Instruction to the invalid on the nature of the water cure, in connection with the anatomy and physiology of the organs of digestion and nutrition

Front matter

YALE MEDICAL LIBRARY

in memory of

VERA SCHWEITZER

Introduction

This brief treatise has been composed chiefly for the instruction of the non-medical reader, and the Water Patient. The object of its publication was repeatedly suggested to the mind of the author, during his residence of nearly three years at Malvern, spent in occupation with the Water Cure. His own experience of its efficacy, in restoring him, through Divine blessing, to health and strength he expected not again to enjoy, led him to wish that a correct knowledge of its principles were more within reach of non-professional readers, and especially of invalids ; and this wish, and the desirableness of its attainment, were frequently confirmed in his professional interviews with the numerous patients who afterwards came umder his care. There are already a few larger and excellent works on the subject, by intelligent professional authors ; yet, it has been continually urged on his attention, that a want is not fully supplied, in respect of a volume more exclusively adapted for the instruction of the Water patient. This brief treatise is intended, and its whole internal arrangement, material, and conciseness, have been designed for the purpose.

There is obviously a great advantage to be gained by the patient, in his knowledge of the essential principles of his treatment, and of the operation of the different processes. It will conduce to his more rapid recovery, and with more mutual

IV INTRODUCTION.

satisfaction to himself, and his physician : and of this we have negative evidence, in the frequent interference with it, so often the consequence of his ignorance, or of the erroneous notions he entertains.

The study of Anatomy and Physiology, also of the means and principles of curing disease, becomes of the highest interest to the non-professional student: and on many accounts. It tends much to expand his mind ; and to impart more correct and enlarged views on many subjects of a material and moral character; and is greatly calculated to raise it, in devout feeling to the infinite Creator. Such studies must also afford him the most useful knowledge for the prevention of disease, in enlightening his mind on its nature and causes : and by learning the true operation of the restorative means of health, he will more correctly understand the most efficient ones for maintaining it. Also of great consideration is it, that in this knowledge, the patient gains the advantage of properly explaining to his physician the origin and cause of his disorder ; and the progress it may make ; and the effects of the remedial measures used against it ; and in this way, he becomes an intelligent co-operator in the means and plans of his treatment. Moreover, in this knowledge, he finds the best protection against the designing pretensions of empiricism of all kinds ; and becomes the intelligent discerner of its fallacy ; and is enabled to judge correctly, between true and scientific practice, and all other systems of treatment, which are without any fundamental principles of science.

The objections which some have advanced against non-professional men studying the structure and functions of their bodies, are of no force. In proportion as the patient understands correctly the nature of his disease, and that of the remedy, will his

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confidence be increased ; and he will more effectually aid the efforts of the skilful practitioner for his restoration.

Anatomy and Physiology are not now so much confined to the education of medical students; but have been partially introduced, as needful to that of others ; and the time is not far distant, I trust, when every educated mind will possess an adequate knowledge of these sciences: for such knowledge is, doubtless, of important bearing on every day life, in which are constant demands for its use. Considering the very interesting nature of these subjects, and that they tell so much of the wisdom, and goodness of God, one would wish, that mankind would make more earnest search for knowledge of them ; of such wonderful structure ; and of such interesting processes, by which the human body is formed, and preserved in health, and rescued from disease ; and which so intimately concerns every individual.

The present age is preeminently one of intellectual progress ; and remarkable, beyond all preceding ones, for the general thirst for knowledge, and for mental cultivation among all grades of society ; so that literature and science are no longer the exclusive pursuits of certain classes of men. With this laudable advancement, however, there remains too much of false estimai u of what really constitutes the best condition of the human iud ; and what is most conducive to human happiness. Assure , (his summurn bonum, — this chief good of life, was never yet, never will be obtained in intellectual cultivation; nor in . most extensive mental acquirements, — as certain writers, ai loso-

phic theorists would lead one to suppose. That knowledge, which most exalts man in the scale of intelligences, and which alone, secures his true and enduring happiness, i- of a higher source and nature: — it is the knowledge of God through the mediator, Christ Jesus; and it is best taught, in its fullness and

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perfection, in the Sacred Scriptures. Second to this, in real value and importance, stands the knowledge which man ought to obtain of his own corporeal mechanism, in the study of Anatomy and Physiology ; and of the laws of health and disease : and without doubt, no other knowledge, or mental exercise, can he compared with this, in its legitimate tendency to deepen the impression of the former and primary one of the soul's great interest; and to guard it from such as may be false and delusive, and received from intercourse with mankind. The study of these sciences greatly tends to fix on the mind, the declarations of the Scriptures, respecting the perfect and glorious attributes of God, and to deepen its devout feelings.

