to the sex ; as can- cers of the breast; a suppression or overflowing of the menses; the whites; hysteric affections; an inflamma- tion, abscess, scirrus, gangrene, cancer, or ulcer of the womb ; they are generally either barren or subject to abortion; or, if they bring children into the world, they have an universal erysipelas, are half rotten, and covered with ulcers. Such is the catalogue of symptoms attending this dreadful disease in its confirmed state. Indeed they are seldom all to be met with in the same person, or at the same time; so many of them, however, are generally present as are sufficient to alarm the patient; and if he has reason to suspect the infection is lurking in his body, he ought immediately to set about the expulsion of it, otherwise the most tragical consequences may ensue. The only certain remedy hitherto known for the cure of this disease, is mercury, which may be used in a great variety of forms, with nearly the same success. Some time ago it was reckoned impossible to cure a confirmed lues without salivation. This method is now, however, pretty generally laid aside, and mercury is found to be by far most efficacious in expelling the venereal poison, when administered in such a manner as not to run off by the salivary glands. The most certain mode of curing this disease is to in- 109 troduce mercury into the system until we observe the symptoms to give way, then continue its use until the symptoms entirely disappear, and for some time after- wards. The main point is to charge the body with mer- cury, and this may be effected, by not letting it run off by the bowels, which a little opium will prevent; and not getting cold, which would bring on salivation. It is impossible to ascertain either the exact quantity of medicines that must be taken, or the time they ought to be continued, in order to perform a cure. These will ever vary according to the constitution of the patient, the season of the year, the degree of infection, the time it has lodged in the body, he. But though it is diffi- cult, as Astruc observes, to determine a priori, what quantity of mercury will, in the whole, be necessary to cure this distemper completely; yet it may be judged of a posteriori, from the abatement and ceasing of the symptoms. The same author adds, that commonly not less than two ounces of the strong mercurial ointment is sufficient, and not more than three or four ounces ne- cessary. The mezereon root is likewise found to be a powerful assistant to the sublimate, or any other mercurial. It may either be used along with the sarsaparilla, or by itself. Those who choose to use the mezereon by itself, may boil an ounce of the fresh bark, taken from the root, in twelve pints of water to eight, adding towards the end an ounce of liquorice. The dose of this is the same as of the decoction of sarsaparilla. Many other roots and foods might be mentioned which have been extolled for curing the venereal disease, as the 10 110 china root, the roots of soap wort, burdock, he. as also the wood of guaiacum and sassafras; but as none of these have been found to possess virtues superior to those already mentioned, we shall, for the sake of brevity, pass them over, and shall conclude our observations on this disease with a few general remarks concerning the proper management of the patient, and the nature of the infection. OF PERSONS WHO EXPIRE IN CONVUL- SION FITS. Convulsion fits often constitute the last scene of acute .or chronic disorders. When this is the case, there can remain but small hopes of the patient's recovery after expiring in a fit. But when a person, who appears to be in perfect health, is suddenly seized with a convulsion fit, and seems to expire, some attempts ought always be made to restore him to life. Infants are most liable to convulsions, and are often carried off very suddenly by one or more fits about the time of teething. There are many well authenticated accounts of infants having been restored to life, after they had, to all appearance, expir- ed in convulsions ; but we shall only relate the following instance mentioned by Dr. Johnson in his pamphlet on the practicability of recovering persons visibly dead. In the parish of St. Clemens in Colchester, a child of six months old, lying upon its mother's lap, having had the breast, was seized with a strong convulsion fit, which lasted so long, and ended with so total a privation of motion in the body, lungs, and pulse, that it was deemed absolutely dead. It was accordingly stripped, laid out, Ill the passing bell ordered to be tolled, and a coffin to be made; but a neighboring gentlewoman who used ' to admire the child, hearing of its sudden death, hastened to the house, and upon examining the child found it not cold, its joints limber, and fancied that a glass she held to its mouth and nose was a little damped with the breath; upon which she took the child in her lap, sat down before the fire, rubbed it, and kept it in gentle agitation. In a quarter of an hour she felt the heart begin to beat faintly ; she then put a little of the mother's milk into its mouth, continued to rub its palms and soles, found the child begin to move, and the milk was swal- lowed ; and in another quarter of an hour she had the satisfaction of restoring, to its