for TWO GERMAN FLUTES for the Improvement of Young Performers By J. ASHLEY. Sold by Preston & Son at their Wholesale Warehouses 97 Strand. Price 2. 6. Samuel Solomon. M. D. A Guide to Health, OR, ADVICE TO BOTH SEXES In a Variety of Complaints. WITH AN ESSAY ON THE VENEREAL DISEASE, GLEETS, SEMINAL WEAKNESS; AND THAT DESTRUCTIVE HABIT CALLED ONANISM; LIKEWISE, An Address to Parents, Tutors, and Guardians of Youth. NINTH EDTION. BY SAMUEL SOLOMON, M. D. —“ O blessed Health! thou art above all gold and treasure! ’tis thou who enlargest the soul, and openest all its powers to receive instruction, and to relish virtue;—He that has THEE, has little more to wish for! and he who is so wretched as to want thee, wants every thing with thee.” STERNE. LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, AND SOLD BY MATHEWS, STRAND; H. D. SYMONDS, PETERNOSTER-ROW; AND ALL THE BOOKSELLERS IN GREAT- BRITAIN AND AMERICA. PRICE THREE SHILLINGS. [ENTERED AT STATIONER’S HALL.] PREFACE. IT is unnecessary for me to make any apology for publishing this Edition; the former ones having met with as exten- sive a sale as, perhaps, any popular work ever published. The health and wel- fare of my fellow creatures demand it,—I am bound by every tie of justice and humanity not to withhold their request. I have, therefore, enriched this Edition with many valuable im- provements, collected from experimen- tal testimony, in the course of my own practice. I do not wish to amuse my readers with mere speculative profes- sional opinions, but Facts attested upon indubitable authority of the identical persons upon whom the experiments have been tried. This publication is not so much in- tended for the critical eye of the learned, as for the instruction of the ignorant and the afflicted; the language is there- fore adapted to the most simple capacity, that if may be generally understood by A2 those 4 PREFACE. those for whom it is designed; and if any one thing can have a greater weight than another, the great body of living evidences that have voluntarily stood forward to prove the amazing benefits they have received from the application of my medicines, must give them a de- cided superiority over all others. Females, who are by nature destined to be preservers of the human race, are at the same time liable to so many diseases that render their condition truly wretch- ed and unequal, when compared with the other sex; for whatever condition of life they pursue, few there are who enjoy a perfect state of health, or are entirely free from pain and anxiety. If they en- ter into the wedded hate, even from that source of pleasure something bitter arises, and pregnancy brings with it at least a length of loathing: if they remain single, they will scarcely be able to avoid la- bouring under some infirmity because they are strangers to a mother's pangs. Nothing 5 PREFACE. Nothing can, therefore, be of more importance to the fair sex, than to be pro- perly acquainted with every symptom of such diseases as they are peculiarly liable to, and how to manage themselves in every stage thereof, when afflicted with any of them; for that many of the sex have fallen victims to these cruel com- plaints through ignorance and false deli- cacy, which deterred them from disco- vering their situations even to the nearest relatives, is a matter which is too well known to be doubted, and the consequences have been so dreadfully obvious that they call aloud for a remedy; to have a Guide to Health, by which at their leisure mo- ments they may make themselves ac- quinted, with every circumstance that is necessary for a female, whether married or single, to know; and also the proper remedies applicable to all such cases. Such is the design and intent of that part of this publication. The 6 PREFACE. The intention of the Second Part of of this work, is for the express purpose of warning Youth from falling into a delu- sive and destructive habit, that fascinates the senses and allures them to the com- mission of a solitary vice which destroys the health and spirits of its votaries, and ren- ders them feeble and inactive for life! Having seen so many victims to this alluring, this deceitful sin, I think I have been fortunate in opening the eyes of youth, and shewing them the danger and destructive consequences that attend these practices; this, I presume, is the surest means of preventing that decay of hu- man nature, which is so generally com- plained of. I am deeply impressed with a lively sense of gratitude, for the distinguished patronage with which my endeavours in the cause of humanity have been reward- ed by a large portion of my countrymen. I must not, however, flatter myself that any personal consideration entered into the 7 PREFACE. the motives of preference to which my publication owes its present reputation, nor even to the circumstance of its being offered to the public by a person regularly bred to the Art of Physic; who, when the practical knowledge qualified him to to attend with advantage the medical les- sons of the University, took out his De- gree. I cannot imagine that any consi- deration of this sort decided the public with regard to my “ Guide to Health.” I am satisfied that it is owing to the merits of that inestimable medicine, the Cordial Balm of Gilead, the preparation of which I have had the happiness to dis- cover, and which has been by rapid ad- vances introduced into universal use and request; still, however, as the good effects of the public predilection have redounded to me, to me the pleasing office belongs of making, as I hereby do, my best acknow- ledgments to my generous Patrons, the Public, and the Afflicted. May 8 PREFACE May HE who has the power of doing all things, pour down upon my design that Blessing, without which our feeble efforts are of no avail. SAMUEL SOLOMON. Marybone, Liverpool. CONTENTS. Abortion or Miscarriage,—20 signs of—21 to prevent,—ibid. Advice to Bathers,—42 Address to Parents, &c.—108 Appetite, Loss of, vide Nausea. Aberdeen, College of, their Diploma granted to the Author,—139 Barrenness—25-30 Bathers, Advice to,—42 Balm of Gilead, vide Cordial Balm of Gilead. Child-bearing, vide Pregnancy. Chlorosis or Green Sickness,—14 Consumption, vide Phthisis. Cordial Balm of Gilead, its virtues and efficacy,—131 Cordial Balm of Gilead, how to take,—128 Siphylitic,—68 College of Physicians, their Diploma,—139 Defect of Memory,—90 Directions, general,—128 Diploma, the Author’s,—139 Fair Sex, address to,—25 Flatulence or Wind,—51 Fluor Albus or Whites,—16 Furor Uterinus,—32 General Directions,—128 Gilead, Cordial Balm of, vide Cordial Balm of Gilead. Gleets,—84 Green Sickness—14 Gonorrhœa, vide Venereal Disease. CONTENTS. Hypochondriac Complaints,—36 the Cure for,—41 Injections for Gonorrhœa,—66 Impotency,—86 Incubus or Night-mare,—89 Loss of Appetite, vide Nausea. Memory,—90 Lues, confirmed.—72 Memory, loss of, vide Loss of Memory. Menses, immoderate flux of,—9 suppressed,—11 Miscarriage, vide Abortion. Nausea or Want of Appetite,—64 Nervous Diseases,—36 the Cure,—40 Night-mare, vide Incubus. Obstruction of the Menses,— 11 Onania, vide Onanism. Onanism or Secret Venery,—94 Pollution, Self, vide Onanism. Palpitation of the Heart,—63 Phthisis or Consumption,—53 Pregnancy or Child Bearing,—18 Rheumatism,—91 Self-pollution, vide Onanism. Seminal Weakness,—86 Siphylitic Cordial,—68 CONTENTS. Trembling,—63 Turn of Life,—34 Venereal Disease,—64. Venery, Secret, vide Onanism. Virginity, what,—27 Weakness, Female,—26 Whites, vide Fluor Albus. Windy Complaints, vide Flatulence. The GUIDE TO HEALTH. IMMODERATE FLUX of the MENSES. ANCIENT and modern physicians have endeavoured to in- vestigate the cause of this flux, which resembles the ocean in ebbing and flowing at certain periods. The menstrual discharge, or flux of the blood, issuing from the uterus every month, usually begins about the age of thirteen and ter- minates about forty; which render these two periods the most critical in the whole life of females, and the greatest care is then necessary, as their future health and happiness depend, in a great measure, upon their good conduct at these times. The Menses are very irregular in some females, sometimes happening on the twenty-seventh day and sometimes on the thirtieth. Duretus says, that some women have their menses twice a month, without the least injury to their health; while others have not even had them once a month. The same irregularity is observed in respect to the duration of the flux, for in some it continues three, in others four, and even six days; how- ever for most part, Hippocrates says, that it terminates on the third. Every large flux of the blood from the uterus, is not to he called noxious, but only such as is attended with loss of strength, and which brings on other symptoms of lassitude and debility, as want of appe- B tite 10 MENSTRUAL EVACUATIONS, tile, crudities from indigestion, a sense of weight from the region of the stomach, an ill colour in the face, a languid pulse, swelling in the feet, and a disturbed deep without refreshment. When this discharge is occasioned by an error in the patients’ regimen, an opposite course to that which induced the disorder must be persued, together with two teaspoonfuls of that celebrated medi- cine, the Cordial Balm of Gilead, (which is prepared only by Dr. Solomon, of Mary-bone, Liverpool) in any convenient drink, which will counter-act the morbid affections of the blood, from whence it proceeds: and the best method to restrain the flux is, to keep the patient quiet and easy both in body and mind. If it should be very violent, she ought to lie in bed with her head low, and live upon a cool, slender diet, as veal, or chicken broths, with bread; and drink a decoction of nettle roots and great comfray. Should these not be sufficient to stop the flux, two drachms of allum, and one drachm of Japan earth may be pounded together, and divided into nine doles, one of which may be taken three times a-day. Such as cannot bear allum on their stomachs, may take two table spoonfuls of the tincture of roses, with a tea spoonful of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, three or four times a day, adding to each dose from eight to ten drops of laudanum: should these fail, half a drachm of Peruvian bark in powder, with ten drops of elixir of vitriol, may be taken in a glass of red port wine, four times a-day. If the menses appear in breeding women, the true and only re- medy is two spoonfuls of this Cordial Balm of Gilead, with ten drops of laudanum three or four times a-day, until the intention is obtained; for when the lower viscera are affected, opium does not so much affect the head. I saved a woman’s life when almost ex- piring with a flux of blood, by the above remedy. Immoderate evacuations are produced by a sedentary life and want of proper exercise; hence this is a disorder most commonly to be found among the rich, but seldom among the poor class of women, who have much exercise and live sparingly. It it a!so oc- casioned 11 SUPPRESSION OF THE MENSES. casioned by top frequent use of salt, high-seasoned victuals, spiritu- ous liquors, violent agitation of the passions of the mind, from losses, gaming, fear, anger, grief, &c. It may be observed likewise, that too great exercise does as much harm, as moderate is servi- ceable; especially if the patient is subject to this flux from other causes; such as too frequent repetition of the venereal act, or from a miscarriage. SUPPRESSION OF THE MENSES. BOERHAAVE says, that as soon as a healthy female arrives at her full growth, she generates more blood than can be convenient- ly contained in the vessels; wherefore the superfluity is evacuated by the uterine arteries, and this called the menses; but from whatever cause this flux is obstructed (except in a state of pregnancy) means should be used immediately to restore it. When a female has ar- rived to the period when the menses usually begin to flow, and they do not appear, but on the contrary her health and spirits begin to de- cline, it will then be proper, to place her in a situation where she can have exercise, and enjoy the benefit of free air and agreeable company, instead of keeping her confined to the house; and let her take two teaspoonfuls of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, three times a day, in any convenient drink; giving her a gentle dose of physic every third day: let her eat wholesome food, and amuse her self in the most agreeable manner; there is then no fear, but nature assisted by this salubrious Cordial, and proper exercise, will do her work. The first appearance on the menses in girls who never had them before, is seldom so instantaneous as to suprise them unawares. It is generally preceded by the following symptom; a sense of heat in the neighbouring parts; weight and dull pain in the loins; disten- tion and hardness of the breasts; head ache; loss of appetite; lassi- tude; paleness of the countenance; weariness of the legs; sometime a slight degree of fever; and during the flux a nausea and faintness. When these symptoms are observed about the age which the men- B2 strual 12 OBSTRUCTIONS OF THE MENSES. strual flux usually begins, such things should be carefully avoided which are most likely to obstruct that necessary and salutary evacua- tion; and all the means used to promote it, as sitting frequently over the steam of warm water, drinking warm diluted liquors, in which a teaspoonful or two of the Cordial Balm of Gilead had been previously mixed. When the menses have once began to flow, great care should be taken to avoid any thing that may obstruct them. Females, ought to be extremely cautious what they eat or drink when they are unwell; every thing which is cold, or apt to four upon the stomach, ought to be avoided. But should it happen that any thing had been eaten that was improper, and the effects begin to be per- ceptible, this medicine will give instantaneous relief. What is extremely hurtful at this particular period, is cold; more of the sex, date their disorders from colds caught while they are out of order, than from any other cause:—this ought surely to put them upon their guard, and to make them very circumspect in their conduct at such times. A degree of cold, that will not at any other time, do the least in- jury; will, at this period, be sufficient to ruin their health and con- stitution. The greatest attention likewise should he paid to the mind, which should be kept as easy and chearful as possible. Every part of the animal economy is inflamed by the passions, but none more than this:—Anger, fear, grief, and other affections of the mind, often occasion obstructions of the menstrual flux, which prove ab- solutely incurable by any other remedy, than the celebrated Cordial Balm of Gilead. When obstructions proceed from a weak or relaxed state of the solids, the Cordial Balm of Gilead ought by no means to be omit- ted, among with such medicines as tend to promote digestion, to brace the solids, and assist the body in preparing good blood. A tea- spoonful or two with a little Bark or other bitters, may be ta- ken either in substance or infusion; as is most agreeable to the patient. When 13 OBSTRUCTIONS OF THE MENSES. When obstructions proceed from a viscid state of blood, in wo- men of a gross and full habit; evacuations, and such medicines as attenuate the humours, are necessary; the patient in this case ought to be bled, and bathe her feet in warm water frequently; to take now and then a cooling purge, and regularly two teaspoonfuls three times a day, of the Cordial Balm of Gilead; and live upon a spare, thin diet; her drink should be whey, water, or small beer, with a tea- spoonful of the Cordial therein, and she ought by all means to take sufficient exercise. If it proceeds from affections of the mind, as grief, fear, anger &c. every method should be taken to amuse and divert the patient; and, that fire may the more readily forget the cause of her affliction, she ought to be removed, if possible, from the place where it happened. A change of place, has often a very hap- py influence, by presenting the mind with a variety of new ob- jects, in relieving it from the deepest distress. A soothing, kind, and amiable behaviour to females who are in this situation, is of the last importance. As obstructions of the menses is often the effect of other maladies, which females are apt to bring on themselves, by that baneful habit of self indulgence, of which more will be said hereafter; we ought by all means, to endevour to restore the patient’s health and strength by the Cordial Balm of Gilead, which is the only remedy in such eases. To instruct girls very early in the conduct and management of themselves, at this critical period is, as Dr. Buchan and other writers justly remark; the absolute duty of mothers, and those who are in- trusted with their education. Ignorance, or inattention of what is beneficial or hurtful at this time, are the source of many diseases and misfortunes in life, which a few sensible lessons, from an ex- perienced matron, might have prevented. Nor is care less necessary in the subsequent returns of tins discharge; taking improper food, violent affections of the mind, or getting cold at this period, is suffici- ent to ruin the health, or to render the female, ever after, inca- pable of procreation. (14) CHLOROSIS, OR GREEN SICKNESS, IS an obstruction from the womb vessels of young females, when their courses begin to flow. It is attended with a sallow, pale or greenish colour of the face, a difficulty of breathing, a sickness of the stomach at the fight of proper food; sornetimes an unnatural desire of feeding on chalk, coals, stones, tobacco pipes, sealing wax, and other things of an hurtful and improper nature...The stop- page of the menses is not always the cause of this distemper; for they sometimes, though seldom, flow regularly in the progress there- of. According to Etmuller, the suppression of the menses is rather the effect, than the cause of this disease. Sydenham looks upon this disease to be a species of the Hysteric affection, which is known by the paleness and discoluration of the face and the whole body. The above complaint indisputably arises from stifling or sup- pressing the calls of nature at this vernal season, or juvenile spring of life, when the primary command of God, “ encrease and mul- tiply,” is most sensibly impressed upon the whole human fabric. Every tube and vessel appertaining to the genital system, being now filled with a procreative liquor, excites in the female a power- ful, yet perhaps involuntary, irritation of the parts; which strong- ly solicits the means of discharging their load by venereal embra- ces. These, from prudential motives being often necessarily de- nied, the prolific tinctures seize upon the stomach and viscera, pen back and vitiate the catamenia, choak and clog the perspirative ves- sels, whereby the venal, arterial, and nervous fluids, become flag- rant; and a leucophlegmatia, or white flabby dropsical tumour, pervades the whole body, and quickly devotes the unhappy pa- tient to the arms of death, In this manner, I am sorry to remark are 15 GREEN SICKNESS are thousands of the most delicate and lovely women plunged into eternity, in the very blossom of life, when female excellence is but budding forth, big with the promised fruit of rapture and delight! How much then does it become the duty of parents and guardians, who have daughters or wards in situations like these, and where no very gross objection can arise, to suffer them to marry with the men they love; since this will effect the most rational and most na- tural cure, by removing the causes of the complaint all together. If however, matrimony be not then convenient, nor likely, in a short time, to take place, recourse must immediate be had to pro- per regimen, and physical aid, otherwise delirium or consumption well quickly ensue. The following will generally effect a cure. Take of the leaves of Briony, Pennyroyal and Mugwort, each an handful, infuse them four days in two quarts of water, and then strain off the liquor for use—Bottle it up and take a gill glass three parts full, with two or three teaspoonfuls of the Cordial Balm of Gilead added thereto, three times a day, viz. morning, noon and night, until the patient finds herself entirely free from every symptom of the disease. For this malady which hurries thousands of young amiable females into consumptions, the celebrated Cordial Balm of Gilead, (prepared by no one else in the world, but Dr. Solomon, No. 12, Mary- Bone, Liverpool) is the best remedy ever known; it unclogs the genital tubes, purges and cools the uterus and vagina; promotes the menstrual discharge, cleanses the urinary passages, dissolves viscid humours in the blood, sharpens the appetite, stimulates the nerves and invgorates the spirits: which in all stages of the chlorosis are apt to be depressed. When this disorder is not very far advan- ced, nor obstinate, take one teaspoonful of the Cordial twice a day, in a wine glass of cold water, for thirty or forty days successively, and it will perform a cure without the infusion, which however make the dose the stronger. (16) OF THE FLOUR ALBUS, or WHITES. The Flour Albus or Whites, consists in the eflux of a whitish, lymphatic, serous, or aqueous humour from the matrix. Sydenham says, it is sometimes white, sometimes pale, yellow, green or black- ish; sometimes it is sharp and corrosive; sometimes foul and fœtid; the face is discoloured; there is a paid in the small of the back; the appetite is lost, and the eyes and feet swell. It most generally proceeds from a debilitated date of the body, chiefly from indolence, or excessive use of tea, coffee, or any other weak, watery diet. Some women have a periodical flux of the whites, instead of the menses...lt is attended with a pain and weight in the loins, cloudy urine, a loathing after some things, and a longing after others. Barren women and those who are most liable to miscarry, are chiefly troubled with the whites. The feet swell by day and the face by night; it is attended with a difficulty of breathing, and a palpitation of the heart. The discharge is sometimes so sharp as to ulcerate the parts, which, however, is soon healed by a little com- mon cerate. It brings on dropsies and consumption, which if not speedily remedied, puts a period to the patient’s existence. It is sometimes attended with an acute pain, that the patient cannot bear conjugal embraces. It may be known from the venereal disease, (which is some- times of great consequence to distinguish) by the whites ceasing at the time of the menses, and do not appear again until the courses are over; but a venereal running remains constantly upon the pa- tient, 17 FLOUR ALBUS. tient, even at the same time as the monthly discharge. Dr. Pit- cairn relates a case which lasted four years, during which time the disorder returned regularly every new moon, and continued eight days. The whites often afflict maids of a weakly constitution, as well as married women and widows ; indeed there are few of the sex espe- cially such as are any way sickly, but have known it more or less, for whatever disease renders the blood poor, foul and viscious, or reduces a woman to a languid condition, is commonly succeeded by the whites : which, when they come in this manner, continue to weaken the patient more and more, and are in great danger, without a speedy remedy, of wearing away the patient and making her a miserable victim to death! To remove this disease, the patient must take as much exercise as possible; and let her drink rather freely of red port or claret, mixed with Pyrmont, Bristol or lime water; tea and coffee are to be avoided. Strong broths and milk diet, Astruc says, are ex- ceeding good to be taken in this disease; she must abstain from herbs and fruit, and drink red port wine at meals. The patient ought by no means to lie long in bed, and nothing can possibly be better then a decoction of tormentil roots, biftory, com- frey and to be leaves, and add a tea spoonful or two of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, which must be persisted in, morning, noon and night, for ten days; then take it twice a day for ten days more, af- ter which discontinue the decoction, and take the Cordial every morning for a month, a tea-spoonful or two, in a wine glass of cold spring water; the disease will be found gradually to abate, and upon any symptom of a return of it, take a tea-spoonful of the Cordial in a wine glass of cold water for a week, and it will en- tirely go off...In warm weather the cold bath will be of consider- able service; as will likewise 30 drops of balsam copivi, with a tea- spoonful of the Cordial Balm of Gilead three times a-day. C PREG- (18) PREGNANCY, or CHILD-BEARING IS not properly to be called a disease, though attended with a variety of complaints, which require great attention; but for the cure or alleviation of which, medical aid has hitherto pro- ved very deficient...so in these complaints, the Cordial Balm of Gilead exerts most extraordinary properties, and excels whatever has been hitherto offered under a medical form. It is an universal pu- rifier of all those heterogeneous particles which produce nausea, for as it is according to the grossness of the essences at the time of con- ception, that vomiting, pains in the head and stomach, fainting &c. arise, which proceeds from the jarring elements, arrising from the disproportion in the constituent parts of the male and female seed, in their primary qualities; which is not only attended with great debility and depression to the mother, in her whole nervous system, but frequently with hereditary diseases, and dreadful consequences to the infant offspring, which nothing but the powerful exertion of the active faculty of nature can preserve from falling a prey to the gross and viscid elements which contaminate this procreative mix- ture:...Now this Cordial Balm of Gilead is elegantly adapted to envigorate and assist that active faculty in expelling all viscid hu- mours; being compounded of the most subtle, active and penetrat- ing essences of nature, and fitted to the most active principles of the patients’ elementary powers and vivifying influx; prepared from that living fire which germinates the viral principle, and quickens the embryo in the womb: being joined to an ætherial spirit, strengthens and assists the vis vitæ, by attracting and uniting the four elements or procreative faculty into one harmonious com- bination, without destroying their variety or distinct powers; whence it is of the same nature and property as the animal spirit, and ner- vous elastic light or fluid, which purifies and fans the breath of life, first 19 PREGNANCY. first breathed into the nostrils of Adam by his Creator, and com- municated to his race by the action of the womb, as the flame of one candle is communicated to another. Hence the Cordial Balm of Gilead produces the most salutary effects to every woman in a state of pregnancy, by simulating the procreative faculty to the formation of the finest children, correct- ing or purifying the male seed from infection or disease; remov- ing all loathings, longings or vomitings; and effectually pre- venting abortion, from any cause whatever. For these important purposes, when a woman enters into the state of matrimony, she would do well to take two spoonfuls of the Cor- dial Balm of Gilead every morning early to promote conception; she should then continue it three times a week from conception to the end of the fourth month; then it should be omitted till a fort- night before her time, when she should take a tea-spoonful in a wine glass of cold spring water every morning till her labour, at which time it will wonderfully strengthen her, assist her throws, fa- cilitate the birth, promote the lochia, and carry off the after-pains. She might take it occasionally during the month, in any symptom of cold, fever or hysterics, diluted in a wine glass of warm water, about the middle of the day. Pregnant wowen are often assisted with the heart-burn. They are likewise in the more early periods of pregnancy, often harrassed with sickness and vomiting, especially in the morning...Likewise both the head-ache and tooth-ache are very troublesome symptoms of pregnancy. The former may generally be removed by keeping the body gently open with using senna and prunes, figs, roasted apples, and the like; and as for the latter, it is soon removed by dipping a bit of cotton or lint into the Cordial Balm of Gilead, and applying it to the afflicted tooth. Several other complaints incident to pregnant women might he mentioned, as a cough and difficulty of breathing, suppression and incontinency of urine, &c. but all these symptoms are readily re- moved by having recourse to the Cordial Balm of Gilead, and C2 taking 20 ABORTION. taking it as directed before...Every pregnant woman is more or less in danger of abortion...this should be guarded against with the greatest care, as it not only weakens the constitution, but renders her liable to the same misfortune afterwards. This, and every other disorder, to which a woman during the state of her pregnancy is liable, is chiefly, if not intirely, owing to a deficiency of heat and blood; which may easily be gathered from the consideration of the expense she is at for the nutrition of the fœtus, and the formation of its appurtenances: if two ounces of blood were drawn every day from a person ever so healthy for forty- weeks together, let it be left to common sense to determine, whether such a one can stand in need of supernumerary venæsections du- ring that time. It is upon this account that their faces appear so thin, their no- ses pinched in, and various disorders attack them which originate from a deficiency of blood. If a woman with child is bled, says Hyppocrates, a miscarriage is indangered; the larger the fœtus, the more certain and expeditious will be the abortion. Experience confirms the truth of this observation of the divine old man. I knew many ladies who used phlebotomy during their pregnancy and miscarried, but on the omission of it, went out their full time and were delivered of healthy children. That all do not miscarry who are bled is true, and indeed nothing is more to be wondered at than the inexhaustible resources of nature, by which she can re- cover herself from the conferences of such ill-timed evacuations. To use phlebotomy because her periodical visits disappear, is absurd and puerile, for it cannot be a manly argument, that we ought to lavish away that fluid which nature demonstrates her want of, by her care to preserve it. Bleeding, in a word, is always hazardous and improper during pregnancy, and frequently brings on convulsions and death. To this rash and inexcusable impru- dence, it is owing, that such numbers of women, who even go their full time, die in child-bed. Abortion 21 TO PREVENT ABORTION. Abortion may happen at any period of pregnancy ; but it is most common in the second or third month. Sometimes, however, it happens in the fourth or fifth. If it happens after the seventh month, the child may be kept alive by proper care and attention. The common causes of abortion, according to Astrue, are the death of the child, weakness or relaxation of the mother, great eva- cuations, violent exercise, raising great weights, reaching high, jumping or stepping from an eminence, vomiting, coughing, con- vultion fits, blows on the belly, falls, fevers, disagreeable smells, ex- cessive loss of blood, indolence; high living or the contrary; violent passions or affections of the mind; as grief, fear, &c. THE SIGNS OF APPROACHING ABORTION Are not unlike those of a natural labour; such as sickness, palpi- tation of the heart, pains in the loins, or about the bottom of the belly, a dull heavy pain in the inside of the thighs, the breasts be- come flat and soft, there is a discharge of blood or watery humours from the womb. TO PREVENT ABORTION, Women who are subject to miscarry, and those who are of a weak or relaxed habit, ought to take one tea-spoonful of Dr. Solo- mon’s Cordial Balm of Gilead in wine or ale, three or four times a day, about eleven in the morning—a quarter of an hour be- fore and at the same time after dinner, and about eight o’clock in the evening: to use solid food, abstaining from the use of tea and watery liquids; to rise early and to go to bed soon; to shun damp houses; to take frequent exercise in the open air, but to avoid fa- tigue; and never to go abroad in damp or foggy weather, if they can help it. The Cordial Balm of Gilead ought not to