This brief work has been composed under the sincere persuasion, that it is in advocation of truth and science ; also, under a sense of incumbent duty to suffering humanity. After ample experience of the efficacy of the Water Cure, in the diseases of the human body ; — after much and earnest reflection respecting it and other modes of treatment, it is my Ann belief, that it is the system of Therapeutics, or cure, which excels all others : — that it is based on the strict principles of Physiology and Pathology; — in accordance with theknownlaws of health and disease, and with the established facts of their operation ; — as to entitle it to the rank and name of an inductive science of cure, beyond any other hitherto propounded.

My chief aim has been, to give a concise explanation of its principles and practice, which are of fundamental importance ; — which constitute its scientific basis, and the principal instrumentality of its power. I have aimed at the production of what will be most useful for the class of readers I have more especially in view — the non-medical, and the water patient. I have drawn from any source of knowledge before me, for the attainment of my

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object : yet, my own practice and experience have been, necessarily, of the greatest aid to me ; and I have stated the opinions which they have taught me : these are, essentially, in accordance with what are also taught in the published works of the most intelligent, and professional writers on Hydropathy. I shall rejoice to have placed them in a light more conspicuous, and more intelligible ; or if I have given them a position, in any degree, more prominent, by the addition of my testimony, and of my experience of their correctness.

As a system of Hygiene, or of preserving health, and as an auxiliary remedy against disease, the use of water, and of baths, has been practised in this, and in other countries of the world, from the earliest ages. Warm and cold bathing were in great repute, among eastern nations, — among the Jews, and the Medes, and Persians, and the people of Lesser Asia. Among the ancien Greeks, baths were prescribed in the treatment of diseases, by Hippocrates. By Plato, the philosopher, the cold bath, with exercise, was also strongly recommended, and was practised by himself and his disciples, for restoring vigor to mind and body. With the Koinans, bathing was brought to a system of Hygiene, and of luxury, as well as of treatment in disease : Celsus makes constant reference to it. Numerous are the authors, ancient and modern, who have written on the subject. Yet, the Water Cure, — the curative system, as at present established in this, and other continental countries, and largely in America, is a modern discovery ; and the sole honour of it belongs to Vincent Priessnitz, a Silesian farmer — the peasant philosopher. Such is the naked, and undeniable truth; however offensive it may be to our professional dignity.

Dr. Wilson introduced the Water Cure at Malvern, from Grcefenberg, in 1842. Other practitioners afterwards commenced at that viii INTRODUCTION.

place : and as a consequence, Hydropathic Establishments were also erected in other parts of England; of these, the principal one is that at Benrhydding, in this county, and now under the able superintendance of Dr. Mc. Leod : others also were erected in Scotland, and in Ireland. At these institutions, a great amount of benefit is continually obtained, by those who are afflicted with the severest chronic diseases ; and remarkable cures are effected by water treatment. It has certainly undergone some modification, in the hands of the experienced professional men who practise it ; yet, this has been principally in the degree of its application ; and in its more strict accordance with the teachings of Physiology and Pathology. The processes, which constitute its great means, continue essentially the same, and will remain, as the inventive genius of Vincent Priessnitz left them to us. In Dr. Wilson's very valuable work, lately published,* there is an interesting allusion to Priessnitz, and his practice, which he witnessed : — interesting to the admirers of true genius, and of the benefactors of mankind : but, withal, affording an ever seasonable lesson on the vanity of all earthly prosperity: and whilst stating Priessnitz's deficient knowledge of the elementary principles of science, he also testifies of the successful struggles of his innate genius under it. There is, to every right mind, much more of real merit, and calculated to attach one to him, in that practice under such disadvantages, than there is, to prejudice one against him, in the sneer of those who have so much opposed and reviled him, and the philosophic system of treatment which he established.

Ever since the creation of man, has truth, in its most valuable kinds, met with his opposition : yet, it will ever prevail. Innumerable are the instances of this, when it has been introduced in

**' The Principles and Practice of the Water Cure : and Household Medical Science; In conversations on Physiology, on Pathology, or the nature of Disease and on Digestion, Nutrition Regimen and Diet. By Jas. Wilson, M.D.&c. Loudon ; John Churchill, Princes Street, Soho ; and Lamb, Malvern.

