WJ3A r%jr*522fr'ft'^W'4l ►»v* v* ****** «.#■■#. ■ *...- -u ■-..-. fc:;:"^ •'•,'a^-v.. !"■ ■■■—>*,-' • '>• "3 I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOUNDED 1836 WASHINGTON, D. C. OPO 16—67244-1 > .^t\ Gen/'*,. MANUAL FOR PERSONS USING THE REMEDIES OF S. S. FITCH, M.D. OFFICE, No. 707 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. The greatest possible gift of God to man, after reason, is health, and with it long life. To have health, it is necessary to attend to all the circumstances and symptoms that may impair it. Recollect that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. To be fully intelligent on the subject of health, begin by read- ing faithfully and attentively Dr. Fitch's Six Lectures on the Prevention and Cure of Pulmonary Consumption, Asthma, and Diseases of the Heart ; on the Laws of Longevity and the mode of preserving Male and Female Health to one hundred years. The reading of this book, and careful attention to its teachings cured 5.000 persons, at least, of pulmonary consumption the first year of its publication. The cost of this book is 50 cents in paper binding, and 75 cents in beautiful gilt and muslin binding. Every family should possess this book, every person should read it. It is a true and faithful guide to all consumptives, to all invalids, and all who wish health and long life. Sixty thousand copies were sold the first year of its publication. It may be sent by mail to any part of the United States. The postage is 8* cents on the 50 cent books. 4 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. As many of my patients desire more explicit directions, I will make a few remarks upon the remedies I use for the cure and pre- vention of consumption, catarrh, bronchitis, throat diseases, heart diseases, liver complaint, sick headache, rush of blood to the head, and confusion of mind; dyspepsia, sour stomach,, costiveness, diarrhoea, piles, gravel, and all kidney complaints; all female diseases, whites, falling of the womb, &c.,weak back, rheumatism, scrofula, skin diseases, diseases of the eyes and eyelids ; all humors, dropsy, croup, pin worms, food and management of young children, nervousness, monthly irregularity, rules for INHALING TUBE. The use of this remedy is invaluable in the following state of the chest and lungs : 1st. For all contractions of the chest—flat chest, stooping chest, pains in the chest; in cases of cough; in all cases of ex- pectoration ; in all cases after pleurisy or inflammation of the lungs; in all cases of asthma, when the fits are not on : in all cases of loss of voice, weak voice, hoarseness and weak throat • in all cases where the breast-bone or ribs contract or fall down upon the heart, and prevent its free action ; in all cases of short- ness of breath, and when the chest does not expand well • in all cases when a person is conscious of having a weak, delicate or contracted chest; in the cases of all persons who are in any way predisposed to diseased lungs by family taint, or long sickness or confinement in bed. In many cases of dyspepsia, the use of the tube is most valuable; also, four or five days after bleeding at the lungs it may be used mildly. It should be used in all cases tyf bronchitis, of long or short standing. DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 5 A good time to use the tube is on first awaking in the morn- ing, and lying flat in bed. The time of day is not very import- ant. Use it most when you can use it best, or with least fatigue. If its use fatigues and distresses you very much, sus- pend its use in a degree, until you can use it without such fatigue, distress, or inconvenience. The inhaling tube should not be used— 1st. When there are any spasms in the chest, or much disposal to spasms, until this is relieved. 2d. Where there is very much palpitation of the heart, or any actual disease of the heart, until this is relieved. 3d. During bleeding at the lungs ; but in five days after bleed- ing ceases, the tube may be used, but very gently at first. 4th. If chalk deposits are on the lungs much, the tube should be cautiously used at first, as it may aggravate the disease. This is only known by the raising of chalk. If much soreness is produced, the use of the tube should be moderate at first, and as soon as the lungs are freely opened, then use it with all the strength. It may be used for years, if the chest or voiee is weak. Follow carefully the printed directions. If there is a strong disposition to apoplexy or rush of blood to the head, the tube should be used with great caution, or not used at all. 5th. If the lungs are bleeding, or very liable to bleed, this disposition and condition of the lungs must first be corrected by supporters and braces, cold wet cloths to the chest, cold bathing, long breaths, and partial expansion of the chest, and the use of suitable medicines. When all this.is done, you may then very carefully use the tube, at the same time using all the remedies to prevent bleeding, &c. 6th. In fits of asthma the tube eannot be used ; but as soon as the fits are over it may be used. 6 DR. PITCH'S MANUAL. SHOULDER BRACES. These instruments, when of right construction, are invaluable for all delicate persons, and for those who are in any way predisposed to consumption, either by family taint, by sickness, or by occu- pation. All delicate persons, at school, or at trades, or at any sedentary occupation, should always wear shoulder braces. Deli- cate persons-, in all farming, or any out-door business, should wear shoulder braces. See remarks on shoulder braces in my Lectures. Those I make have no India rubber or anything of the kind about them, weigh only 4 ounces—for a child 2£ ounces—and will last many years. I have known the base of the chest expanded five inches in circumferonce in six months, by using shoulder braces. The shoulder braces I use can be sent by mail to any part of the United States or Canada. DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 7 ABDOMINAL SUPPORTERS. ABDOMINAL SUPPORTER TRUSSES. These instruments, made by Dr. S. S. Fitch, are the most per- fect ever invented or now known. They are light, elastic, fit like a glove, rise entirely above the hips, and do not in the least impede walking. A lady can ride, walk, or dance in them without experiencing any sensation but that of perfect support, and the most delightful feeling of com- fort. They are not to be worn in bed, except in cases hereafter mentioned. They should be worn by all consumptives, of every description, in all cases of weak back, palpitation or disease of the heart, weak voice, loss of voice, weak chest, pain at pit of stomach, in the stomach, bowels, side or back, or of weak back, or of weak stomach, all gone at the pit of stomach, sinking feeling, exhaust- ed easily, &c. ; in all cases of falling of the bowels or womb, fluor albus or whites ; and in all cases after confinement on rising from bed. after all miscarriages, and by every lady who is liable •8 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. to