be taken by women of a full habit above once a day, and that only after dinner; using spare 22 ABORTION. a spare diet, avoiding strong liquors, or any thing that may tend to over-heat the blood: their diet should be of an opening nature, consisting principally of vegetable substances. Every woman in a state of pregnancy ought to be kept chear- ful and easy in her mind:...Her appetite, even though depraved, ought to be indulged as far as prudence will permit. Upon the first appearance, of any symptom of Abortion; the wo- man ought to be laid in bed on a matrass with her head low: she should he kept quiet, and her mind soothed and comforted; she ought not to be kept too hot, nor to take any thing of a heating nature. Her food should consist of broths, rice and milk, jellies, gruel made of oatmeal and the like, all of which ought to be taken cold. Her drink ought to be barley-water, sharpened with a little lemon juice, or she may take half a drachm of nitre, in a cupful of water gruel, every five or six hours. Should she be seized with violent looseness, the best thing will be to drink a little starch, boiled in milk to a thin consistence. If she is affected with vomiting, let her take three tea-spoonfuls of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, in a little French brandy, and repeat it every third hour until the intention is answered. In general opiates are of service, but they should always be gives with caution. Pregnant women should not be restrained from following their usual exercise...Want of exercise not only weak- ens the body, but is the chief cause of abortion. There are some women, however, are of so delicate a texture, that is necessary for them to avoid almost every kind of exercise, during the whole period of pregnancy. Women who are subject to miscarriages, should never fail to take the Cordial Balm of Gilead, from the time they have reason, to believe they are pregnant, until a full month after they have quickened, 23 CASE. quickened. It may be taken once, twice or thrice a day, or every other day, as the urgency of the case may require, from one to three tea spoonfuls, in a glass of Smith's forge water, which may be obtained at any blacksmith’s shop (but it ought to be filter- ed through paper) or in soft spring water, in which common oak bark had been steeped: and she will effectually get over all causes of abortion. Women after sudden miscarriages, or bad labours, will find wonderful relief by taking a tea-spoonful or two of it once or twice a day, in a wine glass full of warm water, for a week or ten days. Nurses also, whole milk is griping, or defective, should take it once or twice a day, or as often as occasion may require. The intention will quickly be experienced, the milk will be purified and augmented, and all the fluid secretions promoted, in a manner productive of found health, both to the mother and child. CASES A married lady, residing at Newcastle under Lyme, about 27 years of age, was ill upwards of three years, the original cause of which was Abortion, and taking cold afterwards, which was suc- eceded by a continual sickness and looseness. The first abortion was about three years ago, (Sept. 1796.) the next in December following, and again in April 1794, the last was about three months ago; during the period between the first abortion and last Christmas, she took a variety of astringent medicines, but without the desired effect, they always increased the monthly evacuations which was double the usual quantity; for seven months she took strengtheners, from which she found a little benefit, but was not able to walk out for the two last years, though when the nature of her Complaint and the weather per- mitted 24 CASE. mitted she rode about a mile on horseback, twice a day; in this weak and languishing condition, having become exceedingly thin in body and dejected in mind, her husband applied to Dr. Solomon of Liverpool, for some of his Cordial Balm of Gilead, which effec- tually cured her in about three weeks. A lady in Derbyshire, having observed an advertisement in the Manchester papers, her husband was induced to purchase a “ Guide to Health, ” and, at the same time, a bottle of the Cor- dial Balm of Gilead, which, having taken, she found great bene- fit by it. The grand object which afflicted her was an abun- dant flow of the menses, attended with such violent pain, that, for the space of four and twenty hours, (or until the discharge had for some time been copious) she was distracted with pains in her back, bowels and thighs; she had taken various medicines. Being thirty-five years of age, and having been married near five years, but never had a Child. Before, she was married she expe- rienced a very moderate flow of the menses, which generally ter- minated on the third day; but ever since, it kept increasing in time, quantity and pain, and mostly continued a fortnight before it was quite over; in less than a week she felt some symp- toms of its approach again, which happened in a fortnight after the termination; she had been for a long time in a lax habit of body, having a laxative operation every time she took any thing warm, which was two or three times a day; but since taking the Cordial Balm of Gilead she has, in that respect, been very well, not having a call more than once a day. She was always troubled with a palpitation of the heart, particularly when in bed the pulsation destroying her rest, her eyes swelled during the night, and her appetite was in general very bad...in this situation she consulted Doctor Solomon, who, to alleviate which, recommended a course of his Cordial Balm of Gilead, which effectually cured her in about six weeks. ADDRESS (25) ADDRESS TO THE FAIR SEX, ON WEAKNESSES CONTRACTED BEFORE MARRIAGE, BARENNESS, &c. &c. THERE are disorders contracted by the fair sex, the cause and cure of which are of such a nature, that for several reasons, chiefly through shame, they are likely to conceal them, and therefore suffer worse consequences than can here be described. To tell in a few words what I mean by these diseases; they are all such as the patient, by a criminal indulgence of her passions, has herself been the instrument in causing. For that many of the fair, especially in their younger years, have suffered much from a secret vice, by which they have endeavoured to procure themselves those pleasureable sensations which God has ordained to be the effects of mutual commerce between the sexes, is a matter of late become too notorious to be doubted, and too dreadful in its con- sequences to be indulged in; I mean that abominable vice Onan- ism, or secret venery:...And certainly none of them can take it amiss if, for their advantage I endeavour to remove the evil con- sequences of it; and prevent, as much as possible, its continuance. This secret vice is chiefly a fault in both sexes; nothing, there- fore, can be of more importance to the preservation of human kind in general, than the endeavouring to prevent a practice that strikes at the very root of fecundity, and, is particularly destructive to to young men as well as women; but besides its wickedness, it is the most prejudicial thing that can be to the human constitution. Its bad effects on the body are very many and great. If practised often, it relaxes and spoils the retentive faculty...It occasions the whites in women and gleets in men...It ruins the complexion and makes them pale, swarthy and haggard...It produces a long train of hysteric disorders: and sometimes, by draining away the radi- cal moisture, induces consumptions. D It 26 FEMALE WEAKNESSES. It brings on heat in the privities, belly and thighs, with shoot- ing pains in the head and all over the body. It sometimes occasions that fatal malady the Furor Uterinus or insatiable appetite to venery, the consequence of which is dreadful beyond conception. But what it is most liable to produce, is barrenness, by causing an indifference to the pleasures of Venus; and, in time, a total inability of inaptitude to the act of generation itself. Virgins who indulge themselves over eagerly in this abuse of their bodies, de- flower themselves, and destroy that valuable badge of their chastity, which it is expected they should not part with before marriage, but which, when lost, can never be retrieved. With regard to maids who have thereby deprived themselves of that sacred badge, says Sibly, the loss of which, before mar- riage, was so severely punished by the Jews; under what appre- hension must they continually live! with what terror must they approach the marriage bed, which heaven has designed for the seat of the highest sensual enjoyments! when they reflect, that their virtue on the first amorous encounter, is liable to such sus- picions as may never be worn off, but which may render uncom- fortable, the life both of her, or otherwise her affectionate hus hand! But, with due difference to the learned doctor, though I cannot but admire the lively picture he has drawn of the loss of virginity, particularly by this odious practice: yet, I beg leave to deviate in opinion upon this subject, and, for the credit of the sex, shall quote a celebrated author, (Falk) whose sentiments coincide with mine, about what is called virginity, I shall give his words verbatim. “ The opinion concerning virginity, is certainly of no small moment; and as it is a point yet unsettled amongst the learned, I shall beg the indulgence of giving my opinion, amongst the many who have written on the subject; and by the above, I mean only to claim attention; and then leave the reader to judge for himself. “ The 27 OF VIRGINITY. “ The Mosaical law of circumcision, took its rise from the in- conveniency of too long a præpuce. Population was encouraged as much as possible, consequently they married very young, and frequently before the vigour of manhood had gained its proper period. The law was pat in execution as a religious rite, uni- versally to all; though no one will suppose that it was alike to all absolutely useful: for men differ in general not more in any part of their body, than in this member; and in particular in the præ- puce. Infants have always their glans covered: but as they grow up to the state of puberty, it becomes sooner or later uncovered; in that state their passions are like touch-wood, the least spark of fire sets them all in a blaze. No one ever described that period better than the incomparable Rousseau, in his Emilius. They have a languid desire by nature, they know not for what. If kept in innocence, this fire will only add to their vigour of man- hood; but if vitiated, which is almost unavoidable, particularly in great schools and in large cities, the consequences are too obvi- ous. I say their glans become sooner or later uncovered; either by private trials and handling, or by coition itself; some with dif- ficulty, and others with much ease. “ Now this tightness of the præpuce I compare to the virginity in women; for since they married very young before the passions came to their proper maturity, the maidenhead would have been as troublesome to the male virgin as the female, which, by cir- cumcision, was intended to be prevented; and the females being married very young, even before they had had their menses, were of course very delicate. And this gave rise to the Mosaical test of virginity, “ The experienced in amorous matters, will readily grant with me, that women differ as much in narrowness and wideness, as men can do in their members; without regard to either bulk or nature in other respects. Girls, when they commence women, are as much of under as boys; nature is as much at work to per- fect them for generation, as the opposite sex, and their passions are 28 OF VIRGINITY. are easily put in a fermentation. Fortunately for them, their dif- ferent mode of education excludes them from the opportunity of being so soon vitiated as men; but sooner or later they discover something, which inclines them to the other sex; which, together with mysterious terms, they hear from others, cannot fail of ex- citing their natural curiosity, And how should it be otherwise? except they are void of all passions, and that cannot be without some infirmity. “ Children are naturally narrow in the vagina, but not more so, than that a wax taper the bigness of a goose quill may easily be introduced. If the vagina is unperforated, it is certainly unna- tural; I own this is sometimes the case with the anus, and some- times the penis; and the one requires to be opened by art as much as the other; all which I have done with equally good success, with a lancet properly armed: and this is an object no skilful midwife should omit to take notice of. “ It is this unnatural closure which has been taken for the hymen; and I am inclined to think, that this unfortunate virginity, has cost many a pretty maid her life. For how should the menses be discharged? Mr. Cowper has given us a most extraordinary case of a married woman, whose husband with (we may well suppose) the greatest difficulty, gained a tolerable admission into the meatus urinarius in coition; the suppression of the menses, had drove an appearance, beyond the pudendum, like a prolapsus of the uterus; which, on examination, Mr. Cowper found to be the impervious hymen; which when opened, at least a gallon of crumous blood came forth: this obstruction had diverted her husband’s admission the other way: however, within a year die was delivered of a healthful child. “ When the clitoris is erect, or swelled up, the whole part is af- fected, and there is at that time an actual dilation and contraction of the vagina: If a woman is embraced in that juncture of natu- ral inclination, the parts yield very easily; and I will answer for 29 OF VIRGINITY. for it, there must be a very great disproportion of parts and rough- ness used if there is blood-shed, or violation. But this is not al- ways the case at the first embrace; for, the tender virgin is gene- rally intimidated, which adds naturally to the contraction of these parts; and then on the other hand the man being absent, from eagerness, regards not tenderness so much as he would do in cooler blood; no wonder then, that these delicate parts suffer more than they otherwise would. “ Besides, there is another thing to be considered; it is not only the different habits that are naturally more or less narrow or wide in those parts; the time of the monthly period, makes no small alteration. But even other complaints, to which every innocent woman is subject, has a great effect. “ I grant you however, a delicateness in a virgin; and I be- lieve the maidenhead consists as much in this, as in any thing else, if not more. “ If a woman has had her menses, (before that time nature did not design her for marriage) and she is actually inclined for coition, she will embrace it with pleasure, without pain or flood- ing; unless roughly handled, or a great disproportion of parts. “ If a woman, however, is naturally narrow, (for some are to, and never will be otherwise) and particularly, cohabited against her inclination, she may pass more than once for a maid; and there are instances of this very often, as well by nature as by art; for the latter, I appeal to the good mother abbesses about Covent Garden. “ When this is properly considered, I think it will plainly prove, that the Mosaical test of virginity, is not always a tell of innocence. A man of understanding, however, will soon judge right about these matters. True modesty, delicacy and tender- ness, both in person and behaviour, will confirm innocence, whether there be any other signs or not. True innocence cannot be feigned, and differs widely from prudery and pretended igno- rance. “ This 30 BARRENNESS. “ This is my opinion on this subject, and drawn from repeated observations; and I thought proper to mention it on this occasion, as a duty due to the objects of our greatest concern.” It is better ten guilty should escape, than one innocent person be condemned. What I have already said, concerning the horrid practice of self abuse, if duly attended to, will be sufficient to render it abo- minable; to deter the young, and hitherto innocent, from mak- ing themselves miserable, and to stop the course of those who have already advanced far in the road of destruction. Let them, when any way tempted, reflect on the miserable condition of many, who, in galloping consumptions, have died terrible examples to all those who persist in this vice; and, as relaxations, weakness and infertility of the parts, whether male, or female, are the common consequences that follow; relief can only be applied for in the following remedies, which are successfully prescribed for bar- renness, seminal weaknesses, muscular relaxations, &c. Barrenness is such a state of a woman’s body, as indisposes it, upon the use of the natural means, to conceive and propagate her species. It may be properly reckoned among the diseases of fe- males, as few married women who have no children, enjoy a good state of health. It proceeds from many sources and may be reduced under two general heads...First, an indisposition of the parts to receive the male semen in the act of copulation, or that vital effluvium stream- ing from it, which alone can impregnate the ovaria. Secondly, an inaptitude to retain and nourish the vital particle after it is in- jected, so as to make it grow and compound its parts, till it be- comes a proper fœtus. The reception of the seed is hindered by many causes; an immature age, when, by reason of the narrowness of the genital passages, the woman cannot admit the virile member, or at least not without great pain, which makes her dislike copulation; and old age has sometimes the same effect: for, in elderly virgins the parts 31 BARRENNESS. parts are so straitened for want of use, they cannot without dif- ficulty contribute to the means of generation. Conception is also hindered by an hectic, hydropic, or feverish sickly habit; by a deficiency or obstruction of the monthly courses, when the natural briskness of the blood is wanting; by an immo- derate flux of the courses, which impoverishes the fluids; by the whites, which continuing too long, relax the glands of the womb, and drown, as it were, the prolific particles; and too often by secret venery, which utterly destroys the tone and vigor of the parts. This may particularly happen on the side of the man, since it induces seminal weaknesses, and a want of proper erection. When there is a total want of erection, or of seminal matter on the side of the male, generation is not only impossible, but the cure very precarious and difficult: (in such cases it is most proper to apply personally to Dr. Solomon, at his house, Mary-bone, Liverpool.) But preparatory to the cure of infertility in either sex, it is proper to use evacuations, unless any particular symptom shews them to be dangerous...Bleeding, lenient purgatives, such as lenitive electuary, and a gentle vomit of ipecacuanha, espe- cially it the person be plethoric, or cacochymic, cannot but be of great service; likewise a wine glass full of the following infu- sion, with two tea-spoonfuls of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, ad- ded thereto, viz. Take cinnamon powdered, one ounce; sweet fennel seeds bruised and lavender flowers, of each half an ounce; Spanish angelica root, ginger, contrayerva, mace and cochineal, of each one drachm and a half; canary wine, two quarts: put the ingredients into the wine, let it stand for three or four days, and strain off the infusion for use. Continue the infusion and Cordial Balm of Gilead three or four times a day, as the age or constitution of the patient may re- quire. This will be found most excellent for barrenness and debility; particularly while thus assisted by the Cordial Balm of Gilead; 32 FUROR UTERINUS. Gilead; which will greatly warm and purify the blood and juices, increase the animal spirits, invigorate and revive the whole hu- man machine, and not only raise the appetite to venereal embra- ces, but remove the usual impediments to fertility, prepare the womb for performing its office, and the ova for impregnation. The Cordial Balm of Gilead warms, comforts and excites the generative parts to admiration, and seldom fails of curing all com- mon occasion of barrenness in a month or six weeks, if duly fol- lowed. OF THE FUROR UTERINUS. According to Etmuller, the Furor uterinus is attended with ob- scenity, restlessness and a delirium. The patients delight to talk obscenely, and solicit men to satisfy their desires both by words and gestures. It arises from a too great sensibility or inflama- mation of the pudenda, or parts where the venereal stimulus re- sides, which are chiefly the clitoris and vagina; or the too great abundance of acrimony of the fluids of those parts...or perhaps both these causes may exist together: but what it is mostly occa- sioned by, is, the criminal abuse of her body, by a baneful habit, which is too frequently practised by young women, which has seen treated on in the foregoing chapter. The cure consists in copious bleeding, either from the arm or foot; sometimes it is necessary to let blood in both the arm and foot; and a strong vomit must be given as soon as possible...should these fail, thirty or forty drops of laudanum must be given in her drink, in order to compose her to rest; It this does not succeed, 20 drops more may be given....and if any symptoms remain the next day, bleeding must be repeated...In the fit, the Cordial Balm of Gilead, must not be given; but as soon as this dreadful complaint is perfectly subdued, it may be taken with the happiest effects, in order to restore the constitution, which must suffer ex- tremely by such a most horrid disease...let my fair readers take warning 33 FUROR UTERINUS. warning by such examples, and shun that dreadful precipice whereon many a fair and otherwise amiable female, has been un- fortunately wrecked...This deluding vice, has generally been cal- led Onanism, being the supposed crime for which the Lord slew Onan, as recorded in the 38th chapter of Genesis...lt is turn- ing the grace of God into lasciviousness, violating his laws of propagation and plunging the foul from us original seat of hap- piness, into a gulph of misery and woe!! But the melancholy train of ideas and infirmities, this destruc- tive habit brings on those who are unfortunately attached to it, claims our pity and consolation rather than our vengeance or con- tempt...Turn then ye unthinking mortals, turn from the paths that lead you to destruction, and walk in the road that will lead to happiness: Fly from this tempting, this deceitful sin, whose syren charms allures you to your ruin...Turn to that all-gracious Lord who is now only waiting that he may be gracious... “ THERE IS STILL A BALM IN GILEAD, THERE IS STILL A GREAT PHYSICIAN THERE!” It is to he hoped, that these observations, will he sufficient to stop young people from this pernicious practice, and thereby pre- vent them from plunging into a sea of misery, without, perhaps, a single plank to escape upon...Nothing, perhaps, weakens the mind so much as this pernicious practice, which takes possession of the whole mind and attention, and prevents its votaries from following their respective avocations, by engrossing their ideas, even when they should be employed in devotion or business; It renders them stupid, dull and thoughtful; and destroys all their vivacity, chearfulness and health; by bringing on consumptions, weaknesses, barrenness, and all that dreadful train of nervous complains, which makes them timid, whimsical and ridiculous. It agitates the mind, causes frightful ideas and horrid dreams, and ultimately renders them fearful of even being left alone for a few minutes! E Surely 34 THE TURN OF LIFE. Surely such a train of miseries proceeding from this cause, might be sufficient to deter young people from entering into such a course! doubtless it would, if they were sufficiently aware of it...But these are not all the baneful effects of this habit, as will be shewn in the Second Part, which, in this edition is considerably improved from the former ones, and illustrated with a number of remarkable cases and cures, which came under the immediate, care of Dr. Solomon, likewise many letters from persons whom the Doctor has cured; the originals of which may be seen at his house, making two large folio volumes. THE TURN OF LIFE. THE menses generally cease to flow between forty and fifty years of age, which renders this period very dangerous, as it lays the foundation for many future diseases. The great discharge that this produces, by so copious a drain being taken into the habit, without previous preparation, is the sole cause of this danger. All women are more or less sensible when this period arrives, and should take care of themselves accordingly; for when the menses are about to go off they appear for the most part irregular, both in time and quantity; once in a fortnight, three, five, or six weeks; sometimes very sparingly, at other times in immode- rate quantities. For want only of necessary care and attention, during the time the menses thus dodge, and give symptoms of their departure, many complaints ensue; among which are cold and chills, succeeded by violent flushings of the face, and heats of the extremities; restless nights, troublesome dreams, and un- equal spirits; inflammations of the bowels, spasmodic affections, stiffness of the limbs, swelled ancles, sore legs, with pains and inflammation: the piles, and other symptoms of plenitude. But all this might be easily prevented, by attention to a due regimen, and taking this truly valuable Cordial, as frequent as occasion may require. When 35 THE TURN OF LIFE. When a woman suspects her menses are about to leave her, let her take a (dry) vomit, and make a decoction, by taking gen- tian roots, one pound; senna and orange peel, of each half a pound; pour upon them a gallon of hot water, and after it has stood twenty four hours, pour off the liquor for use. Let her take from two to four tea-spoonfuls of die Cordial Balm of Gilead, in a gill glass full of the above decoction, every night and morning for ten days; then let her continue it every morning for ten days more, and afterwards every two or three days, or oftener; she is likewise to take a dose of gentle physic twice a week. This course must be followed every spring and fall, for a month or six weeks successively, by all women who find their menses dodge, or come too sparingly, until they entirely cease. If they flow too abundantly, and produce a flooding, the patient must be kept as much as possible at rest, with her head low, until the medicine has had time to take effect. Let her diet be spare, but not too lax:...The following will be of great service. Take conserve of roses, an ounce; astringent saffron of iron, two drachms; and oil of cinnamon, six drops; mix these into an elec- tuary, (which might be made up by any apothecary, if the re- cipe be sent him) and take the quantity of a large nutmeg every day at noon, for six, eight, or ten days, or longer as the urgency of the case may require; drinking immediately after it one tea- spoonful of the Cordial Balm of Gilead in a wine glass full of warm water: the flooding, by this means, will gradually abate, the seventh symptoms will go off, the back will be strengthened, the womb-vessels cleansed, and the patient wonderfully restored. After the-tenth day, in most cases, the electuary might be discon- tinued; and the Cordial Balm of Gilead, from two tea spoon- fuls, to one table spoonful and a half, taken according to the constitution of the patient, to prevent a relapse. E2 It 36 NERVOUS DISORDERS AND It is evident that the intention of nature in returning this flux bark into the habit, is to nourish and preserve life, not to destroy it. Until the age of puberty, girls require this blood for the sufienation and nourishment of their bodies; when that is suffi- ciently established, it is applied to the purposes of nourishing the fœrus, and of suckling the infant. When childbearing sub- sides, and the eve of life comes on, the flux is returned back to comfort and preserve it; therefore if women were but careful to observe a regular course before this flux returns upon them, by adopting the methods I have prescribed, and by taking this medicine spring and fall for two or three years previous to the time, they might not only escape the perils and dangers attendant on this period, but would lay the foundation of a settled state of health, and enjoy a found constitution of body, to extreme old age. Female organs of generation are certainly more complicate than those of men, but from their peculiar delicacy and different structure, are subject to diseases which, men, in the regard to sen- sation thereof, must be totally strangers to. This consideration, will naturally inspire man, with a tenderness and compassion, for the many weaknesses and complaints they la- bour under; at same time it will excite in his breast, an ardent desire to aid and protect them on all occasions, as the object of his felicity, and tenderly preserve them, as the plantations of man- kind. OF NERVOUS and HYPOCHONDRIAC DISEASES. THIS disease is attended with such a train of symptoms, that it is a difficult talk to enumerate them all, for there is no function or part of the body that is not soon or late a sufferer by its tyran- ny. A volume would not be sufficient to point out their various appearances. They imitate almost every disease; and are seldom alike in two different persons, or even in the same person at diffe- rent 37 HYPOCHONDRIAC COMPLAINTS. rent times...They are continually changing shape, and upon every fresh attack, the patient thinks he feels symptoms which he never experienced before. Nor do they only affect the body; the mind likewise suffers, and is often thereby rendered extremely weak and peevish. The low spirits, timorousness, melancholy, and sickleness of temper which generally attend nervous disorders, induce many to believe that they are entirely diseases of the mind; but this change of temper is rather a consequence, than the cause of nervous diseases. THE CAUSE. A deficiency of vital heat in the cerebrum. Every thing that tends to relax or weaken the body, disposes it to nervous diseases: as indolence, excessive venery, drinking too much tea, or other watery liquors warm, frequent bleeding, purging, vomiting, &c. Whatever hurts the digestion, or prevents the proper assimilation of the food, has likewise this effect; as long fasting, excess of eating or drinking, use of windy, crude, or unwholesome aliments; an unfavourable posture of body; leading too studious or seden- tary a life; want of exercise, &c, &c. Nervous disorders have frequently been occasioned by the loss of a husband, a favourite child, or from some disappointments in life. It also often proceeds from intense application to study:... Few studious persons are entirely free from them; intense study not only preys upon the spirits, but prevents the person from taking proper exercise, by which means the digestion is impaired, the nourishment prevented, the solids relaxed, and the whole mass of humours vitiated. Grief and disappointment produces also the same effects. In short, whatever weakens the body or depres- ses the spirits, may occasion nervous disorders: as unwholesome air, want of sleep, great fatigue, disagreeable apprehensions, anxie- ty, vexation, &c. The Symptoms...It is only necessary to mention some of the most general symptoms of these disorders, as it would be both an useless and endless task to enumerate the whole. They 38 NERVOUS DISORDERS, AND They generally begin with an absurdity of the patient’s beha- viour, inactivity, dislike to motion, anorexia, borborygmi, costive- ness, oppression from wind, frequent sighing, anxiety about the præcordia, great dejection, internal sinking, load at the stomach, palpitation or the heart, taciturnity, wild incoherent discourse, ridiculous notions, the mind being fixed upon one object. &c. &c. and are preceded by a variety of symptoms as windy inflations, or distempers of the stomach and intestines; the appetite and digestion usually bad; yet sometimes there is an uncommon craving for food, and a quick digestion. The food often turns sour upon the stomach; and the patient is troubled with vomiting of clear water, tough phlegm, or a blackish coloured liquor resembling the grounds of coffee. Excruciating pains are often felt about the navel, at- tended with a rumbling noise in the bowels. The body is some- times loose, but more commonly bound, which occasions a reten- sion of wind, and