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innovation to long established error ; as is abundantly testified in the history of science, and of the progress of the human mind ; and every sincere lover of truth and science must revert, with painful feelings, to recollections of the past. The contemplation must tend to assure him of the unreasonableness, and something worse, of men of the most cultivated intellect, when circumstances give full play to the predominant qualities of the heart. Contraryto the tenets of philosophy " falsely so called," and of pseudo-philanthropy, it is the infallible dictum of the inspired volume, " Tlte heart of vian is deceitful above all thinys, and desperately wicked." It is the heart, which ever leads the head into error, in snch matters as these ; and, indeed, in all the concerns of this life. The Water Cure not only opposes the prejudice and credulity of society in general, respecting the treatment of diseases, but it will be supposed to clash with that party interest, whose promptings are so strong, to resist whatever interferes with it. It is lamentable to notice in publications of professional men, that which is so unreasonable, against Water treatment : and that that which is ever the hackneyed course of the weak, has been so much pursued in regard to it — the aryumentum ad hominem, so often used in opposition to truths that become innovations, — when in themselves unassailable, their advocates are assailed with abuse and invective. Often as the fact has been referred to, by previous advocates of Hydropathy, we repeat it, that the great Harvey got his share of such treatment ; and notwithstanding his demonstrations of the truth of his discovery — the circulation of the blood. He was persecuted much, because of it : it was an innovation ; and it removed the very foundation of many finely spun theories, and imaginings, about animal spirits in the arteries, and about night circulation, and day circulation, and so on : and the sapient doctors of the day

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would not have it. He was nicknamed, "the circulator," in derision. He paid the forfeiture of his worldly prospects, during a great part of his life, to be afterwards in his niche in the temple of fame and science. There he will be, as long as human physiology shall be cultivated, and valued on earth. We mention, also, Jenner — the discoverer of Vaccination ; by which, humanly speaking, countless thousands have escaped the direst of diseases, — Small Pox ; and many have escaped death ; or, the sore disfiguration of the " human face divine." — He was persecuted, and even assailed from the pulpit ! His statue now stands in the Cathedral at Glocester, to perpetuate his fame.

The practitioners of drug medication are decidedly at fault, in the position they continue to hold against the Water Cure. They content themselves with viewing it at a distance ; and in ignorance of its principles, they oppose it, as something set in array against them, and their practice. Could they be induced dispassionately to examine its claims to their support, the grounds of their opposition would give way; and the result inevitable would be, in their adoption of some of the Water Processes in their practice : they would discover the necessity of using fewer medicines, and only those of a mild nature ; and sometimes, they would not use them at all. They would also discover that they had acquired an invaluable increase of power over the diseases of the human body. Instead of the present absurd supposition, that Hydropathic Establishments are set up in opposition to themselves, they would also discover, that their best and highest interest would be served, in giving them their countenance. There are ever, and necessarily, many cases coming under their care, for which no home treatment of any kind, will suffice ; and for these the medical practitioner would find, in these institutions, the fullest provision, for the more efficient treatment required ; and

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they would send such patients to them. They would thus be serving the best interest of the invalid ; and in it they would have the approving voice of their own conscience. Thus the honorable and very advantageous connection ought to be, between the medical practitioner and Hydropathic Establishments. Most assuredly, to a great and similar extent, will it be, at some future day ; when the human mind has made further progress ; and short sighted prejudice has less to do in its calculations.

The Water Cure has not hitherto received that support and countenance, in this kingdom, to which its intrinsic value entitles it. Although it has been practised so successfully, for so many years, at Malvern and Benrhydding, and in other parts of the kingdom; although its professional practitioners have challenged the fullest investigation of its claims to superiority to other systems of treatment; and have defied the accredited organs of the medical press, to disprove its doctrines, it continues almost unknown to them, beyond its mere name. The published writings of its professional advocates and practitioners, are yet few ; hut they contain principles and facts the most interesting to the scientific mind. Yet, these works are unknown to the medical profession ; and principally, because they are ignored by the interested conductors of its periodical press. The Water Cure is but little understood, beyond the immediate limits of its own domain ; hut its efficacy and excellence have been experienced by every one, who has faithfully made trial of it. It is not understood, as it ought to be, and easily might be, by the intelligent and non-medical public : for there are everywhere people of intelligence and education, who have no knowledge of it: of this I had constant proof, in so many of the invalids who came to Malvern ; and with such erroneous ideas of the treatment they had to undergo. Under such circumstances has my mind been

often impressed, as to the need of further publication on the subject; and I hope, that, in some measure, I supply a want, by composing this brief and imperfect treatise.

Notwithstanding the present rather adverse circumstances, in connection with this system of treatment, it is the confident anticipation of those who understand it, that it has, ere long, and by general consent, to take its place amongst the great discoveries of modern times. It is supported by the acknowledged principles of vital chemistry, and of disease ; and the ascertained facts of Physiology and Pathology. It is a proved and efficient agency, to fulfil the purposes of treatment indicated by our known laws of the human system. This has been again and again demonstrated, by the cases of cure, and by those of relief of the incurable.

