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            A TREATISE

                   ON THE

rHJTSIOLOGY AND  PATHOLOGY

                    OF THE

      DIGESTIVE ORGANS,

                     WITH

 INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS, tftc.

          BY  WILLIAM  SEARS,

                 AUTHOB OF THE

   AMERICAN HYGIENE VEGETABLE MEDICINE,
                      AND
     Founder of the A. H. V. Medical Dispensary,
         ESTABLISHED IN THE CITT OF N,EW-TORK.
     NEW-YORK:
J. W. BELL, PR1HTER, IT ANN-STRKET.
1834 
VN/Z4
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1834, by
                 William Sears,
In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New-York. 
INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS

                        OF THE

               American f2?£0ftat,

          WILLIAM   SEARS.
  The American Hygiest, in introducing  himself and his
invaluable  American  Hygiene Vegetable Medicine to the
public, would observe, that a  subject analogous  to  the pre-
sent, has for several years been agitated in his own mind;
and had he not possessed  an unassuming and  retiring dis-
position,  and a constitutional diffidence and reluctance, in
making a public display of  any thing  relating to himself,
something like the present preparations  of medicine, would
long before this time, have  been announced to the world.
The effort to bring my mind and feelings up to my present
determination,  has been the result of many important con-
sideration*, of which a sense  of duty has not been the
least.
  I do not intend to derogate any valuable medicine now in
ose, or detract the regular practice of the Materia  Medica; 
                           4
but a serious and persuasive conviction of the  superior effi-
cacy of the American Hygiene Vegetable Medicine, over any
other now  in use, for promoting the objects  for which they
are intended, has induced me to offer them for the benefit of
the public; and this conviction  has not  arisen from any
theoretical or speculative view,  but from actual experiment
and observation. I can therefore, with the utmost confidence,
recommend them to the public, and assure them,  that they
will invariably produce the  effects which I have ascribed to
them.
  Having for thirty years been  afflicted with an unusually
obstinate and unyielding dyspepsia, I have had the means of
obtaining a more perfect and accurate  knowledge of those
diseases, which originate  from a disordered  state of the
digestive organs, and the medical treatment which they re-
quire, than almost any physician; and this knowledge ha»
been the result of my own researches, experience, and obser-
vation; both of the  nature of those diseases, and the effects
of a great variety of medicine on my self and others.
  Being an American, native of this  state, and known to
many of its most respectable citizens, it would indeed be the
height of indiscretion and folly in me, to offer to the public,
with so much confidence, the result of my own researches
and experience, were I not  conscious of having maintained
a character for religious consistency  and moral  rectitude,
which would  justly  entitle me to the esteem and confidence
of the public.
  The  several  preparations  of  medicine which I now offer
for the benefit of the  public,  have been  obtained by much
laborious research and experiment.  They are American—
their  composition  is  unknown  to  any Materia Medica. 
5
They are entirely vegetable, and the production of my own
investigations.   The principal ingredients of which they are
composed have  never entered a druggist's shop; but  have
been extracted, by means of an expensive chymical process,
from vegetables  gathered during the summer past, from the
valleys and mountains of Saratoga county,  in the  state of
New-York.
  It is generally admitted that the medicinal properties of
vegetables are more particularly adapted to the animal consti-
tutions and diseases of the climate which produces them, than
those of foreign growth.  In this respect the American Hy-
giene Vegetable Medicine, now offered, will have a  decided
preference to the imported.
   The medicinal virtues of American vegetables are  suffi-
ciently numerous and efficacious, to answer  all demands of
American diseases, so as  to render useless and unnecessary
any dependance on the British College of  Health,  or any
preparations of foreign medicine.
   The American  Hygiene Vegetable Medicine, are  com-
prised in four different preparations, each of which is  adapted
to  different diseases.   The American Hygiene Vegetable
Renovating Pills.  The A. H. V. Cough Sirup.   The A .
H. V. Antihydrops or  Dropsical  Pills, and the  A. H. V.
 Piles Ointment.
   The American Hygiene Vegetable Renovating Pills, are
designed to remove  the cause  of  all those  diseases which
 originate from a deranged or disordered state of the  stomach
 and intestines.   It must  be obvious to every person, that a
 good  state  and condition  of those organs are absolutely
 necessary to the enjoyment of good  health. A disordered
                           1* 
6
state of the stomach  and intestines produces more disease
than every other cause.
  It is, therefore, of the utmost importance, that every indi-
vidual, and especially heads of families, should become some-
what acquainted with  the formation  and structure  of the
digestive organs;  and possess, at all times, the  means of
arresting, in their  incipient  stages,  those  diseases  which
originate from a  deranged or disordered state of those organs.
By  this precaution, serious and fatal  diseases may be pre-
vented,  health preserved, and expense saved.
  The annexed  concise treatise on  the  digestive  organs,
will, I trust, contribute to the better  understanding of that
subject; and the possession of the A. H. V. Renovating
Pills, now offered, will enable individuals  and families to
become, in a great measure, their own physicians ; in curing
and  preventing  those  diseases which are occasioned by a
disordered state of the stomach  and intestines, and derange-
ment of the functions of the liver.
  It must be obvious to the most common observer of dis-
ease, that the digestive organs are easily and frequently dis-
ordered, and produce a great variety of unpleasant and  ob-
stinate diseases.  A derangement of the biliary secretions ia
most commonly the effect of a disordered state of these or-
gans.  To remove biliary obstructions, and restore the func-
tions of the liver to  their natural and healthy condition, pre-
parations of mercury have been considered, by physicians
generally, as the most effectual remedy.   And it cannot be
doubted, but that mercury has a direct effect upon the liver,
in removing biliary obstructions; but  it  is  equally certain,
that in doing this, it produces other unpleasant and delete- 
7
rious  effects.  It nauseates and impairs the tone of the sto-
mach, and greatly debilitates the digestive organs.  Hence
it often happens, although obstructions may have been re-
moved,  that before tone and strength has been restored to
the digestive organs, the same obstructions return, and re-
quire a repetition  of  the same  unpleasant and  uncertain