a miscarriage. She cannot have a miscarriage if she will wear one of these abdominal supporters all the time. See my lectures to ladies on this subject. Any person who cannot apply in person, by sending their height from head to foot, and their size around the waist, two inches above the hips, over the linen only, can be perfectly fitted with a supporter and shoulder braces. In cases of extreme bear- ing down, or a feeling of exhaustion in bed, the supporter may be worn in bed. I have known it to be of vast service. In most cases of rupture, except at the navel, the abdominal supporter cannot be worn, but you must wear Dr. Fitch's abdom- inal rupture supporter, which is equally as agreeable as his abdominal supporter, and worn over the linen, and in all cases, if properly fitted, will take up and support any rupture, and also freely and perfectly support the bowels. It is a most valuable instrument, and is so agreeable that all fear or thought of a rupture is forgotten. This rupture supporter does not cross the spine or touch it, nor does it go round the hips. It gives such perfect support, that all laborers, of all sorts whatever, may wear it with perfect relief; also, all persons who ride on horse- DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 9 back. In fact, all persons, male or female, will find a perfect cure by this rupture supporter. To any one wearing it, it gives a perfect security, and banishes every feeling that the bowel may come down. See my remarks on trusses in my lectures. Persons who cannot be fitted personally, by giving their height from head to foot, and size of the person two inches above the hips, over linen, and also mentioning which side the rupture is, and what kind of rupture it is, described accurately, can be perfectly fitted, and the instrument had whenever ordered. The pressure of these supporters can be adjusted from an ounce to twenty pounds. Dr. S. S. Fitch's medicines for consumption, colds, coughs, croup, catarrh, disease of the heart, asthma, dyspepsia, costive- ness, chronic diarrhoea, piles, falling of the womb, whites, gravel, and all urinary diseases, rheumatism, scrofula, salt rheum, and all skin diseases, all diseases of the eyes, liver complaint, head- ache, rush of blood to" the head, sick headache, jaundice, monthly irregularity, &c, are now, for the first time, presented for public sale. These different preparations are very perfect, and always accomplish their object, if properly administered. Their useful- ness will, of course, be greatly increased by giving them at the proper time and in the proper quantity, and by a judicious, skil- ful management of them; by carefully following the directions, and increasing or diminishing the doses, as the effects are noti- ced, until all objections and obstacles are removed ; and then per- severe resolutely with the medicines until the patient is well. Use what is necessary. Each separate disease, if several are on the patient at once, requires some additional remedy or medicine ; consequently I often give a number of medicines at once. All such medicines as are to be taken at the same time, may be made into one dose and taken together. Medicines that actually disa- gree with the patient should be left off, and others used. Try them again at a more favorable time, in smaller doses. All the medicines harmonize with each other, and may be taken mixed 10 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. in one dose, only begin in quantities very small, so as not to offend the patient's stomach or throat, and increase the doses gradually to full doses ; always begin with one-fourth or one- eighth of the smallest named in the directions, and patiently await the gradual effects. To assist the patient, he or his friends will find in this Manual remarks on each medicine, and remarks on each disease. Read all carefully, do all judiciously, get started right, and you will be nearly always successful, and all but never disappointed. These medicines result from a vast experience. Their virtues have been tested many thousand times. Assisted by all the other means of cure, they have been the primary cause of cure to a great number of persons who were considered wholly incurable. Each medicine has a positive virtue and power in it, and when acting together, in nearly all cases they cure the disease. They act on a plan ; each medicine has a duty to perform. Do not fear their number or regard any peculiarity of name, but use those mentioned for each disease. Always shake each bottle be- fore using. In cases where persons are strong and the disease is obstinate, I have known them to be helped by taking double doses. This applies to the balsam, sanative, cough pills, cathartic pills and expectorant, tonic cough pills, but no others. In cases of colds only, full doses, or double or treble doses may be used at once ; and in croup, if urgent, treble doses may be used, or even until the effect is gained. The nervine should never be used in larger doses than direct- ed on the bottle. CATHARTIC PILLS. These pills have been in use over 80 years. They are very mild, have no harsh or drastic effect; they usually cure costive ness in a short time, and must be used in all cases where there is no chronic diarrhoea present, or dysentery. Unless the patients are very weak, or have habitual diarrhoea, DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 11 these pills should be taken every night at bed-time. They may be used for years without weakening the bowels or the general system ; they cannot do harm. In many cases of chronic diar- rhoea, these pills may be used if you find the disease is not In- creased by them. As a general rule, unless the patient is very much debilitated, or in the last stages of consumption, these pills should be used. If using other medicines it is indispensable to use these pills, even if the bowels are regular or even loose, if not in actual diarrhoea, unless their use is found to prostrate much. NERVINE In nearly eVery case of disease the person will become weak. The nervous system weak, which will not perform its duties well, something is required to strengthen the nerves and give a good digestion to the blood, and as it were soothe and heal up the wrongs of the system, increase the general strength, prevent sink- ing and debility, and wasting of the nervous system. The ner- vine is useful in all cases of chronic disease, and should always be used in all cases as it is directed. It is a powerful and useful medicine in all nervous and chronic diseases. Do not fail to use it; begin with three drops—increase 1 drop a day to 15 drops at bed-time, which is as much as is gen- erally useful; every 12 days it is left off for 4 days, so that it may not lose its effect. It is highly useful, and assists the effects of other medicines. I feel as if I could not cure consumption without it. It is most useful in consumption, heart disease, liver complaint, dyspepsia, costiveness, diarrhoea, bronchitis, neu- ralgia, rush