Far is it from my wish, as it would be in violence of my convictions, to indulge in unreasonable censure, as some non-medical, and self-constituted censors have done, of all use of medicines in the treatment of disease. In common parlance, the use and the abuse of these are distinct points. The one to be avoided, is the use of medicines without any fixed principle of cure, beyond the je ne sais quoi of the mixture, or pill, to cure the complaint; — the empirical notion of the multitude, and which ascribes to drugs what belongs exclusively to the innate potver of the organism, to correct its own disordered conditions — to cure its own diseases. Medicines may be, in certain states of the body, and under certain circumstances, very valuable aids, or remedies : but they should always be administered on the principles of Physiology and Pathology, which constitute the only true basis of scientific treatment.

It strikes me, that some exaggeration has been made respecting the evil effects of drugs on the human body, when they have failed for the purpose intended ; and that much of the evil has

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been attributed to them, which belonged, in reality, to other causes. It remains indisputable, however, that much injury has been caused to many patients, by the long use of violent medicines.

The Water Cure, in the hands of the educated and skilful physician, is a safe, and most efficient means of treatment. It becomes the most powerful aid to the self rectifying power of nature, and by the identical means she uses in less degree, for the preservation of health : let my reader remember, that neither physic nor the physician, nor any other agent than this power of nature, ever really cures, or heals : that our great and chief object should be, to prevent any interference with it, and to aid its operation. Mature reflection on this point, will prepare his mind for a correct estimate of drug medication; and how far it may be practised with reasonable purpose. No doubt, the skilful practitioner may avail himself of the aid of medicines, to useful purposes, in cases of disease : many valuable lives have I seen rescued from impending death, through their judicious use.

I really can find neither sense nor truth in the extraordinary records, so often appealed to and published, of the final testimony of certain eminent physicians, respecting the injury that has been inflicted, as a rule, on mankind, by the use of drugs in the hands of medical men. That recorded as the declaration of the late Dr. James Johnstone, is false in itself, — declaring, in his last days, that more of harm than of benefit had been the result of drug practice, with all its connections, in the world. This is an absurd libel on a class of men — the medical profession — who, with all their faults and failings as human beings, will well bear comparison, as to usefulness, with any other of society. And the declarations, also, of other celebrated physicians, on the same subject, must be taken in a very limited, and modified meaning ; — or, they are false.

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The advocates and practitioners of the Water Cure may challenge all examination of its doctrines, and practice ; and may defy its opponents to refute them: hut scurrilous names and epithets have been, hitherto, the principal weapons of attack. It is gradually emerging, however, from the wonted ordeal of truth, when in antagonism with long established error of society, and the cherished interest of party; and it is, no doubt, destined to be a permanent blessing to the world.

It is my firm belief, that the amount of benefit to be derived from it, and its establishments, has to be rightly estimated, only in future times. The present advocates, even, have not hitherto appreciated the capabilities of these institutions, as they might be, and will be conducted ; for, I can conceive in them an instrumentality for the highest purposes of earthly advantage, of a mental and moral, as well as, of a physical nature. Intimate are the connection, sympathy, and dependance, of these three conditions of man : and hence, the paramount importance of a sound state of bodily health and vigor ; and great is its hearing on the mental and moral wellbeing of every individual. At a perfectly conducted Hydropathic Establishment may be best secured the most wholesome discipline ; and there may be most easily acquired the most proper habits of diet, and general regimen, on which the various circumstances of life depend, far beyond all usual calculation.

I have already stated the chief object of this small treatise— to convey to the minds of non-medical readers, and especially to water patients, a correct knowledge of the essential principles of Hydropathy, and of the operation of its different appliances. It is evident that the attempt would be to much less purpose towards the reader entirely destitute of all knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology: I have, therefore, attempted to communicate such

INTHODUCTION. IT

knowledge of these sciences, as I deem sufficient, as the needful preparation for a proper understanding of the Water Cure. As a preliminary part, I have given anatomical and physiological descriptions, with the necessary plates of organs more immediately connected with the subject. The greater part of these are wood engravings, and they are correct representations from Dr. Southwood Smith's excellent work " The Philosophy of Health."