great, uneasiness. The urine is sometimes small in quantity, at other times very copious and quite clear. There is a great straitness of the breast, with difficulty of breathing; violent palpitations of the heart, sudden flashes of heat in various parts of the body; at other times a sense of cold, as if water were poured on them; flying pians in the arms and limbs, back and belly, resembling those occasioned by the gravel; the pulse very variable, sometimes un- commonly slow, at other times very quick; yawning, the hiccup, frequent sighing, and a sense of suffocation, as from a ball or lump in the throat; alternate fits of crying and convulsive laugh- ing, the sleep is unfound and seldom refreshing; and the patient, is often troubled with horrid dreams. Sydenham observes, that this disease imitates all kinds of distempers so exactly, that a Physician is generally at a loss to distinguish it from an essential disease of any part; but that one peculiar symptom of it is, a despair of ever recovering. As 39 HYPOCHONDRIAC COMPLAINTS. As the disease increases, the patient is molested with head achs, cramps and fixed pains in various parts of the body, the eyes are clouded, and often affected with pain and dryness, in short, the whole animal functions are impaired. The mind is disturbed on the most trivial occasions, and is hurried into the most perverse commotions, inquietudes, terror, sadness, anger, dissidence, &c. The patient is apt to entertain wild imaginations and extravagant fancies, the memory becomes weak and the judgment fails. The most common symptom of this disease is a constant dread of death. This renders those unhappy persons who labour under it peevish, fickle, and impatient; and are apt to run from one Doctor to another, which is one reason why they seldom reap any benefit from medicine, as they have not sufficient resolution to persist in any one course till it has time to produce its proper effect. Therefore when a person wishes to be cured, they must constantly and patiently persevere in the remedies hereafter pre- seribed for them, for it is of no use to begin a medicine and to give over, before it is possible that use effects can be perceptible, or before it could have time to act upon the system. They like- wise imagine that they labour under diseases from which they are quite free, and are angry if any one attempts to set them to rights, or laugh at their ridiculous notions. Dr. Walker, in his “ Treatise on Nervous Diseases,” justly remarks, that “ one reason why complaints of the nervous kind are not more frequently removed, is, that patients have seldom resolution to persevere sufficiently long in any means of relief preseribed them—It will be necessary to inform the patient that an effectual cure may be obtained, but a speedy one is not to be hoped for—It is better not to be discouraged by a few ineffectual efforts to relieve the complaint; but it must be remembered, that frequently the more gradual and progressive the cure, the more certain and permanent it will prove.” RULES 40 NERVOUS DISORDERS. RULES TO BE OBSERVED IN THE CURE OF NERVOUS DISORDERS. Persons afflicted with Nervous diseases, ought never to fast long. Their food should be solid and nourishing, but of easy digestion; all excess should be carefully avoided. Hot meats are hurtful. They ought never to eat more at a time than they can digest; but if they feel themselves weak and faint between meals, they ought to eat a bit of bread, and drink a glass of wine, with two tea-spoonfuls of the Cordial Balm of Gilead added thereto... Heavy suppers are to be avoided...Though wine in excess en- feebles the body and impairs the faculties of the mind, yet taken in moderation, it strengthens the stomach and promotes digestion. Wine and water with a tea-spoonful or two of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, is very proper to drink at meals: but if the wine sours upon the stomach, or the patient is too much troubled with wind, brandy and water will answer better than wine. Every thing that is windy and hard of digestion must be avoided. All weak and warm liquors are hurtful, as tea, coffee, punch, &c...People may find, perhaps, a temporary relief in these, but they always en- crease the malady, as they weaken the stomach and hurt digestion. Above all things drams ought to be avoided...Whatever immedi- ate ease the patient may feel from the use of ardent spirits, they are sure to aggravate the malady, and prove certain poison at last. These cautions are indeed more than necessary, as most people are fond of tea, and ardent spirits; to the use of which, many of then fall victims. Exercise in nervous disorders is equal if not superior to me- dicines. Riding on horseback, is generally esteemed the best, as it gives motion to the whole body without fatiguing it. Walking, however, agrees better with others...Every one ought to use that which is found to agree best with their con- stitution. Long sea voyages have an excellent effect, and to those who have sufficient resolution, this course ought by all means to be recommended. Every change of place, and the sight 41 HYPOCHONDRIAC COMPLAINTS. sight of new objects, by diverting the mind, have a great ten- dency to remove these complaints...For this reason, a long jour- ney, or a voyage, is of much more advantage than short journeys at home. During any of these courses, the Cordial Balm of Gilead ought never to be dispensed with. A cool dry air is proper, as it invigorates the whole body. Few things tend more to relax and enervate than hot air, especi- ally that which is rendered so by great fires in small apart- ments...But when the stomach or bowels are weak, the body ought to be well guarded against cold, especially in winter, by wearing a thin flannel waistcoat next the skin. This will keep up an equal perspiration, and defend the alimentary canal from many impressions, to which it would otherwise be subject upon every sudden change, from warm to cold wea- ther. Persons who have weak nerves, ought to rise early and take exercise before breakfast, as lying too long in bed cannot fail to relax the solids...They ought likewise to be diverted and kept as easy and chearful as possible. There is not any thing that hurts the nervous system or weakens the digestive powers more than anger, fear, grief or anxiety. THE CURE...It has generally been thought that nervous diseases are seldom radically cured; but that their symptoms may be sometimes alleviated, and the patient’s life rendered more comfortable by proper medicines, is, I believe, univer- sally allowed. Now I will venture to affirm, that if the following mode be pursued, there will be no doubt of a radical cure being obtain- ed. In the first place, I would recommend a vomit of 20 grains of Ipecacuanha, and when the patient is costive, a little rhu- barb or some other mild purgatives should be taken, and the body should never be suffered to be long bound. All strong, violent purgatives are, however, to be avoided, as aloes, jallap, &c. an infusion of senna and rhubarb in brandy, answers very well. This may be made to any strength, and taken F in 42 ADVICE TO BATHERS. In such a quantity as the patient finds necessary. When the digestion is bad, or the stomach relaxed and weak, the follow- ing infusion of Peruvian bark may be used oath advantage. Take of Peruvian bark, an ounce; gentian root, orange peel and coriander seeds, of each half an ounce; let these ingredients be bruised in a mortar, and infused in a bottle of Brandy for five or six days. A table spoonful of the of strained liquor, with a tea- spoonful of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, may be taken in a glass of water, an hour before breakfast, dinner and supper. ADVICE to BATHERS, Particularly in Nervous and Hypochondriac Complaints. NOTHING tends more to strengthen the nervous system than cold bathing. This practice, if duly persisted in, will pro- duce very extraordinary effects: but when the liver or other vis- cera are obstructed, or otherwise unfound, then cold bathing is im- proper...It is therefore to be used with very great caution... The most proper seasons for it are summer and autumn. It will be sufficient, especially for persons of a weak habit, to go into the cold bath three or four times a week, and after coming out to take two or three tea-spoonfuls of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, which will prevent that chilliness which is apt to ensue after bathing, more particularly to nervous persons, and which, if not guarded against, will prove highly prejudicial; and I would recommend a little exercise after coming out of the bath, as a walk or a ride for about a quarter of an hour. I have also observed very good effects from bathing the feet in a warm fomentation made of wheat- bran, chamomile flowers and boiling water. The feet must be put in very deep and as hot as possibly can be borne. In patients afflicted with wind, the greatest benefit is certainly to be experienced from the Cordial Balm of Gilead: to two tea- spoonfuls of which, 15, 20, or 30 drops of the Elixir of Vitriol may be added; and taken two or three times a day, in a glass of water, 43 NERVOUS CASES. water. This will expel wind, strengthen the stomach, and pro- more digestion. It would be an easy matter to enumerate many medicines for relieving nervous disorders; but whoever wishes for a thorough cure, must only expect it from Dr. Solomon's Cordial Balm of Gilead, together wish proper regimen. Therefore the greatest attention is necessary to diet, air, exercise, and amusements. I shall, for the benefit of mankind, insert a few case, wherein this medicine has been singularly successful; but it is previously necessary to remark, that an illiterate quack, who can scarcely write his own name has had the assurance to publish a book! wherein most of the cases and cures inserted in the “ Guide to Health” are copied nearly verbatim, with different signatures to them; whether authentic or not I leave the world to judge....Resting the success of my medicine upon that firm basis, practical experience; as all the cases and cures inserted in this work, were sent to me voluntarily and unsolicited, having been performed bona fide by the Cordial Balm of Gilead, and such auxiliaries as is herein re- commended. CASES. To Dr. SOLOMON, Mary-bone, Liverpool. Sir,—Having perused in the Sun paper of the 7th Nov. an advertisement respecting the efficacy of your medicine, called the “ Cordial Balm of Gilead,” and having experienced the good effects of it, in a nervous complaint when at Buxton baths last season, as well as two respectable inhabitants of this Town, who were with me, Mr. John Kewley, an eminent watch-maker, and Mr. Richard Sibert, an attorney at Law, and wishing to have such a valuable medicine brought into use at this place, therefore hope you will be so good as to ap- point some agent for the sale of it here, as that will be the means of establishing the use of such a medicine, and confirm our assertions, by its efficacy: the truth of which, I, as well as F2 my 44 NERVOUS CASES. my friends are ready to testify. I am, with the greatest re- spect, Sir, Your obedient humble servant, JOHN ISAAC HUNTINGTON, Jun. At the Royal Children, Casilegate, Nottingham, Nov. 11th, 1796. IN justice to Dr. Solomon of Liverpool, and his Medicine, the Cordial Balm of Gilead, I declare that I have taken it for a Nervous Complaint with the most happy effects, and have known it to be administered in genteel families with safety, certainty, and wonderful efficacy. C. CROOKENDEN, Merchant, No. 42, Park-lane, opposite Sparling Street, Liverpool. To Dr. SOLOMON. Sir, It is with pleasure I confess that your Cordial Balm of Gilead, has been of the greatest service to me in a Nervous complaint of many years standing, which had resisted the pow- er of all other Medicines that had been tried. I consider it an extraordinary and wonderful Medicine, perfectly safe, and of real virtue and efficacy. ANN BATTY, Hosier, corner of Cheapside, Dale Street, Liverpool. Mrs. Hancock of Wrexham, was afflicted six years with a complication of disorders, so as to baffle the skill of several persons in the profession. Her body was swelled in a violent manner, so much as to be called by some the dropsy, some a bilious complaint, &c. her legs were in the same situation as to cause her ancles to spread over the shoes: at times, she thought by an oppression in her breast, of being choaked for want of breath. In this condition her life became a burthen, being hopeless of any relief from medicine: but fortunately hearing of the famous and celebrated Cordial Balm of Gilead, was induced to make trial of it, and was perfectly restored to health, by this invaluable medicine. I Robert 45 NERVOUS CASES.: I Robert Bonnet, butcher, Warrington, do certify, that I was afflicted with a nervous complaint, which brought on a deafness, under which a laboured and could not hear unless a person shouted very loud in my ears;—knowing many who had been cured of deafness by Dr. Solomon’s Cordial Balm of Gilead, I applied to him for a few bottles, and was restored to my perfect hearing in three weeks. Witness my hand. ROBERT BENNET. I, Betty, wife of William Haste, shopkeeper, near the Three Legs of Man, Blackburn, was cured by Dr. Solomon’s Balm of Gilead of a most inveterate and dangerous jaundice, aris- ing from a nervous complaint of long standing, for which a great number of medicines had been tried without the least effect. Witness my hand, January, 14th. The mark † of BETTY HASTE. To S. SOLOMON, Esp. M. D. Penzance. Aug. 3, 1706. Dear Sir,—I beg leave to lay before you the rise and progress of a disorder that has brought me almost to the grave, in hopes that it may be in your power to afford me relief; I enjoyed a good state of health till the 8th of February last, when I was called out of bed at two o’clock in the morning, my wife being exceeding ill; when I entered the room I found, her out of her senses, she continued so nine or ten days and then died:—In her agony she attempted to bite those friends who attended her. One day as I embraced her, she scratched my face with her teeth, which greatly alarmed me, I immediately felt something proceed from the part affected to my head; when night came I went to bed, and just as I was dropping asleep I screeched out; this happened the second night; I applied immediately to a Surgeon; he told me there was no danger, and sent me a bottle of liquid which I made use of, and the next night I slept half the night; and the following, all night; but was greatly distressed in mind on my wife’s account—my rest continued tollerable for three or four weeks afterwards, at length my sleep was again disturb- ed; 46 NERVOUS CASES. ed; awakening frequently in the night, till at last when I went to bed I could not sleep at all; I again applied to my Surgeon, he gave me two bottles of liquid on the following day, which I took without effect; the third night he gave me four opium pills; they soon had such an effect that I might have slept well, but I was fearful of giving way to sleep and resisted it, and it soon went off; the next night I took eight pills to no purpose, the Surgeon gave me bolusses by day, and pills by night for upwards of a week, but I could obtain no rest, I sometimes slumbered but not soundly. I have therefore dis- continued taking medicines these four months; a fortnight ago I was advised to consult a physician, which I did, he ad- vised the cold bath, which I have tried, one emersion every day; and in the course of the day make use of a quart of beer, but I cannot find any sleep—I have made use of wine, beer, porter, riding on horseback, an every means pointed out to me, but have found no benefit; when I was first taken, it felt like creeping things going round my head, from thence to my arms, as though hire was passing through them, and sometimes as though water was running through them, with excessive coldness, soon it became general all ever my body; a fortnight afterwards it attacked me more particularly in my legs, with heats and colds successively, and a constant tinging in my head when I lay down. At present I feet a movement in my flesh, sometimes in one place and sometimes in ano- ther...I am much wasted in my body for wart of rest, and my mind is overwhelmed with melancholy. I entreat of you to take my condition into your particular consideration, and if you think you can be of benefit to me, I assure you I shall spare no expence to obtain it; and shall be ever bound to you in gratitude. I am, &c. *†* Cured by a course of the Cordial Balm of Gilead. To S. SOLOMON, M.D. My Dear Sir, Harwich, Oct. 7th, 1796. I am just returned from the West-Indies, where your excellent medicine (the Cordial Balm of Gilead) has been of sovereign service, to people who have been brought to death’s door, by their 47 NERVOUS CASES. their indiscretion in being out after night, and thereby subject- ing themselves to the cold atmosphere, and the yellow fever; when there, I had recourse to your excellent medicine upon the least appearance of a cold, which never failed to effect a cure when ill, or to prevent a cold coming on. It would be injustice to your medicine not to let the world know its use and good qualities, and at the same time, in- humanity to my fellow creatures, to suffer them to be ignorant of the benefit derived from it by many, and amongst that num- ber, dear Sir, Your obedient servant, and affectionate Friend, GEO. GATES. Dear Sir, Litchfield, Nov. 20, 1796. I inclose you a bank note for five pounds and shall be glad you would send by the waggon, on Tuesday next, nine or ten bottles of your medicine; a proportion infinitely more valu- able than the inclosed...That weakness and debility in the head, that sinking and pressure of the spirits, which rendered my life a burthen, is, in a great measure, restored to their wonted tone. Its effects are powerful and invigorating, it seems to give life and animation to the whole system. Calm- ness and serenity, with a train of cheerful ideas are the at- tendants on its virtues...I hope, in my next letter, to say, I am perfectly recovered, I shall adhere to your medicine as an old friend, and as I have pinned my faith on his virtues, shall not very soon take my leave of him. I can, with plea- sure inform you, that the irritation of my nerves is much abated...at present I wish you not to make my name known, and therefore rely on your promise of secrecy on that head, when I had the pleasure of seeing you at Liverpool. I am, dear Sir, &c. I James Brown, of Newcastle-under-line, was cured in a few weeks of a nervous complaint, which brought on violent pains in my head and neck, of four years standing, by that astonishing medicine, the Cordial Balm of Gilead, Witness my hand, JAMES BROWN. 48 NERVOUS CASES. Extract of a letter from a Lady. To S. SOLOMON, M. D. Sir, Wolverhampton, April 4, 1708. I am troubled most grievously with a very bad nervous complaint, which distresses my head and stomach. I think it was solely occasioned by grief. I had a nervous fever for three winters together, which confined me to my room for three months at a time. Seeing repeatedly cures advertised in Mr. Swinney’s Birmingham paper, which had been perform- ed by the Cordial Balm of Gilead, I was induced to try it, and accordingly applied to Mr. Smart, who got me a bottle of it. As soon as I began taking it, I experienced most wonderful re- lief. It caused much wind to be dispersed from my stomach and bowels, and made my natural rest return to me, which gave me great comfort: In short, Sir, I think it is a very fine medicine, and have desired Mr. Smart to write for six bottles more; which, doubt not, will quite restore me to health; for I feel myself comfortable and clever, in respect to what I was long a stranger to—do, pray sir, send the medicine as good as you can, and suitable to my disorder, and believe me, I shall ever pray for you, I am, Sir, &c. Thomas Sedgwick, son of John Sedgwick, cabinet-maker, Prescot, cured by the Balm of Gilead in ten days, of hardness of hearing, and a singing noise in his ears, with which he had been long afflicted, and which arose from a nervous fever. I Margaret, the wife of John Farrar, of Stanhope-street, near St. James's church, Liverpool; do declare, that for upwards of seven months I laboured under a most dangerous black jaundice, occasioned by a nervous complaint:—I tried several re- medies that were recommended by eminent doctors, (at that time I lived at Billinge, near Wigan) where finding no relief, I came to Liverpool, and applied to the dispensary, and after being a pa- tient three weeks, I was so bad, that I was no longer able to at- tend there; I sent to Dr. Solomon, who administered that fa- mous 49 NERVOUS CASES. mous, medicine the Cordial Balm of Gilead, which restored me to perfect health in 19 days. MARGARET FARRAR. Witness, BETTY FARRAR. Dear Sir, November 1, 1796. Having these six years been afflicted with a nervous disorder, and had the first physician’s advice but to no purpose. Hearing of your famous Cordial Balm of Gilead, have a wish to give it a fair trial—I have received three half guinea bottles from Mr. Wood of Shrewsbury, but before I begin would wish to have your advice—inclosed is half a guinea for the same. The symp- toms of my disorder is admirably described in your “ Guide to Health” (2d. edition) but I never vomit, and am in general costive. I find my head heavy, and an odd sensation in my fore-head, a weight and great noise in my ears; sometimes I deep very well, at others not at all, which, I impute to wind and the languid state of my bowels. When I cannot sleep, I find great relief in taking a glass of peppermint-water—All liquors, disagree with my sto- mach, except porter, and a little brandy and water; my disorder proceeds from indigestion and relaxation of the stomach; when it first came on, my stomach discharged every thing I eat, and con- tinued so for three years, but latterly I retain my food, though it lays exceeding heavy on my stomach, and in general turns sour; I am sometimes troubled with a continual belching and hiccup, for weeks together; for those three last years I have discharged a whitish matter, from the penis, which comes on once a fortnight, sometimes oftener; this proceeds from relaxation alone, and from no venereal taint or private indiscretion—I have breakfasted on milk for the two last years, and find it agrees better with me than any thing else; I wish to have your advice in regard to regimen; my feet and hands are always cold, and at times attended with a clammy sweat. The symptoms of my disorder are fully describ- ed your excellent work, entitled “Guide to Health” (second G edition) 50 NERVOUS CASES. edition) “ a fulness and fluttering about the heart, much oppressed with wind in my stomach and bowels, and a great difficulty in breathing.” The principal cause of my disorder, I believe, was fright, which brought on indigestion, and all those train of evils which I have attempted to describe—Rainy, cold and raw wea- ther, has great effect on my body and mind; I have a most dis- tressing melancholy when the weather continues long wet; when fine and warm, am much better. I have some thoughts of enter- ing into the state of matrimony, and wish for your advice in this respect; my friends think it will be better for my health, but perhaps it will not be proper until I give your medicine a trial; if I find any relief from these three bottles, I shall send for a five guinea case. Your advice by the first opportunity will be esteem- ed a great obligation by, Sir, your very obedient Servant, Cured effectually, by the Cordial Balm of Gilead in ten weeks. Extract of a letter from a respectable Gentleman, in Staffordshire. To Dr. SOLOMON, Liverpool. Dear Sir, December 26, 1796. I have for some time finished the quantity you sent me, and I beg that you will send me a further supply of your Cordial Balm of Gilead, for I have already found great benefit from it. It is a most valuable medicine, and deserving every encomium that can be paid it—I can speak within my own knowledge, that it is excellent in nervous cases, and for flatulencies in the stomach, and it certainly has removed that imbecility and weakness in my head; but from the obstinacy of my complaints, it must be a work of time to effect; a radical cure, and be assured I shall continue taking it till I can laugh and sing as usual, which I now do at intervals, with great pleasure to myself and those about me. I beg leave to enclose a five Guinea Bank Note, and am dear Sir, &c. Dr. Solomon has this Gentleman’s permission to refer any respectable enquire to him. FLATULENCE (51) FLATULENCE or WIND. FLATULENCIES are of all disorders most common, and have, perhaps, the least attention paid to them; notwithstanding that few persons are free from some disagreeable circumstances owing to wind, which frequently proves the source of the word and most grabbed cases. METHOD OF CURE...The predominant acid in the stomach is to be destroyed by an emetic; the wind is to be expel- led by the use of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, which is a most noble carminative, nervine and cardiac; the bowels to be kept free by aloetics or antimonials; if accompanied with a diarrhœa, let bark with opiates be given; ginger, castor, opiate confection, tincture of assafœtida, and such like. A milk diet, at least morning and evening is of the utmost service. Abstinence from fruit, vegetables, malt, and other fermenting liquors are indispen- sibly necessary; animal food, and spirits, with a tea-spoonful or two of the Cordial Balm of Gilead diluted with water, may be used with safety; the warmer the liquor is drank the better. Pains, sickness, and common disorders of the stomach and bowels, are instantly removed, by taking three or four tea-spoonfuls of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, in half a pint of boiling water taken as hot, and as fast, as it can be supped. Obstinate pains in the sides and loins of many years standing, have soon yielded to this salubrious Cordial, taken in this manner. It would, I think, be very proper, to propose the following questions to all persons who are suspected to labour under chronic complaints, viz. Have you any thing of the heart-burn; any soreness or heat in the stomach?...Does water ever rise in your mouth in the morning?...Do you feel any nausea or sickness at your stomach in the morning?...Are you oppressed with wind G2 in 52 FLATULENCE, OR WIND. in your bowels?...Do you find case by discharging it?...Does it ever rise up in your throat, or seem to fly between your shoulders? Have you any pain in your left side?...Do you feel a sort of weight or pressure over your eyes?...Have you a sensation of fulness after eating; a fluttering about your heart?...Any swel- ling at the pit of your stomach, or pain on the right side of it, of under the blade bone of your right shoulder?...Do you not feel a faintness within you? Are you costive? Do you ever void worms or slime?...Any difficulty of breathing? A single affirmative to either of the above questions, will war- rant the use of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, aided by mild eva- cuants, as the nature of the case may require, keeping open the bowels or restraining the flux if excessively loose, will, to the no small surprise of the patient, soon restore the unhappy sufferer to a perfect state of health, by removing the cause of the disease; as the author has joyfully experienced in many hundreds of instances, in an extensive practice, with the most happy and uniform success. PHTHISIS, OR CONSUMPTION. A PULMONARY Phthisis, or Consumption is owing to an ulcer in the lungs, whereby the whole body is gradually emaciated and consumed. THE CAUSE...That which occasions the stagnation of the blood in the lungs, till it is converted into purulent matter; this may be owing to nervous, bilious, asthmatic or dropsical com- plaints, excess of libidinous indulgencies; baneful effect of a se- cret vice amongst youth; from leading a too studious, sedentary, life; heat of climate, hard drinking, immoderate use of mercurials, tea, coffee, or other watery liquids; it may be owing to a cold, caught by damp beds or damp houses; chlorosis or green sickness, excess of grief or pleasure; to a teneritude of the arterial vessels, an acrid blood, debility of the fibres of the viscera, long neck, strait 53 PHTHISIS, OR CONSUMPTION. strait breast, depressed scapulæ, an ulcer in the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidnies, mesentery, or uterus; a metastasis of matter, neglect of customary exercises, &c. &c. THE SYMPTOMS...A slight fever, generally exacerbated towards evening; too great but particular heat, flying stiches, hectic flushing, pain in the stomach or breast, pain in the side, the patient lying with most ease on the affected side; MORTON says, “ that a long continued dry cough, and a disposition to vo- mit, excited by it after eating, is the greatest reason to suspect an approaching consumption.” The patient generally complains of a more than usual degree of heat, a pain and oppression of the breast, especially after motion; the spittle is of a faltish taste, and sometimes mixed with blood... The patient is apt to be sad; the appetite bad, and the thirst great. There is mostly a quick, soft, small pulse; though sometimes the pulse is pretty full and rather hard...These are the common symp- toms of a beginning consumption. Afterwards the patient begins to spit a greenish, white or bloody matter. The body is extenu- ated by the hectic fever, and colliquative sweats, which naturally succeed each other regularly night and morning. A looseness and an excessive discharge of urine, are often troublesome symp- toms at this time, and greatly weaken the patient. There is a burning heat in the palms of the hands, and the face generally flushes after eating; the fingers become remarkably small, the nails bent inwards, and the hair falls off. At last, the swelling of the feet and legs, the total loss of strength, the sinking of the eyes, the difficulty of swallowing, and the coldness of the extremities, shew the approach of death; which, however, the patient seldom thinks near. Such is the usual progress of this fatal disease, which, if not early checked, commonly sets all medicine at defiance. EXERCISE...The same exercise is to be observed in con- sumptive as in nervous diseases, for which the reader is referred to page 40, where it is fully treated of...The author’s design in this publication 54 PHTHISIS, OR CONSUMPTION. publication is to avoid prolixity as much as possible, nor will, in- deed, the compass allotted to this work, admit of it. Method of Cure in Consumptive Diseases. Bleeding is inadmissible.—The non-naturals, (that is air, meat and drink, motion and rest, the passions of the mind, excretions and retentions and sleeping and waking), require the strictest at- tention. New milk should be taken for breakfast and supper.