disconsolate mother, the babe quite recovered, eager to lay hold of the breast, and able to suck again. The child throve, had no more fits, is grown up, and at present alive. These means, which are certainly in the power of every person, were sufficient to restore to life an infant to all appearance dead, and who, in all probability, but for the use of these simple endeavors, would have re- mained so. There are, however, many other things which might be done in case the above should not suc- ceed ; as rubbing the body with strong spirits, covering it with warm ashes or salt, putting it up to the neck in pretty hot water, blowing air into the lungs, throwing up warm stimulating clysters, or the smoke of tobacco, into the intestines, and such like. When children are dead born, or expire soon after the birth, the same means ought to be used for their recov- ery, as if they had expired in circumstances similar to those mentioned above. 112 These directions may likewise be extended to adults,. attention being always paid to the age and other circum- stances of the patient. The foregoing cases and observations afford sufficient proof of the success which may attend the endeavors of persons totally ignorant of medicine, in assisting those who are suddenly deprived of life by any accident or disease. Many facts of a similar nature might be adduc- ed, were it necessary ; but these, it is hoped, will be suf- ficient to call up the attention of the public, and to excite the humane and bene\'olent to exert their utmost en- deavors for the preservation of their fellow men. The society for the recovery of drowned persons, insti- tuted at Amsterdam in the year 1767, had the satisfaction to find that not fewer than 150 persons, in the space of four years, had been saved by the means pointed out by them, many of whom owed their preservation to peasants and people of no medical knowledge. But the means used with so much efficacy in recovering drowned per- sons are, with equal success, applicable to a number of cases where the powers of life seem in reality to be only suspended, and to remain capable of renewing all their functions, on being put into motion again. It is shocking to reflect, that for want of this consideration, many per- sons have been committed to the grave, in whom the principles of life might have been revived. The cases wherein such endeavors are most likely to be attended with success, are all those called sudden deaths from an invisible cause, as apoplexies, hysterics, faintings, and many other disorders wherein persons in a moment sink down and expire. The various casualties 113 in which they may be tried are, suffocations from the sulphureous damps of mines, coal-pits, he.; the unwhole- some air of long unopened wells or caverns; the noxious vapors arising from fermenting liquors; the steams of burning charcoal; sulphureous mineral acids; arsenical effluvia, &,c. The various accidents of drowning, strangling and ap- parent deaths, by blows, falls, hunger, cold, he. likewise furnish opportunities of trying such endeavors. Those perhaps who to appearance are killed by lightning, or by any violent agitation of the passions, as fear, joy, surprise, and such like, might also be frequently recovered by the use of proper means, as blowing strongly into their lungs, he. The means to be used for the recovery of persons sud- denly deprived of life are nearly the jsame in all cases; they are practicable by every one who happens to be pres- ent at the accident, and require no great expense, and less skill. The great aim is to restore the warmth and vital motions. This may in general be attempted by means of heat, frictions, bleeding, blowing air into the lungs, administering clysters and generous cordials. These must be varied according to circumstances. Common sense, and the situation of the patient, will suggest the proper manner of conducting them. Above all we would recommend perseverance. People ought never to despair on account of discouraging circumstan- ces, or to leave off their endeavors as long as there is the least hope of success. Where much good and no hurt can be done, no one ought to grudge his labor. It were greatly to be wished, that an institution, simi- 10* 114 lar to that of Amsterdam, was established, upon a more extensive plan; and that a reward was allowed to every one who should be instrumental in re- storing to life a person seemingly dead.* Men will do much for fame, but still more for money. Should no profit, however, be annexed to those benevolent offices, the heart felt pleasure which a good man must enjoy, on reflecting that he has been the happy instrument of saving one of his fellow creatures from an untimely grave, is itself a sufficient reward. The many societies formed in different parts of Eu- rope and America for the recovery of persons apparently dead from drowning, &c. he. have clearly proved the benefits produced by such institutions. The following directions published some years since by the Humane Society of Philadelphia are so intelligible as well as comprehensive, that we have subjoined them here in order to give a general view of the subject. The society, in order to render them more extensively useful, have had them printed in large characters, and hung up in most