It is a fundamental doctrine, ever acted on by intelligent hydropathic physicians, that all chronic diseases have their original cause in the diseased, or impaired functions of the digestive, and blood-making organs : and that these, and indeed all the functions of the body, are performed through the instrumentality of nerves, is acknowledged by all. For any adequate understanding of our subject, it becomes evident, that my reader must possess some knowledge of these organs, and their functions, and nerves. Yet, I have not deemed it necessary to give a minute description of them, but a clear and concise one ; which, witli due attention, will enable him, with much mental gratification, and to n full extent, to comprehend the true nature of the great Water Cure. The Anatomy and Physiology of the human body are fraught with beauty and interest ; and to a right mind, they will be incentive to reflection of exalted kind ; and to mental exercise of very beneficial influence. Well do I remember, how the great soul of Thos. Chalmers was wont to rise in praise of the wisdom and goodness of the adorable Creator ; when, in his lectures on infidelity, he spoke on these sciences. No wonder, either, that Israel's inspired poet and king exclaimed, " 1 will praise Thee ; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made : marvellous are Thy works : and that my soul knoweth right well."

Ever keeping in view the strictly elementary character of this brief work, I have only introduced such parts of Pathology, (from

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Traflor a disease, and Kayos' a discourse) or, the account of diseases, as I have deemed necessary for illustrating the principal subject. But I have purposely taken every proper occasion for alluding to the important doctrines and facts of Physiology, (from $u<ri$- nature, and Xoyor a discourse) or, the account of the functions, nature, and uses, of the organs of the body. This has also been frequently necessary, in illustration of the principal subject: besides this, however, its own intrinsic value, and connection with daily life, make it ever interesting and useful.

I have thought it best adapted for the instruction of the non-professional reader, that the principal subject be kept, as much as can be, before his mind throughout the treatise ; and I have, therefore, not confined it exclusively to one part. This, I hope, will answer the purpose of impressing it more deeply on the mind, by useful repetition, without tedious sameness : for, in every instance of the recurrence of the particular topic, it will be found in some variety of connection ; and often, with additional illustration of its nature. This struck me as a likely means to succeed with those totally unaccustomed to medical subjects ; and calculated, also, to render the volume, to such readers, more intelligible and more interesting ; and to secure its more continuous, and more profitable perusal. My great difficulty has been, on a subject so extensive, and so replete with interesting materials, to keep down the size of the book ; and brief and imperfect as it is, it has been extended beyond the limits which I marked out for myself, at the commencement of my undertaking. In composing what is herein offered in publication, I have constantly and necessarily come in mental contact with subjects in connection, which are scarcely less needful to be known ; and of some of these, I fear that some readers will look for further instruction, where I have been unwillingly silent: — because, a

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more minute prosecution of the work would necessarily alter its fixed character. I must reserve the remaining subjects in connection, for a future occasion, D. V.

Of the different topics unnoticed in this volume, I must make brief allusion to the particular one, which has been so much before my mind.— The different writers on Hydropathy have usually and properly noticed the very essential point of the suitableness of locality for Hydropathic Establishments. It is impossible to over-rate its importance ; and this may be considered as the chief circumstance which so well adapts the Water Cure for the treatment of chronic diseases; and which gives it such power against them. The chief, and indeed, the indispensable requisites of any locality, for the successful practice of Hydropathy, are to be found in one which is mountainous, with pure air, and abundance of pure water. It should, also, be at a distance from all towns: and it becomes highly requisite, for the important purposes of mental, as well as for physical effect and influence, that it be suitable as to aspect, which ought to be southern or western; and of weighty consideration becomes the point of scenery, with the other collaterals, which combine to render the place romantic and attractive. The different sites on which Hydropathic Establishments are erected, have been selected in order to secure as many as possible of these advantages. Of all that I have seen or known of this important matter, there is no locality yet chosen, which is equal, in every respect, to what could be at once decided on in this immediate neighbourhood of the Hambleton Hills, abounding in every variety of romantic scenery, and having, also, abundance of the purest water ; with the purest and most invigorating air, for which alone, I have known invalids resort to it with the best results; and withal, there is a perfect command of the southern and western aspects, to any extent ; having in a

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word, every requisite advantage for the practice of this effective system of treatment : — and in a range of mountains and plains, for 30 or 40 miles. There is the best ground for assurance of the greatest benefit and success, in a combination of spirited and philanthropic individuals, to build an institution of this kind, — as was done at Benrhydding ; and is, at this time, being again done, in that neighbourhood. It would, doubtless, prove a blessing to thousands, in the matter of health, and the rescue from disease. And it would, as certainly prove greatly remunerative to its projectors, although conducted on a plan of lower pecuniary charges than those of other places : in addition to this, there would be the higher and nobler consideration of having contributed to the advancement of true therapeutic science, for the benefit