—if it pur- ges it should be boiled; cow’s milk is preserable to that of asses; although much has been said to the contrary, yet experience proves the latter to have less efficacy than the former:—Woman’s milk have by some been recommended. * Goat’s whey is too diluent, and Dr. Maryatt has observed many fatal effects from it. The same celebrated author lays, that meat broths may be taken as strong as the stomach will bear, particularly pork; jellies, prepared from any animal substance, should be taken as often as possible, and the patient should be on horseback every morning; if too weak to sit alone, should be supported by one that rides be- hind, for, says he “ riding in a morning is absolutely necessary,” and Boerhaave is of opinion that butter-milk is better than any other kind of drink for consumptive persons, and says he has known very extraordinary cures performed by butter-milk, when the case was looked upon as desperate; in this opinion, Baynard also coincides;—I am, in fact, convinced, from experience, that it has a very good effect, particularly if a tea-spoonful or two of * Dr. Buchan relates a case, of a man, reduced to such a degree of weakness in a consumption, as not to be able to turn himself in bed. His child happening to die, he sucked his wife’s breasts, not with a view to reap any advantage from the milk, but to make her easy; finding himself, however, greatly benefitted by it, he con- tinued to suck her till he became perfectly well, is at present a strong and healthy man! the 55 CONSUMPTION. the Cordial Balm of Gilead is mixed with each draught, this will prevent any griping pains in the bowels, which butter-milk is otherwise apt to occasion. A dry, warm, clear air, is necessary; likewise the Bristol or Spa waters, or for common drink, an infusion of linseed, decoc- tion of bran; or for a change, sago, saloup, or chocolate: tea, prepared from tusseligo or coltsfoot flowers, sweetened with honey, I can with insinate pleasure recommend; but above all things, the Cordial Balm of Gilead ought to be attended to, and taken as before directed in any of the above liquids, either as a common drink, or at least, three or four times a day; but let it however, be observed, that it is not to be taken alone, but be mixed in some mild liquid. Shell fish of all sorts; wild fowls are very proper: port wine with the Cordial, may be freely used; conserve of red roses, to the quantity of three or four ounces a day, has been taken with amazing advantage. Lemon juice, sweetened with honey and rose or lime water, to which a little of the Cordial Balm of Gilead added, has a par- ticular good effect in this disease. Bark is frequently administered with very great advantage, when an imposthume is formed on the lungs, which may be distin- guished by the spiting of gross matter, oppression of the breast, and hectic symptoms; it is bed to be given in substance; an ounce of bark may be divided into sixteen doses, and one take very three hours in a little rose or lime water, sweetened with syrup of Balsam. Lime water may be made by putting half a pound of quick lime into a pan, and pouring thereon a gallon of killing water; and after it has flood for twelve hours, pour off the clear liquor, and cork it up in bottles for use. The 56 CONSUMPTION. The following medicine I have had most wonderful success with in consumptive cases, even where there was very little hopes of recovery:— Take vinegar of squills, one ounce; lime water, half a pint; honey, and honey of roses, of each a quarter of a pound; the juice of two good lemons, and one bottle of the Cordial Balm of Gilead: Put the whole over a gentle fire in a saucepan, and let it boil a few minutes; take off the scum and strain it through a cloth. Of this mixture, let a table-spoonful or two, more or less, be taken five or six times a day; if it causes any sickness, which is very seldom the case, let the dose be diminished or left off for a whole day, and then begin with it again in a lesser dose than before, as one, two or three tea-spoonfuls at a time, gradually increasing the quantity, according as the constitution of the patient will admit. The author has ordered the above medicine some hundreds of times, and is fully persuaded, that if it is properly managed, there is no stage in this disorder, in which it will not prove effica- cious, not has it ever once deceived him. This medicine ought to be given in such doses that may pro- duce a trifling nausea or sickness at the stomach, which will soon go off; but it is never intended to vomit; there is then no de- sirable effect which may not be expected from it. The former editions of this work contained a great num- ber of extraordinary cures effected by the Cordial Balm of Gilead, many of which I have omitted in the presont one. I conceive it improper to rest the reputation of this medicine upon a hundred or two instances, where its virtues has been proved by above twice as many thousands: However, to gratify those who have not seen the former impressions, a few of the cases are herein submitted to their perusal; but such as are inclined to have fur- ther information, two large volumes, containing original letters from 57 CONSUMPTIVE CASES. from the highest class of society, indubitably attested, are ready for their perusal at the author’s house, No. 12, Mary-bone, Liverpool. CASES. To S. SOLOMON, ESQ. M. D. Sir, Bristol, Nov. 4. ON perusing, the other day, a publication of yours, entitled a “ Guide to Health,” which I purchased of Messrs. Bulgin and Sheppard of this city, I found some complaints dated, similar to one which I have laboured under these three years; about the beginning of that period, I caught a violent cold, which brought on an obstinate cough, shortness of breath, and profuse night sweats; and in this situation I have continued ever since, although I have taken numberless medicines, both apothecaries’, and some of the first advertised medicines; but with very little effect:—the night sweats have, indeed, pretty well left me, but the cough and shortness of breath has constantly continued and now is very bad, so that I can get no rest at night; this day three-weeks I purchased a bottle of your Balm of Gilead, and began to take it as directed, and though the cough continued very incessant and violent during the time I was taking it, attended with a constant spitting of thick yellow matter, sometimes very slimy and frothy, streaked with blood, yet I finished it; I began a second, and then a third bottle, since which I find the cough grow much easier, and the spitting not half so much, which I attribute to the powerful effects of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, which, in a most surprising manner, discharged great quantities of phlegm: since which my stomach is much easier, and find myself consider- ably better and mending very fast. About four months ago, at different times, I vomited upwards of a gallon of black congealed blood and matter, as the Doctor, who then attended me, was pleased to call it; he said it was very fortunate for me that it H came 58 CONSUMPTIVE CASES. came off, as it was an abcess that burst inwardly—my appetite has been, for some time past, very weak and my morning urine has, for two years, been very high coloured, with a thick sedi- ment at the bottom of the urinal, of a pale salmon colour, which, I beg leave to mention for your government. The business I follow is that of a clerk to a mercantile house, which obliges me to be constantly writing at the desk from morning till night—I began the Cordial Balm of Gilead, which I intend to stick to, as I have no manner of doubt, from the wonderful good effects I have already experienced from it, that it will restore me again to a good state of health; I am at present a mere skeleton, and very weak in my legs and knees, which, with coughing and shortness of breath, pains me much in walking, I am also subject to a pain in my breast, and flying stitches about my body—In earnest; expectation of hearing from you soon, I am, Sir, &c. J. C. In an Extract of another Letter from the above Gentleman, he says, “ My cough (thank God) is grown much easier, my breath is longer and without that pain and difficulty which formerly attended it; I now get a tolerable good night’s rest, which I have been so long a stranger to, owing to the fatigue of coughing, my strength and appetite also increase greatly; in short, sir, I find myself a most considerable deal better, and am mending apace, and hope, in my next, to have the satisfaction of inform- ing you that I am perfectly recovered.” N. B. The original letters may be seen, and the above gentle- man’s address had by an application to the Doctor’s, who, strictly adhering to his invariable rule of secrecy, does not publish any person’s name, without being particularly requested. Dr. Solomon, Sir, Warrington. I have been troubled with an asthma for 14 or 15 years past, during which time have also had an exceeding weakness in my eyes, 59 CONSUMPTIVE CASES. eyes, for that at times I can scarce bear them open, and for the same length of time have been troubled with the head-ach, some- times almost to distraction; I am also exceedingly scorbutic, break- ing out into pimples all over my body, attended with intolerable itching; if I ever walk in the streets when there is either fog or smoak, I am almost suffocated for want of breath, and attacked in a most violent manner by my cough:—during the winter I am subject to swelling in several parts of my body, particularly when I catch cold, which is very frequent, for if I stand but a minute or two in the air; I feel the effects of it in frosty weather I am subject to a very violent cough, which keeps me very thin and weak;—the least hurry in the world sets me a sweating and almost deprives me of breath; I am very short sighted, and have great pain in my eyes; whilst I now write I can scarce bear the vio- lent aching of my head, which makes me entirely giddy; under this complication of disorder, I have been advised by my friends who entertain a high opinion in your favour, and have read to me several astonishing cures in your publication, entitled “ a Guide to Health,” to apply to you, in hopes it may be in your power to afford me effectual relief, which will always be remembered with the greatest gratitude, by, Sir, &c. G. G. Cured by a course of the Cordial Balm of Gilead. Sir, MY wife declares, and to which I freely certify, that she has taken your Cordial Balm of Gilead, with the utmost safety and efficacy. EVAN WILLIAMS. Orange Tree, top of Tythebarn-Street, Liverpool. TO SAMUEL SOLOMON, ESQ. M. D. Dear Sir, Macclesfield, Nov. 25. I am an old man, 77 years of age, and I believe, should have been in my grave long since was it not for your famous me- dicine, the Cordial Balm of Gilead,—Many cures it has perform- H2 ed, 60 CONSUMPTIVE CASES. ed, but none I think so great as mine; I can prove, on oath, if required, that it has done me the most good of any thing on earth. Sir, I know you not, and as I bought your medicine, can have no interest in voluntarily sending you this letter for your satisfac- tion, as well as for the good of every body. I was taken with a cold, being removed into a cold room in very cold weather, and was taken so ill that I was almost deprived of breath, thinking I should expire every minute. However, Mr. Bailey kindly get me a half guinea bottle of the Cordial Balm of Gilead; in less than live days it broke a lump just above my stomach, which ap- peared to me to be as large as a gooses egg, which immediately cured me; however, I have kept taking it ever since, and shall do so as long as I live, for it revives my heart, and gives me such comfort as I cannot express. As I find I shall save a guinea by taking twelve bottles together, and for which you charge five guineas, do, pray send them to me, for there is great difficulty in getting them here, having sent to Manchester, they tell me they can hardly get supplied fast enough. Please to pack them carefully up, and direct them for me, Jeffrey Frost, Back-street, Macclesfield, Cheshire. I shall, dear, kind Sir, ever pray for you, and remain, Your very humble servant, JEFFERY FROST P. S. I wish you to publish my case for the good of all people who are ill N. B. Mr. T. Goodwin, Macclesfield, paid Dr. Solomon Five Guineas, on account of Mr. Jeffrey Frost, DR. SOLOMON, Marybone, Liverpool. Sir,—I beg to return you my grateful thanks for the very great cure Ihave experienced by your excellent medicine, the Cordial Balm of Gilead. I had a violent Cough, Pain in my Breast and Stomach, Profuse Night Sweats, and was pronounced ty the Faculty to be in a galloping Consumption. In this dreadful situation 61 CONSUMPTIVE CASES. situation I was sinking, when you was recommended to me. As soon as I began taking your Cordial Balm of Gilead, I found immediate Relief, my night Sweats left me, my Cough was much easier, my strength restored, and I am now perfectly recovered. I am, Sir, &c. Liverpool, August 16th, WM. FISCHER. Master of the Bellona of London Sir, We declare that we have sold a great number of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, and never heard the least complaint against that medicine, which we therefore consider of real virtue and efficacy. MERRITT & WRIGHT. Printers of the Phenix Newspaper, Liverpool. As vender of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, I declare that I have always heard the greatest encomiums bestowed upon it, as a medicine in great repute, and which has given universal satisfaction. Dale-street, Liverpool, THOS. SCHOFIELD. Extract of a Letter from “ The Sun Newspaper,” To S. SOLOMON, M. D. No. 12, Marybone, Liverpool. My dear Sir, Oakingham, Berkshire. Did every one know the merits of your Cordial Balm of Gilead, no person would be one moment without it. To you, most wonderful Sir, do I owe the preservation of a most tender and loving wife, who was reduced to the last stage of a consump- tion. I had consulted all the physicians around, but they said it was a lost case. At length, seeing your advertisement in the Sun, I persuaded her to try some of your celebrated Cordial Balm of Gilead. She was unwilling at first to take it, saying, that nothing but death could relieve her. I at length persuaded her, and she was exceedingly benefited by the first bottle; and by 62 CASES. by taking three half guinea bottles, she is, under the blessing of God, perfectly restored to her husband, and a numerous young family. I hope you will advertise this cure, for the good of mankind, in all the London papers, especially the Sun, where I first saw the advertisement; and believe me. Sir, to be, with every sentiment of gratitude. Your obliged humble servant, JAMES CHAD, senior. The original Letter is in the possession of the editors of the Sun, London. To Dr. SOLOMON. Sir, The demand for your Cordial Balm of Gilead, has certainly been more than for any other medicine that has come within our knowledge or experience; and from the continuance and increase of that demand, as well as front the expressions of approbation which we have heard from the purchasers, we believe it to be in- trinsically salutary, balsamic, and good: well calculated to adm- nister to the comforts and relief of the afflicted. We are Sir, your’s, &c. COWDROY & BODEN, Printers of the Manchester Gazette. Copy of a letter from Mr. Hilton, Newark-on-Trent. Dear Sir, I must inform you, that about five years ago, I had a very severe illness; it proceeded from a cold, and settled on my lungs, which continued so long and obstinate, as to give me much alarm for the consequences. I had a very severe cough, with such an oppression of my breathing as seemed to threaten suffocation, and my blood was in a terrible state. In this situation, a good friend and neighbour called on me a little time ago, and recommended your valuable, or rather invaluable medicine; the Cordial Balm of 63 PALPITATION OF THE HEART. of Gilead. I was induced to make trial of it.—Having some by him, he sent it me with his usual goodness; from the first bottle I found immediate relief, and the continuance of a few more hap- pily recovered me. I heartily with you success, and am, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, WILLIAM HILTON. Palpitation of the Heart. Weather this proceeds from terror, fear or dread; whether from violent motion of the body, as running too hard up an emi- nence; whether owing to wind or a disorder of the animal spirits, inducing spasmodic affection, this admirable Cordial Balm of Gilead is an instantaneous and effectual remedy. Trembling. This is a disorder which frequently attacks persons in advanced years, and sometimes young people. It is an involuntary shaking chiefly of the head and heart, and sometimes of the feet. It pro- ceeds from various causes, as dread, fear, and anxiety, immode- rate use of tea, coffee, &c. Loss of too much semen, either by pollution, or too great indulgence in conjugal embraces. Those who work in minerals and metals, are subject to this disease; as golders, white lead makers, miners, &c. The cure can only be effected by abstaining from such things as originally occasioned it, drinking no tea or coffee, but instead thereof, a decoction of china root, and Peruvian bark, sweetened with honey or sugar, keeping constantly and regularly taking the Cordial Balm of Gi- lead, three or four times a day, in the manner as it is directed in the General Directions, to which the reader may refer. Old persons should not omit taking a draught of generous wine at meals, which will strengthen their nerves, raise their spirits, and render them vigorous and healthy. Nausea (64) Nausea or want of Appetite. This is generally in my opinion, rather a symptom of other diseases, than a disease of itself; particularly of the Asthma; Dropsy; Hypochondriac; Melancholy and Nervous complaints; Gout, &c. For when the humours are corrupted, and the spirits depressed, as in malignant diseases, the faculty of digestion is de- prived: for nature in general seems so intent upon expelling ano- ther disease, as to neglect this. Begin the cure with a vomit of about 20 grains of Ipecacuanha; a course of the Cordial Balm of Gilead; exercise; early rising; temperance; and the Cold Bath. These being observed, the cure will soon be obtained. THE VENEREAL DISEASE. “ With her fair speech she caused him to yield; with the flatter- “ ing of her lips the forced him: He goeth as an ox to the slaugh- “ ter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, till a dart strike “ through his liver, as a bird hasteth to the snare and knoweth not “ it is for his life,” Prov. vii. 21, 22, 23. A GONORRHŒA, or clap, is simply a running, or discharge of matter, occasioned by connection with a female; but without any sore or swelling, and may generally be cured in two or three weeks from the first infection, the running being an effort of nature to free herself from the infection This disease admits of a speedy and certain cure in ordinary constitutions, but is frequently rendered tedious and destructive by the following circumstances:—The patient, from a want of self-command, from a desire to conceal his malady, or, from his peculiar situation and circumstances, cannot. But without some attention to these, according to the symptoms and virulence of the infection, it is in vain to expect a cure. The 65 VENEREAL DISEASE. The remedy here recommended is not mercury; but a prepa- ration intimately combined with the most powerful and essential parts of other anti-venereals, which render it at the same time perfectly safe to the constitution, and efficacious in the different stages, and various symptoms incident to this disorder. Dr. Solomon, therefore, earnestly recommends his CORDIAL BALM OF GILEAD, At half-a-guinea a bottle, Which, if taken after the following manner, will most assured- ly effect a cure, even in the worst of cases. In a running, unattended with any sore, swelling or inflamma- tion, mercury is not necessary to a cure; and if attention is paid to cleanliness, and the following directions, it may generally be carried oft in a fortnight. A clap begins with a running, at first white or yellowish colour, and is generally attended with a pain or sealding in making water; in this sort of the infection, the Cordial Balm of Gilead alone is found sufficient: however, if the pain in making water should be very troublesome, it will be adviseable to drink freely of some small drink, as tea, milk and water, whey, small beer, or water alone. The most softening kind of drink is to be preferred, as linseed tea, or decoction of marsh-mallow roots; but strong liquors of every sort should be avoided. The Cordial Balm of Gilead will, in most constitutions, keep the body as open as necessary or proper, (brisk purging being hurtful) if, however, the body should be actually bound, the size of a nutmeg of lenitive electuary may occasionally be swallowed, or mixed in any small drink, thrice a day; or instead thereof, an ounce of salts may be substituted. THE CHORDEE—A chordee sometimes attends a clap, occa- sioning great pain in the course of the night, when the penis is erected; if this symptom should be very troublesome; rub a little I strong 66 VENEREAL DISEASE. strong mercurial ointment well under the yard the whole lengh of the urethra: a warm poultice of bread and milk, with a little sweet oil or lard, is a useful application to the yard every night, but may be omitted if inconvenient to prepare. Should these fail, a little opium may be added to the Injection, No. 1. hereafter recommended. The pain and inflammation frequently increase for a few days after the appearance of a clap, but the Cordial Balm of Gilead will most assuredly extirpate the most inveterate complaint in a reasonable time. After the pain and inflammation are abated, the running will gradually diminish, and when the parts have had time to recover their natural strength, entirely disappear; if it should not, twenty or thirty drops of Balsam of Copivi may be taken thrice a day on a lump of sugar: the patient may also go into the cold bath every other day, or inject some lead water into the urethra five or six times a day.—The best INJECTIONS that can be used, are 1. Acetated Ceruse five grains, dissolved in Rose water four ounces. OR, 2. White vitriol, five grains; rose water, four ounces. OR, 3. Both these injections may he mixed together. The penis may now be kept clean with cold water instead of warm. This method I have generally known to succeed in six, eight, or ten days. SECOND STAGE OF THE VENEREAL DISEASE; Here there is an absolute necessity for the use of mercury, therefore a formula is hereafter given, which, by being combined with this salubrious Cordial, will, most assuredly effect a cure in the most deplorable cases, even of a confirmed lues; yet the medicine, if given without the Cordial Balm of Gilead, has been 67 VENEREAL DISEASE. been known to fail almost in every instance; so great is the power of a due combination in medicine. In this the peculiar province of a physician consists; it is his business to conjoin those ingredi- ents, which alone or taken separately, would prove inert or nu- gatory: yet when combined by medical acumen, are pointedly directed, and attain energy sufficient to remove the respective disorder. The effects of due combination are beyond measure astonishing. “ We may assign sufficient reasons,” says Dr. Marryatt, “ why two powders, separately inodorous, when combined, possess the acutest pungency; or why two liquids perfectly cold, as soon as united, take fire and burst into flame, even in the exhausted re- ceiver of an air pump. In the human body there are so many chemical processes carried on, and such a variety of operations of nature, that the utmost limits of our knowledge of the modus operandi, seem to terminate in probability—Such a combination has produced such an alteration; it is highly probable that such a cause may produce the same effect: as for instance, I have seen a great number of cases wherein the assafœtida has been given in large quantities, and for a considerable time to no purpose; when joined with a chalybeate, it had soon the desired effect. “ A person labouring under an angina pectoris, wheezing, snorting and struggling for existence, after every respiration, in inexpressible agonies; was entirely relieved from his distress in a few minutes, by half a grain of opium combined with the same quantity of cantharides, though opiates had been given before, with aggravation of the complaint. “ Opiates exhibited alone will often disappoint the practitioner; combined with quicksilver, or an antimonial, or both, as the exigency of the case may require, will almost immediately an- swer the end designed. The same medicine joined with kali, cantharides, or ipecacuanha, or even chalk, according to the in- tention and skill of the prescriber, will take an incredible effect. “ The 68 VENEREAL DISEASE. “ The bark, that magnum dei donum, as Dr. Mead calls it, is too often trusted to alone, and with scanty success; combined with ammonia, or kali, or nitre, or iron, or opium, according to the case, will prove a sovereign remedy. Quicksilver itself, requires sometimes rhubarb, and sometimes opium to astill its ope- rations and efficacy; so also it is wonderfully assisted by the Cor- dial Balm of Gilead. Ghaiacum may be given in large quanti- ties without advantage—dissolved in compound spirit of ammonia, will soon free the patient from his pains. The tartarised antimony I have lately observed, has, in many cases, a much better and quicker effect when combined with wine than in any other form.” Hence it appears evident, that the following combination of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, and the Mariatic Quicksilver, prove the most powerful and efficacious remedy ever yet introduced into practice, in all cases where there is reason to suspect that the ve- nereal infection has entered the system; which now for distinction sake; is called THE SIPHYLITIC CORDIAL. Take of Muriatic quicksilver, ten grains; dissolve in Muriatic acid ten drops; to which add one bottle, of Cordial Balm of Gilead. The dose is from one to two tea-spoonfuls two or three times a day, in any common liquid. The expence of the above ingredients is very trifling, and any druggist or apothecary will do it in a few minutes; or the Muria- tic quicksilver and Muriatic acid may be sent for, and added to the Cordial Balm of Gilead, at the patient’s own house, which will prevent a discovery what the medicine is intended for. This is certainly the most powerful, pleasant, safe and efficaci- ous medicine that can possibly be devised for every degree of vene- real infection, and ought certainly to be persevered in, until there is every reason to believe that the taint is subdued. The 69 VENEREAL DISEASE. The only secret in the management of this medicine is to give it in such a manner that it may act beyond the prima viæ, and not run off by stool; there is then no desirable effect which may not be expected from it. One motion in the 24 hours is natural; one may be produced by the Cordial; but if the patient should have more than two in a day; let the dose be diminished to 20, 15, or even 10 drops. A running continued beyond four weeks, swellings of the fore- skin, swelled testicles and warts, for the most part indicate that the infection has entered the constitution. Buboes, sores on any part of the body, scabs or spots on the skin, pains and swellings of the bones, head-aches, deafness and sore eyes, when supposed to proceed from a venereal cause, are universally allowed to be certain signs that the constitution is in- fected. A running, which has continued (under whatever treatment) more than four weeks, being still of a yellow or green colour, or of the colour of matter, and attended with a greater or less heat of urine, is to be treated as above; and the Cordial Balm of Gilead taken quite regular, with the addition of the Siphylitic Cordial, a? before directed. A swelled testicle is generally occasioned by great exercise, as jumping, running, or walking too briskly, or by cold bathing while a clap continues, or by exposing the private parts to the cold more than is necessary, or by drinking inflaming liquors; sometimes by strong purges. It being the most painful and dan- gerous symptom attending the disease, the greatest care should be taken to remove it. The testicles must be supported or bound up with a linen truss or bandage; if the patient is of a full habit, bleeding will be proper; the diet in this case should be as low as possible; no exercise whatever mast be used, even standing up is hurtful; it will be requisite to lie down as much as possible. The following fomentation will be serviceable:— Take 70 VENEREAL DISEASE. Take of acetated ceruse, a scruple; of water, a quart; strake them together, and foment (as warm as the patient can bear with ease) the swelled parts with flannel frequently, for some time to- gether; after each time of fomenting, apply a warm poultice of white bread, and milk over the whole private parts, and take the Siphylitic Cordial regularly. The following vomit should be taken, as soon as possible : Take of ipecacuanha 15 grains, calomel 5 grains; mix them. If it should not operate, it must be repeated. If the patient in a former complaint has been troubled with this symptom, he should not neglect to keep the testicles supported while a clap continues, as the swelling is apt to return; if he can- not conveniently procure a linen truss, a flip of linen or one handkerchief may be tied round the waist, and another brought underneath, to support the testicles. BUBO, or SWELLING in the GROIN. IF a bubo has not risen much, it may generally be dispersed by rubbing well the size of a horse bean, or half the bigness of a nutmeg of strong mercurial ointment into the thigh, underneath the bubo, but not upon it, three or four times a day, taking the Siphylitic Cordial regularly a fortnight longer after it is dispersed. If, however, it is sufficiently ripe, omit rubbing in any oint- ment, for it will burst of itself; then gently press out the matter, and put a warm poultice over it, or foment with warm water, and apply a little mercurial ointment spread on linen to the open- ing twice a day. Always before it is dressed, press the matter out and wipe it very clean; the same poultice must never be used more than once in any case. The poultice need only be used a a few days after it bursts; or if that is not convenient, four or five folds of linen may be put over in its stead, first applying the oint- ment: If proud flesh should spring up, a very little red precipate put 71 VENEREAL DISEASE. put into the ointment, will consume it. After it has been open about a fortnight, a little of the ointment ordered to disperse the swelling may be used to heal it; the Siphylitic Cordial must be taken during this time. When the nut of the yard is swelled and inflamed, the fomen- tation ordered for a swelled testicle will soon reduce it, if fre- quenly used for a quarter of an hour together, after which a warm poultice of bread and milk may be applied. Sometimes the fore- skin is so much swelled, that it cannot get back to uncover the nut; this is called a Phymosis, and is to be treated as just men- tioned; the patient must frequently endeavour to get the fore- skin back very gently, while using the fomentation, but never use the least force. When it goes back, the parts affected should be smeared with the ointment ordered to disperse the swelled groin, afterwards letting the foreskin go over the nut again; this, and the fomentation, should be repeated several times a day, till the swelling and inflammations are perfectly subdued. Sometimes the foreskin swells and inflames behind the nut, and cannot be got over: this is called a. Paraphymosis, and requires the same treat- ment as a Phymosis, always endeavouring to get the foreskin over the nut with great gentleness, as the least force will be very inju- rious. The Siphylitic Cordial should be taken a week after all the symptoms case. CHANCRES or ULCERS. IT will be proper to dress Chancres three times a day, with the following ointment, spread on lint: Take of mercurial ointment half an ounce, of red precipate 15 grains, water of acetated Litharge half a drachm, mix than toge- ther. Always before the sores are dressed, the matter must be wiped clean off, then suck up the moisture with a bit of lint, afterwards wash with warm water, or dip the whole penis in a bason of warm water 72 VENEREAL DISEASE. water for a few minutes, and take the Siphylitic Cordial regularly. after the existence of Chancres; and, for a week or more after they healed, to secure a found and permanent cure. A CONFIRMED POX. THE symptoms are violent pains in the bones, particularly Those of the head, and shins, which are always most painful when in bed. Ulcers wil frequently attack the genital parts, also very- low down in the throat, and from thence creep by the palate to the cartilage of the nose; sometimes scabs and scurfs appear in various parts of the body, which are as yellow as a honeycomb, and which distinguishes them from all others. The cure depends, upon the Siphylitic Cordial being taken regularly, a teaspoonful of which may be taken every night, in tea or milk, omitting it in the morning. Ulcers on the genital parts must be dressed with the ointment as before directed for Chancres. During the cure of the venereal disease, if the patient catches cold, a soreness of the mouth and gums will sometimes happen, which however is very seldom the case if the Siphylitic Cordial be taken, which does not act as other mercurials in general do, it may be purged off by taking a teaspoonful of flower of brim- stone night and morning, instead of the Siphylitic Cordial, till the mouth is recovered; a dose of salts, or 20 grains of jalap may be taken every morning while the soreness of the mouth continues. If it rises while rubbing in the ointment for a swelled groin, it must be discontinued; but chancres or inflammations must continue to be dressed as before directed. When the mouth and gums are well, the Siphylitic Cordial must be taken again, and the purging medi- cine left