of blood to the head, confusion in the head, restless- ness, rheumatism, and all humors, kidney disease, female com- plaints, piles, scrofula, skin disease, all varieties of headache, ca- tarrh, white swellings, tic doloureux, &c. ; in all affections of the throat, loss of voice, &c. Toothache it promptly cures. Put a little in the tooth, on cotton, and rub a little over the affected 1* 12 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. tooth on the cheek, and on the gum, &c. All spinal diseases, disposition to apoplexy, and nervousness. In neuralgia rub it freely on the part, &c. It acts on all these by its control over the nervous system. LINIMENT. This is a most perfect preparation, in nearly all cases of pain or soreness of the chest, throat, side, bowels, back, spine, limbs, joints, &c. In cases of cough, a plaster put upon the chest at bed-time for a few nights will be found of great service, even if there is no pain. In diseases of the throat, and hoarse- ness, it is most valuable, and may be rubbed on the throat every night, so as to produce a little soreness. It should be used free- ly in bronchitis, croup, asthma, recent colds, and especially in a dry cough or much expectoration, if not a seated consumption. In fully ulcerated lungs, with much debility, it is only used to remove or alleviate pain, and is rubbed on where there is pain. In all cases of sprains and bruises it is almost unfailing in its relief, and in Swollen joints, pleurisy, inflammation of the lungs, bowels, stomach, womb, &c, &c ; in fact, wherever there is pain. In croup, rubbed early and for hours on the throat and chest, it is usually a prompt and perfect cure. It cannot do hurt, and may be used with the youngest children. LIQUID LINIMENT. This liniment is eminently useful in all cases of neuralgia, rheumatism, pains in the spine and back. In these cases I pre- fer it to the paste liniment. In pains in large joints it is very useful, and usually permanently relieves the patient. It can be tried if the paste liniment fails. DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 13 PECTORAL EXPECTORANT. In all cases of cough, the pectoral expectorant is a most excel- lent remedy. For croup, bronchitis, asthma, cough, and in all cases of humor, or suspected humor on the lungs or throat, it acts very well. It soon helps the cough. In croup, you may give enough to vomit the patient; in a short time relief will be found. It maybe taken as much as you please, only not to make you very sick. This is an extremely valuable medicine in whooping cough, and may be given with confidence. In cough with shortness of breath it is excellent. TONIC COUCH PILLS. These pills are very useful in cases where there is a great ex- pectoration from the lungs, and loss of strength. They will be found very useful in coughs of long standing. In the coughs of old persons these pills are valuable. COUGH SANATIVE. This is a valuable remedy in consumption, in very pale per- sons not greatly inclined to fever, and in cases of asthma with much expectoration, &c. In debilitated persons, in cases where cough does not yield by the expectorant or balsam, this may be tried. It is a good medicine. I have often seen it work won- ders, but I do not use it as much as the others ; still I often use it in asthma, or consumption, if the other medicines do not seem to assist well. It acts exceedingly well alone for coughs, colds, &c, and in coughs of old persons, of long standing, it is valuable. It is often a valuable change when other medicines seem to fail. 14 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. PULMONARY BALSAM The pulmonary balsam may be used in all cases of cough, of long or short duration—in all affections of the throat, the air- passages, the lungs, or chest—in all cases of lung complaints complicated with dyspepsia—pain in stomach, or wind in stomach, or debility—all cases of asthma, consumption, cold, bronchitis, and ulcerated lungs—in croup, the teething cough of children, whooping cough, &c. It is powerful alone, and also harmonizes with any other medicine. It may be given freely in bleeding lungs, &c. It may be used any length of time. It is a constant friend to the consumptive, and never does hurt. Whilst it al- leviates cough and tickling in the throat, and disposition to cough, it also acts vigorously to cure consumption. It keeps up the strength. It should be used by the consumptive constantly. It is the best medicine for the consumptive I have ever seen. It is a prompt and perfect curative of recent colds, and for these may be taken in double or treble doses, or larger doses at once. It acts promptly on croup, and is most excellent for croupy chil- dren, and in the coughs of old persons. It is the most valuable cough medicine I have ever known. PULMONARY RESTORATIVE. In every case of weak lungs and debility of the throat, and all cases of consumption, this medicine is most excellent. In all cases of liver complaint and chronic diarrhoea—in the debility of children from any cause, or of old persons—or of any case pro- duced by fever, consumption, rheumatism, or any long illness ; in all cases of scrofula, or in females by irregularities of monthly periods, falling of the womb, or fluor albus—in all cases of dropsy and sinking of the system—at the cessation of any fever—this medicine has no superior. It may be used with any other medi- cine, and used as long as you please ; its use can never do hurt, unless high fever is present or the person is very costive. The bowels should be kept free while using this medicine. DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 15 PULMONARY SUCCEDANEUM. This medicine is peculiarly valuable. After bleeding at the lungs, or breaking of ulcers, it has a most healing power. It is useful in all cases of consumption, if the patient is not highly dyspeptic, when it can hardly be used, as it may offend the sto- mach. In all cases of humor in the blood, salt rheum, erysipe- las, or rheumatism, it may be taken. It also may be freely rub- bed on rheumatic joints, or any external eruption. It is a very valuable medicine, agrees with all other medicines, and can do no hurt. In coughs after measles it is excellent, and on sudden attacks of pain, it should be used externally and internally. It may be freely rubbed over the chest in croup, and if given in large doses, it is excellent. It may be taken freely in all stages of consumption ; it does not disagree with any other medicine. It cannot well be used if it offends the stomach. COUGH PILLS. These pills may be freely used in all cases of cough, common colds, bronchitis, asthma, and consumption ; they agree with all other medicines, and never hurt the sick. I never have had any cough pills that could compare with these in excellent effects; they may be used any length of time, by persons of any age or in any stage of disease. DROPS FOR DYSPEPTIC VOMITING, Attended or not toith cough, and for sickness at the stomach before or after meals. Many persons