of the public places and counting houses, of this * The Author is happy to observe, that since the first publication of this work, several societies have been instituted in Britain with the same benevolent intention, as that of Amsterdam, and that their endeavors have proved no less successful. He is likewise happy to observe, that premiums have been awarded to those who have been active in their endeavors to restore to life persons who had been drowned, or suddenly deprived of life by any accident. How much is this superior to the superstitious institution, which allows any man a premium who brings a dead person out of the water, so that he may receive Christian burial; but allows nothing to the person who brings him out alive, or who recovers him after he has been to all appearance dead. 115 city ; more particularly in the neighborhood of the river, and on pumps which are much frequented in hot weather. Directions, for recovering Persons, who are supposed to be dead from drowning. I. As soon as the body is taken out of the water, it must be conveyed to a house, or any other place, where it can be laid dry and warm, avoiding the usual destruc- tive methods of hanging it by the heels, rolling it on a barrel, or, placing it across a log on its bel'y. II. The clothes must be immediately stripped off, and the body wrapped up in blankets, well warmed. It should be laid on its back, with the head a little raised. If the weather be cold, it should be placed near a fire; but if the weather should be warm, it will be sufficient to place it between two blankets well heated; taking care to prevent the room from being crowded, with any per- sons who are not necessarily employed about the body. III. As soon as it can possibly be done, a bellows should be applied to one nostril, while the other nostril and the mouth are kept closed, and the lower end of the prominent part of the wind pipe (or that part which is called by the anatomists, Pomum Adami) is pressed backward. The bellows is to be worked in this situa- tion : and when the breast is swelled by it, the bellows should stop, and an assistant should press the belly up- wards, to force the air out. The bellows should then be applied as before, and the belly should again be pressed; and this process should be repeated from 116 twenty to thirty times in a minute, so as to imitate natural breathing as nearly as possible. Some volatile spirits, heated, should be held under the valve of the bellows, while it works. If a bellows cannot be procured, some person should blow into one of the nostrils, through a pipe or quill, while the other nostril and mouth are clos- ed as before; or if a pipe or quill be not at hand, he should blow into the mouth, while both nostrils are clos- ed ; but whenever a bellows can be procured, it should be preferred, as air forced in by this means, will be much more serviceable than air which has already been breathed. IV. At the same time, the whole body should be rub- bed with the hand, or with hot woollen cloths. The rubbing should be moderate, but continued with indus- try a long time, and particularly about the breast. V. During this time, a large quantity of ashes, or salt, or sand, should be heated; and as soon as it is milk warm, the body should be placed in it; the blowing and rubbing are then to be continued as before; and when the ashes, or salt, are cooled, some warmer must be added, so that the whole may be kept milk warm. These methods should be continued three or four hours, as in several instances they have proved success- ful, although no signs of life appeared until that time. When the patient is able to swallow, he should take some wine, or rum and water; bleeding or purging ought not to be used, without consulting a physician, who should be called in as soon as possible. 117 To prevent the fatal effects of drinking cold Water, or cold Ldquors of any kind in warm Weather. 1st, Avoid drinking while you are warm, or, 2d, Drink only a small quantity at once, and let it remain a short time in your mouth before you swallow it; or, 3d, Wash your hands and face, and rinse your mouth with cold water before yo# drink. If these precautions have been neglected, and the disorder incident to drink- ing cold water hath been produced, the first, and in most instances, the only remedy to be administered, is sixty drops of liquid laudanum in spirit and water, or warm drink of any kind. If this should fail of giving relief, the same quantity may be given twenty minutes afterwards. When laudanum cannot be obtained, rum and water, or warm water should be given. Vomits and bleeding should not be used without consulting a physician. The dangerous Effects of noxious Vapors, from Wells, Cellars, fermenting Liquors, Src. may be prevented, By procuring a free circulation of air, either by ven- tilators, or opening the doors or windows, where it is confined, or by changing the air, by keeping fires in the infected place, or by throwing in water, in which stone lime has been dissolved. These precautions should be taken, before entering into such suspected places, or a lighted candle should be first introduced, which will go out, if the air is bad. 118 When a person is let down into a well, he should be carefully watched, and drawn up again on the least