means.  These Pills will produce all the good effects of mer-
cury, in removing biliary obstructions, and promoting the
healthy secretions  of  the liver, and at the same time  give
tone and strength to the digestive organs.  They  may with
perfect safety and certainty be relied upon, as being more ef-
ficacious in functional diseases of the liver, than  any prepa-
rations of mercury; and, as a common family medicine, to
be  taken on all occasions of indispostion ; they are not sur-
passed  by any medicine.
   The immediate effect of these Pills, when taken according
to  the directions accompanying them, will be, to excite an in-
creased vermicular or peristaltic action throughout  the sto-
mach and intestines, and produce a discharge from them, of
all the  morbid, bilious, and offensive matter which they may
contain.   They also operate directly upon the liver, increase
its action, and promote its  healthy secretions.   They  may
be relied upon as an  effectual and  sovereign remedy for all
diseases of the liver, originating from bilious obstructions, or
derangement of the biliary secretions.  They also stimulate
the absorbent vessels into  action,  remove all obstructions,
and promote  and sustain all the natural  secretions of both
 sexes,  and produce a general diaphoresis or perspiration over
 the whole system; removing all cutaneous eruptions,  and
 rendering the skin smooth and clear.   The countenance,
 which  has become sallow and deeply tinged with bile, will, 
8
by a few week's faithful use of these Pills, resume its natu-
ral, clear, and bright appearance.  And in producing all these
salutary effects, they will not  debilitate, but strengthen  and
invigorate the whole system. So perfectly do I understand the
properties of these Pills, and so much have I experienced and
witnessed of their efficacy, that I am confident that they can-
not fail to produce the effects which I have ascribed to them,
any  sooner than opium can fail  to produce its  narcotic ef-
fects.
  Obstinate cases, however, may occur, which will  require
a treatment somewhat different from that prescribed,  and in
such cases, on application at the office of the American Hygi-
ene Vegetable Medical Dispensary, the necessary advice  and
directions would be obtained.
  These Pills are not offered as a  specific for all diseases, but
they are confidently  offered, as a  sure remedy (if taken in
season) for all  diseases,  originating from a disordered state
of the digestive  organs, and derangement of the biliary func-
tions.   Such as Indigestion,  Costiveness, Bilious Cholic,
Nervous and Sick Headache, Hypochondria, Yellow  and
Black  Jaundice,  Cholera Morbus, Cutaneous  Eruptions,
Scrofula,  Erysipelas, Heartburn,  Sourness  of Stomach,
Loss of Appetite, General Languor and Debility, and they
are  peculiarly efficacious in curing Liver Complaints, re-
moving Pains infthe  Side, Breast,  and  Shoulder, and also in
curing and preventing Fever and Ague, and Bilious Fever.
  The American Hygiene Vegetable Cough Sirup is a pre-
paration, radically and essentially different from  any  prepa-
ration  contained in any  Materia Medica.  It has been
brought to its present state of  unequalled perfection,  by  for- 
9
tuituous circumstances, elaborate researches, and  discrimi-
nating observation and experiments.  It  is an expectorant
which I can, with the utmost confidence, recommend as the
safest and  surest remedy that can be found, for all diseases
of the lungs.  It can, with perfect safety, be given at all
times, in all cases of Phthisis, and will seldom fail to give
relief, and effect a cure, unless the fatal hectic hath already
fastened upon the vital organ.
   The American Hygiene Vegetable Antihydrops, or Drop-
sical Pills,  are prepared from vegetables, little known, and
scarce to  be found in  any part of our country.  No Ma-
teria Medica can furnish a diuretic  or Hydragogue, possess-
ing  such  peculiar  and powerful properties, for expelling
from the  system,  whatever of  morbid  effused liquid it
 may contain.    They operate directly  upon the  absor-
 bent vessels, and  by promoting the discharge of the wa-
 tery parts of the  blood,  they  promote absorption over the
 whole system.  Such is  their  efficacy when used according
 to the directions accompanying them, that they  seldom, if
 ever, fail  of producing  the  desired effect, and  perfecting a
 cure'; unless the disease originates from an organic affection:
 and even then it will produce a good  effect,  and give relief.
 It  may, however,  be only temporary ;  and in  such cases
 more particular  directions and advice may be necessary.
    The American Hygiene Vegetable Piles Ointment is also
 of my  own composition, and having used it myself, and
 known it to be used by others for several years, I can give
 positive assurance of its superior efficacy, in relieving and
 curin- that distressing and  almost incurable d.sease.
    In conclusion, I would  remark, that in giving a descnption
  of the properties and efficacy of the A. H.  V. Medicine, no 
10
exaggeration has been made. That they do possess the .qua-
lities  and properties  attributed  to  them, and will produce
the effects ascribed to them, I  do  give the most solemn
assurance;  and  pledge  my reputation and character,that
a strict and discriminating trial of them, will result in the
same  conviction.  So confident am  I,  of the superior effi-
cacy and excellency of  the A. H. V. Medicine, that^I have
established an American Hygiene Vegetable  Medical Dis'
pensary in the city of New-York,  and  shall  superintend it
personally, and  hold myself at all times accountable for the
effects of those  medicine, when  taken  according  to my di-
rections.   And I would here  observe to those  who are
afflicted with Dyspepsia or the  Liver  Complaint, of long
standing or obstinate character,  that it  would, probably, be
conducive to the more speedy restoration of their health,  to
call on me at the office of the A. H. V.  Medical Dispensary,
in the city of New-York, where advice  respecting the use
of  the A. H. V. Medicine, may at  all  times be obtained
gratis.
  In regard to my moral and religious reputation and charac-
ter, I  would refer to the right Rev. Bishop Onderdonk, D. D.
and the Rev. Dr. Spring, of New-York,  and  present to the
public—
The two following Certificates, from the Hon. John W. Taylor, and the
  Hon. Judge Samuel Young, whose names  and characters are well
  knmon to the public :
  I certify that I have been well acquainted with William Sears,
now of the village of Ballston Spa, for more than thirty years.  He
has through hfe maintained a fair reputation.  His character for truth
and general  integrity  stands high, indeed I have  never heard  it
impeached.
                                  JOHN W. TAYLOR.
  BaUtton Spa, Jf. Y. Oct. 6,1834 
11
  I have known Mr. William Sears for more than thirty years, hav-
ing resided most of that time in the same town with him; and du-
ring that period he has sustained a moral character without reproach,
                                        S. YOUNG.
  October 8th, 1834
  And in  addition to  these certificates, I would take the
liberty of  referring to the following individuals—Namely :
In  Ballston Spa  and its vicinity, the Hon. Judges Elisha