in consumption suffer dreadfully from cough- ing and vomiting up their food, or from sickness at the stomach during meals and before and after meals, &e., and may vomit 16 DR FITCH'S MANUAL. without any sickness, merely by coughing. These drops givo, in nearly every case, a perfect cure for all this, whether there is cough or not, and for all throwing up of food. It is a most valu- able medicine, and disagrees with no medicine. It is useful in „ all forms of dyspepsia, and cures often when all else fail. GRAVEL MEDICINES. These medicines, either separately or together, are most valua- ble for all cases of gravel, high-colored urine, too much water, stoppage of water, too little water, difficulty of passing water, and in dropsical cases, where the kidneys do not act well. They may be used with any other medicines. They are truly valuable- for any or all of these complaints, in persons of any age. The anti- mucous mixture is most used in cases of heat, scalding of water, frequent desire to urinate, inability to hold water, disposition to make too much or too little urine, and in mucous discharges from the bladder, urethra, womb, or front passage in females, &c. The gravel specific where there is brick dust in the bladder and red and white sediment in the water HEART CORRECTOR. Persons subject to palpitation, spasms about the chest and left side, stoppage of the action of the heart, beating of the heart, trembling all over and about the heart, water about the heart, and all ossifications of the heart, rheumatism about the heart, and in angina pectoris and debility of the heart, this is a most valuable remedy; it is above all price, and will perfectly cure a great many cases of heart trouble; it will never injure, but always do good. This has been used many years by a great many persons with lasting benefit. It dissipates a feeling of terror, fear, and apprehension, and gives courage to the patient. For sleepless, restless patients, this is valuable ; and where the DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 17 person experiences great sinking and debility, it helps greatly, and takes away the all-gone feeling of many persons. No person having any trouble of the heart should be without this medicine. Keep it in your bed-room, take it with you on journeys, and every where, especially if liable to sudden attacks. It is a noble and useful remedy. See remarks on heart diseases. SALT RHEUM AND HUMOR CORRECTOR. This remedy is for hoarseness, loss of voice, sore throat; also for salt rheum, erysipelas, and all humors of the blood, all skin diseases, scrofula, throat diseases, whooping cough, asthma and all diseases that are caused by a humor. It is perfectly safe, agrees with all other medicines ; used in diluted baths, it soon cures salt rheum on the hands. It is useful in consumption, heart diseases, dyspepsia, piles, gravel diseases, neuralgia and rheumatism, all tumors, even to cancer, all cases of impure blood, in scrofula in all its forms ; in fact, in all diseases except chronic diarrhoea, in which it is not used. It is a most valuable medi- cine. Its use can do no harm, always good. DEPURATIVE SYRUP, ONCE CALLED ANTI SCROFULOUS SYRUP. This syrup has no superior in all cases of impure blood. I use it in all diseases. I give it in all skin diseases, diseases of the eyes. and eyelids, white swellings, scrofula, consumption, asthma bronchitis, heart disease, dyspepsia, liver complaint: all female diseases, piles, salt rheum, erysipelas, &c. ; all debility produced by humor settled on any part or in the blood. In sore throat, hoarseness, loss of voice, kidney complaints, &c, it is most useful, and its use should never be omitted in these dis-. eases. In cases of gravel, or debility alone, it is very valuable, 18 DR. FITCH'S MAXUAL. ANTI-DYSPEPTIC MIXTURE, ONCE ANTI-HECTIC MIXTURE. For all cases of sour stomach and indigestion from acidity, I have never met the equal of this medicine. It rarely fails of curing these complaints. It can never do harm, but will give perfect relief. I use it in all cases of sour stomach. It perfectly harmonizes with all the other medicines. ANTI-DYSPEPTIC POWDER. This is a valuable remedy for all cases of gastralgia, or pain in the stomach. Many suffer severe pain in the stomach from fifteen minutes to three hours after eating. This is a good remedy. CATARRH SNUFF. This is a useful remedy for catarrh in the head, nostrils, &c. It may be used at all times with confidence. It usually cures. It is different from any I have ever known before. It promptly relieves the offensive smell, often observed in much catarrh in the nose and head. TONIC WASH FOR SORE THROATS. This remedy, faithfully employed, is safe and usually effectual in curing sore throat, removing hoarseness, &c. It is very use- ful and indispensable in the cure of internal sore throat. TONIC WASH FOR WHITES, &c, Swelling of the Womb, Falling of the Womb, and Barrenness pro- duced by these complaints. This medicine is highly valuable, and is wholly indispensable. in the cure of these complaints. It is safe and wonderfully effi- DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 19 cacious. It gives great tone in seminal weakness, &c, produced by sickness, irregularity, or falling of the womb, &c. I never hope for a cure of these complaints without these remedies. PILE OINTMENT. It has been my lot to treat thousands of cases of piles, and I have never witnessed a failure of five cases in my life, and then I did not know whether the failure was owing to the fault of the patient or not. You may depend on a perfect and permanent cure in all cases, if the directions are followed. See remarks on piles, and how to cure them. ANTI-MUCOUS MIXTURE" This is a most valuable remedy for all cases of too niuch mu- cus secreted in the head, throat, windpipe, air passages, and air cells of the lungs and stomach, bowels, front passages, bladder, &c. It is valuable in catarrh in the head, throat, or lungs ; in bronchitis, all cases of much hemming, hawking, or spitting, &c. ; in con- sumption or asthma, with much expectoration. In all cases of whites, mucous discharges from the bladder, urethra, &c, it is a most safe, efficient, and valuable remedy. In a great many cases of piles, most dreadful pains will occur after stools. This remedy will certainly cure it. It promptly relieves heat and scalding of water, and frequent desire to pass it, &c It does not fail to cure. It is useful in all cases of piles. It is very useful for night sweats. UNIVERSAL TONIC. This is a most perfect tonic in all cases of debility, from what- ever cause produced. In all cases of ague and fever, and debil- ity of that kind, this medicine is beneficial. It may be given in nearly all stages of consumption, bronchitis, and all debility. In scrofula it is indispensable , also, in all cases of debility and run- ning sores or fistula, &c, from any cause. 