change. But when a person is apparently dead, from the above mentioned cause, the first thing to be done is to remove the body to a cool place in a wholesome air; then let the body be stripped, and let cold water be thrown from buckets over it for some time. This is particularly useful in cases of apparent death from drunkenness. Let the treatment now be the same as that for drowned persons. The head should be raised a little; and continued frictions, with blowing into the nostril with a bellows, should be practised for several hours. In Cases of Suffocation, from the Fumes of Burning Charcoal. The general treatment recommended for curing the disorders brought on by noxious vapors, is to be applied; but the dangerous effects of this may be prevented, by taking care not to sit near it when burning; to burn it in a chimney; and where there is no chimney, to keep the door open, and to place a large tub of water in the room. In all these, as well as in cases of drowned persons, moderate purges and bleeding are only to be used, with the advice of a physician. To prevent the fatal Effects of Lightning. Let your house be provided with an iron conductor; but when this cannot be had, avoid sitting, or standing, 119 near the window, door, or walls of an house, during the time of a thunder gust. The nearer you are placed to the middle of a room, the better. When you are not in an house, avoid flying to the cover of the woods, or a solitary tree, for safety. When a person is struck by lightning, let continued frictions and inflations of the lungs be practised: Let gentle shocks of electricity be made to pass through the chest, when a skilful person can be procured to apply it; and let blisters be applied to the breast. To prevent Danger from Exposure to the Excessive Heat of the Sun. Disorders from this case, or (as they are vulgarly termed) strokes of the sun, may be expected, when a person who is exposed to his rays, is affected with a violent head ache, attended with throbbing or with giddi- ness ; where the disorder takes place, these symptoms are followed by faintness and great insensibility, with violent heat and dryness of the skin, redness and dryness of the eyes, difficulty of breathing, and, according as the disease is more or less violent, with a difficulty, or entire inability of speaking or moving. To guard against these dangerous effects of heat, .it will be proper, 1st, To avoid labor, or violent exercise, or exposing yourself to the rays of the sun, immediately after eating a hearty meal: 2d, To avoid drinking spirits of any kind, when you are thus exposed. These add an internal fire to the 120 heat of the sun, and are particularly hurtful in harvest. Vinegar and water, sweetened with molasses or brown sugar, butter-milk and water, small beer, whey, or milk and water, are the most proper drinks for people, who are exposed to excessive heat. But the less a person drinks of liquors of any kind in the forenoon, the better will he endure the heat of a warm day. It will also be proper, 3d, To wear a white hat, or to cover a black one with white paper, when you are necessarily exposed to the hot sun, and to avoid standing still when in such a situa- tion. 4th, To retire into the shade as soon as you begin to be affected with pain or throbbing in the head, with gid- diness or with faintness. If these precautions have been neglected, and the symptoms above described have come on, it will be proper, 1st, To remove the person so affected into a cool, dry place, and to loosen all his garments, particularly those around his neck and breast. 2d, To examine whether the pulse at the wrist or temples beats forcibly, and if it does, to bleed immedi- ately ; but if the pulse be weak, or cannot be perceived, bleeding must not be performed. 3d, To place his feet and legs (or if it can be done) the lower half of his body, in warm water. But if this remedy fails, 4th, Dr. Tissot advises to apply linen cloths wet with cold water, or with cold water and vinegar, to the tem- ples and all over the head. 121 5th, To administer plentiful draughts of vinegar and water sweetened. In all cases of this kind, a physician should be sent ilor, unless the patient recovers speedily. To prevent the Effects of excessive Cold. Persons are in danger of being destroyed by it, when ehey become very drowsy, or are affected with general numbness or insensibility of the body. As the cold which proves fatal, generally affects the feet first, great care should be taken to keep them as warm as possible. 1st, By protecting them when you are exposed to cold with wool, or woollen socks within the shoes or boots, or with large woollen stockings drawn over them, or when you ride, with hay or straw wrapped round them. 2d, By keeping up a brisk circulation in the blood vessels of the feet, by moving them constantly; or when this is impracticable, from a confined situation, and two or more persons are exposed together. 