Powel and James Thompson,  the Rev. Joseph Sweetman,
Rev. Deodatus Babcock ; Drs. Samuel Davis, Samuel
Freeman  and Jonathan Williams ; Anson Brown and O. G.
Otis,Esqrs.  Messrs. L. Booth, J. B. Aldridge, EliBarnum,
Harvy Loomis,  Samuel Smith, Andrew Watrous,  Joel
Lee, Moses Williams, James Comstock, Douglas Satter-
lee, and the inhabitants in general of Ballston and Ballston
 Spa.  At Waterford, the Rev. Reuben Smith, John Stew-
 art, and John House, Esqrs.   At Schenectady, the Hon.
 Judge David Boyd, Cashier of the Mohawk Bank, Thomas
 Palmer, Esq. Cashier of Schenectady Bank, and Harma-
 nus Peck, Esq.  In Albany, Edward R. Satterlee and Levi
 H. Palmer, Esqrs.  At Ovid, Cayuga Co., Dr. T. C.  De-
 lavan, William  Thompson, and Alvah  Gregory, Esqrs.,
 and in the city of New-York, John  Saterlee, Esq., Cash-
 ier of Greenwich Bank, Messrs. Burr Wakeman, Samuel
 Saterlee, John Disturnell,  Czar Dunning,  Reuben West-
 cott, Egbert Barnum, and Stephen Wakeman, Merchants.
    The following certificates of the effects of these Medi-
  cine, are from most respectable individuals, who  had bo
  expectation, when they used them, that they would ever be
  offered to the  public. 
12
The following Certificate is from Mr. James Comstock, Editor of the
                     Ballston Spa Gazette:
Mr. Wm. Sears,
     Understanding that you are about to offer your A. H. V. Me-
dicine to the publick, I would observe to you and them, that I feel
a pleasure in saying, that I and my family have made a considerable
use of the A. H. V. Renovating Pills and Piles Ointment, and have
experienced very happy effects from them.   For several years past,
Mrs. Comstock has been affected with an unusually obstinate dys-
pepsia, attended with a great degree of acidity of the stomach, and
redundancy of bile, which rendered it necessary for her to have re-
course, frequently, to calomel and severe external applications.  She
has followed  the  directions  of several good Physicians—she has
taken calomel after calomel, and  been tortured with blisters, and
used various prescriptions of Medicine, including the British Hy-
giene Pills, without receiving any permanent benefit.  About four
months since, she  commenced taking your A. H. V. Renovating
Pills, and has used no other medicine since.  Her health has im-
proved more by the use of them, than by  all the means she has ever
employed.  Their effect has been  to correct the acidity of the sto-
mach—to carry off the bilious  matter, and  give  tone and strength
to the stomach and bowels.  They have  not produced those  nause-
ating and debilitating  effects which have attended the use of former
medicine, but have  greatly strengthened and invigorated the whole
system.   The A. H. V. Piles Ointment I have myself made  use of,
and have found it more salutary and efficacious than any medicine I
have ever used for that complaint.  I can with confidence  recom-
mend them to the Public.
                                    JAMES  COMSTOCK.
  Ballston Spa,  Oct. 1st, 1833.
The  following Certificate  is from  Mrs. Poioel, the wife of the Hon.
           Judge Powel, of Milton, near Ballston Spa :
  For many years  past I have been  much affected with the symp-
toms of a liver complaint, which have frequently been attended with
a pain in my side, so severe as to confine me.  I have been obliged
to have recourse to calomel, and have taken dose after dose, and
suffered severely without receiving much, if any, permanent benefit.
About three months since 1 commenced  taking Mr. Sears's A. H.
V. Renovating Pills, which have greatly  relieved  me,  and rendered 
13
entirely unnecessary the use of any other medicine.  I have received
more benefit from them, than I have from all the calomel and other
medicine which I have ever taken; and have enjoyed better health
since I commenced using them than I have for many years past
Others of my family have also used them, and experienced salutary
effects from them.  They do  not, in their operation, nauseate and
debilitate as cathartics  commonly do, but give strength and energy
to the whole system.   I do highly esteem  them, and recommend
them to all who  are affected, as I have been, with a liver complaint.
                                            ANN POWEL.
  Milton, Oct. 3d, 1834.
The annexed Certificate is from  the Rev. R. Sears, residing now in
                   Galway,  Saratoga County:
  For many years past I have  been subject to a bilious habit, which
made it necessary for me frequently to take physic.  During the past
season I have made use of Wm.  Sears's A.  H. V. Renovating Pills,
and have found them efficacious in carrying off bilious matter, and
giving energy to the stomach and bowels.
                                         REUBEN SEARS.
The folloicing Certificate is from Col. Uriah Gregory, one of the oldest
       and most respectable inhabitants of the  toivn of Ballston :
  Having, myself and family, been subject to the Cholera Morbus,
we have during the  summer past made use of Wm.  Sears's A. H.
V. Renovating Pills, and have  found them very efficacious  and salu-
tary in their operation.
  3         F                        URIAH GREGORY.
  Ballston, Sept. 1834.
The folloicing Certificate is from Mr. Samuel Hinman, who has resided
  for many years in this city, and who has, for several years, been an
  Elder in the Presbyterian Church :
Mr. Wm. Sears,
     Sir—Having made use of  your A. H. V. Renovating Pills in
my family,  and witnessed the most  salutary effects from them,  I
take a pleasure  in stating it to you, and recommending them to the
public.  Two of my family have  been  materially benefited  by the
use of them. Mrs. Hinman more especially has been greatly relieved
by them.  For several years past she has suffered  much from bilioua
and pulmonary affections, and for several  months previous to her
taking those Pills, her fife was almost despaired of.   By the use of
                               2 
14
your medicine she has, in a considerable degree, regained her health.
She has received more benefit from it than from any other medi-
cine  she has ever taken. Others of my family have used those Pills
and  found them efficacious in carrying off bilious matter,  and
strengthening and invigorating the digestive organs.
                   SAMUEL HINMAN,  JVo. 15 Amos-street.
  Mw-York, Oct. 1834
The following Certificate is from Mr. James Sears, of Charlton, Sara-
                         toga county:
  For several years past a daughter of mine has been much troubled
with a pain in her side, between  her shoulders and in her head,
which were supposed to be occasioned by the liver complaint.  She
has frequently been obliged to take calomel and other physic, which
only afforded temporary relief.  About four months  since she was
much troubled with all the  symptoms  of the liver complaint, and in-
stead of taking calomel, she had recourse to Sears's A. H. V. Reno-
vating  Pills, which have entirely relieved  her, and her health  now
appears good.  Others of my family have used them, and  we find
them an excellent family medicine on all occasions of indisposition.
                                          JAMES SEARS.
  Charlton, 12th  October, 1834