20 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. FEMALE TONIC. This medicine is perfectly invaluable in all cases of female weakness, fluor albus, whites, seminal weakness, and all seminal troubles, for swollen womb, and debility with costiveness, pale- ness, nervousness, &c. ; often very useful in consumption and bronchitis; especially in persons who have scrofula ; and in all cases of scrofulous sores, &c, it is a highly useful medicine. VERMIFUGE. This is an unfailing remedy in all cases of pin-worms, It does not disappoint or fail. It may be given to all ages, sexes, or conditions of health. COLIC SPECIFIC. Many individuals are subject to sudden attacks of colic, which are produced by air and stoppage in the bowels, often terminating very soon in inflammation. The Colic Specific is a prompt and perfect remedy. It should always be at command by those dis- posed to colics of any kind, or colicky pains in the bowels. DIARRIKEA PILLS. These pills are extremely valued for bleeding lungs and exces- sive discharges from the lungs. For diarrhoea they should be used moderately at first, so as not to produce sickness, and then use very freely. Gradually increase as the stomach will bear. They are very valuable in diarrhoea of long standing, and bleeding lungs, or any disposition to raise blood. DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 21 DIARRHOEA SPECIFIC. This is a most excellent medicine for diarrhoea, dysentery, sum- mer complaint of children, and all cases of old chronic diarrhoea. It will often cure old diarrhoeas when all else has failed. In recent diarrhoea, and for children, it may be given in a little milk or water. It is perfectly safe, can do no harm, and almost cer- tainly cures all diarrhoeas. A life-preserver to young children, and in all cases of dysentery. It may be taken in wine or milk or mixed with any food. EAR BALSAM. I often cure deafness with these ear remedies. About one half of the cases fail, and do not get well; still, I give them if applied for, but do not lay much reputation on curing deafness, as at least one half fail of cure. They will do no hurt. By giv- ing a statement of the case by letter, the remedies can be sent by mail, and usually cost about five dollars for three months. FEMALE REMEDIES. To restore obstructed or suppressed menstruation is one of the greatest efforts of the physician, and one of the greatest triumphs of the medical art. The Female Specific will almost always cure any cause of irregularity without any great debility. If there is much debility, the Restorative should be long and patiently used. The Female Pills will usually cure all cases of painful monthly sickness. In obstinate cases all these may be used together; they will hardly fail of relieving. See remarks on these diseases. 22 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. TETTER OINTMENT, For all cases of Salt Rheum, Erysipelas, and Skin diseases. After internal remedies are faithfully used, then this oint- ment may be used with the greatest certainty of success. See remarks on skin diseases. MAGNETIC PLAISTER. I am usually much opposed to plaisters, but in old cases of weak backs, I have used this plaister with great advantage. PULMONARY CORRECTOR. It is not unfrequently the case that we find a patient vastly reduced when first called to see him—he is very low with bad diarrhoea—feet bloated—coughs and raises very much, and is excessively weak. In such cases I give the pulmonary corrector. It usually raises the patient, and stops every bad symptom, so that in a few hours he is much better. It is a valuable preparation, and very useful in low state with bleeding lungs, or from any other cause, as diarrhoea, or protract- ed illness. REMEDIES FOR DISEASED EYES AND EYELIDS. These remedies are for all diseases of the eyelids and of the external eye, not for the internal works of the eye, if disorgan- ized or ruptured, &c, but for amaurosis, or blindness by dis- eased nerve, or weakened optic nerve, caused by fits of sickness, straining the eyes by too much use in too great or too little light, by frights, fevers, &c, or from any cause where the eye looks well and yet you are blind. Also for weak eyes, too watery, or DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 23 too dry, pains in the eyes, swollen or granulated eye-lids, where they feel as if filled with sand, redness of the eye-balls, ulcera- tion under the lids, all opacities, or films over the eyes, produced by small pox, measles, inflammation, &c, no matter of how long standing. I have just seen one patient who had a film with total loss of sight of one eye for 55 years, that was perfectly cured in 24 days by the use of a proper eye remedy, dropped into the eye without other operation. My remedies reach all cases of blind- ness and diseased eyes of any length of time, where the internal structure of the eye is not injured or destroyed. The eye reme- dies are not at present placed with agents for sale, but will be sent to any one who writes a careful statement of their cases, with all the interesting particulars about them, and a careful statement of their general health. The most apparently hopeless cases often get well. The youngest children may be treated successfully. CONCLUSION. These medicines have been most faithfully tried, and when ju- diciously used will not fail of accomplishing their object. I know them by a long and most successful experience—an expe- rience equalled by few living men. I have now on my books 13,000 recorded cases, with all their experience. Very few men have prescribed for 13,000 different sick persons. The experi- ence has been a successful one. I think 19 out of 20 have re- covered, who applied for relief before the constitution was utterly destroyed. I hope no person will use these medicines except they give them a fair trial, and use them judiciously and faith- fully, overcoming all little obstacles. Learn to be your own doctor, get well, and keep so. The object of placing these medicines in the hands of agents, every- where, is to enable the sick to get their medicines conveniently and at once, thus preventing long and dangerous delays. 