off. For ulcers in the throat, the following Astringent Gar- ble is very beneficial:— Take 73 VENEREAL DISEASE. Take oak bark one ounce; water a pint and half; boil it till the strained liquor will be one pint; to which add, allum, one drachm; honey of roses, one ounce; tincture of gumlac, half an ounce; and best vinegar, four table spoonfuls. OR, The throat may be fumigated with a drachm of a factitious cin- nabar thrown upon a hot heater, ( not red hot ) and the fume received into the throat through a common funnel turned upwards, that the bottom may cover the heater, and the smoke ascend through the tube. Sometimes venereal sores, particularly those made by buboes, will, instead of healing, grow worse under the use of common mercurial preparations; but tins will very seldom, if ever, be the case, when the Siphylitic Cordial is taken, and attention paid to the above directions. A most wonderful change is frequently wrought upon sores by removing the patient from a great town into the country, which is, with great probability imputed to the air; but to whatever cir- cumstance it may be owing, it is certain, that a great many sores, the consequences of the worst kind of wounds and fractures, which could not be cured in some of our most celebrated hospitals, have been healed surprisingly soon, when the patients have been taken into the country. Therefore Dr. Solomon has fitted up apart- ments in his own house, which is situated in a pleasant, healthy part of the town, for the reception of his patients. Relative to regimen in venereal cases, I shall make one general observation: Let temperance be your guide in health. Let temperance he your guide in sickness. Eat and drink whatever suits your appetite and inclination; but take care not to pall its relish. Follow the dictates of nature and conscience in all your pursuits, which will ever point put to you the true road that leads to health and felicity. K Though 74 VENEREAL DISEASE, Though there is no disease incident to mankind which appears in so many different shapes, and requires so much skill and ability in the management thereof as the venereal: yet it is no small evil, that the poor victims to this cruel complaint, which saps the foundation of their existence, fall also a prey to a set of miscreants who pretend to cure them of a disease, of which they scarcely know the name, much less what remedies are applicable to each particular symptom. Tire inviting language they hold out al- lures the unguarded stranger. They pretend to do their jobs “ no cure no pay,” while at the same time the ignorant and af- flicted person is deluded out of his money, and his health destroyed: that which would have been sufficient to have obtained a cure, squandered upon a worthless miscreant, and the miserable patient, after in vain soaking for a remedy, loses in the fruitless search that time, every moment of which, the disorder is gaining ground, and he is left to perish a miserable victim to ignorance, rapacity, and cruelty, and to lament during the rest of his painful existence, his own folly and credulity! Such is the state of many a young man, who would otherwise have been an useful and valuable member of society; instead of which, they dragon an unhappy life: every day brings with it a year of pain and trouble, and they servently pray for the hour of their dissolution! A celebrated writer has observed one particular consequence, either originating in this disease, or from the general mode off treatment it meets with, is, that when a patient has been any length of time afflicted, he is seldom satisfied whether he has re- ceived a radical cure, and is apt to imagine that every pain, or every pimple arising upon the skin, is a proof of the disorder not being eradicated: the following, therefore, will doubtless be highly acceptable to such persons. Proper 75 VENEREAL DISEASE. Proper Instructions to Persons doubtful of the true difference between Venereal Symptoms, and those often mistaken for them. This is the most important article that can he recommended to the attention of any person who has ever been infected with this disease, for it commonly leaves inch a depression upon the spirits, particularly where large quantities of mercury have been adminis- tered, that the patient is either driven to despair, or forced into the hands of ignorant pretenders, who put him under a treatment for a complaint, of which probably he had not the least symptom. All eruptive disorders of the skin, it they happen without ma- nifest cause, and obstinately elude the force of medicine, are signs of a venereal taint; but must be distinguished from disorders of be skin, which are critical, and not venereal; or from yellow or livid scorbutic spots, which abound most where other marks of a confirmed scurvy appear. Ulcers of the throat, nose, palate and gums, with rottenness of the bones contiguous, are often, observed in an inveterate pox; but to distinguish these it must be remarked, that venereal ulcers first attack the tonsil glands and throat, then the gums, but more rarely and slow. Whilst, on the contrary, scorbutic ulcers first attack the gums, and afterwards the throat. Venereal ulcers frequently seize the nose, with a rottenness of the subjacent bone; but scorbutic ulcers seldom if ever. Venereal ulcers corrode and form cavities; scorbutic ones shoot out spungy excrescences, or proud flesh. Venereal pains are generally increased by the heat of the bed; whilst those of the scurvy, gout, and rheumatism, are eased thereby. Venereal pains are chiefly confined to the solid or middle part of the bones of the legs and arms; scorbutic ones to the joints and membranous parts of the body. K2 Venereal 76 VENEREAL DISEASE. Venereal pains will not yield to common medicines, but other are removed by flannel, or warm weather. If a deep seated violent pain has occupied the same part for a considerable time, obstinately resisting all remedies; or if the pa- tient has been seized with a chilliness for several evenings together, succeeded by a feverish heat, and sweats towards the morning, they are signs of a latent pox. If after chancres suddenly dried up, a bubo repelled, or gonor- rhœa restrained, by art or accident, the same complaints break out again, without fresh cause, then it is evident the patient is poxed. Buboes, warts, chancres, or excrescences, after an apparent cure, without intimacy with a suspected person, are signs of the strongest infection. There are certain symptoms peculiar to women in the venereal disease, as a suppression or overflowing of the menses; scirrhus or cancer of the breast; hysteric affections; inflammation, scirrhus, ulcer, or cancer of the womb; they are frequently barren, or subject to abortion; or if they bring children into the world, they are strumous, ricketty, hectical, and emaciated, or perhaps half rotten. But it is of the utmost consequence for them to distinguish a fresh venereal from the Fluor Albus or whites; for as the former is malignant and inflammatory, and the other commonly arises from weakness and relaxation; the remedies are directly contrary. In the Fluor Albus the discharge proceeds from the vagina and the cavity of the womb, the menses being seldom regular. But in the gonorrhœa it proceeds from parts contigious to the urinary passage, and continues whilst the menses flow. In the Fluor Albas the discharge is attended with pains in the loins and loss of strength, with seldom any inflammation or heat of urine, 77 VENEREAL CASES. urine, except after a long continuance of the discharge, which becoming sharp, excoriates the surrounding parts. But in the gonorrhœa, the discharge is preceded by inflammation; itching and heat of urine; there is a frequent irritation to make water, and the orifice of the urinary passage becomes prominent and painful. In the Fluor, the discharge conies on more gently, and may he produced from a variety of cause, as sprains, frequent abortion, long illness, or irregularity of the menses; but in the gonorrhœa, it often appears suddenly without any evident cause. Lastly, the colour of the discharge in bad habits of body, is sometimes the same, viz. yellow or greenish; but is usually more offensive and greater in quantity: Whilst that of the gonorrhœa is attended with those symptoms of weakness, as well as small in quan- tity. But if an inflammation or chancre happen to fix upon the Vagina Uteri, the question is then put out of all dispute, and the disease may safely be pronounced venereal. Venereal Cases. To Dr. SOLOMON, Liverpool. Sir, (A Copy.) I return you a thousand thanks for the most wonderful cure you have performed on me. I was afflicted for upwards of three months with a certain private disorder, attended with the very worst of symptoms. I had applied to the Liverpool Dispensary, and underwent a surgical operation, which increased my misery, I became so bad that my life was despaired of; when I was re- commended to send for you I was not expected to live till morn- ing, but by the blessing of God, your Balm of Gilead restore me in a little time to a found and perfect health, and I am now as well able to get my bread as any man in Liverpool. With sin- cere gratitude I remain, Sir, your much obliged humble servant. PATRICK BRYAN, Bird-street, Liverpool. 78 VENEREAL CASES. To S. SOLOMON, M. D. Nottingham, 20th Sep. 1796. Sir, Better than a year and a half ago, I had the misfortune to con- tract the venereal disease, which appeared by a running, and a swelling in the right groin. On applying to a surgeon, he pre- scribed the usual medicine, mercury, &c. and in a few weeks the above Symptoms disapeared; but, ever since I have been af- flicted with severe pains in the groins and private parts, and like- wise in the legs and feet, I have frequently complained to the surgeon, who has ordered me several things, as bark, cold bath, &c. but with little effect. He supposes it is a violent rheumatic, as I am very subject to catch cold. I am likewise very much troubled with venereal dreams, attended with strong and involun- tary flux of semen. (Perhaps I should mention that I never could obtain this motion for procreation when awake, even at de- sirable and lawful seasons.) This summer I have been afflicted with a tumour under my right jaw, which I suppose to be scro- phulous; it has long continued to discharge a thin matter. See- ing a few days since the advertisement of your Cordial Balm of Gilead, and on enquiry, having heard very great recommendation of if for the cure of various disorders, I felt strongly inclined to make trial of it, but do not know whether it would be proper in such a complicated case as mine, I have therefore taken the li- berty of acquainting you with the above particulars, and request- ing your opinion and advice. If you are of opinion that your medicine is likely to be of service, shall be glad of your answer as early as possible, informing me where it is to be had in Notting- ham, as I wish immediately to make trial of if, and hope, by the blessing of God, it will be the means of restoring me to my health. Cured effectually by the Cordial Balm of Gilead. To S. SOLOMON, M. D. Kingstone, Nottinghamshire, Oct. 28th, 1796. Sir, I have for many years been afflicted with the venereal disease, attended with several of the most dangerous symptoms, and have had recourse to the most Famous published medicines, but without the desired effect; thus driven almost to despair, I have been ad- vised to apply to you, my friends confidently tell me, if any man can cure me it is you, and that there is no medicine so 79 VENEREAL CASES. so applicable to my case as your Cordial Balm of Gilead; you will please therefore to send me a five guinea case of that medi- cine, and favour me with proper directions, which will confer an obligation on, &c. T. C. To S. SOLOMON, M. D. DEAR SIR, My grateful thanks are most certainly due to you, for having through your skill and advice, happily restored me from he brink of the grave, to which I had been reduced by a certain complaint, under which I laboured for above four years. It was in vain that I sought relief from an eminent physician at Carlisle, and other gentlemen of the Faculty, having also undergone a saliva- tion by Dr. S—r, of Workington, which relieved me for a short time, but it soon returned upon me with worse violence than before. My legs were swelled, and so painful as to make me cry out if they were only slightly touched, I had no rest at nights, my throat was ulcerated, and so sore as to render me almost incapable of swallowing any thing but liquids; the roof of my mouth was also affected, and the smell of my breath so offensive that no one could long stand near me. I had a violent and almost constant pain in my head and ears, which at times made me almost stupi- fied, and my voice was so completely altered that I was scarcely to be understood. Under all these horrid calamities I laboured when one of your books was left by chance at a friend's house, by a young man, (belonging to the Isabella, Captain Powe, of Wor- kington, who had got it given to him at Liverpool.) My friend brought this book to me, desired me to read it, and said, if there is any man in England can cure you it is Dr. Solomon. I accord- ingly perused the book, and found, among a variety of very great and extraordinary cures, one that surprised me very much; it was the case of my old acquaintance Mr. Alex. Falkner of Ulverstone, whom you cured in 1793 a very bad knee and the rheumatism. I wrote to him, and he advised me by all means to apply to you for he said he was sure you would cure me. I advised with my friends who entertained but a very indifferent opinion of adverti- sing Doctors; but my reliance on what my friend wrote, induced me, though contrary to the wishes of my family, to write to you and state my case; your answer assured me, that, though bad as I stated my case to be, yet you had succeeded in many a worse, but that it was necessary that I should be under your immedi- diate 80 VENEREAL CASES. ate care. Accordingly I came over to you in one of out Whitehaven sloops, I began a course of your Siphylitic Cordial, and was under your care nine weeks, at the end of which time I returned home perfectly found. It is now five months since I came home, during which time I am become strong and lusty. I however still continue the use of the cold bath as you directed; I can with heartfelt satisfaction say, I never was better in my life; and as a small token of my gratitude to you, for your great atten- tion to me whilst you attended me at the Orange Tree, top of Tythebarn-street, Liverpool, please to accept of the inclosed Bank bill for ten pounds. I assure you I shall never cease to be grate- full; would have sent you more, but this long and dreadful illness has greatly reduced my finances. Having some thoughts of alter- ing my condition, induces me to intreat you not to publish my name in your books, but I shall be happy to satisfy any individual you may think proper to refer to. Dear Sir, Your most obedient servant, Whitehaven, March 14, 1796. C. D. A gentleman afflicted with a venereal complaint applied to se- veral gentlemen of eminence in the profession, and was salivated, but to no purpose. In this disagreeable situation he remained near three years, and spent above 70 guineas without benefit; his legs were swelled, and his joints so painful, that he was not able to walk; the palate of his mouth was also affected; corrosive ulcers were destroying his throat and nose, and the smell of his breath became highly offensive. In this deplorable state he began to take Dr. Solomon's Siphylitic Cordial, and by a perseverance therein, was restored to a state of health which he had not en- joyed for many years before. A gentleman, Mr. T—, going to Jamaica, about 8 years since, contracted a venereal complaint, and concealed his case dur- ing the voyage. On his arrival at Kingston, he applied to a surgeon, and obtained, as he thought, a cure:—but in about three months after, it broke out again. Every method now proved inef- fectual, and he returned to Liverpool, after a few years, in a very emaciated state: for near two years he regularly took medi- cines without the desired effect; at length fortunately seeing an adver- 81 VENEREAL CASES. advertisement in the papers, about the “ Guide to Health,” he purchased one, by which he was induced to make trial of the Cor- dial Balm of Gilead, made into the Siphylitic Cordial, after the manner recommended in page 68 of this work, by which he obtained a radical cure in about 10 weeks, without salivation or confinement, after being afflicted with this dreadful disorder tor near eight years. To S. SOLOMON, M. D. Bersham, near Wrexham, 24th Oct. 1796. Sir, Unfortunately, about the latter end of last Christmas, I had connection with a young woman, and two days after I found a running from my penis, and a great pain in making water, which I bore for a week, and imagining it proceeded from the above connection, I then applied to a surgeon, who gave me a liquid to inject into my penis; this removed the pain in a few days, but the running still continued, and does to this time. I made use of the injection and of mercurial ointment for above five months, rubbing the latter sometimes on my groins and sometimes on the inside of my thighs. I also took a box of mercurial pills. Sometime ago the surgeon told me he was certain it could only be a simple gleet, and directed me to bath every morning in cold water, and gave me some bark to take, which diminished the dis- charge but very little. A number of white lumps of the size of small pin’s heads have appeared constantly all round the corner of the glans; and a swelling of the testicles has sometimes affected me, which was abated by rubbing with mercurial ointment: About five weeks ago the most painful symptoms, attended with wan- dering pains in my head and limbs increased, and alarmed me exceedingly, which determined me to make a trial of your Cordial Balm of Gilead, having often seen it advertised in the Manchester Gazette, and have been confirmed in my opinion of its efficacy by the perusal of your excellent publication, the “ Guide to Health” I accordingly purchased three bottles from Mr. Wood of Shrews- bury, and am now taking the second. Since taking it, I find the discharge from my penis is considerably abated, and the pain in my head and limbs is almost gone, and I have not the least doubt but a perseverance in taking your excellent medicine, with attention to the advice which I entreat you to favour me with in respect to diet, &c. will perfect my cure. I am with great esteem, Sir, &c. Cured by eleven bottles of the Cordial Balm of Gilead. L To 82 VENEREAL CASES. To S. SOLOMON, M. D. Liverpool. SIR, About a ago I was cured by you of a bad sort of clap or gonnorrhœa and had very good reason to be satisfied with your treatment of me. A complaint in the penis has within a week made its appearances, which alarms me not a little. I will state to you the circumstances: On the 18th of this month I had con- nection with a girl in Manchester, who appeared to me (for I examined her very minutely) to be clean. Previous to this, I should observe, I had no connection with any other for some weeks. On the morning of the 20th I first perceived a discharge from my penis; but neither of the colour or consistence of what I think attends a clap; for it was, and has been to this day, much like well digested matter from a wound and yellow; whereas, in the other case, if I recollect right, it was thin at first, and became thicker by degrees, and paler coloured than what it was in this instance. I have nevertheless other symptoms attending a clap, as painful erection, and great difficulty in making water, which comes by starts, and in many directions, so that there is either a violent obstruction in the urethra, or an ulcer, I fear. No symp- tom at all of swelled testicle, buboes, chancres, &c. have made their appearance. Now I wish you to give me your opinion by letter, whether from this representation, you should judge my complaint to be a clap or a gleet. I might have added, that when in the act of coition with the girl above mentioned, I strained very hard in order to throw out as much seed as possible; and further, I foolishly indulged myself in friction above half an hour, in order to add to the quantity, so that the emission was as great as I ever remember, or greater. I must also confess that I have been from my youth too fond of pollution. Under all these circumstances, I myself, as far as I can judge, think my complaint must be a gleet. I shall be at Liverpool on the 6th of January for some time on business, when I will instantly wait upon you, in full expectation of reaping the benefit I before experienced by apply- ing to you, and with reward you well and handsomely. I have only to intreat you to write to me by return of post, without fail, your opinion, with directions how I am to live, how I can case the pain I suffer in making water, and how I am to alleviate symptoms in general? On the full appearance I immediately lowered my living to broth, gruel, &c. and have drank gum Arabic and nitre, in thin diluting liquids. I likewise have taken a few pills of Venice turpentine every night; have tried to in- ject into the utethra linseed tea, oil, &c. but the passage is so sore, as not to allow me to bear the pipe of the syringe, which is 83 VENEREAL DISEASE. is notwithstanding of a very small size. The glands appear much inflamed at the point. The discharge is uniform, not more at one time than another; but the difficulty of making water I think ra- ther increases. I am a traveller on business at almost all the towns in the kingdom, and am now at Chester, where I shall be till I leave for Liverpool on the 5th or 6th of next month. My age is 37. The discharge has not any smell at all. I am, Sir, your very humble fervant, Chester, Dec. 28th, 1795. J. D. *** The above gentleman was completely cured by a very short course of the Cordial Balm of Gilead. To S. SOLOMON, M. D. Stockport, 19th Nov. 1796. Dear Sir, I hope you will excuse the liberty I now take in writing to you on (to me) a very disagreeable subject. In the month of De- cember last I contracted the venereal disease, which broke out in very alarming symptoms, and has ever since rendered my life mi- serable. I have taken at different times Leake’s Pills, Lignum’s Pills, Brodum’s Botanical Syrup, and Swainson’s Vegetable Syrup, which I was advised were infallible remedies; but have experienced no good effect from them whatever, but continued ra- ther to grow worse. I find myself exceeding weak, and feel very- great pains, particularly in the loins and groin; a continual run- ning proceeds from the penis, particularly when in bed, and at stool, and am so weak that I cannot contain my water. Under these circumstances I have began to take your Cordial Balm of Gilead, in hopes of alleviating my pains and eradicating this vi- rulent disorder, which has almost ruined me. I am about nine- teen years of age, and have had several thoughts of putting an end to my existence! I acknowledge that I had, before the con- traction of this disorder, been guilty of self-pollution, but not to enervate myself as I could perceive. Now, dear Sir, if you can be of any service to me, I entreat your advice and instructions, which I will most punctually adhere to. I shall spare no neces- sary expence, and trust this application to you will be the means of my cute. I am, &c. A gentleman in Manchester, who several year ago had been my patient, consulted me in January last, 1795; he complained L2 of 84 VENEREAL CASES. of an irritation in the urethra, and some heat in the glans penis which appeared rather inflamed externally. He informer me that his last connection had been only on the preceding evening, at about 11 o’clock, and antecedent to that, he had not committed an act of venery for more than six months, during which time his health had been remarkably good. Early that morning he had been awakened by a sharp pain in the yard, which soon abated, but did not entirely go off, a disagreeable heat and irritation still remaining. From the symptoms coming on so early as within seven hours after the embrace, he could not believe his complaint to be venereal, but supposed that it arose from friction, and the bad wine he had that night drank; I therefore declined to pre- scribe any medicines, but advised that he should live after his usual manner, and think no more of the disease till it might be- come more worthy of his attention; which happened two nights afterwards, by the pain he experienced from the chordee; there was likewise a yellow running from the urethra, accompanied with a heat of urine; his doubts by this time being perfectly removed, he immediately entered upon the use of the Cordial Balm of Gi- lead, with the injections before recommended, by which he obtained a cure in less than three weeks. A sea captain in the Guinea trade was, in June last, attacked with an unusual warmth in the urinary passage, in less than six hours after coition, and it gradually increased for three days, when a copious running came on, attended with a smarting of urine. In this stage of the disease, he placed himself under my care, inform- ing me that he was lately returned from a long voyage, and for several months past had not had an opportunity of getting the in- fection, he could therefore be very certain as to the date of his disorder having been entirely free from venereal complaints for two years before. In effecting this gentleman’s cure near a month was required, by reason of the high degree of scurvy with which he was at that time infected. Gleets. A Gleet is a drain of matter from the urethra:—It is occa- soned by an ill-cured clap, salivation, excessive venery, a strain, or from a laxity of the fibres. If it is white and ropy, or thin and 85 GLEETS. and glairy, it is easily cured: If of long standing, it will require some time to stop it effectually. Gleets which arise either from a weakness, relaxation, or sometimes perhaps from too great an irritability of the ducts of the seminal vessels, are properly called by the name of Gonorrhœa (fluxus seminis). In these cases, a real semen is discharged, sometimes without erection or any sensation of pleasure: and is either continually dripping off, or evacuated at times by debi- litating nocturnal or diurnal pollutions. Sometimes it is dis– charged only on going to stool, when the hard fæces, during their passage in the rectum, press on the seminal vesicules and pros- trate gland, and thus force the relaxed orifices or their excretory ducts. It requires a most prudent and careful treatment; other- wise the patient will fall a victim to that kind of consumption which we call with Hippocrates Tales dorsalis. THE CURE. Though many have been under my care, who had been deem- ed incurable, yet I can safely say, that I have not fail in a single instance. The patient should abstain from all vegetables, acids and sugar; He should rise early in the morning, take gentle examples use the cold-bath, first plunging in the water every morning over head and ears, and coming out immediately without taking the second dip, or remaining one moment in the water. The pri- vates and testicles should be frequently washed with cold water equal parts of balsam copaiva and Cordial Balm of Gilead taken (one tea-spoonful of each) at least four times a day and using the following injection, is the method I have pursued with such wonderful success. Take of blue vitriol a scruple, dissove it in a wine glass full of boiling water, and inject a tea spoonful five or six times a day. The 86 IMPOTENCY, &c. The above remedy requires some care and nicety in the ma- nagement of it, viz. to lower it with water to such a point as give little or no pain at first, and then gradually making it stronger, until it is an ounce of water to a scruple of blue vitriol; when the most astonishing effects will soon be produced from it. Impotency and Seminal Weakness. THIS complaint arises from a deficiency of the vital heat, a weakness of the solids, profuse venery, ill-cured claps, gleets of long continuance, &c. &c. It is generally attended with loose and dangling testicles: coldness of the glans penis; seldom an erection, unless it be weak, languid, or of a momentary duration; pain and weakness in the loins; involuntary emission, &c. The cure is effected by paying proper regard to regimen, exce- cise, and the following remedy:— The patient should keep his mind constantly employed, to pre- vent the incursion of venereal desires or thoughts. He should rise early in the morning, and take a great deal of exercise. His diet should be shell fish of all sorts, particularly oysters, crabs, and lobsters; flat fish, as fcait, turbot, dories, and plaice, especially the skin of the latter; or of any wild fowl, as pidgeons, wood- cocks, &c. also eggs, lampreys, and indeed eels of all sorts are by no means inferior to vipers; cavear, strong meat broths, any animal, but no vegetable food, particularly pork, calves head with the skin on, calves feet; but above all MILK should be taken for breakfast and supper. Brandy and water is the most proper drink at dinner. The following is the best remedy to stimulate to ve- nereal embraces: Take oil of cloves, half an ounce; dissolve it with the yolk of an egg then; add one bottle of the Cordial Balm of Gilead. Of 87 IMPOTENCY, &c. Of this elegant mixture, two tea-spoonfuls to be taken night and morning, bathing the testicles with cold spring water, or equal parts of alcohol and vinegar, until they cabbage.—See Gleet. CASES. My dear Sir, I am miserable; to you I open my thoughts, in hopes of ob- taining relief. I have been married now above 16 months, and with shame I consess I have not yet been able to enjoy my wife. Though I generally have an erection, yet when I come to want it the most, my ability fails me at the very moment I stand most in need of it. The disappointment I feel of my inability renders me wretched. If you can be of service to me, say so, as I know you will not deceive me. I am sorry to be so troublesome, but I apply to you as a last resource. I have never polluted myself in the manner you so justly reprobate in your excellent “ Guide to Health;” but have, before I was married, much frequented houses of ill same, where I have had intercourse with any that occa- tionally fell in my way; yet I never felt any symptom of infec- tion. Inclosed is an order for one guinea on the Post Office for your advice, and be allured whatever mode you recommend me to pursue I shall adopt. Anxiously waiting your speedy reply, ad- dressed to—, to be left at—, in street, Exeter, I am, &c. N. B. In five months the above gentleman informed the Doc- tor that he believed his wife to be pregnant, and that every symp- tom of debility had long since been removed. A gentleman at Portsinouth writes to Dr. Solomon, that he is rendered incapable of coition, owing as he supposes to having co- pulated with a menstrual woman; since which time he never could procure a proper election; but when the idea of a female presented itself to his imagination, or any lascivious discourse in- troduced, then he had an immediate erection, with an involuntary emission of semen, but finds by repeated trials, that when he really is in possession of the object of his wishes, that he never can have sufficient energy to effect the wished for embrace. However, by the use of the above remedy he was perfectly restored, and is as well as ever. The original letters are to be seen at the doctor’s house. 