  In regard to  the  Cough Syrup and Antihydrops, or  Dropsical
Pills, I would observe that, since my determination to offer them to
the public, I have not endeavoured to obtain any Certificates of their
efficacy, but I can assure the public  that their efficacy and effects
have been fairly tested, and that they  may be relied upon as produ-
cing  the effects which I ha.ve ascribed to them.  And I would  here
mention, that Mrs. Sears has suffered much for several years from
a dropsical affection.   (Anasarca.)  The  fluids of the body were so
much increased, as to considerably enlarge its size, and often render
respiration  difficult.  By the use of these Pills alone, she has been
perfectly relieved, and restored to her natural state of health.  Others,
also, have used them, and experienced the same salutary effects.
                                  WM. SEARS, A. H.
            and Founder of the A. H. V. Medical Dispensary  in the
                                       City of New-York.
  JVeto-York, October 25th, 1834 
  AMERICANA  HY'ilENA

                  DISSERTATIO,

                         DE

PHYSIOLOGIA  ET  PATHOLOGIA,


      JBiQtntionin, ©rjjanontm, $?t.
    One of the distinguishing  and important privileges of our mild
and liberal Government, is the right guaranteed to each individual
of expressing his views and opinions on all subjects, and communi-
cating to the public any discovery or improvement to which he may
have attained.  A just  sense of propriety and decorum,  however,
would influence every discrete and prudent person, to examine well
the merits and worth of any communication  he might be induced to
offer community, as a beneficial or desirable attainment.
  A discerning and enlightened public cannot very easily be long
deceived, and their credulity imposed upon, on any subject, unless
some degree of sophistry or  obscurity are thrown around  it; so as
to hide from their view its real character.   Novelty and innovation
shrouded in mystery, often obtains popular credence, when the sub-
ject is altogether deceptious,  and unworthy of public confidence. 
                               16
 That individual,  therefore, who attempts to deceive the public by
 pretensions  to  attainments or improvements in any of the useful
 arts or sciences, which he does not possess, acts a dishonourable
 and ignoble part;  and renders himself unworthy of public  con-
 fidence or esteem.  It is, however, much to be regretted, that there
 has ever been,  and  still  are, those who, regardless of the truth,
 endeavour to obtain public credence, for speculations and theories
 delusive and false.
   In no art or science has popular credulity been more imposed
 upon and deceived, than in the science of Physiology and Patho-
 logy, or the healing art.  And the success which has attended these
 impositions,  has been the effect of popular ignorance on the science
 of disease and use of medicine; and the peculiar mystery which has
 been thrown around, and attached to their theories and practice.
   Empiricks or medical impostors have uniformly introduced their
 theories  and practice, by denouncing the practice  and theories of
 medical science, which have been improving since the commence-
 ment of disease.   They do not blush to claim  for themselves more
 knowledge in the science of medicine and disease, than those who
 have devoted long lives to the study and practice of them; and who
 have enjoyed the advantage of all the knowledge and experience of
 the learned profession, who have for ages preceded them.
  No science has received more attention, and  been attended with
 more elaborate and persevering effort, by the highest grade of talent,
 than the science of Physiology and Pathology.   It would be utterly
 impossible for any individual, however  great  might be his talents
 and taste for those sciences, to obtain,  during  the longest life, a
 general and correct knowledge of the nature of disease and use of
medicine, without having recourse to the investigations, experiments,
and experience of many of the medical profession, who have pre-
ceded him.
  As I have not received a medical diploma, and now stand before
the public in a somewhat modified medical character, it becomes 
17
me, in order to avoid the imputation of empiricism, to render a satis-
factory explanation,  in justification of the  peculiar attitude I have
assumed in the practice of medicine.   And I would here observe,
that no one can have a higher estimation than I have of the value of
medical  science,  and the absolute necessity of a systematic  and
general acquaintance with it, in order to  practice medicine with
safety and success.  And none can be more  opposed than I  am
to that empiricism and quackery, which  denounces the regular
systematic and scientific study  and practice of medicine ; and sub-
stitutes in their stead certain nostrums  and specifics for the cure,
indiscriminately,  of all diseases.
  Although I do not pretend to have acquired a perfect knowledge
of Physiology, Pathology, and Materia Medica, in their full extent;
yet I do profess  to understand the nature of certain diseases,  and
tho medical treatment which they require.   And in maintaining this
position,  and giving the public a satisfactory explanation of the sub-
ject, I shall be obliged to violate some of the strict and delicate rules
of decorum, by a  little too free indulgence in egotism. The peculiar
circumstances of the case, however, I  trust, will  be a satisfactory
apology for the violation.
  On such occasions as  the present,  a laudable desire  generally
obtains of knowing something of the author.  To satisfy  that
curiosity, and give some account of the circumstances which have
led me to an  acquaintance with  the  science  of disease,  and  the
nature and effects of medicine, it will be necessary to mention many
things, in reference to myself, which,  under  other circumstances
would be indecorous and highly improper. ■
  I would therefore observe, that I am an American, a native of the
town of Ballston, Saratoga county, and state of New-York, and
have  spent a  considerable part of my life  at or near the  famous
mineral waters of Ballston Spa.   And although to the  public in
General I am a stranger, yet I could mention many individuals of the
first respectability, who have long known me, having been brought
                              2* 
                              18
 up and educated in  the  same neighbourhood with me;  and who
 could, at least, testify to my fair, moral reputation.*  And as to my
 religious profession, I would observe, that I have been a member of
 the Presbyterian Church for thirty years, and am now attached to
 that church in the town of Ballston.
   At the age of twenty, being a member of Union College, at Sche-
 nectady, I was attacked with a bilious fever, which confined me for
 several weeks.   Resuming my studies, whilst in a state of debility,
 prevented me from regaining my health.  A few  months convinced
 me of the necessity of relinquishing, at least for a time, the duties of
 college, and attending solely to the restoration of my health.
   I returned to  my Father's, at Ballston, and having a  brother a
 physician, in practice with a somewhat eminent physician in the
 adjoining town—Milton, I applied to them for medical advice and
 aid.  My disease had assumed the appearance  and symptoms of
 an unyielding dyspepsia.  My physicians being of opinion that an
 organic or serious functional disease of the liver  was the  cause of
 my disease,  or rather the disease itself, put me  under a mercurial
 course of treatment for the space of six weeks. This so reduced and
 debilitated me, that I was obliged to be confined to the house the
 greater part  of one year.   During this time I became so extremely
 emaciated, that my weight did not exceed ninety  pounds,  and con-
 tinued stationary at that for nearly ten years.  The greater part of
 this time my strength would not permit me to walk more than ten or
 fifteen rods  at a  time.  The general  symptoms  were an inactive
and torpid state of the intestines, an inverted action of the stomach,
attended with an unusual degree of acidity, and flatulency, and loss
of appetite.  Indeed, the  inverted action of my  stomach became
so great, as often to prevent the retention of an ounce of food during
the day; and its acidity so constant  and sharp, as to have, in the
course of a few years, completely consumed my teeth, which  were
* References are made in the introductory remarks. 
19
previously healthy and sound.   As soon as my health would permit
me to ride ten miles in a day, I commenced travelling by land and
water.  I visited Albany, Hudson, and New-York, consulting the
most eminent physicians I could find.  I  spent  several summers in
Boston, along the eastern coast, and up the  Bay of Funda; and
several winters in Georgia; and the greater  part  of one year in
Portugal, in the city of Lisbon, where I became acquainted with an
English physician of considerable note; and from whom I received
much  valuable information.  In this manner  I  spent nearly ten
years, going north in summer, and south in winter.
   Physicians generally whom I consulted, advised  mild cathartics