24 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. CURE AND MANAGEMENT OF DISEASES. I shall now mention a few diseases and their modes of treat- ment ; this will guide in prescribing the medicines, and will be a perfect guide to each patient. Those afflicted with chronic dis- eases must learn to assist themselves and be their own doctor. CONSUMPTION. Let the invalid remember that this is an entirely curable dis- ease, if treated right and hefore the lungs are so vastly ulcerated that the whole constitution is destroyed. Persons often recover who are very low and have been long ;-ick. First of all, read my six lectures on Consumption, Asthma, &c.; read them care- fully and understandingly. The lectures are written in the plainest English. Read them before you consult me or use rem- edies, if you can get them. After reading them, hasten at once to your i*emedies. Do not continue using other treatment un- less you positively know that what you are using has been fully successful in cases like your own. A delay even of a few days may greatly alter the character of your disease, and make your recovery much more doubtful. SIGNS OF CONSUMPTION Are, cough, pain in one or both sides, in the chest, about the shoulders and between the shoulders, under the shoulder blades and about the collar bones, expectoration by coughing, short DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 25 breathing, bleeding from the lungs more or less, hoarseness, daily fever, weak voice, easily fatigued, night sweats, loss of flesh, &c. These symptoms are most particularly significant, if they occur in persons who are of consumptive families. All these symptoms are rarely found at first in one person. The great sign is a cough. Bleeding from the lungs, even when not followed at once by a cough, is, in a vast many cases, a cer- tain sign of consumption. If, with any of these symptoms, the person knows that his family are liable to consumption, or have had it, then he or she should use the remedies I have pointed out without delay, and with the fullest assurance of success. WHAT IS TO BE DONE IN CASES OF CON- SUMPTION? I use as follows :— 1st. I give the inhaling tube, shoulder braces and abdominal supporter, used and worn as before described. I also give ca- thartic pills, nervine, liniment, pectoral expectorant, pulmonary balsam, humor corrector, and depurative syrup, beginning with small doses, and carefully increasing until full doses can be taken. Medicines directed to be taken three times a day, may be mixed into one dose and taken together : they perfectly agree with each other! All that come together at the same time of day may be taken together. Remember, again I say, remember, do not be frightened at the number of medicines ; each has a duty to do ; all act upon a plan, and used judiciously will usually cure. Do not be influenced by the names of the medicines, and say, I have not salt rheum, scrofula, or something else, and there- fore will not use salt rheum corrector, or depurative syrup, &c. Do not do this, but use these medicines without any opinion of your own. Use the medicines and notice the effects; if not de- cidedly bad, the effects must be good. In the early stages of the disease, wear on all the front of the chest a cloth wet with salt and water ; wet it night and morn- ing, and keep it warm. Besides this, rub the liniment freely 26 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. over the chest at bed-time, and then put on the wet cloth. In some cases, where the cough is harrassing and tight, or a very copious expectoration, you may spread the liniment on a piece of brown paper or leather, and cover all the top of the chest, and wear it two or three nights; this will often relieve very much. If there is pain in or about the chest, side, back, &e, rub the liniment well on the affected part, at bed-time ; repeat this until relieved. In the commencement of the disease, put your feet in very hot water at bed-time. In this you may put wood ashes, soda, salt, &c. If the strength is greatly reduced, you may not use the hot foot baths unless in the beginning of the disease. A mustard poultice applied to the painful part, and kept on long enough to heat up the part well but not to blister, is often most useful. I rarely ever advise any thing to raise a blister, as this often does hurt and not very often any good. In the beginning of pain or cough, one blister may do good. BATHING. Bathe freely every day in cold, strong salt and water, and once in each week bathe in cold water, with soda, or potash, or soap, in lieu of salt. These baths are indispensable, and con- tribute vastly to keep up the strength, throw off fear, give activ- ity to the skin, and strengthen the whole nervous system. I can hardly believe it possible to cure consumption without free bath- ing. If the patient is not accustomed to bathing, he may begin with being rubbed over, under his clothing or bed clothing, with a damp, salt towel, and then gradually, day to day, rubbed over free- ly with a wet, salt towel. (See my lectures.) It should h* done in all seasons and in all weathers. If delicate, the water should be placed in a warm room and remain all night, until it becomes the temperature of the room, and then freely used. The invalid should not be greatly chilled. Bathing may be done at any time of day or evening most agreeable ; morning is usually the best time. Let no air blow on you at the time. I think this the DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. . 27 best of all baths. Be most thoroughly rubbed with a dry towel after using the wet towel, and if delicate, be well rubbed before using the wet towel, and after it also. There are persons who cannot bathe without injury ; but per- severance will usually overcome all objections. Cathartic pills should be used every night, unless they produce a diarrhoea or the patient is liable to a diarrhoea; but if not, use cathartic pills every evening till well, unless very low and weak. If the patient is pale and much debilitated, he should take the universal tonic in addition to his other medicines. This course should be pur- sued for weeks and months until well. The medicines may now be left off for a time or changed, as you may judge best. After leaving off the medicines for a short time, you will know, by your feelings, whether you need all or a part only ; take as experience shall guide you. Braces, supporter, inhaling tube, should be used long after you are well. You may, if you please, try using the sanative or tonic cough pills. I have seen both often very useful. You may try them with other medicines, or alone, if not relieved in a few weeks. Look at my previous remarks on these different medicines. I will now mention some difficulties and obstacles that fre- quently obstruct and tend to prevent a recovery. I will mention what some of these are, and how to stop them. First, NIGHT SWEATS AND CHILLS. The use of the remedies already mentioned will usually stop chills and night sweats ; but if not soon well, you may take, at bed-time, a coffee cup full of cold strong sage tea, or a cup full of very strong white daisy tea, or a strong tea of the bark of the balm of Gilead "tree, &c, either alone or all mixed, and with the other medicines, usually stop night sweats. Too much clothing should not be on you in bed, if liable to sweat. There are many other things for night sweats which may be used as convenience, 2 28 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. necessity, or experience shall dictate as good. If these remedies do not stop the sweats, one or two leeches put on the upper part of each breast, just below the collar bone, will usually stop chills and night sweats, and does not injure, unless the patient is rather low. Another embarrassment and injury to which the patient is often liable is BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS. When this comes on before a cough has commenced, or at the beginning of the disease, the