88 IMPOTENCY, &c. A gentleman of fortune consulted Dr. Solomon upon the fol- lowing case: He had long resided abroad, and returned to Eng- land with an ample fortune: but not with that health which he formerly enjoyed. In fact he was miserable; having settled at Falmouth, and married a lady of virtue in that vicinity, by whom he had no children though three years had elapsed since the cele- bration of their nuptials. This he attributed to his having resided in a hot climate, and making too free with his constitution. How- ever, finding that he had a proper erection and emission, I judged it might be the lady’s fault, and ordered the above regimen and medicine for both; when, strange to tell, he informed me in seven months after, that his lady was pregnant, and that she was now quite certain of it, having already quickened! Sir, About thirty years ago I contracted, but cannot tell in what manner, a seminal weakness. I have had frequent nocturnal pol- lutions; the parts are extremely small, weak, and cold, and if ever the least tendency to erection, then I have a gleeting, so that tho’ now 50 years of age, I have always been incapable of coition. My pulse is very weak and irregular, and my memory bad. I have expended all I had in application to physicians, without any effect. I have also taken many advertised medicines, but all to no purpose, so that I am quite tired of physic, and despair of ever being cured; but having heard of your great fame and abilities in the physical line, I now apply to you, and request you will let me know whether you can make a radical cure of me. I trust you will be kind enough to answer this letter and consider my case, and not undertake it unless you are morally certain of success. I am, Sir, your humble servant, J. W. June 9th. Cured in about 7 weeks by the Cordial Balm of Gilead. To Dr. SOLOMON. Sir, Nantwich, Dec. 23d. As you undertake in your advertisements to cure seminal weak- nesses, I am induced to trouble you with a few lines. About sixteen or seventeen years ago, when about twenty-four years of age, I had the misfortune of contracting, through an improper connexion the venereal disease, of which I was cured; but have had ever since, as I conceive, a seminal weakness, or relaxation of the genital parts. I have but little inclination for the enjoy- ment 89 NIGHT MARE. ment of a woman, and of course have seldom an erection of the penis; but if through female provocation an erection is occa- sioned, it is weak and languid, and but of momentary duration; so that my ability generally fails me at the very crisis I most stand in need of it. In the act of coition the discharge of the semen comes on too soon, is in quantity small, and unaccompa- nied with former-known pleasure. About the glans and end of the penis there is a constant and unusual moistness, but nothing issuing from the urethra. The testicles, which are very loose and dangling, are subject to violent perspiration, as well as the parts about the fundament, particularly when warm in bed. Not- withstanding the above-mentioned circumstances, I enjoy a tolera- ble share of health; but cannot undergo so much exercise of any sort as formerly, without experiencing a good deal of lassitude and fatigue. Such, sir, is the state I am in, and I beg to be honest- ly informed, whether you think it is in your power to afford me relief. In this case I shall gladly put myself under your direction and care, provided your demand be not unreasonable. Business will bring me to Liverpool in five weeks time, when I will do myself the pleasure of calling upon you, if by your answer you give me encouragement. I am. Sir, Your most humble servant, R. H. P. S. Please to favour me with an answer by return of post. *** The above gentleman was cured by a course of the Cor- dial Balm of Gilead in ten weeks. Incubus or Night Mare. The incubus rarely seizes any one except in their sleep, and when the stomach is oppressed with aliment of hard digestion, es- pecially if the patient lies on his back. Those that are seized with it seem to have a heaviness on the bread, and about the præ- cordia; and if they want to speak they cannot. Sometimes they see Spectres of various forms, and cannot get rid of the load, or move their body, but after a long struggle; at length they awake, and the imaginary weight vanishes, but generally leaves a tremor of the heart, and frequently a quick violent vibration of the diaphragm. M Those 90 LOSS OF MEMORY. Those who are subject to this disorder ought to eat very little or no supper, to lie with the head raised high with pillows, and to take every night two table spoonfuls of the Cordial Balm of Gi- lead, ten minutes before going to bed; to use plenty of exercise, and if possible the cold bath. Loss or Defect of Memory. The remote causes of this complaint are hurts of the head, falls, contusions, passions of the mind, too great loss of blood of semen, either by excessive venery or pollution; epilepsy and me- loncholy; sometimes by certain narcotic drugs taken internally. The cure consists in taking the Cordial Balm of Gilead re- gularly three or four times a day, using moderate exercise, rising early, and applying externally to the temples and vertex, Oil of myrrh. The diet should be moderate and strengthening. To Dr. SOLOMON, Liverpool. General Printing Office, Chester, Jan. 17, 1797. Sir, I feel much pleasure in having it in my power to communicate to you a most surprising cure, effected by your valuable medicine the Cordial Balm of Gilead. A young man, a mercer, of this city, my acquaintance, about 30 years of age, has been afflicted from his infancy with a nervous complaint, attended with great debility, langour, want of appetite, loss of memory, and lowness of spirits, which latterly increased so much as to render him incapa- of attending to business for the last twelve months. In this de- plorable state he was advised by Iris physicians, as the last resource, to go into the country; but he found no relief from the change. He then tried your Cordial Balm of Gilead; from the first bot- tle of which he obtained immediate relief, and six bottles more have restored him to a found and perfect state of health. This case, Sir, has occurred within my own observation, and observation, and the particulars stated from the young man’s own narration, who, as well as myself, will give you or any enquirer, such 91 RHEUMATISM. such information as may be desired respecting this wonderful and surprising cure. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, J. FLETCHER. To Dr. SOLOMON, Liverpool. Dear Sir, For the good of mankind I request you will be so kind as to advertise my case. I was by your excellent medicine the Cor- dial Balm of Gilead, perfectly cured of violent pains in all my limbs so that I could scarcely move in bed, attended with a low- ness of spirits, and want of memory. Though I had every ad- vice and remedy that the faculty could think of, without effect, yet four bottles of your Cordial Balm of Gilead, which I bought at Manchester, has perfectly cured me, and restored me to health. With sincere gratitude I am, dear Sir, Your obedient servant, JOSEPH LONGBOTTOM, Publican near Stockport, Dec. 19, 1796. Rheumatism. THE Rheumatism is a painful disorder, the seat of it in the membraneous part of the body; it is sometimes mistaken for the gout. The Chronic Rheumatism, if idiopatic, is very easily cured, however difficult it may be thought to be. The Author conceives he has a right to speak with confidence on this subject, for he has had the management of innumerable rheumatic cases, and never found any difficulty in curing them with the follow- lowing remedies. Bleeding protracts the cure in chronic cases. If symptomatic, the cure depends on the removal of the primary disorder. The remedies which I have had such extraordinary success with, are, Vitrified Antimony, finely powdered, half a drachm, dissolved in one bottle of the Cordial Balm of Gilead. One or two tea- spoonfuls two or three times a day, is a dose; M2 And 92 RHEUMATISM. And externally, Rectified Oil of Amber may be rubbed into the part affected. This method need only be tried, for its success is certain: I solemnly declare that I have found it safe, certain, and efficacious. It possesses every virtue that may justly be ascribed to any prepa- ration of antimony; and though its effects seem so wonderful, it is only imbuted with the most minute particles, I had nearly said effluvia of the stibium, which as they are amongst the minima of nature, enter the finest vessels with case. Yet their efficacy is so great, that they powerfully stimulate the alimentry canal, and the capillary tubes of the body much more, yet without the least hazard or danger. Here is a medicine communicated, which is easy to be pre- pared and yet of superlative efficacy; whether the intention be to open obstructions, to purge the primæ viæ, or deterge the most intimate recesses of the body. Nothing can be a more certain or safe sudorific, for it heats hut very little; whence it may be given successfully in slow and intermittant fevers, chronical diseases but principally in obstinate rheumatisms. The cures which Dr. Solomon has performed with the above remedy, would alone fill more than the compass allotted to this work; and it is with pleasure that he confesses himself indebted to the works of the great Dr. Huxham for his first information of the above remedy; and it is considerably improved by being combined with the Cordial Balm of Gilead. The following three cases, however, the Doctor conceives to be his duty to insert, as they were all cripples, and deprived of the use of their limbs:— I EDWARD BANKS, farmer, of Melling, near Liver- pool, do certify, that for a long time I was most severely af- flicted with violent pains in my hip, thigh, legs and feet, which deprived me of the use of my limbs, so that I was unable to walk, stir, 93 RHEUMATISM. stir, or lie down without assistance, and was obliged to walk on crutches, with the greatest pain. By using Dr. Solomon’s medi- cines for no more than seventeen days I am now able to walk forty miles, without stick or crutch, and am entirely free from any pain whatever, Witness my hand, EDWARD BANKS. Stockport, 16th July, 1793 To Dr. SOLOMON, No. 12, Marybone, Liverpool. Sir, About two years ago I was seized with a swelling in my right leg, which increased to a prodigious size, and occasioned great pain, rendering me incapable of following my trade for more than three months, after having used abundance of means to no purpose; at last I fortunately heard of your great skill, and of the many cures which you have performed, and as you was then, luckily for me, at Manchester, I made shift to get to you in a cart. By using your medicines the swelling abated, and in about a months time, I was able to follow my employment, and by the blessing of God, I have no return of my complaint to this day. I return you my grateful thanks, and desire you will make my cure public, for the good of mankind. And remain, Dear Sir, Your obedient humble servant. GEORGE RICHARDS. To Dr. SQLOMON, No. 12, Marybone, Liverpool. Dear Sir, Having laboured half a year under a sprained knee, compli- cated with the rheumatism, to a degree that made me use crutches, and having tried a great variety of means, under the most able practitioners in our neighbourhood, without experiencing the least good effect; I had then recourse, by recommendation, to you; and by applying your medicines a few times, the use of my legs was restored, and the contraction so effectually remedied, that the joint remained strong and active, as if nothing had happened to it. I shall always entertain the highest opinion of your skill for the great cure performed on, Dear Sir, your most humble servant, Ulverstone, May 4th, 1794. ALEX. FALKNER. END OF THE FIRST PART. GUIDE to HEALTH. PART II. ON ONANIA or ONANISM. “ Hoc nihil esse putes! seelus est; mihi crede, sed ingens “ Quantum vix animo concipis ipse tuo.” You think ’tis nothing!—’tis a crime, believe! A crime so great you scarely can conceive. MARTIAZ. The great alteration which takes place in the body of the male at the time when the semen begins to be formed and collected, is so manifest that it appears to the most common observer; for the rise and continuance of the beard and cloathing of the pubes de- pend thereon; and a wonderful alteration takes place in the voice and passions of the mind, for the hitherto crying boy now becomes bold and intrepid, despising even real danger. These changes are prevented by destroying the organs which serves to seperate the liquor that produces it: and just obseva- tion evince, that the amputation of the testicles at the age of viri- lity has made the beard fall and a puerile voice return! After this, can the power of its operation on the body be questioned? Its destination determines the only proper method of its being evacuated. Certain distempers cause it sometimes to run off; it may be involuntarily lost in lascivious dreams, &c. Nor 95 ONANISISM. Nor is this to be only observed in mankind, but ether animals become fierce and vicious about the same time. The bull, a most fierce animal before he sets upon the venereal act, afterwards be- comes weak and languid; and the unhappy people who have ex- hausted all the vigour of their bodies by too early and excessive venery, live enervated, and are subject to a numerous train of misery and disease. The natural irritation to venery scarce needs description; in- stinct is the spring in brutes, and that, with reason, guides the ra- tional being. Both are naturally satisfied when their desires are- gratisied. Men love a mistress as they love a feast. How grateful this the touch, and that the taste; Yet sure there is a certain time of day We wish our mistress and our meats away; Again the stated appetite returns, Again, our stomach craves, our besom burns. Immoderate use of coition, even in a natural way, depresses the spirits, relaxes the fibres, and renders the whole frame weak and exhausted; what then must be the consequences when nature is forced against her will? Celsus tell us that from the practice of self-pollution, young persons are prevented front their growth, and, as it were, become old before their time. Sanctorious observes, that the insensible perspiration is diminished, and the concoctive faculties weakened by excess of venery; and in his several aphor- isins, reckons up the damage proceeding from this baneful habit. Hypocrates gives an account of two persons in severs, brought on by excessive venery, one of whom escaped not however with- out great difficulty, after a severe fit of sickness which lasted till the 24th day, and the other died about the same time of that weakness and debility which he had brought on himself, by this most horrid and abominable practice of self-pollution. The 96 GUIDE TO HEALTH. The same celebrated author, in treating of the many diseases which arise from venereal excesses, says, “ That the Tales Dor- salis, or Medulla Spinalis, (which is a consumption of the back) happens mostly to those who are over leacherous in self-abuse, or lately married; they are without a fever and eat heartily, but gra- dually waste away. And if you ask the patient how he is affected, be will say there appears to him as if ants were creeping down the spine, (back bone) from the top of the head: a great quantity of liquid semen is also discharged when he makes urine or goes to stool; nor does he retain his semen in his sleep, but has involun- tary emissions whether he sleeps with his wife or not: and when he takes much exercise he feels a great weariness and debility, a short- ness of breath, a heaviness in the head, and a tingling in the ears.” Such is the state of these deplorable victims, who, if they have not timely relief, perish with the lipyria, a most dreadful disease, wherein the internal parts are consumed with a burning heat, and the external frozen with cold. All these complaints I have seen in patients who have indulged themselves with foul pollutions; the symptoms I have in general observed, were violent pains wander- ing throughout the whole body, attended sometimes with a trouble- some heat, and sometimes with chilliness, and especially in the loins, which complaints had continued for three, five, and even eight years, resisting all remedies excepting the famous and highly ex- alted medicine the Cordial Balm of Gilead; in one patient par- ticularly I observed, that after all the above pains was lessened, he felt a great cold in his thighs and legs, that he was obliged to fit by the fire side even in the midst of summer, though when I felt his legs and thighs, they seemed to have their proper natural warmth, But what seemed to he most strange was during this time the tes- ticles were continually moving about in his scrotum, and he per- ceived the like motion in his loins, with great palm. A similar case is likewise related (arising from the same cause) by Van Sweiten, in his commentaries on Boerrhaave. I performed several opera- tions on persons who had by this practice brought on a Paraphimo- sis 97 ONANISM. sis by not being able to bring the foreskin back to cover the nut of the penis, whereby the inflammation became so great, that an incision was absolutely necessary to let out the acrid lymph, and free the strangled glans. The consequences which attend this horrid practice, enume- merated by Dr. Tissot, are as follow: 1st. All the intellectual faculties are weakened, loss of memory ensues, the ideas are clouded, the patients sometimes fall into a slight madness; they have an incessant irksome uneasiness, conti- nual anguish, and so keen a remorse of conscience, that they fre- quently shed tears. They are subject to vertigoes; all their senses, but particularly their sight and hearing, are weakened; their sleep, if they can obtain any, is disturbed with frightful dreams. 2d. The powers of their bodies decay, the growth of such as abandon themselves to these abominable practices before it is ac- complished, is greatly prevented; some cannot sleep at all, others are in a perpetual state of drowsiness: they are all affected with hypochondriac or hysterical complaints, and are overcome with the accidents that accompany these grievous disorders, as melancholy, sighing, tears, palpitations, suffocations and faintness. Some emit a calcarious saliva; coughs, slow fevers and consumptions, are chastisements which others meet with in their own crimes. 3d. The most acute pains form another object of the patient's complaints; some are thus affected in their heads, others in their breasts, stomach and intestines; others have external rheumatic pains, aching numbness in all parts of the body, when they are slightly pressed. 4th. Pimples do not only appear in the face, (this is one of the most common symptoms) but even real suppurating blisters upon the nose, the breast, and thighs, with disagreeable itching on the same parts. N 5th. 98 GUIDE TO HEALTH. 5th. The organs of generation also participate of that misery whereof they are the primary causes: many patients are incapable of erection, others discharge their seminal liquor upon the slightest titilation, or the most feeble erection, or in the efforts they make whep at stool; many are affected with a constant gonorrhœa, which entirely destroys their powers, and the discharge resembles fœtid matter or mucus; others are tormented with painful priapisms dysuriæ, stranguries, heat of urine, and a difficulty in rendering it, which greatly torments many patients. Some have painful tu- mours upon their testicles, penis, bladder, and spermatic cord. In a word, either the impracticability of coition, or a deprivation of the genital liquor, renders every one imbecile who has far any length of time given way to this crime. 6th. The functions of the intestines are sometimes quite dis- ordered; and some patients complain of stubborn constipation; others of the hemorhoids, or of a running of a fœtid matter from the fundament. This last observation recalls to my mind a young man men- tioned by Mr. Hoffman, who after every masturbation was af- flicled with a diarrhœa, which was an additional cause of the loss of his strength. The destructive and pernicious habit of Onanism, or self pol- lution, is recorded in the 38th chapter of Genesis, as the crime of Onan, the son of Judah, with a view, no doubt, of transmitting to posterity his chastisement: and we learn from Galen, that Dio- genes polluted himself by committing this crime. In scripture, besides the instance of Onan, we find self-polluters termed effemi- nate, filthy, and abominable. Pliny, the naturalist, informs us that Cornelius Callus, the ancient Præter, and Titus Etherus, the Roman Knight, died in the very act of coition. There can be nothing more dreadful than what Celsus and Æthius tells us of that abominable vice. The former says, “ that these pleasures are always hurtful to weak people 99 ONANISM. people, and the frequent indulgence of them destroys even the strongest constitutions; The last celebrated author draws a most horrid picture of the shocking censequences that are produced by this vile practice, and says that young people have the air and ap- pearance of old age: they becomes pale, effeminate, benumbed, lazy, base, stupid, and even imbecile! their bodies become bent, their legs are no longer able to carry them: they have an utter distaste for every thing, and are totally incapacitated, and many become paralytick. The stomach is disordered, the body is weak- ened, paleness, bodily decay, and emaciation succeed this destruc- tive habit, and the eyes sink in to the head. Dr. Tissot draws the following lively and true picture of the consequences of this deluding practice;— “ As soon as custom has obtained any degree of strength, the soul and body both concur in soliciting the crime; the foul beset with unclean thoughts, excites lascivious emotions; and if it be diverted for some moments by other ideas, the sharp humours which irritate the organs of generation soon draw it back. The truth of these observations would be sufficient to stop young peo- ple in this pernicious progress, if they could foresee that in this respect one false step brings on another; that they cannot resist temptation: that in proportion as the motives of seduction increase, REASON, which should keep them within bounds, is weakened, and in a word, they find themselves plunged in a sea of misery, without perhaps the hope of a single plank to escape upon. If sometimes early infirmities give them notice, if the danger terri- fies them for some moments, when the infirmity is relieved, and the danger over, rage precipitates them afresh. “ The empire which this odious practice gains over the senses is beyond expression. No sooner has this uncleanness got posses sion of the heart, but it pursues its votary every where, and go- verns him at all times, and in all places. Upon the most serious occasions, and in the most solemn acts of religion, he find himself N2 in 100 GUIDE TO HEALTH: in a manner transported with lustful conceptions and desires, which take up all his thoughts. “ Nothing so much weakens the mind as the continual bent of it to one object; which is the case with those addicted to Onan- ism; for in whatever vocation a person is engaged, some degree of attention is required, which this pernicious practice renders them incapable of. “ It is true we are ignorant whether the animal spirits and the seminal liquor are the same; but experience teaches us those two fluids have a strict analogy; and that the loss of either produces the same effects. “ The loss of too much semen occasions lassitude, debilities, and renders exercise difficult; it causes emaciation, and pains in the membrane of the brain. “ Young people of either sex who devote themselves to lasei- ousness, destroy their health in dissipating those powers which were destined to bring their bodies to their greatest degree of vi- gour. “ Too great a quantity of semen being lost in the natural course, produce very direful effects; butt they are still more dreadful when dissipated in an unnatural manner; the accidents which happen to such as waste themselves in a natural way are very terrible; but those which are occasioned by masturbation are still more so.” The description which Tulpius, that celebrated physician and burgomaster of Amsterdam has left us, cannot be read without horror! “ The spirit marrow does not only waste, but the body and mind both equally languish, and the man perishes a miserable victim!” Too great dissipation of the animal spirits weakens the stomach, destroys the appetite, and nutrition having no longer place, the motion of the heart is weakened, and all the parts lan- guish. Frequent 101 ONANISM. Frequent pollutions not only produce lassitude, weakness, and debility, but the memory fails, a cold sensation seizes the limbs, the voice becomes hoarse, and the eye-sight clouded, disturbing dreams prevent sleep from administering relief. Of all the various evils that human nature is ordained to suffer, none is more calamitous than those attending seminal pollu- tions, and which would be difficult to paint in colours so glaring as they merit; a practice to which youth devote themselves with- out being acquainted with the enormity of the crime, and all the ills which are its physical consequences. The most clouded melan- choly indifference and aversion for all pleasures, the impossibility of sharing the conversation of company, wherein they are always absent in thought; the idea of their own unhappiness, the des- pair which arises from considering themselves as the authors of their own misery, and the necessity of renouncing the felicities of marriage, are the fluctuating ideas which compel these miserable objects to shut themselves up from the world; and happy are those who do not in the midst of despair, put a period to their own existence! Love, Affection, and mutual Intercourse between the Sexes. “ Moderate use of coition, raises and cheers the noblest faculty of the body and mind: for the grand act of nature (says Falk) is coition;—that function in which nature has levelled the whole- animal creation, by rendering the propagation of their species an object of the highest enjoyment: however with this difference, that to all except Man, she has prescribed periods of desire; but man, as a rational being, she has left at full liberty to exercise these blissful moments with discretion; as long as that liberty is not wilfully abused, so long is it agreeable to the laws of God and man; but the moment it is perverted into debauchery, the abuser 102 GUIDE TO HEALTH. abuser sinks below the level of a brute; and remorse, disease, and self-contempt become the fruits of his labour. Love is en- grafted by nature in the human breast, the mother plant of every virtue, by which we are rendered pleasing to God, happy in ourselves, and useful members of society. It is by this celestial fire that the sexes beget an ardent desire to give and receive some- thing essentially pleasing, which creates in them an idea of felicity not to be described, nor to be compared to any thing except to heaven itself. If the love is pure, the bliss is the greatest man can wish for: but beware, O youth, beware! Let this noble passion be guided by reason, left it should hurry thee headlong into lust: for if that be thy misfortune, farewel to love, and every other social virtue; thou art ruined for over! “ Sacred instinct first kindles the ætherial fire; and when that pair meet whole inclinations come in unison, they proclaim to each other, with palpitating endearments, that there is a secret anxiety for becoming united into one. If this is not repugnant to the laws of chastity, and agreeable to the laws of nations, there now remains nothing but the embrace to complete their felicity, agreeable to the dictates of instinct. If this is concluded, and the period arrives, nature then prepates; and the ideas centre in this act only: the blood increases in velocity; and like the attractive power of magnetism, they cement as they approach in contact. The members of generation, by the influx of the animal spirits, are eager to unite; the erectores penis contract themselves and draw the penis nearer the os pubis, and those with the transver- sales, and accelerator, help to compress the vena ipsius penis, whereby the blood is hindered a reflux, and thus is forced into the corpus cavernosum urethræ, and corpora cavernosa penis; whereby the member becomes erect. In the same manner (if there is no intimidation) the musculi erectores clitoridis, contract the vena ipsius clitoridis, whereby the blood is forced into the caver- nosities of that and the crura, all round the pudendum; whereby the parts agreeably swell, and acquire a florid colour; the muscu- lar 103 GUIDE TO HEALTH. lar parts of the crura round the vagina, and the alæ become in an obscure alternate motion, which is communicated to the vagina: whereby the lacunar glands are squeezed, and lubricate with a soft mucous humour the whole pudendum. “ When the glans reaches the entrance of the vagina, the car- anculæ myrtiformes gently give way; and by the mucus pressed from the lacunæ, the penis becomes lubricated, by which for the most part it soon gains way. The sense of this is exquisite, and sets as it were the whole muscular fabric in agitation, almost in- voluntarily. The sartorious, pectineus, vastus externus, vastus in- ternus, rectus femoris, the rectus and obliquis abdominis, act in con- cert, and in opposition with, and to the latissimus dorsi, glutæus, biceps femoris, gastroenemius, &c. in order to agitate the penis to friction. This is greatly assisted on the woman's side, by obscure mo- tions of the same nature; but in particular it is heightened by the vagina, the alæ, and the whole pudendum; the labia being swelled up softly compresses the penis, as do the alæ: but in particular the vagina, being titilated by the friction, contracts and dilates agree- ably, by which the pleasure greatly increases to both parties. In the mean time the clitoris partakes not a little of this pleasing sensation; communicates the tickling to the rotunda, which by the alternate motion sets the uterus, the fallopian tubes and the ovaria also in action. The whole together, with the abdomenal muscles, seem to be in a constriction: the fallopian tubes are, as we may say, erect or distended with blood, and are bent in a curve, so that the morsus diaboli are as it were, grasping the ovaria. “ The action now begins its crisis: the penis swells somewhat suddenly, and the vibrating motions become quick, strong, and almost spasmodic; this increases the sensation of the female or- gans; both move together with rapture, the parties sink into ex- tacy, and the ejaculation takes place; the muscles of the penis, the spincter urinaria, the spincter ani, and particularly the vesi- culæ seminales, receive a sudden spasmodic contraction, and which 104 GUIDE TO HEALTH. which is partly communicated to all the fore-mentioned muscles; by this constriction the seed is injected with considerable velocity into the uterus, where it is received with a kind of suction, which adds not a little to this force. In the moment of ejaculation, the uterus is drawn strongly downwards by the ligimenta rotunda, the mouth of the uterus opens while the vagina constricts: the morsus diaboli squeeze forcibly the ovaria, which by their small vasa yield the female seed into the tubes, from whence it is some- what forcibly injected along with and to the male seed in the ute- rus, and thus instantaneously cohere as a conception. When the moment of extacy is ended, the parties wake up as from a trance, and seem to be smothered in bliss. The muscles now slacken, the veins which just before were distended with rarifed blood, contract; the membrum virile becomes flaccid, the scro- tum contracts itself, and the whole body feels a sensation of lasti- tude, accompanied with a satiety, perhaps not unlike that we feel after a good dinner, when the finest sauce has lost for a while its favour. The female, after such a successful coition, (where a conception is the result) generally feels a gentle chili, and that from from the same consequences, though in many respects in a more forcible manner.” Excessive venery produces lassitude, weakness, numbness, a feeble gait, head ache, convulsions of all the senses, dimness of sight and dulness of hearing, an ideot look, a consumption of the lungs and back, and essiminacy: those evils are increased by a perpetual itch for pleasure, to which the mind and body had been so much accustomed, that it is difficult to wean themselves from it; whence follows obscure dreams and frequent erections, which are occasioned by the influx of semen, which however small be- comes a burden and a stimulus, which will be discharged from the relaxed cells by the very slightest effort, and even sometimes with- out any effort at all. Thus it is, that this horrid practice destroys the flower of our youth, and nips them in their bud. Dr. Raft, a celebrated physician at Lyons, relates that a young man, a stu- dent in medicine, died of the excess of this kind of debauchery. The 105 ONANISM. The idea of his crime had made such an impression on his mind that he died in a kind of despair, fancying he saw hell opening on every side of him, ready to receive him. He likewise assures us that he saw a child of six or seven years old, (instructed by a servant maid) polluting himself so often, that he died of a slow fe- ver. His rage for this act was so great, that he could not be re- strained from it the very last day of his life; and when he