for regulating the bowels;  lime-water and other alkalies for cor-
recting the acidity of the stomach, and various mild stomachic tonics
for strengthening it;  for diet, beefsteak, and crackers or dry bread ;
and for drink, brandy and water chiefly.   This course of diet and
medicine I pursued for several years, without receiving any benefit
but the prolonging of life.  Several  different regimens of diet and
prescriptions of medicine I faithfully practised.  Indeed I  become
pretty well experimentally acquainted with almost all the cathartics,
carminatives, alkalies, and tonics of Materia Medica;  but still my
health was but little if any improved.
   Having devoted ten years to travelling, and faithfully pursuing
many prescriptions  of medicine, and regimens of diet, I became
convinced,  that, in order to regain my health,  it was  necessary to
 avail myself of what knowledge by observation and  experience  I
 had obtained of the nature of my disease, and the effects of medicine,
 and become my own physician.  Accordingly the various prescrip-
 tions of medicine and diet were partially discontinued; and  as the
 effects of each had been carefully noticed, and the nature and effects
 of a considerable variety of medicine were pretty well understood
 by me, I determined  to use only that kind of food  which I had ob-
 served to agree best with my stomach, and that medicine which had
 served bestto regulate the bowels, and give tone to the stomach.  I 
                              20
had become fully convinced,that digestion could notbe carried on and
sustained by alkalies, carminatives, cathartics, and tonics, as I had
been advised to use them.  My attention, therefore, was directed to
the attainment, if possible, of some preparation of medicine better
calculated than any I had  yet made use of, to produce and sustain
throughout the stomach and intestines, that  natural action  which
appeared to me indispensable in the operation of digestion.  In this
I soon so far succeeded as to have prepared a medicine which came
nearer answering that important  object, than any I had formerly
used.
  At this time, as previous,  so far as my health would permit, my
attention was considerably  directed  to  the study and practice  of
medicine;  and being, for a time, much in the society of my brother,
a physician, whom I have before mentioned, I  became conversant
with several medical authors, and quite  familiar with the common
routine of medical practice: I read  attentively at different times,
Cullen, Brown, Darwin, Rush, and several other  medical authors.
My attention, however,  was  principally engaged in  obtaining a
knowledge of the disease with which I had  been so long  and  so
severely afflicted.
  It became my opinion, that the direct,  or immediate cause of my
disease, was a loss, or want of the natural vermicular or peristaltic
action of the stomach and intestines.  Although some symptoms had
made their  appearance, which indicated a diseased  state of the liver
and lungs;  yet it was my conviction,  that they  were only sympa-
thetic, or caused by a deranged state of the digestive functions:
as a derangement, or suspension of the natural action of the diges-
tive organs, must have an immediate and direct tendency to derange
the functions of the liver, and throwing its secretions out of their
natural and healthy course,  become  the cause  of other  diseases,
and often produce the most unpleasant, if not fatal effects.
  As my lungs had  become considerably disordered, my attention
was directed to the preparation and use of a variety of expectorants; 
                              21
and I was, indeed, so fortunate as to prepare a remedy which en-
tirely relieved me of that affection, and which I have found to be
beneficial to others, and  never known to have been  U3ed without
producing good effect.   I devoted much time and attention to the
examination of the nature, and to the trial of the  effects of a great
variety of medicine, both in the Materia Medica,  and  among the
vegetables of our country.  My mind was constantly impressed with
the conviction, that a medicine might be prepared which would have
a more direct tendency than any I had yet used, to excite and sus-
tain a natural action throughout the digestive apparatus,  and pro-
mote and regulate the biliary secretions.  In this I have succeeded
far beyond my anticipations.   By the examination of the nature, and
trial of the effects of a great variety of indigenous vegetables, I have
discovered those possessing  properties which qualify them for this
important and desirable purpose.   By this means I have succeeded
in making a  preparation of  medicine, which  so  perfectly answers
the desired object, that I have been induced  to offer it, and several
others, with my services to the public.
   The opinion which I have long entertained of the cause of dyspep-
sia, or a disordered state of the digestive organs, has been strength-
ened and confirmed by much experience and observation. The direct
cause I maintain to be a diminution or derangement of the natural
action of some  of  the different parts of the alimentary  canal; and
its cure a restoration of this lost or deranged action, and removal of
those obstructions which may have originated from it.
   The digestive organs  are the efficient and only instruments for
converting food  into such a  state,  that its  nutritive  parts can be
readily taken up by the lacteal and lymphatic vessels, and distributed
throughout the system, to increase  growth, and  supply the waste
of the animal  economy.   They are the source of life and  health.
Hence  we find that nature  has so constituted  and formed their
different parts,  and furnished them  with such accommodations as
they require, in order to  enable them to  perform with ease the
different functions respectively assigned to each, 
                              22
   In order to arrive at a correct understanding of the subject, it will
 be necessary to take a view of the digestive apparatus—of its struc-
 ture and formation, and the different organs of which it is composed;
 and the office which each of these perform in carrying on the process
 of digestion.  And here I would observe, that, as far as may be
 practicable, I shall endeavour to avoid the use of technical words
 and phrases, that the subject may be more generally intelligible.
   This apparatus may justly be represented as a long canal—narrow
 in many points and wide  in others—capable of  contracting or en-
 larging its dimensions, and in  some parts entwined or twisted around
 many times upon itself.   In  different parts, throughout its  entire
■length, are discovered innumerable folicles and glands, the termina-
 tion of blood vessels and nerves, and the origin of many absorbent
 vessels.   No  part of the animal mechanism presents greater or
 more decisive evidence of design, in the peculiar adaptation of means,
 to the attainment of certain ends ;  and here Atheism  must forever
 stand confounded and abashed.
   This canal  commences at  the mouth, and is  divided into many
 parts—the mouth, the pharnyx (a muscular kind of bag, situated at
 the  back part of the mouth),  the oesophagus,  or communication
 between the mouth and stomach;  the stomach  and the large  and
 small intestines; two membranous coats  or layers form the sides
 of the digestive canal, its whole length.  The inner layer, which is
 intended to come in  contact with the aliment, consists  of mucous
 membrane, the appearance and  structure of which vary in  different
 parts, according to the  offices  which they perform.   The second
 layer of the sides of this canal is muscular, and is composed of two
 layers of fibres, one circular,  and the other longitudinal.   The Ion.
 gitudinal fibres are continuous, extending from the superior to the
 inferior extremity.   The  superior part of this  canal  is furnished
 with a curious apparatus—the teeth.   A number of mucous glands
 exist in the mouth, in the sides of the cheeks, and in the roof of the
 palate.  The  phranyx and oesophagus are likewise provided with a
 number of follicles  and glands.  The stomach is an  irregular oval 
                              23
bag, lying across the upper part of the abdomen, and is composed of
three parts or coats.  The outer coat is a strong simple membrane.
The second or middle coat  is  muscular, very thick,  composed of
muscular fibres, longitudinal and circular.  The inner coat is of
villous texture, and  is  covered with exhaling and inhaling  vessels
and mucus.   These coats  are connected together by a cellular
membrane.  The glands of the stomach are numerous, and arc
situated between the inner or villous, and middle or muscular coats,
in the cellular structure, and their ramifications are interwoven with
and encircled around by the fibres of the muscular coat.  The sto-
mach is more abundantly supplied with nerves than any  other part
of this canal, but more scantily with blood  vessels than  the small
intestines.   All  the longitudinal  muscles converge  to  a small
point at the inferior part of the stomach, called the pylorus.  At this
point the small intestines commence, the connecting part of which
is called the duodenum.   It is, however, but little different from the