patient may be moderately bled from the arm and two or three Spanish leeches be put on the tops of the lungs, &c. In some cases, and especially of profuse bleeding, the sick need not be bled at all. In all cases use all the remedies already mentioned for consumption ; and besides, rub the liniment freely over the chest, and wear a wet cloth on the chest all the time ; take the diarrhoea pills freely; leave off the use of the inhaling tube for a short time, but use all the other medicines. Use also the pulmonary succedaneum. which is a most valuable remedy to heal bleeding lungs ; it may be used for months. Bleeding from diseased lungs is not always an injury. I have often seen it do vast good. I find in all cases where there is moderate, and, in some rare cases, even pro- fuse bleeding, that the patients do much better than in cases of no bleeding. I have had patients bleed twenty days in succes- sion, and yet get entirely well. There is such a thing as bleed- ing to death from the lungs, but it is rare. Slight bleeding from the lungs may always be considered salutary under that condi- tion of the lungs which permits it, but it is most desirable not to have the lungs in a situation to bleed. (See remarks iu my lectures on the mode of always having healthy lungs, which will prevent their ever bleeding.) To stop bleeding at once, one of the beSt remedies is to take freely of salt and water. Have a little fine salt about you, and take a little every half hour for «ome days. Do mot take severe exercise, but moderate • avoid DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 29 loud talking or singing, and unless very low, do not go to bed frightened to death. Bleeding is an unpleasant situation, but unless inclined to bleed profusely, it is usually decidedly benefi- cial in consumption. See remarks upon this in my lectures. SOUR STOMACH. To relieve this, besides taking all the other medicines before named, also take the anti-dyspeptic mixture ; it will soon cure it. (Notice remarks upon diet) If not soon cured, use, in ad- dition, the drops for dyspeptic vomiting. SICK STOMACH, VOMITING UPON COUGHING OR UPON EATING. This is a most distressing aggravation of the sufferings of the consumptive. To cure it, take the drops for dyspeptic vomiting ; they will usually cure it in a short time. These drops are ex- ceedingly valuable, and do not interfere or prevent taking all the other medicines- Wearing also a cloth wet in salt, and brandy on the stomach is valuable. SINKING TURNS AND DEBILITY. One of the best things for these turns is a full dose of heart corrector. Besides this, use the pulmonary tonic freely, and re- storative, if you please, or find the others fail. DIARRHCBA. It is often the case that chronic diarrhoea precedes consump- tion, or accompanies it all the time; this is only in occasional 30 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. cases. In the later stages of nearly all consumptions a diarrhoea is apt to take place, and is a most distressing symptom. To re- lieve this, see rules of diet, and take the diarrhoea pills and diar- rhoea specific, and if these do not stop it, take the pulmonary cor- rector ; this last will usually stop the disease at once. All these agree with the other medicines, and will help the disease. In- jections of starch water and laudanum (1 tea-spoonful to 1 pint), are excellent in some cases, and will usually cure diarrhoea. COLIC, And pains in stomach, bowels and chest from indigestion. The remedy in these cases is to take the colic specific. It is a most valuable and efficient remedy; it can do no harm, nor will it interfere with the other medicines. In nearly all cases of pain in the stomach or bowels, this is a most valuable and per- fect remedy. PILES. Should the consumptive have piles, let him use the pile oint- ment, which will in nearly every case perfect a cure ; if not, see farther remarks on piles. SORE THROAT. See remarks on sore throats and diseases of the windpipe, lossjrf voice, hoarseness, &c. Use the tonic wash for sore throats. SORE MOUTH. For sore mouth of the consumptive, strong borax water is one of the best things I ever saw used ;. any other wash known to be good may be used. DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 81 For any other trouble that may arise, see remarks on them in their proper places in this manual. DIET AND DRINK FOR CONSUMPTIVES. In the first stages of consumption, when the lungs are engorged with blood, and the patient very feverish or very stupid, indica- ting great plethora, the diet should for a short time be very light, consisting of rice and bread puddings, (no meat.) sago gruel, tapio- ca and arrow-root puddings, &c. As soon as the fever and conges- tion is better and reduced, he should take a better diet as he can bear it, and should drink constantly and freely slippery elm or flaxseed tea, mucilage of gum arabic, Iceland or Irish moss tea; any of these he may drink, from one to three quarts daily, or as much as he can bear ; they will materially help the other medi- cines. If, however, at first the patient is weak or long debilita- ted, of the lungs ulcerated more or less, then he may eat as much as he can bear without much fever, or great shortness of breath- ing, or feeling of a load in the stomach, or an oppressive, stupid system ; he may live generously on perfect food, well cooked and always light; meats cooked with all their juices, so as to be per- fectly tender and easily picked to pieces with the fingers. Avoid all old, tough, hard, or half-cooked meat that lies heavily or long on the stomach—all windy and half-cooked vegetables—all sour. fruits, and, as a general principle, avoid all fruits that are windy. Avoid all hard-boiled eggs, and food prepared with much eggs. Fruit had better be cooked ; avoid all nuts, walnuts, pea-nuts, &c.; all pickles, preserves, fresh bread, &c. ; all acids, vinegar, &c. Baked pastry is usually bad if you eat much. $ In general, never load the stomach—do not allow yourself to get very hungry or exhausted for want of food—eat a little some- thing if hungry. Avoid pork and salted provisions, unless eateu very temperately. I very often witness cases where persons with delicate lungs, nearly or quite consumptive, will eat too much, 32 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. and suddenly are attacked with pains in the bowels, back, sto- mach, side, or lungs. &c. ; -and by imprudence in eating, bleeding at the lungs is often brought on, by those liable to it. I saw a young man 2 days since, who was seized with a dreadful attack of pain in the lungs from eating 12 peaches. You may eat as much salt as you please with your food, stale bread, toast, boiled plain pastry, light griddle cakes, well cooked potatoes, well cooked tender chicken, turkey, beef, mutton, veal, fresh fish, oysters, soft part of clams and their liquor, game, &c.; grits of wheat, rice, hominy, &e, &c, may be eaten in modera- tion ; (see remarks on diet in my lectures.) Eat as much as you