was in- formed that he thereby hastened his death, he consoled himself in saying, he should go to his father, who died a few months before. Frequent repetition of the act of self-abuse bas been followed in some instances by an emission of blood instead of semen. It is also universally acknowledged that we are equally ignorant of the nature of spirit, and the nature of matter, but we know that these two parts of man are so intimately united, that all the change which the one undergoes is felt by the other; this observation equally points out to us, that of all the disorders, there are none which more quickly affect the soul than those of the nervous sys- tem. “ Youth (says M. Linnæus) is the important period for framing a robust constitution. Nothing is so much to be dreaded as the premature or excessive indulgence of amorous pleasure; hence arise weakness of sight, vertigoes, loss of appetite, and men- tal decay. A body that is enervated in youth never recovers itself; old age and infirmities speedily come on, and the thread of life is shortened. No care should be neglected that may contri- bute to the elegance and strength of the body; (the excesses which I treat of are equally destructive to both) for the founda- tion of a happy old age, is a good constitution in youth; temper- ance and moderation at that age, are passports to happy grey hairs.” Sanctorious furnishes us, in his observations, with the prima- ry cause of this peculiar danger. “ Moderate coition (says he) in useful when nature solicits for it; when it is solicited by the O imagination, 106 GUIDE TO HEALTH. imagination, it weakens all the faculties, and particularly the me- mory.” This is easily explained: nature in a state of health, does not inspire desires, but when the visicula seminalis are replete with a quantity of liquor, which has acquired such a degree of thickness as to render its return into the mass of blood difficult, then coition is both necessary and proper. But when we subject ourselves to lascivious desires, when we have no occasion for them, it is the imagination, lustful habit, and not natures that importunes them. Another cause why those who practice self-pollution are debi- litated is, independent of the emission of the seed, the frequency of erection, though imperfect, greatly weakens them; every part that is in a state of tension exhausts the powers, and they have none to lose: the spirits are conveyed thither in great quantities, they are dissipated, and this occasions weakness; they are wanting in the performance of other functions which is thereby only imper- fectly done. When a person has habituated himself to confine his thoughts to one idea, he becomes incapable of any other: its empire is fix- ed, its reign is despotic! upon the most serious occasions, he finds his thoughts occupied with lustful desires and conceptions, and wishes to withdraw from observation, that he may indulge in his darling sin. It is evident in what manner the constitution is injured more by this habit than by a natural connection; for after excessive coition with a woman that is beloved, a man is not sensible of the lassitude which should follow this excess, because the joy which the soul feels, increases the strength of the heart, favours the func- tions, and restores what was lost; but this is not the case when every effort is strained to obtain a secretion of that fluid, whereby the human frame suffers such convulsions as is scarcely ever capa- ble of being replaced. Why should we commit so great a crime against nature? Why sink the soul in a sea of woe, and depress the 107 ONANISM. the spirits of the man, when “ beauty has charms to dilate our hearts, and multiply our joys?” The increase of dangerous consequences flowing from mastur- bation is too obvious to need comment, they are too sensible of it themselves, for the shocking remorse with which it is followed, when illness has opened the criminal’s eyes, he sees his crimes and his dangers, and feels —“ The sting of pleasure which remorse succeeds.” When the mask is dropt, and the real picture of their conduct appears in its most hideous colours, they find themselves guilty of a crime, the punishment of which divine justice ordained nothing less than instant death! How many are there that have perished because they did not dare reveal the cause of their illness? I have read several letters to this effect, “ I would rather die than appear before you after this acknowledgment.” Another write, “ I conceive, my dear sir, that every one can see in my face the cause of my disorder, and this makes me shun all manner of company.” The cause of this melancholy is very easily accounted for; it is the relaxation of the fibres, a diminution of the circulation, imperfect digestion, want of nutrition, obstructions occasioned by these impediments which seem to be the effects only of melancholy; the shedding of humours which is the necessary consequence of obstruction. The best semen, and from which we may expect good healthy offspring ( if not rendered too poor by previous pollutions) is that which is at least twenty-four hours in collecting, in a found man, who has not abused his constitution by debaucheries of any kind; and which must be ejaculated with fervency, love and pleasure. How different then is the case, when a common symptom in both sexes, and more commonly among women, is the indifference which this infamous practice leaves for the lawful pleasures of Hymen, even when the inclination and power still remain? An O2 indifference 108 GUIDE TO HEALTH. indifference which not only induce many to embrace a life of celi- bacy, but even accompanies the marriage bed. Dr. Bekkers re- lates of a woman, who acknowledged that this practice gained so compleat a dominion over her senses, that she detested having law- ful connection with her husband! The following case is worthy the attention of parents and guardians who have the care of youth: A young man of 28 years of age, who was initiated into these abominations, by his private TUTOR, and had the same disgust for the marriage state; the an- guish of his situation, joined to his exhausted condition, the conse- quences of his operations, threw him into a profound melancholy, which however yielded to the power of that nervous and strength- ening medicine the Cordial Balm of Gilead. ADDRESS To Parents, Guardians, Schoolmasters, and those who are intrusted with the Education of Youth. PERMIT me to intreat you who are fathers and mothers, to reflect upon the source from whence this last patient derived his misfortunes, as there are more examples of this kind than one. If they may be deceived in the choice of those to whom they intrust the important charge of forming the mind and heart of their pu- pils, what is there not to fear from those, who being only appointed to display their corporeal talents, are examined less critically with respect to their morals? and from servants who are frequently hired, without its being known whether they have any morals at all! “ Many young and tender plants have been blasted by the hand of the very gardener, who was intrusted with their rearing; there are in this kind of rearing, gardeners of both sexes: but should 109 ADDRESS TO PARENTS, &c. should it be asked, where is the remedy of this evil? the answer is concise, and simply this. Be particularly careful in the choice of a preceptor; watch over him and his pupil with that vigilance which an attentive and careful father of a family exerts, to know what is done in the darkest recesses of his house. Never leave servants or tutors alone with youth, it you have the least reason to believe that they are given to those practice. Watch youth if they stay too long in the necessary, particularly with a companion, for in great school it is frequently to such places that they retire to commit this destructive vice; and I have been assured by many, that here they were first initiated into this detestable practice. It is time to conclude these shocking details; I am weary of the turpitude and misery of mankind. I shall only make one ge- neral observation, which is:— None are exempt from punishment; but it is not equally in- flicted on all. Would young people only take time to consider that every act of debauchery of this kind strikes deep at the root of their constitution, inevitably hastens the disorders they fear, and will, in the very flower of their youth, bring on all those infirmi- ties of the most languishing old age, they would abhor and desist from so vile and abominable a practice. Persons who have addicted themselves to this vice, find them- selves disgusted at all amusements, absent in company, stupid and lifeless every where; and if they think, at all, feel themselves plunged into the deepest melancholy: From all these miseries the CORDIAL BALM OF GILEAD is calculated to afford relief. But it should be observed that perse- verance is necessary; in all cases a particular attention to the the directions, as also a regularity in time and dose, is to be regarded; and above all it must be noticed, that it will be in vain to expect any 120 GUIDE TO HEALTH. any relief from this remedy without punctuality; for taking a bot- tle or two regular, then leaving off for some days and begginning again, will be of no service; it must be continued regularly. PARTICULAR DIRECTIONS. The first step that should be taken with regard to the cure is, to leave off those practices which have occasioned the disease, which, though I confess it appears to me to be a difficult matter, as the very foul itself is generally so much polluted that it can swell on no other idea; yet, however, if by a sincere repent- ance, and fixed determination to desist therefrom before it is too late, there is not the least doubt but that the irritability will soon be subdued, provided the following rules will are attended to: Avoid all stimulating, acrid, and high seasoned meats; a poor, thin diet is, however, very improper. The food should be rather nutritive than plain, and exactly such as recommended in nervous complaints, with the like exercise, &c. Vide Nervous Complaints. It is certain, however, that as the diet there recommended will restore the strength of the body, it will at the same time increase the stimulus on the organs of generation, by secretion of semen, which, of course will be larger in quantity than even in healthy persons, owing to the great evacuations which have preceded. Some part of the semen is gradually absorbed by the lymphatics, in consequence of which the remainder becomes thick, acrid, and very stimulating. To remedy this, exercise is to be used, and that not only for pleasure, but until it is attended with a very consider- able degree of fatigue. The sleep must be no more than barely sufficient to repair the fatigue occasioned by the exercise, for ex- cess of sleep is as bad as idleness or stimulating food. Excess of wine or spirits ought to be avoided, though a glass in moderation will not be prejudicial. But the only remedy, perhaps, of real efficacy, and from which, by a perseverance, a permanent cure will be obtained, is the Cordial Balm of Gilead, which is possessed of this admirable quality, in preference to any ever discovered, that with 111 ONANISM. with little or no stimulus, it restores the tone of the system, and invigorates the body in a manner incredible to those who have not observed its effects. If these instructions are followed, and medicine persevered in, the patient may for a certainty expect a recovery, provided any degree of vital strength remains; and those who desire a life of celibacy on a moral account, will find them much more effectual than all the vows of chastity can make. The proper dose of the Cordial Balm of Gilead is from two tea-spoonfuls to two table-spoonfuls an hour before breakfast,— about an hour before eleven,—five o’clock,—and an hour be- fore supper,—in a wine glass of Madeira, sherry, water, or any other convenient liquid. It is in vain for people to attempt to take medicines for any disorder whatever, if they do not pay some attention to their mode of living, during the administration of proper remedies; for the best prescriptions may be rendered useless by inattention to these particulars; whilst good nursing and a due regard to diet are great assistants to the most able physician: it is therefore desired that a particular attention may be paid to the directions concerning regi- men, which are treated of in this book, under their respective heads. Rising early in the morning, and taking moderate exercise in the open air, should be attended to; and sleeping on hard-beds or matrasses, has been much recommended; and when the weather will not permit them to go out, they should be engaged in some active employment within, or take the exercise of swinging, which will he found very conducive towards a restoration of health in these cases; especially where there are any symptoms of consump- tion. Vide, Regimen directed for Nervous, Consumptive, and Impotent Cases. The following cases are inserted to point out the consequences of this destructive habit, that a view of the dreadful effects thereof may 122 GUIDE TO HEALTH. may deter young people from giving way to fatal delusion: and the cures are added to shew the efficacy of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, in a variety of cases, that those who are already drooping under similar complaints, may not sink into total despair, but seek for advice remedies, even though they should be bereft of every other hope of relief. CASES and CURES To Dr. SOLOMON, Marybone, Liverpool. Kind Sir, Bristol, Feb. 1, 1796. I write at the request of a young man, who having heard of your great abilities, wishes to have your opinion of his deplorable case. He would have entered upon a course of your Cordial Balm of Gilead, but thought it more prudent to take your advice and opinion first. Inclosed is an order on the post office for one guinea, which he understands is your accustomed fee. He is about twenty-three years of age, and has since he was fifteen, constantly practiced that destructive habit called Onanism, which is so admirably treated of in your “ Guide to Health.” He has within this six months been seized with a weakness in his head and eyes: the latter, he says, have been frequently afflicted with violent spasms at the time of his seminal emissions; and when he reads, he is taken with such a kind of stupor as intoxication creates; the pupil is very much dilated, and he suffers exquisite pains in his eyes, the lids are very heavy, and shut themselves at night; he is con- stantly shedding tears, and a great quantity of whitish matter ga- thers in the two corners, which are very painful. Though he has an appetite to his meat, yet he falls away to a mere skeleton, and as soon as he has done his victuals, he relapses into his former drowsiness. Such, sir, is the state of this unhappy youth, as near as I can state; and he begs of you to acquaint him, with your usual candour, what benefit he may expect from your medicine, or such other matters as you may think proper to direct for his relief. Despairing as he has long done of ever obtaining relief from our physicians, who are wearied of prescribing for him, he puts up his 113 ONANISM. his prayers to the Almighty that this application to you may be attended with success, and as he is sufficiently convinced of the enormity of his crime, he resolves to abandon that vile practice in future. He begs a speedy answer. I am, dear Sir, Your very obedient servant, J. L. P.S. Please to direct for Mr.—, No.—,—street, Bristol. This young man was perfectly cured by twelve bottles of the Cordial Balm of Gilead. I am a young man of 18 years of age, and have had frequent connections with a servant girl, but of late have been seized with a weakness and general tremor in all my members, my face is be- come red, and ray pulse weak; a tumour or swelling has taken place in my right arm, with a violent pain in my elbow, and I feel the pain and weakness always encreased by copulation. Before I formed the above connection I unfortunately was taught that abominable vice Onanism, as it is called, by a school fellow, and followed it for near three years. Dr. Solomon will no doubt ad- minister something that will relieve me, for which I will pay with the greatest pleasure. Please not to mention what my disorder arose from, but say it is owing to a weakness caught by a surfeit or cold, as I must shew your letter to my friends, from whom I must obtain money to pay for the medicines, being not yet of age. Cured by a course of this medicine, and the regimen prescribed under the article Impotency. To Dr. SOLOMON, Liverpool. Sir, Wolverhampton, May 4. I beg leave to trouble you with this letter on a subject which I blush to inform you of, but am induced from observing an Ad- vertisement in the public papers, wherein young ‘Guide to Health’ was recommended. I purchased one, and find your advice offered in so friendly a manner, that I am induced to make this applica- tion to you. I am almost 18 years of age, and have been at a large school in this place near three years: It is with sorrow I con- sess that I have greatly injured my health, by a practice which if is needless to describe to you, and which is too common, especially among bed-fellows in schools. A short time ago I sent to Bir- mingham for a bottle of your Cordial Balm of Gilead, which I P have 114 GUIDE TO HEALTH. have finished, and I think it has done good in strengthening me. About half a year ago I attempted to copulate with a woman, which I effected; but on a similar occasion lately, to my surprise, I was unable. My case is, I have a weakness in my loins, the liquor flows from my penis on slight occasions, which I am afraid has diminished in size, and am also much thinner in flesh than I used to be. Will Dr. Solomon be so kind as to inform me im mediately his opinion of my case, and whether I must continue his medicine? I have only to add, that by an early attention to my unfortunate case, my dear Sir, you will bellow a lasting obliga- tion on Your humble servant, P. S. Please to direct for Mr.—, to be left at the Post Office, Wolverhampton. This gentleman was restored by a few bottles of the Cor- dial Balm of Gilead. Sir, Caermarthen, 14th July. It is now some time since I was troubled with involuntary emissions, and a general debility in my whole system, owing to a destructive habit of polluting myself, a practice which I conti- nued near seventeen years; but by an advertisement in the papers I was directed to your Cordial Balm of Gilead, which has effec- tually cured me, and I am perfectly sensible of the pernicious effects of the above vice, and am determined never to be guilty of the like. Sir, Wigan, 29th Oct. 1796. Your name and abilities biting the subject of much conversation here, induced me to send for one of your ever-to be-admired books the ‘ Guide to Health:’ in perusing which, you have detect- ed me in that deplorable vice of self-pollution, for which I consider myself under the most lasting obligations to you. I am sensible it has greatly debilitated me, and find the sad effects of it growing in every respect as you describe, such as absence of mind, melan- choly, loss of memory, &c. though I have practiced it not more than ten or twelve months. You will be kind enough to send me a five guinea case of your Cordial Balm of Gilead, which I hope will set me to rights again, and it will add to the obli- gations I already feel. If I should be so fortunate as to be re- instated in my health, it will be my pride to recommend both you 115 ONANISM. you and your excellent medicine on every opportunity. Inclosed is a five guinea bill. I am, &c. X. Z. P. S. Please to write as soon as convenient, and direct for X. Y. to be left at —, Standishgate, Wigan. Dear Sir, London, 22d Oct. 1796. Having for some time past been afflicted with a seminal weak- ness, being frequently interrupted with unpleasant dreams and involuntary emissions, finding myself much weakened and trou- bled with a frequent pain in my head and the lower parts of my body, I was induced to communicate my situation to a medical gentleman, who immediately told me what he conceived to be the origin of my complaint; till then I was ignorant of the ill conse- quences that arose from the vile habit I had practiced, and which I now, with the utmost abhorrence, blush to confess. The me- dicine he prescribed not appearing to give me any relief, and be- ing anxious to have recourse to something that would, if possible, tend to a cure, I fortunately one day observed an advertisement of your Cordial Balm of Gilead. I immediately purchased a bottle, and finding immediate and wonderful relief, was induced to continue it; as such have taken ten bottles, though not abso- lutely quite recovered of the nocturnal weakness, am happy to say it has greatly relieved the pain in my head, removed the sore- ness in my chest, and dispersed the pains in the lower parts of my body. As I hope, and indeed am morally certain (through the blessing of God) to receive a perfect cure from persevering with your valuable medicine, I now take the liberty of requesting you to send me by the coach a five guinea box, containing the quan- tity of twelve half guinea bottles of your Balm of Gilead, being the price you fix for that number being purchased at once, in your “ Guide to Health,” which I have bought. I have remitted herewith a Gloucester bank note. As you do not particularly wish to have the name, and from my unpleasant situation I at pre- sent wish to conceal it, you will excuse my signing by initials only. Waiting your kind reply, I am, &c. A. Z. Having brought on myself many bad symptoms, by a practice which is unnecessary to describe to you, and which I was taught by an apprentice of ours, which had reduced me to a very de- plorable state, so that I was unfit for any employment, being always weak, feeble, dull, and languid;—I am exceedingly P2 happy 116 GUIDE TO HEALTH. happy to inform you that I am quite restored to health, by fol- lowing the directions in your “ Guide to Health” and taking your Cordial Balm of Gilead. Witchurch, Shropshire, 18th June, 1796. SIR, I acknowledge to my great shame, that I have been many years addicted to that vile practice of self-pollution, so deservedly reprobated by you in your " Guide to Health,” and which has brought me into a state of total imbecility. About five years ago I contracted a slight venereal, and applied to my surgeon, who gave me some pills, which created a constant and copious discharge from the urethra; more, he said, than he had ever seen in the course of his practice after this had stopt, I continued in the above shameful habit of Onanism till I began to feel the terrible consequences of it; which for a long time I falsely attributed to the medicine I had taken during the venereal, as I had always a very strong mercurial taste in my mouth; I have been under the care of all the Doctors and Physicians in this part of the country, but can get no relief; some have treated it as the effect of vile pol- lution, and others as the remains of a venereal, imperfectly cured; but all their efforts have been ineffectual. A strong pain attacks me, more especially when warm in bed, in the final! of my back, and in my left side; the latter never leaves me, I have frequently a great pain accompanied with a rumbling in my bowels, which are sometimes lax and sometimes costive; I am often affected with a great and distressing lowness of spirits a strong palpitation of the heart, and a trembling all over me. and these symptoms seem to be daily gaining more strength, Having heard much of your fa- mous medicine the Cordial Balm of Gilead, I am destrous of try- ing it. if you think it would have its usual effect on me, I trust, sir, you will make me candidly acquainted with the hopes you entertain from this medicine or any other you may think proper to to apply to my case, and please to send me particular directions in respect to diet, &c. I have been fully imposed upon by some of the advertising faculty in London, who have sent me a great quan- tity of medicines, which has done me, I believe, more hurt than good; but from your medicine I hope I shall experience that re- lief which I have sought for so long in vain. I am your most obedient servant, J. H. *** Perfectly cured by a course of the Cordial Balm of Gilead. A middle 117 ONANISM. A middle aged man in Warrington, from die practice of the vile act self-pollution, brought upon himself great bodily weak- ness debility, with a lowness of spirits, alarming fears, great, agitations of the mind, sometimes approaching to infanity; a pal- pitation of the heart on taking the smallest exercise, at times a to- tal loss of apetite, though at others he would eat his victuals with extreme greediness; such a degree of lassitude that frequently con- fined him to his bed for days together, till at last, hearing of the great efficacy of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, was induced to put himself under a course of it, which in a short time effectnally cured him. Sir, I am going to relate my case to you which shocks me to think of much more so to disclose; from my infancy I have been ad- dicted to that abominable passion, Onanism or self pollution, to a most shocking degree; about seven years ago I contracted the ve- nereal disease which was cured by my surgeon, but he left a gleet upon me which continued running for twelve months, when I went to another eminent surgeon in our neighbourhood, who gave me a bottle of water to wash with, which soon put a stop to it, but since that time I have never had any inclination for a woman. About a twelve month ago, an involuntary flux or discharge of urine came upon me, and it has increased ever since, to that within these four months I have been obliged to sleep with a bladder to catch my water. If you think you can set me to rights, I shall take care not to be guilty of that abominable sin any more, and shall, as in duty bound, ever pray for blessings of God to be showered on your head; please to inform me what you think of my disorder, and what the expence will probably be. In your answer dont mention the name ot my disorder, as I must, shew the letter to my friends. I am, Sir, your most humble servant, W. S. This person was perfectly cured by a course of the Cor- dial Balm of Gilead. Not long since, a young woman about 18 years of age, who had enjoyed a good state of health, was seized with an astonishing weakness; her powers daily diminished; in the day time she was constantly overcome with drowsiness, and was at night unable to sleep: she lost her appetite, and a dropsical swelling spread all over her body; she consulted me, and after I found that her menses were regular, suspected masturbation; the effect of the first ques- tion 118 GUIDE TO HEALTH. tion that I put to her confirmed the justice of my suspicion, and the patient acknowledging it, convinced me; I represented to her the danger of such a practice, a cessation from which, and the me- dicine, in a few days stopt the progress of the disorder, and pro- duced a most favourable change. Sir, By a too frequent commission of that vile practice Onanism, I am become so very weak that I can scarce retain my urine, and I have almost every night an involuntary emission of seed, which increases my disorder greatly, and sometimes am troubled with fits of the incubus. The two disorder unite and return every night. The phantom is that of a woman, which occasions at the same time the pollution. I hope, Sir, you will consider my distressful situ- ation, and send me such medicines as you think proper to cure my disorder, and to revive that strength which I have destroyed. I am, Sir, &c. G. M. Sir, Dear Sir, It is real necessity alone could induce me to address you upon a subject which I would willingly veil from my own imagination; but the direful consequences of it still leads me to reflect with bit- terness on the criminal indulgence of a foolish passion, which has, I fear, entirely ruined my constitution. In a word, Sir, I have practised it for some years with an avidity I could scarcely conceive myself capable of. Resisting the friendly warnings of nature, which by various symptoms of weakness, and an increasing debi- lity, fully convinced me that I was injuring myself most essential- ly; still, however, the inclination continued to gain ground, and I pursued it until at last emitted pure blood instead of semen! which was followed by inflammation and swelling of the penis and testicles, and is accompanied by such excessive pain that I cannot rise from my bed, and can scarcely turn myself in it. I am afraid it is too late that I see the enormity of this practice; but, my dear Sir, if you can send me any medicine that will be bene- ficial to me to reinstate me in my former strength, and something to foment the part with, to abate the inflammation, swelling. &c, you will confer a lasting obligation on, Sir, &c. Sir, I beg leave to lay my unhappy case before you, perhaps it may be your power to administer relief to me. I enjoyed in my youthful 119 ONANISM. youthful days an uninterrupted state of good health, which I have reason to believe would have continued until now (and I am about forty) had I not destroyed it by the common practice of ten pol- lution, which I was taught at a boarding school, and I became to great a votary to it, that no consideration could breast me off from it but I repeated it daily for a long time, two, three, and some- times four times a day, until I felt myself extremely weak after the actions, and then it would take some time before I could bring the penis again to an erection, and I am now become ex- ceeding weak and debilitated; having flying pains all over my body, and great dejection of mind. I entreat you to grant me your advice and assistance in this situation, and I solemnly pro- mise utterly to abandon this vile practice in future, I am, &c. Sir, Buxton, 26th Aug. 1796. I beg leave to lay my situation before you for your advice and assistance, and have inclosed you the amount of your fee. I am about 36 years of age, and am single. I have been extremely ad- dicted to self-pollution, and am frequently troubled with nocturnal pollutions, and some few times have involuntarily emitted semen in the day time, when my mind has been violently agitated. My penis is small, and about ten years ago the hair about It fell off, and it remains bald. I have experienced some of the bad conse- quences of the above pernicious habit, being extremely weak and nervous, my pulse is languid, and I am grown considerably thinner than I used to be. I fear I am in danger of going into a decline, and reques to know whether Buxton waters are proper for me; and further, whether I am fit to enter into the matrimonial state. Be so good as to deal candidly with me, and direct your answer to, &c. Sir, Manchester, Feb. 14th. Having been guilty of the pernicious habit of self-pollution, which I learnt when a boy, at school, near Middleton; I continued it for a long time, till I heard mention of your book, the “ Guide to Health,” as a Treatise wrote in a great measure to dissuade from that vice, I purchased and read it, and then only my eyes were opened to all the evils attending that horrid proctice. I instantly abandoned it, and put myself under a course of your Cordial Balm of Gilead, which I am happy to say has proved in this in- stance, (as I doubt not it has in most others) wonderfully effica- cious, It has perfectly restored me to that vigour which I had for 120 GUIDE TO HEALTH. for some time lost; and has cured me of the acute pains which used at times to confine me in bed, and which I then attributed to the rheumatism; and from your book I plainly see they were the consequences of criminal indulgence. I could not be satisfied without adding my testimony to the many you have recorded, of the efficacy of your truly valuable medicine, I am, Sir, &c. Sir Mardol, Shropshire, 7th Oct. I am a person naturally of a delicate constitution, and much inclined to women, which inclination I have constantly checked, on account of some worldly motives, and never was guilty of any real act of venery with myself or a woman, till I arrived almost at the age of twenty one years, when I felt a victim to that horrid vice, self-pollution, which I practised daily I think about a year, before I considered that it was sinful or destructive; when finding my constitution relaxed, I formed a resolution to leave it off, but could not entirely conquer the passion till about sixteen months ago, when just turned