other parts of the small intestines ;  like them its orifice is small, its
sides come close together ; and like them, it is composed of the same
 number of coats as the stomach.  In  this part of the intestines  a
 duct enters on one side  from  the pancreas, and  one  on the other
 from the liver.  The small intestines are coiled,  or twined  around
 many times upon themselves, and are supported and maintained in
 their position by adhering to an adipose membrane, called the mes-
 sentry.  In this membrane  are discovered a great variety of small
 vessels, arteries, and  glands,  terminating  in the intestines.  The
 outer coat of this part of the intestines is smooth, but the inner coat
 is provided with small folds near each other,  of a semilunar form,
 called valvuke conniventies.  All the nerves and arteries belonging
 to this part of the intestines, pass through the two outer  coats, and
 terminate in the inner or villous coat;  and  here, from the  junction
 of these coats, between  the villous and muscular, all the lacteal and
 many lymphatic vessels take their origin.  In this part of the intes-
 tines the chyme coming from the stomach  is converted  into chyle, 
24
 and prepared for its reception by the absorbents. The lacteal vessels,
 which are very numerous, are confined to the small  intestines, and
 exclusively employed in receiving the chyle, and conveying it to the
 thoracic duct, where it undergoes still further changes subservient to
 the venous and nutritive economy.  The small intestines are more
 abundantly supplied with absorbent vessels, than any other part of
 the abdominal viscera.   They terminate in the valve of the secum,
 which is the superior part of the large intestines.  This part of the
 intestines differs essentially from the other, both in size and form, and
 the functions performed by them. These have no folds internally, but
 are provided, externally, with several strong muscular bands, run-
 ning parallel with each other,  and contracting the parts beneath
 them,  so as  to give them a saccated appearance.   No lacteal and
 few absorbent vessels originate from this part of the intestines.
   On viewing the digestive  apparatus, it would be very natural to
 inquire, why, or for what purpose, has nature formed a machine, so
 complicated, so different in its various parts, and  supplied with so
 great a variety of minute and fine organs ?  Why is the commence-
 ment of this apparatus—the mouth—provided with teeth ?  Why do
 we find in the sides of the cheeks, in the roof of the palate, in  the
 isthmus of the throat, between the pillars of the velum of the palate,
 about  the oesophagus and the superior parts of the  stomach, such a
 number of follicles and glands ?   Why is the stomach provided with
 peculiarly strong, muscular and membranous coats ?  And why are
 its  secreting glands situated between the villous and muscular
 coats ? Why do we find the longitudinal fibres of the muscular coat
 of the stomach converging to so narrow a point, at its junction with
 the small intestines ? Why are the superior parts of the intestines
 so small and entwined  around  so many times upon themselves ?
Why does a duct from the pancreas and liver enter the duodenum ?
Why are found so many lacteal  and  lymphatic vessels, taking their
rise from the inner coat of the small intestines, with their  mouthj
interwoven with and surrounded by the muscular fibres  of  the 
25
muscular coat? And  why are  the  small  and large intestines so
unlike each other in size and structure ?
  The obvious answer to these  inquiries would be,  that different
functions are performed by different  parts,  and these parts  are so
constructed, and accommodated, with all their variety of organs,  to
enable each to perform its  different and appropriate office  in the
operation of digestion.  And here another very natural inquiry would
arise—How are the different organs to be  brought into action, and
rendered efficient  in  the performance  of  their  functions?  What
secret agent has nature endowed with power sufficient to bring into
action all the various parts of this mysterious  and complicated
machinery, and enable each to perform their appropriate office in
the important operation of digestion ?—In answer to these inquiries,
it  may  justly be  replied, that  the  digestive  canal, throughout  its
 entire length, is endowed with  a  singular and  peculiar  contractile
 power, which is indispensable in the act of digestion ; and that it it
 the exercise of this power which brings into action  all the follicles,
 glands, and organs attached to it;  and enables every part to per-
 form its  appropriate office,  in carrying on and  perfecting the work
 of digestion.  And since it  has become a fundamental and fixed
 principle in physiology, that the power of contractility is a property
 inherent in the muscular fibre and belonging exclusively to  it, there
 is but little difficulty in discovering the vital agent, or self-moving
 cause of that vermicular or peristaltic action, wliich is exerted  in the
 act of digestion, tluoughout the alimentary canal.   As the power of
 contractility is confined to the muscular fibre ; and as the second or
 middle coat of the digestive canal is the only part which is composed
 of muscular fibres, it  Mows, conclusively,  that all the contractile
 action,  throughout the  digestive apparatus, originates from this
 muscular coat.  The reception and mastication of food is the com-
 mencement of this action.
    But in returning from this partial digression from the  first inqui-
 ries, it  may be observed, in addition to the  general answer  given 
                              26
them, that the teeth are designed to separate  the food, that it may
easily become incorporated with the salival liquid,  and readily re-
ceived into the stomach.  This, however, is not the only or ultimate
object of this muscular action. It is designed to excite and bring into
action the follicles and  glands in the sides of the cheeks, about the
mouth and throat, thereby producing a liquid to become incorporated
with the food, and aid in its digestion.    The glands of the stomach
are also, by the same power, brought into  action,  and enabled to
perform their functions; and the liquids thus secreted,  by all these
follicles  and glands united, form the  gastric  juice, which is justly
considered of great importance in  the  operation of  digestion.   The
stomach is provided with a strong outer membranous coat, not only
to enable it to hold with ease its contents, but to form a kind of
basis or support to the muscular fibres of  the second coat, thereby
enabling them to exert their contractile power with efficient energy.
The second or middle coat of the stomach, being composed of mus-
cular fibres, longitudinal  and circular, is evidently  designed, as the
source or origin of that power which  the  stomach exerts in com-
pressing together the food it contains, and promoting its digestion.
And by its peculiar muscular structure and contractile power, it is
enabled not only to press hard and close together  its  contents, but
also by the same power to move or propel  it on towards the pyloric
extremity : and the concentration  of  its  longitudinal fibres at this
small point,  endows  the pyloric extremity with  great contractile
power,  thereby enabling it to control the passage into the duodenum,
and retain its contents until properly  prepared for that purpose.
The inner coat of the  stomach being composed  of mucous mem-
brane, is  incapable of exerting but  little action,  and  what  ever  it
does seem to exert, is rather of a passive character;  being united
to the middle or muscular coat by a curious wrought cellular mem-
 braneous substance,  and the glands of the stomach,  which secrete
 the mucus, being situated in this cellular structure, must both neces-
 sarily be dependant on the muscular action  of the middle coat,  to 
27
which  they  are  attached, for power to  perform their functions.—
The small intestines are the source, or fountain  from which the
greater part of nutriment, for supplying the waste  of the animal
economy  is derived.  Hence their small orifice, and the twining
around so many times upon themselves, are designed for the pur-
pose of favourably exposing the chyle, to the mouths of the absorb-
ent vessels, and giving them abundant opportunity for receiving and
conveying it to its proper place.  The chyliforous  and many lym-
phatic vessels take their origin from this part of the intestines, and
 are  entwined and encircled  around by the  muscular fibres of the
 second coat, so as to be  governed by them, in the  performance of
 their functions.
   The ducts leading from the pancreas and  liver,  and entering the
 duodenum, are designed to convey their  respective  secretions into
 that part of the intestines, to become incorporated with the chyme
 coming from the stomach, and thereby forming the chyle; and other-
 wise aiding in completing the process of digestion.  These ducts
 partly entering the  muscular coat, and passing some distance lon-
 gitudinally, or  obliquely, before their orifices open to the inner coat,
 must  necessarily, be dependant  upon the action of the muscular