require, but do not over-eat; do not overload the stomach, and especially with untried or indigestible food, but eat enough so as to keep up the strength. Milk and buttermilk may be often allowed, especially to those accustomed to milk, and to them it is often excellent; indian, or rye mush, or hasty pudding and mo- lasses are often good ; so is rice and molasses and plain rice pud- dings ; coarse wheat flour puddings, if you have no diarrhoea or tendency to it. This is also the suitable diet for all persons with asthma, heart diseases, dyspepsia, liver complaint, costiveness, chronic diarrhoea, in female complaints, gravel, debility. &c. In case you know what does agree with you, use it; do not lose your own experience, take any thing that agrees with you; al- ways go to the table with the family if possible and agreeable. Any food that you know disagrees avoid, and carefully observe the effects of food. DRINK FOR THE CONSUMPTIVE. The consumptive may drink what he knows agrees with him ; pure water, black tea, a little good French brandy and water; port wine and London porter, if no great fever is produced, are often excellent; old West India rum is often useful, but care must be taken to drink only what you can well bear. Iceland or Irish moss put in a dish and covered with cold water, after DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 83 2 or 3 hours makes a good drink, if thirsty. Acid drinks and bad liquors as a general thing disagree, and should not be used ; avoid coffee especially. After ulceration of the" lungs is fully established, the patient should eat and drink as much as he can bear ; exercise your best judgment, take sufficient time to form a correct judgment, and then pursue what best agrees. Porter, ale, beer, brandy, brandy and water, West India rum and Hol- land gin, are all articles used at times with advantage. It is better to live too high than too low. See remarks in my lectures on diet. EXERCISE FOR CONSUMPTION. For this, see my remarks in lectures on consumption. Horse- back exercise, carriage-riding, jumping the rope, dancing, mode- rate walking, are all excellent. Go out daily if possible, and above all make your exercise regular ; spinning at the large wheel is good, although few will now understand what this means ; to do so ask our healthy grandmothers. Do any light work ; ex- ercise for an object is worth more than without an object; to ride 5 miles on business is better than to ride 10 miles for health merely ; peddling, shopping. &c, are all excellent. Let all your habits be the habits of prudent, healthy persons, as far as possible. SWOLLEN FEET. Swelling or bloating of the feet is a frequent suffering with consumptives, and often excites great alarm. I do not consider it alone as very alarming ; keeping the feet a little raised, and putting them in hot salt and ashes baths will usually cure it soon aud with the return of general health the swellings will subside. Stoppage of monthly sickness, &c. in females, in con- sumption—for this, see my remarks on this subject in another place. 34 DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. SLEEP. The consumptive should recollect, that whatever breaks him down, in any way, will predispose to consumption, and much re- tard or prevent its cure. Nothing is better for him than refresh- ing sleep. On this account, I never prescribe medicines to be taken during the night, but would most strenuously advise going to bed and rising at regular hours. Do not lie long in bed after awaking. " Early to bed and early to rise" is as true in health as in wealth. Above all, avoid watching with the sick, or sitting up to study, &c, or any night meetings. Sleep most when you sleep the best. CROWDED ROOMS AND ASSEMBLIES. The consumptive—the invalid of every description—should always avoid theatres, lecture-rooms, churches, and every gath- ering of people whatever. Nearly all invalids who go to church are worse on Monday. Now, consumptive, let me say to you, once for all, let every habit, as far as possible, be the habit of health. Observe most carefully what agrees with you, and fol- low this most strenuously. Be equally careful to notice what injures you, and always avoid it. Do not, by imprudence, indo- lence or negligence, lose what you gain. Observe, as a general rule, that medicines should never be taken more than three times a (]ay—say, before breakfast, before dinner, and at bed-time. All medicines may be divided so as to be taken three times a day, and at these hours ; if several kinds, mix them together in one dose —they will agree with each other. Some are directed to be taken after meals; these are so directed in cases of dyspepsia, and to assist the stomach and promote digestion, as well as to cure the particular disease for which they are given. Take only what the stomach will conveniently bear. The judicious, intelligent patient, is most likely to get well. DR. FITCH'S MANUAL. 35 ASTHMA—ITS CURE. See remarks on the nature of asthma in my Lectures. The patient requires the inhaling tube, supporter, shoulder braces, and medicines. The medicines I give are, cathartic pills, ner- vine, liniment, expectorant, pulmonary balsam, cough pills, salt rheum mixture or powder, depurative syrup, and if very weak, I give the tonic. Also in some cases, if not soon relieved, I give the sanative, tonic cough pills, and succedaneum—one or all as they agree and help the patient. Burning saltpetre paper in the patient's room, or inhaling ether during the fits, or smoking stramonium leaves, will usually soon relieve or prevent the fits. During the fits the patient cannot use the tube, and rarely can he wear the supporter or braces ; all must be loose about him. When the fits are off, use the tube and medicines faithfully, and use all the other medicines as directed. If sour stomach, and much wind on the stomach, take the anti-dyspeptic mixture and anti-dyspeptic powder, avoid all hearty suppers, and any thing you know disagrees ; bathe, go out in the open air as much as possible, observe the rules of diet prescribed for consumptives, and the same rules for drink. THROAT AFFECTIONS, Loss of voice and Hoarseness, with slight or occasional cough, and great weakness of voice and fatigue when talking. This terrible disease occurs often in costive, sedentary, and dyspeptic people, and those who with these habits also use the voice very much, as, clergymen, lawyers, teachers, lecturers, &c. ; those who talk a great deal—particularly those who sing consid- erably and exert the voice greatly, especially before large assem- blies, and in heated rooms. In most cases we notice swelled tonsils and much enlarged palate; and in a very large majority of these throat diseases I find, if they are of long standing, that 8* 86 dr. fitch's manual. the lungs are also affected, and always so if the patient is highly predisposed to consumption by family taint, &c. In some cases we find chronic catarrh in aggravated forms accompany these diseases. CURE OF THROAT DISEASES, &c. [