thirty-two. My complaints were great pain and weak- ness in the back on stooping, extreme soreness of the lungs, and a discharge of thick cream coloured matter from my stomach, parti- cularly in the morning, weakness of the eyes, dulness approaching to deep melancholy, nocturnal and involuntary emissions (but not on stool or urine) and a general leanness and apparent decay of body. Thus circumstanced, I purchased your excellent treatise entitled “ A Guide to Health,” and have taken twelve bottles of your Cordial Balm of Gilead, which have greatly strengthened and invigorated my constitution; and though I am not yet entirely cured, yet I thank God I have a sure prospect of it, and if you prescribe any thing else that is likely to perfect my cure, be so obliging as to send it to Mr. Eddowes, printer of the Salo- pian Journal, directed for—, with proper directions for use, and a bill of the charge, I will send for it and pay the money into his hands for your account. I am, Sir, with great gratitude and esteem, &c. To S. SOLOMON, M. D. Sir, I have now sent for two guineas worth of your Cordial Balm of Gilead; I have taken the whole quantity you furnished me with before, and I am exceeding happy to acquaint you that I have found great benefit from it; the pain in my head is entirely gone, which makes me a deal lighter and better; and I have no doubt that 121 ONANISM. that by blessing of God and your excellent medicine, I shall be fully cured of those ills which I brought upon myself by per- sisting in the practice of that most shameful of all vices Onamism; to which I had an inclination almost unconquerable; but am now fully determined to leave it off for ever. I am. Sir, &c. Sir, Melbourn, 26th Oct. 1796. I am one of those unfortunate young men who have addicted themselves to the destructive habit of self-pollution. I began this practice at the age of 14 years, and continued it till I was 22; about which period I saw a work written by Doctor H—son, wherein I found the complicated train of disorders I laboured under, proceeded from this destructive sin. A small sum of mo- ney I had, which enabled me to purchase his medicines: but in- stead of finding the relief I expected, it had a different effect upon me; I became dull, stupid, and at times almost insensible; my emissions were more frequent than before; but as perseverance was recommended, I still continued taking, till my small sum was exhausted. With the most rigid economy I have been enabled to purchase other medicines, but all to no purpose; my disorders still continues to increase and the symptoms appear more alarming: —after every emission I am affected with violent pain in the head, lowness of spirits, and dullness; if I walk half a mile I have great pains in my ancles; my penis is no larger or not so large, as when I began this horrid practice. The train of evils it has occasioned almost distracts and makes me at times totally incapa- ble of following my employment. I have sent two guineas and a half, for which you will be so kind as to send me four bottles of your Cordial Balm of Gilead, with your advice. If your me- dicine, through the blessing of God, should prove serviceable to me, I shall think it the happiest day of my life; if not, I shall linger out a life of misery and despair. I have given you a faith- ful detail of my situation, and you may with the greatest confi- dence rely upon my integrity. I am, &c. The original may be seen at the Doctor’s house, and the the writer of the above letter referred to. Dear Sir, Manchester, March 2d. You was so kind with the last parcel of your Cordial Balm of Gilead which you forwarded me, to advise me to use the Cold Q Bath, 122 GUIDE TO HEALTH. Bath. But I beg leave to trouble yon further to inform me what kind of bath I ought to use, whether in a spring or in our baths at the Infirmary? for there are very good ones adjoining; thereto; and as I now consider myself fully recovered, you will please advise me whether I ought to continue the medicine for fear of a relapse. Be assured, my dear Sir, I never will be guilty of that detestable vice any more, and am greatly indebted to you, that through your means I have been deterred from commuting it to a greater excess. I am, &c. To Dr. SOLOMON. Dear Sir, Harwich, Nov. 21, 1796 As a convincing proof of the efficacy of your medicine, I shall beg you to insert the following case, which has happened within my knowledge. A young man, a native of this place, was vio- lently afflicted with a weakness, occasioned by youthful improprie- ty, or more plainly speaking, Onanism, and was reduced to the last stage of a consumption, notwithstanding all the medical aid of this place; but on taking your Balm of Gilead, he is perfectly restored, to the no small joy of his parents. I trust you will ad- vertise this for the good of the world, and I am, dear sir, Your obliged humble servant, GEO. WELLS. Sir, I have for a long time past laboured under a complaint, which is the same I believe as what the Doctors call a seminal weak- ness, and I beg leave to apply to you for your advice and assis- tance to get rid of it; I inclose you your usual fee of one gui- nea, by an order on the post-office; I am fearful I have brought this disorder on myself by the practice of Onanism. For I was in a good state of health before I addicted myself to that vice, which was about five years ago; the seed comes from me at times without any erection and altogether involuntary: principally when at stool or asleep, and sometimes when I walk the streets; but if any erection happens from the sight of a handsome woman, the semen is sure to flow immediately. I have sometimes emitted blood with the seminal liquor, which greatly alarms me, and makes me apprehensive that I have burst a blood vessel; I have many symptoms of debility and excessive weakness all over my body, particularly prickling pains down my back bone, and my thighs are always cold and lifeless. I have taken 123 ONANISM. taken two bottles of vour Cordial Balm of Gilead, which I bought at the printers, and I fancy it has been of much service to me, as I have had no nocturnal emission these three nights; but your kind advice what I am to do, and your particular directions as to Regi- men, together with such medicines as you may think proper to send me, will be ever esteemed as a high favour conferred on. Sir, &c. Sir, Wexford, Ireland, May 24, I beg leave to trouble you with a few lines by a Captain going to Liverpool who will pay your accustomed fee, and your bill for whatever medicines you may think proper to send, which he will carefully deliver to me, I have been for some years greatly afflicted with acute pains in my bones, and a great weakness in my joints, so that I can sometimes scarce walk or indeed bear any motion; I have frequently a violent trembling all over me, which renders me totally incapable of writing my own name. I have also a continual cough and oppression at the chest, with great las- situde and drowsiness, preferring solitude to the most agreeable so- ciety. I can ascribe these afflictions to no other cause than my hav- ing used means to eject my seed, without copulating with a woman, which I have practised so long, and got so accustomed to it, that I can scarce refrain from it a single day; I am however deter- mined to leave it off, and if there is a remedy for these complaints, for God’s sake, Doctor, relieve me, and a little money shall be no object. Please to send the medicines immediately by the captain, and at all events write a letter by return of post, that I may know whether to entertain any hopes or not. I am, Sir, &c. This gentleman was cured by two five guinea cases of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, in about two months. Sir, Ripon, 27th Nov. The various remedies I've sought for an unfortunate malady I labour under, and without the desired effect, proves it a dreadful one indeed! There is still a hope in you. It proceeds from a Malus Habitus at a boarding school, contracted at fifteen, inadvertently pursued ’till twenty, and the consequences have raged ’till now, twenty-eight years of age. You will naturally conclude it has produced a seminal weakness, nocturnal emissions, impotency, &c. and I have taken a large quantities of Dr. Hodson’s and Dr. Smyth’s Restoratives, Falk’s Analeptic Tincture, &c. &c. with- out effect. The tone of the parts is very deficient, and the erec- Q2 tion 124 GUIDE TO HEALTH. tions very imperfect, the smallest irritation or even a dream creating emissions. I observe your advertisements as to tire Cordial Balm of Gilead; but before I proceed to purchase it, have thought it wise to ask your advice on the nature of my malady. I resort to you, my good sir, as a friend, and hope you will treat my applica- tion with your full opinion of, and best attendance to my case, and we may hereafter correspond to our mutual satisfaction, and my own comfort. If you point out what medicines you think will help me as soon as possible, it will confer an obligation on, sir, &c. Sir, Cork, Ireland, Dec. 4. It is with much shame I am at last induced to address you on my enervated situation, occasioned solely, I am convinced, by my having contracted in my early youth a most infamous habit, the continual practice of which has totally destroyed my constitution, the health of my body is not only affected, but the powers of the mind are much weakened; my judgment has lost its solidity, and my memory its retentive faculties; so that I can call no past trans- action distinctly to my mind, with all its connective circumstances, only from some confused and irregular ideas, my head is confused and subject to frequent swimmings, and I have been much troubled with an oppression at my breast, which occasions a constant per- spiration. I have pains in my stomach, and weakness and a general with an oppression at my breast, which occasions a constant per- spiration. I have pains in my stomach, and weakness and a gene- ral debility all over me, with continual yawning and sleepiness; my appetite is fluctuating; my spirits greatly depressed, so that at times I can scarce refrain from sighing and involuntary weep- ing; my eyes are inflamed and frequently emit a watery humour: in a word, I am an object of misery, and I apply to you, my dear sir, confident from what I hear of your great abilities, and the extraordinary efficacy of your medicines, that if good can be done for me, I must hope for it only from you. You will please, therefore, to send me what medicines and instructions you think proper, and no expence on my part shall be wanting. I am, Sir, &c. P. S. I wish you would be so kind as to appoint an agent in in Cork for selling your valuable medicine, for I am sure many would take it, who are prevented by difficulty of procuring it, and the time that is lost before it arrives. Cured by a course of the Cordial Balm of Gilead. Dr. (125) Dr. SOLOMON. Dear Sir, Glasgow, Jan. 19. 1797. A few days since I called at Mr. Mennons for your book, called a Guide to Health, and would have purchased your cele- brated Balm of Gilead, but came to a resolution to make my case known to you, before I began, for your advice and directions. In the first place I will mention the cause supposed to be the occasion of my truble. Between six and seven years past I had connec- tion with a woman, in one of the common houses, where a certain disorder is generally caught, I was afraid of it and washed my privates with spirits in the morning, and in a day or two after took a dose of salts and having never this disorder I was ignorant of the appearance or effects it would produce, but as I thought there was nothing uncommon appeared for months, even years. I was satisfied in my own mind that I got clear; and never had any connection with a woman since. I still found a dulness and sometimes a head ache, but thought nothing of it as I got better of my head ache, but about three years past I began to find my privates often itching, and the inside of my thighs; but by wash- ing, I thought sometimes it got better; this I then supposed to be occasioned by the tail of my shirt getting wet, as sometimes I could not retain my water, till I got to a convenient place for do- ing it; two years ago I had a head ache and a great sweating in bed, but my nose running water and afterwards blood, I got bet- ter; however I still found my self turning dull and weak, my spi- rits much dejected, my eyes often sore, especially in the morning, my head more often sore, but still followed my business till the first of January, 1796, when my privates became to be very sore and the inside of my thighs, and itching all over these parts, and in the top of the penis casting often a loose skin, and a kind of moisture coming from it with a disagreeable smell; some red spots appeared on my face, on my neck, and on the sinewy parts of my joints, both arms and legs, my eyes continually sore, and a slight pain in my head; I then, and not till then applied to a surgeon, to know my case, supposing all this time that it was the scurvy, as my gums were often sore, and would bleed on a slight occasion. To my surprise the Doctor told me I had the p—! then I begun to take mercury and continued for upwards of six months, with decoctions. The eruptions disappeared, but about the breadth of a sixpence under each arm; the Doctor told me I was clear of my trouble, but I always complained of a pain in my face and a tick- ling in the passage of the penis; however, I gave up taking mer- cury for six and seven weeks and found the symptoms appearing again 126 GUIDE TO HEALTH. again, I then took more mercury in spirits for six weeks, and the eruptions disappeared, but still have a pain in my head and a gleet, which I have had these many years past when at stool, and even after making water; it was formerly more of the colour of seed, and ropy and thick, but now it is thin and glairy, with a mix- ture of whitish matter amongst it; it is, when dry upon my shirt, of a cream or milkish colour, rather inclined to yellow; I have been much reduced in my flesh, and have some time ago sweat al- ways in bed a great deal, rather a coldish sweat, but lately have not been much troubled with it; I have a dryness in my throat but no thirst, and spit a kind of spittle sometimes of a yellowish colour, with some blackish mixture in it; I am troubled with wind often in my bowels, and sometimes flying gripes or pain through my body, my back has been sore for a long time ago, and still continues, my eyes are sore, especially in the morning, and red- dish and watery, and sometimes an itching in them; there is a twitching or tickling in the penis, in the passage, rather more so after being at stool; I have no eruption upon my skin just now, except some pimples on my back, and a few on my face; when I wear my hat it leaves a kind of redness after I take it off, and find it hurts me if any way tight upon my face; there is an itch- ing about the fundament and some times appearance of as if it were small piles, there is often a moisture or sweat about the penis and fundament; I never had any biles on my body, nor any pain in my legs nor any of my bones, except in my back; I do not re- member that I bad any pain in my throat ever, I feel more now from the dryness I think in it at times than ever I found, but have no difficulty in swallowing my victuals; yet I now blush, though absent, to tell you that being once taught by a companion that abominable crime of self pollution at about sixteen years of age, and contrary to all my resolutions to give it over, have still conti- nued till within a year or two, and am now above thirty-eight. May God be pleased to pardon me! and grant that you may be directed by him to prescribe some medicine to restore me to health, with this resolution, by God’s grace, never never to be guity of it again. It being five or six years since I had any con- nection with a woman before I took or applied for any medicine, I beg you will give your opinion whether my trouble arises from the venereal or self-pollution, or both, and what rational hopes you have of my recovery by my following your prescriptions; and if you think your celebrated Balm of Gilead will be likely to do me that good that so many have happily experienced, or any other medicine you prescribe for me, with directions, as also what is the most proper regimen; at present, pottage and milk is my breakfast 127 ONANISM. breakfast and supper, and a beef steak for dinner; I drink two cups of tea in the evening, my appetite not very good, yet I can- not complain much of it as yet. Do, sir, please to consider my case, and may God direct you to prescribe what may be the cause of my recovery! I am to leave this town in ten days, and hopes to have your answer before that time. I do not choose to sign my name, but you will direct to X. Z. till called for, care of Mr. John Mennons, Glasgow, to whom I have paid this day one gui- nea for your fee; I have often seen you at Liverpool, though then I did not know that I was in need of advice. I am, dear sir, yours, &c. P. S. My sight is much weakened and am dull of hearing; my very voice is altered; If you can do me any good, for God’s sake neglect not to write to me, as I think I am getting nothing better but rather worse. Received from the writer of the above one guinea, which Dr. Solomon will please to place to my account with him, JOHN MENNONS. The above gentleman was perfectly restored in five weeks, under the immediate direction of Dr. Solomon. It is impossible to insert all the cases and cures which Dr. Solomon is in possession of. It is, however, earnestly wished to guard unwary youth from those fatal rocks on which thousands have been unfortunately wrecked. As the above complaints seldom come within the observation of gentlemen in the general line of practice, it is no reflection upon their knowledge or judgment to say, that very few of them have an opportunity of that experience, which is the only solid foundation of Medical Fame; whilst Dr. Solomon’s very exten- sive practice and particular attention in these cases, enables him to afford that permanent relief to such unfortunate patients, as, perhaps, they cannot experience under any other physician in the kingdom. And it is with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction that be acknowledges the candour and liberality of those Gentle- men 128 GENERAL DIRECTIONS. men of the Faculty, who have so distinguishedly countenanced his claim to public approbation, as to recommend patients to his care. Persons however young, who have in the least given way to the delusive habit of self-abuse, should lose no time in applying to him, from whom they will meet with that tenderness and fidelity which such cases demand. THE GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR TAKING THE CORDIAL BALM OF GILEAD. In all cases where the Cordial Balm of Gilead is administered (unless ordered to the contrary) is only to take from two tea- spoonfuls to two table-spoonfuls, according to the age or con- sitution of the patient, half an hour before breakfast, about five o’clock in the evening, and about an hour after supper, in a tea- cup or wine glass of water, or white wine, Madeira, or sherry. After the first bottle, the patient may also take a tea-spoonful or two of the Cordial, about eleven o’clock in the forenoon. The Cordial Balm of Gilead is sold in bottles, price half a- guinea each. There are also cases, price 5l. 5s. each, containing twelve bottles at 10s, 6d. by which the patient saves 1l. 1s.— These can only be had at the Doctor’s house, at Marybone, Liverpool. Disorders which have been many years in proceeding to such a degree of malignancy as cannot be eradicated in a few weeks; and it is in order to encourage steady perseverance in the use of proper means, that Dr. Solomon has adopted the plan of his boxes, containing four large bottles, the quantity of twelve small ones, packed up safe for the country. Every bottle has this certificate :— “ No. Marybone, Liverpool. I certify that this Cordial Balm of Gilead is genuine, and was truly prepared by me S. SOLOMON, M. D. Entered by (Clerk’s name.) 129 GUIDE TO HEALTH. Persons in the country, requiring the Doctors opinion relative in inveterate cases, are to inclose his fee of half-a-guinea in the letter, which may be delivered at the post office, and the postage paid to the post-master, as a money-letter; by which means he will be answerable in case of accident. Such letters should, (for safety) be thus directed, “ Money-letter, Dr. Solomon, Marybone, Liverpool. Paid (double) postage.” Such persons as do not wish to have their names known, may have their answers directed for W. Z. to be left at—till called for. Persons in the country who wish to have the medicine imme- diately from the Doctor, by sending the money for any quantity they think proper, (and in small orders one shilling more for a box) will have them sent by such carrier as they shall appoint. Orders with a draft for any sum, may be sent by post, and the balance will be returned in the box; or orders with cash may be inclosed in a box or small parcel, by any of the coaches, diligences, or, wag- gons, and will be duly attended to. Letters of advice, are answered by Dr. Solomon, on the Mondays after they are received, except in cases of emergency, as the great number of applications from various parts of the king- dom, render it impossible for the Doctor to answer them all by return of post. It is necessary to observe, that the delivery of every parcel from the country, is attended with an expence of porterage, exclu- sive of carriage, and all letters with remittances are charged in proportion thereto: it is therefore particularly to be noticed, that in future the postage of all letters whatever, are to be paid, and the carriage of all parcels, or a sufficient sum inclosed for that pur- pose; over and above what is to be returned in medicines. R As 130 GUIDE TO HEALTH. As it is frequently the desire, and in some cases absolutely ne- cessary, for patients to be under Dr. Solomon’s immediate inspec- tion, Gentlemen may be supplied with every accommodation of board, apartments, and attendance, in his own house, on terms that will meet with approbation, according to the circumstances of their cases, or the Nature of their accommodations. (131) AN ACCOUNT OF THE VIRTUES AND EFFICACY OF THE CORDIAL BALM OF GILEAD, For the Relief and Cure of Nervous Disorders, Female Complaints, Weaknesses, Loss of Appetite, Coughs and Colds, Head-Ach, Relaxation, Bilious Cases, Debility, Indigestion, Lowness of Spirits, Consumptions, Scorbutic Diseases, Impurity of Blood, Pains in the Limbs, Ill-cured Lues, Seminal Weakness, Gleets, &c. &c. PRICE HALF A GUINEA A BOTTLE. Prepared only by S. Solomon, M. D. of the University and Royal College of Physicians of Aberdeen, at his house No. 12, Marybone, Liverpool, “ Is there no Balm in Gilead ? is there no Physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people re- covered.”—JER. viii. 22. “ The Lord hath caused Medicines to grow out of the earth, and he that is wise will not abhor them; for with such doth he heal men, and take away their pains.”—ECCL. xxxviii, 4.7. THIS elegant preparation is earnestly recommended to those ladies, who from repeated and difficult labours, are afflicted with weaknesses and infirmities; in which cases it is most highly use- ful, strengthening at the same the stomach, the back, the weakened organs, and the whole constitution. Those who in advanced life feel the consequences of youthful excess, or unfortunate youth who have brought on themselves a R2 numerous 132 GUIDE TO HEALTH. numerous train of evils, will, by the use of this, find themselves, restored to health and strength, and all the melancholy symptoms removed, which are the general effects of such causes. This Cordial Balm of Gilead is a most noble medicine, composed of some of the choicest natural balsams and strengtheness in the whole materia medica. The process is long and laborious, and requires the most nice and minute attention. Not a single drop can be produced under nine weeks digestion; and the ele- ments of which it is composed, are obtained with still greater labour and difficulty. The discovery of it has cost the proprietor amazing sums, great loss of time, repeated experiments, and cloee applica- tion to practical chemistry; and it affords him no small gratificadon to avow, that in offering it to the public, he invades no man’s pro- perty, nor imitates any medicine at present known in public or private practice. The experiments he has made with it upon a variety of diseases, would almost exceed belief. The name has been affixed, in a manner to convey an idea of its virtues; it was never till lately advertised, and is now offered to the world, not for private emolument, but from serious con- viction, that to withhold so benign and health-restoring a medicine from society in general, were an act of the greatest injustice. Youth and age, of either sex, are equally the objects of this restorative, and they will uniformly participate in its salubrious qualities and effects; for whether the system has received a shock, and is debilitated from imprudencies and inattention in the earlier part of life, or is sinking under the advance of years, a few doses of this medicine will afford immediate assurance of returning health and strength, by giving tone to the muscular system, and organs of digestion, and by renovating the whole constitution. To the young it will afford lasting health, strength and spirits, in place of lassitude and debility; and to the aged and infirm, it will assuredly furnish great relief and comfort, by gently and safely invigorating the system. It will not give immortality, but if 133 GUIDE TO HEALTH. if is the power of medicine to gild the autumn of declining years, and calmly and serenely protract the close of life beyond its narrow span, this restorative is capable of effecting that grand desideratum. Constitutions relaxed, weak or decayed, in men or women, are under the immediate influence of this restorative. Old coughs, asthmas, and consumptive habits, are soon re- lieved, and speedily cured. Poverty of blood and emaciated limbs, will 'ere long meet the happiest change: the chill watery fluid will become rich and bal- samic, and the limbs be covered with flesh, firm and healthful. Nervous disorders of every kind, and from whatever cause arising, fly before the effects of this great medicine; and all that train of sinkings, anxieties, and tremors, which so dreadfully af- fect the weak, the sedentary, and the delicate, will in a short time be succeeded by cheerfulness, and every presage of health. To those who have revelled in the midnight cup, or madly drained nature of her richest stores, by unrestrained or licentious love, or by the horrid selfish passion of Diogenes, this restorative will render all possible assistance; and if the vital powers be not entirely destroyed, it will gradually repair the melancholy evil. Ladies, of any time of life, may by this medicine be freed from one of the most afflicting disorders incident to the sex, and at a certain period it is most highly useful. For weakness, deficiency of natural strength, and relaxation of the vessels by too frequent indulgence of the passions, this medicine is a safe, certain and invaluable remedy, infinitely superior to any of those extolled preparations of Gums and Balsams which often produce feverish heat, and are always found to be momentary stimulants, rather than permanent, healthful strengtheners of nature. In 134 GUIDE TO HEALTH In debility after long fevers, in all nervous disorders, and in weakness peculiar to the female sex, this celebrated Cordial is really invaluable. Those who have long resided in hot climates, and are languid and relaxed in their whole system, may take this medicine with the happiest effects; and persons going to the East or West Indies, cannot store a more important article of health and life. Cholic, flatulence, sickness, vomiting, loss of appetite, gouty spasms of the stomach, hysterical and hypochondriac affection, lowness of spirits, and the various nervous weaknesses which La- dies of tender constitutions are so often afflicted with, from natural causes peculiar to their sex. In all cases of extreme weariness and fatigue, and in a sense of coldness and sinking of the stomach and bowels, a dose will directly revive the drooping spirits. It is an immediate restorative and corroborant, a most power- ful remedy in female obstructions and suppressions, and in cases of retention of maturity; also in weaknesses, morbid discharges; and irregularity about the turn of life. To youth of either fox, who have practised a secret and des- tructive vice, and thereby relaxed, weakened and debilitated the whole nervous system, will find the Cordial Balm of Gilead the most powerful, certain, and effectual restorative. This medicine possesses wonderful efficacy in all nervous di- sorders, fits, head-aches, weakness, heaviness and lowness of spirits, dimness of sight, confused thoughts, and wanderings of the mind; vapours and melancholy, and all kinds of hysteric complaints gra- dually go off by the use of this salubrious Cordial. In sickness of the stomach, in flatulencies, it is a safe, powerful, and efficacious remedy. The first symptom of its good effects are serenity and chearfulness. A (135) A CAUTION. Dr. Solomon is extremely sorry to be under the necessity of requesting his numerous Patrons, Friends, and the Public, to be on their guard. A sett of wretches, who not able to write for them- selves, (scarcely even their own names) have the audacity to issue forth medicines, and say they are adapted to the same purpose as the Cordial Balm of Gilead. Dr. Solomon’s advertisements have been copied verbatim; cases and cures have been manufactured in the same language as his, exactly alike, differing only in the sig- natures; books have been published with titles nearly similar to this work; nay, it would not be a wonder it this very Caution is not copied in a few days after this edition is published. To obviate this most consummate piece of imposition, it is only proper to say, that there is no other regular Physician of the name of Solomon in England, but the author of die ‘ Guide to Health,’ and preparer of the Cordial Balm of Gilead, who lives at Liver- pool, never travels about the country, nor suffers any person to go about to vend his medicines, or call tor any papers, books, or pamphlets. The Cordial Balm of Gilead is in stint glass square bottles, with these words impressed on the glass, “ THE CORDIAL BALM Of GILEAD, Prepared by Dr. Solomon, Marybone, Liverpool.” And with each bottle is given the following certificate, which is chequed and numbered, and will detect a counterfeit sort imme- diately:— “ No. Marybone, Liverpool. I certify that this Cordial Balm of Gilead is genuine, and was truly prepared by me S. SOLOMON, M. D. Entered by (Clerk’s name.) But further observe on the outside blue wrapper is a copy of the Doctor’s hand writing, which must correspond with the real sig- 136 GUIDE TO HEALTH. signature to the certificate, sealed up within, the said wrapper, with a seal bearing the Doctor’s crest, ‘ A Lion passant on a Chapeau,’ and round it this inscription, ‘ By his Majesty’s Authority. Dr. Solomon’s Medicine.’ Each bill of direction contains likewise a copy of Dr. Solomon’s Diploma or Degree of Doctor in Medi- cine, as a regular Physician, granted by the University and College of Physicians, Aberdeen. All such as do not answer this description are assuredly coun- terfeits, and the Doctor will pay a REWARD of FIFTY GUI- NEAS on conviction of any person vending a spurious sort of the Cordial Balm of Gilead. Observe the following Affidavit: Liverpool, to wit, SAMUEL SOLOMON, of Liverpool, Physician, came before me and made oath, that he is the sole inventor and preparer of a Medicine, called the Cordial Balm of Gilead, and that he never discovered the ingredients from which it is prepared to any person whatever. S. SOLOMON. Sworn at Liverpool, this 29th day of August, 1796, before me, one of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the said Borough. THOMAS GOLIGHTLY. Dr. Solomon’s medicines may be obtained every day at all hours, at his house, No. 12, Marybone, Liverpool; or such as find it more convenient, may buy them at the following, which are the only appointed places of sale, viz. In London, by Mr. Matthews, No. 18, Strand; Mr. Tutt, Royal Exchange; Mr. Chapman, No. 151, Fleet-street, and Mr. Pidding, No. 76, Oxford-street, opposite the Pantheon. And