 fibres of this coat,  for power to discharge their contents.  The val-
  vula conniventies  of the small  intestines;  are evidently designed,
  partially, to counteract the effects of the peristaltic action, excited by
  the contraction of  the  muscular coat, and thereby preventing the
  chyle from being too rapidly carried through the intestines.  The
  large intestines, not being the seat of any  considerable  secretions,
  are furnished  with but few absorbent vessels; they are provided
  with  circular  muscular bands,  which give  them  much muscular
  power, and enables them, with ease, to expel the excrements corn-
  in" from the small intestines.
     From this view  of the digestive apparatus, it is very evident, that
  the  power of contractility inherent in the  muscular fibre of the
  middle coat, is the moving and sustaining cause of that natural ac 
28
 tion throughout the alimentary canal, which is indispensable gi car-
 rying on, and supporting digestion.  A diminution, or want of this
 power, in any part of this  apparatus, must tend to impair health;
 and a total suspension of it, soon exhausts the vital powers.
   Food is a natural stimulus to the digestive canal, and never fails
 to excite that natural muscular contractile action, which is necessa-
 ry in carrying on the  work of digestion, unless prevented by some
 unnatural stupor, or inactivity in  some of its parts.  Its presence
 immediately  excites action in all the different organs.  The muscu-
 lar action of the mouth in  the  reception and mastication of food,
 immediately excites the follicles and  glands  of the mouth, palate,
 and throat into action, and the fluid secreted  by them, becomes
 mixed with the food, and passes with  it into the stomach.  It would,
 however, be utterly impossible, for  food masticated and incorporated
 with the salival  liquid, ever to reach  the stomach, independent of
 the muscular constriction, of the different parts of the mouth, pha-
 rynx, and oesophagus.  No  less than  eight muscles  are  employed
 in moving the velum of the palate in the passage of the alimentary
 bole from the mouth into the pharynx.   As  soon as this takes  place,
 every muscle of the pharynx is brought into action; the alimentary
 bole is encircled by them, and carried to the  superior orifice of the
 oesophagus.   Its presence brings into  action all the muscles of the
 oesophagus, which by  the exercise of their own inherent power, pro-
 pel it into  the stomach.  The sides of the stomach give way  to the
 presence of food, and  as it accumulates, the muscles yield, until the
pressure abates.  Its contractile power is then brought into action,
and presses close together the contents of the stomach ;.and  in the
exercise of this power, the secreting glands are brought into action.
This contractile muscular action of the stomach continues, until its
contents are  dissolved, and  partially converted into a liquid ;  it
then presses it onward more directly  to the pyloric extremity, and
when duly prepared, forces it into the  superior part of the small in-
testines.   (And as further proof, of the existence of the  muscular 
29
contraction of the stomach, it may be observed, that the pyloric ex
tremity, or orifice from which the contents of the stomach are dis-
charged, is more elevated than the cardia, or entrance into it.)—
Here a process commences, essentially different, from that carried
on in the stomach.  The food received into the stomach, passes into
the duodenum, in a liquid state, and here, the ducts leading from
the pancreas and liver, discharge their contents, which, uniting with
the chyme, produce another change in the aliment, converting it
into chyle, and thereby qualifying it, for its reception into the nutri-
tive system.
  No part of the digestive apparatus, is so immediately and direct-
ly concerned in  furnishing supplies for the waste attendant on  the
animal economy, as the small intestines, and none more curiously,
finely, and delicately formed.  Their inner coat is composed of mu-
cous membrane, and an innumeral number of fine terminations of
blood vessels and nerves, form it into a kind of villous texture.  The
lacteal vessels, which are almost innumerable, and exclusively  em-
ployed in taking up the chyle, are confined to this part of the intes-
tines,  and take their origin at the junction of the inner and middle
coats.   Their orifices commence at the inner surface of the muscu-
lar coat, and each have a number of small capillary tubes  attac hid
 to  them, which radiate from  their centre,  and  mingling  with the
 fine termination of nerves and arteries, form  a coat of a peculiarly
 fine texture.
   From the composition, and extremely fine texture of this coat, it
 is evidently endowed with great sensibility, and  is intended to  dis-
 criminate in the selection of chyle, for the lacteals.  It performs the
 office, both of sponge and filter.  By its porous quality, it is enabled
 to absorb the chyle, and the extreme fineness of these pores prevents
 the absorption of any part of it, which might be improper for recep-
 tion by the absorbents.   The middle coat  being composed of  lon-
 gitudinal and circular muscular fibres, and supported by the outer
 membranous coat,  is enabled to  exert iU own  inherent contracUle
                       3* 
30
power with efficient energy; aided by the exercise of this power, the
pancreatic and biliary ducts discharge their contents, the absorbent
vessels are brought into action,  and enabled to perform their func-
tions, the inner coat is kept in motion, separating the purest and
best chyle for the use of the absorbents; and this same muscular
power is continued, in moving on the chyle, and exposingit through
all the windings of this part of the intestines, to the mouths of the
absorbent vessels, and  finally propelling the refuse into the large
intestines.  These appear to be designed as a receptacle for the less
nutritious parts of the chyle.  Their muscular power is only pe-
riodically exerted; and that, principally, for expelling its contents.
  When all the organs of the digestive apparatus are  in their natu-
ral and healthy condition, the operation of digestion  goes on, with
perfect ease and systematic order.  The whole system is invigorated
and  enlivened, and  the waste  attendant  on the  animal economy
abundantly supplied.   But the least derangement, or suspension of
this  natural, muscular contraction of any of its parts, tends to im-
pair digestion, and any considerable want of this action, throws the
entire apparatus into confusion and disorder.
  This muscular  contractile power is indispensable in  carrying  on
the operation of digestion.  It is the exercise of this power, excited
by the presence of food, which calls into action all  the different fol-
licles and glands of the mouth, throat and stomach, thereby produc-
ing the gastric juice; and it is  this power,  with the  gastric juice,
which enables the stomach to digest its contents, and  propel  them
onward into the intestines.  It is also the exercise of this  power,
which enables the pancreatic and biliary ducts to discharge their
contents into the duodenum, to aid in forming the chyme into chyle,
and preparing it for its reception  into the nutritive system;  and it
is this action which exposes the chyle to the mouths of the lacteals,
and enables them to receive it; and it is  this action  which carries
forward, and finally expels from the intestines, the less nutritious
parts of their contents. 
31
  This vermicular or peristaltic muscular contraction of the digestive
canal, is one of those mysterious operations of mechanism, attend-
ant on the animal economy, which can only be known by its effects;
or, as is expressed by an eminent Physiologist, "it is an unknown
cause of known effects."  That  the  alimentary canal, by means of
its longitudinal and circular fibres, does possess that power, a " vis
insita," cannot be doubted.   This is the secret main spring, which
puts in motion every part of this mysterious and complicated  ma-
chinery, and  enables each to perform with ease their appropriate
functions.
   A want or derangement of the natural peristaltic muscular con-
traction of the digestive apparatus, in any of its parts, has an imme-
diate and direct tendency to derange all its functions.  So intimate
 and closely connected is the union of its different parts, that no one
 can suffer without the others sympatliising with it.  The want  of
 this natural action in the intestines, soon deranges the biliary secre-
 tions, impairs the tone  of the stomach, and often produces in it an
 unnatural or  inverted action.  Food received  into it, in  such cir-
 cumstances, will partially  excite into action its muscular power;
 but no response of sympathetic action being received from the in-
 testines, it soon ceases, or becomes  inverted, and instead of tending
 downward in its natural order, it tends upward.  By this derange-
 ment of the natural action of the stomach, its contents,  not  being
 digested and carried forward into the intestines, ferment,  producing
 acidity,  flatulency, and an  accumulation of morbid offensive  mat-
 ter ; and these effects have a direct tendency to increase the deranged