3d, By placing their feet, without shoes, against each other's breasts. If notwithstanding these precautions, a person should be rendered sleepy or insensible by cold,-he must exert himself and move about quickly, for if he should sleep in the cold, he will inevitably perish. When a person who is travelling in company, begins to be affected in this manner, his companions should force him to walk briskly or to run. When cold has produced apparent death, the body 11 122 should be placed in a room without fire, and rubbed steadily with snow, or cloths wet with cold water, at the same time that the bellows is applied to the nose, and used as in the case of drowning. This treatment should be continued a long time, although no signs of life appear, for some persons have recovered, who were to appear- ance lifeless for several hours. When the limbs only are affected by cold, they should be rubbed gently with snow, or bathed in cold water with ice in it, until their feeling and power of motion returns; after which, the bathing or rubbing with snow is to be repeated once every hour, and continued a longer or shorter time, as the pains are more or less violent. The person thus affected should be kept from the fire, for warmth and acrid applications of every kind are very injurious. ' BAD DIGESTION. When the functions of the stomach are exercised in any other way than is constituted by nature, it is evident that digestion is, perverted ; hence arises a foulness irri- tating the stomach, which affords occasion for various diseases. The remains of depraved digestion show them- selves in loathing of food, foulness of the mouth, impure belchings, heart burn, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, dys- pepsia, he. But these indications exhibit nothing else than the product of some organic disease, hard to be dis- covered, and veiled in darkness. This foulness of the stomach is of different kinds, viz. acrid, bitter, mucous, 123 - 150 The engraving on the opposite page is a representation of the worm described in the following article, from the Columbian Centinel of April 16, 1834. It is represented as hanging in folds over a hoop, suspended from the mouth of a large jar. The jar is about 8 inches high and 4£ in diameter. There are several places in the drawing where the body of the worm appears to diminish in size ; this ap- pearance is occasioned by its being a little twisted, and thus pre- senting an edge view instead of a broadside one. A WONDERFUL CASE. Having had occasion to visit Roxbury this morning, I called upon Dr. Stewart, and was shown a worm just taken away from a young man, which was over thirty feet in length. Its appearance was perfectly white, with joints* beginning almost imperceptibly at the head, and increasing in size and length to its extremity—the longest being something more than an inch. The head run to a point as fine as that of a lancet.t Its body was flat, and about half an inch at the widest part. When first discharged it convoluted for some time. Its powers of contraction and expansion were as great as those of the leech, its strength perhaps greater, for its contrac- tions around the finger were extremely painful. The young man, who is about twenty-six years of age, says he feels confident this creature has been with him from infancy, and so great was the torture occasioned by it, that he thought death could only relieve him. He now, however, thinks his prospects fair for a continuation of life. Dr. Stewart invites the curious to call and see it, at his house. He has it preserved in spirits. It is really a curious case. " The joints, and the appearance of the body when contracted, were not unlike tea-cups set one within another. t Observe the head, running to a point, at the letter A. 151 d H ijilin AM.Hr 73 1520 61 32 43 99 152 The following is Mr. Knight's Certificate. I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that I have, from my earliest infancy, been a prey to various disorders, such as pains in the sides and breast, a dry cough, a severe headache with a dizziness and weak eyes, and sometimes a momentary loss of sight, and a hardness of hearing, together with an in- satiable appetite, and a gnawing sensation in the stomach. And that I have consulted various respectable physicians, in different parts of the United States without meeting with any success, and without being benefited in the least by their pre- scriptions, when in January, 1832, I discovered that I had something which they called the tape-worm; but none of those to whom I applied, could succeed in bringing it from me. At last I heard by accident of Dr. Adam Stewart, of Roxbury, to whom I applied, and who succeeded in the second day's trial in bringing away the last remains of a worm of an enormous length, (over 30 feet,) which he calls the-------- and which may be seen at his office in Roxbury. Ltake pleasure in certifying to the above, both in gratitude to him, and that those who are similarly afflicted may avail themselves of the same means of relief. JOEL KNIGHT. Roxbury, April 17th, 1834. 1 "UV i 1VNO II V N 3NI3I03W JO ABVaf.ll IVNOIIVN 3NI3IQ3VK JO ABVBSI1 IV NO II' |<3% j /'_A F MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICI 1 IVNOIIVN 3NI3I03W JO ABVBfll IVNOIIVN 3NI3IQ3W JO ABVBBI1 1VNOI1 y-A 3n\\ i L ">r\ \ fs/ )F MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICI Dv-4>/ II IVNOIIVN 3NI3IQ3W JO A B V a II II IVNOIIVN 3NI3IQ3W JO A B V HI IT 1 V N O I 1 y )F MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDIC i jp\y i ^y II IVNOIIVN 3NI3I03W JO ABVBBI1 IVNOIIVN 3NI3IQ3W JO A B V II ■ II 1VNOI. S~M* i \F