 action of the stomach,  and often occasions such a distension of its
 parts, and creates such a pressure upon the nerves, and inferior
  part of the lungs, as to produce the most distressing and unpleasant
  aensations.  During this paroxysm, the pressure upon the nerves
  frequently become so great, as for a  time to  distract the mental
  faculties,  producing gloomy anticipations and  despondency, and
  often an involuntary gushing of tears; and not unfrequently,  spas-
  modic affections of the upper part of the stomach and throat. 
                              32
   That these effects are produced by a derangement of the natural
vermicular muscular action of the stomach, and that this derange-
ment is caused by a want or suspension  of the same action in the
intestines, appears evident, from the fact, that, as soon as the peris-
taltic action of the intestines is restored, all these unpleasant sensa-
tions begin to disappear.   The  pressure upon the stomach abates,
the inverted action ceases, the mental faculties become tranquil and
easy, and the whole system is at once invigorated and enlivened.
   A deranged state of the stomach  may be  occasioned by other
causes, than that of a dormant, or inactive state of the intestines ;
and such an occurrence never fails to produce a derangement in the
action of the intestines.  Such is their peculiar formation and struc-
ture, and so intimate their  union, that neither can be affected, with-
out the other suffering with it.
   The functions of the liver are  always more or less impaired by a
continued state of dyspepsia, or want of the natural muscular action
of the digestive organs.  This fact is sufficient to account for the
phenomena, which seldom fails, at such  times, to make its appear-
ance, of the biliary secretions being  diffused throughout  the whole
system.  As the bile is not permitted to enter the duodenum only
when distended with its natural stimulus; and  as a considerable
part of the time must pass, without such an occurrence, it  is evident
that much of the  secreted  bile must revert back into its own ducts,
and the gall-bladder, and  be forced  into the system,  by the lym-
phatic vessels, in  an unnatural and deleterious manner; or becom-
ing stagnant in their own ducts, occasion the formation of calculous
substances, which may speedily subvert all the important objects of
that gland,  and endanger life.
  This derangement in the disposal of the biliary secretions, excites
a deleterious effect on the whole mass ol  fluids;  the bile  being ab-
sorbed by the lymphatic vessels, is circulated throughout the sys-
tem, becomes incorporated with the other fluids,  and corrupts and
vitiates them all.  Hence the secretions from the follicles and glanda 
33
of the mouth, the throat and stomach become disordered, so that the
gastric juices, instead of aiding in digestion, and exciting  a salutary
influence on the stomach, become extremely offensive and injurious.
The blood likewise  becomes tainted and corrupted  by it; and at
the same time being deprived of its natural and  healthy supplies
from the thoracic duct, it is rendered turbid and sluggish, incapable
of affording supplies, for the waste of the animal economy.
   The lungs, under such circumstances, are often seriously affected,
either by sympathy from the liver,  a pressure from the stomach, and
a want of natural and healthy supplies of the vital liquid from the
blood, or from all.  The nervous system is also frequently much de-
ranged.   As two of the cerebral  nerves terminate  at the stomach,
the sympathy between that organ and the brain must be  very great,
and excited by the least affection in either.
   No one cause can produce such a variety, and such a  complica-
tion of diseases as a general derangement,  or  less of the  natural
muscular action of the digestive apparatus.  Loss of  appetite, de-
bility, emaciation, depression of spirits, and universal languor, and
 irresolution are its immediate effects.  By the want of  this action,
 the blood is deprived of the.means of supplying its own waste and
 maintaining its own native and healthy consistence.  Hence, it be-
comes impure and sluggish, incapable of affording supplies for the
 waste of the animal economy; the entire mass  of fluids become
 vitiated, the  nervous and absorbent systems paralysed,  and  every
function throughout the  whole system, more or less  deranged.
   To remove the cause of all these distressing and dangerous mala-
 dies, is to restore to the digestive apparatus its  natural muscular
 contractile power.
   Cases, however, do frequently occur, which do not readily yield
 to a removal of the prime cause, which produced them.  The func-
 tions of the liver may have become so much impaired, and the fluids
 of the body so impure, that a restoration to the digestive organ?,  of
 their lost action, would not be sufficient to revive and purify them. 
34
Hence it will be necessary, not only to restore to the  digestive or-
gans their deranged or lost power, but also, to excite into vigorous
action, the absorbent vessels, and every secretory organ, and expel
from the system, all the impure bilious tincture which may have per-
vaded it.  By this means the functions of the liver will be  restored
and improved, and its  secretions become natural and salutary.
  When this shall have  been accomplished, a restoration to the di-
gestive organs of their natural action,  will be sufficient to  promote
and sustain all the animal functions.   The gastric juice will be fur-
nished, pure and in abundance.   The action of the  stomach will be
energetic and efficient.  The pancreatic and biliary secretions will
answer their natural and important objects, in producing the chyle,
and qualifying it for its reception by the absorbents. The absorbent
vessels will readily perform their offices.   The blood will be abund-
antly supplied with means, for renewing and purifying itself, and
supplying the waste of the animal economy.  The  nervous system
will  become strengthened, the  mental faculties  tranquil,  and the
whole system of mental and physical  organization  invigorated and
revived.
  To obtain so important and desirable an object, as the restoration
of the deranged or lost action of the  digestive organs,  requires,  of-
tentimes, the untiring  and persevering use of internal and  external
means.  By internal means,  I would be understood, the use of pro-
per medicine and diet; and by external means, exercise and the ap-
plication of external stimulus.
  Ordinary cases, however, will yield  to the use of proper medicine,
without particular attention to other  means.  The American Hy-
giene Vegetable Renovating Pills, which I have prepared,  and now
offer to the public, are peculiarly  and eminently qualified for that
purpose.  They have  been the  result of much laborious research,
observation, and experiment.   Their properties I do  understand,
and  I can, with the uUnost assurance and confidence, recommend
them, as possessing medical virtues, which render  them superior to 
35
any medicine now in use, for restoring and maintaining a natural
peristaltic action throughout the alimentary canal;  and promoting
and regulating the biliary secretions.   So confident am I, of their
superior excellency and certainty of producing the most benign and
salutary effects, that I do not hesitate to suspend my reputation and
character, on the strictest scrutiny and trial, of their virtues and  ef-
fects.
   Their effects at first, .when taken according to  the  directions
given, will be to promote a discharge from the stomach and intes-
tines, of all the morbid, bilious, and offensive matter they may con-
 tain ;  to increase the action of the liver, and regulate its secretions;
 to stimulate the  absorbent vessels and secretory organs,  and pro-
 mote a general diaphoresis.  A continued use of them will strength-
 en, and give tone and  energy to the digestive  organs,  purify the
 blood, and invigorate the whole system.   They  may, with  perfect
 safety, be taken by both sexes, of all ages, and at all times.
   In ordinary cases of disordered stomach and intestines, a judicious
 and persevering use of them will be sufficient, independent of other
 means, to effect a permanent and radical cure.  Cases, however,
 may occur, of long standing or obstinate character, in which particu-
 lar attention to  exercise, and the application of external stimulus
 and regimen of diet, may be highly necessary and  important.  In
 such cases, it would be advisable to apply  for particular directions
  and further aid;  and I would  here  announce to the public, that I
  shall  be happy to attend to any calls, wliich may be made on me,
  for that  purpose, at the office of the A. H. V. Medical Dispensary,
  in the City of New-York. 
  ICPNOTE. The A. H. V. Renovating Pills are put in packages
of 2 and 3 boxes; the smallest containing 50 or more Pills;  the
middle size 100 or more, and the largest 200.  Price 50 cts.—gl-
and S2.
  The Office of the A. H. V. MEDICAL  DISPENSARY, is
kept at No. 132 Nassau-street,  near the American Bible Society
House.
  ICP" Those needing Medicine and unable to purchase will be
supplied gratuitously, on application at the Office.
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