The philosophy of the water-cure : a development of the true principles of health and longevity

Front matter

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\ i i i aeeecren:

PART II. The Physiological Action and Curative Effects of

Water, of Various Temperatures, variously applied.... 49

PARI Tit.

The Processes of the Water-Cure: the various Modes mm adinamistering the Remedy .. 66 i606 cies ewe ns os see 129 PART IV.

Principles of Hygeiéne—Precepts for the Promotion of Health, and the attainment of Longevity .......... a PART V.

The Legitimate Province of Physic: Profession of Medical Faith: A Dissertation for the Faculty, and all mivers whom-it May CONCERN 5... 6... eee c nc cces ae ee 277

«“ Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual antidotes to error. Give them full scope, and they will uphold the truth, by bringing false opinions, and all the spurious offspring of ignorance, prejudice, and self-interest, before their severe tribunal, and subjecting them to the test of close investigation. Error needs artificial support; truth can stand by itself.’’

LAWRENCE.

“There is a time when men will not suffer bad things because their ancestors have suffered worse. There is a time when the hoary head of inveterate abuse will neither draw reverence nor obtain protection.’’

BURKE.

PREFACK.

Tue following work is written, partly for the profession, partly for the public. The subject has created, and deservedly, an ardent spirit of enquiry, that will not easily be appeased. Although clearness in its exposition has been aimed at as much as possible; yet, to the unprofessional reader, the scientific details necessary to understand the rationale of the cure, may seem somewhat abstruse. To such, however, the reward of mastery— namely, A FIRM FAITH, FOUNDED ON A CONVINCED UNDERSTANDING, will amply recompense the labour of acquisition.

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To the reflecting observer, the times we live in are pregnant with signs of momentous import. The whole world is in commotion—society is heaving to its centre—as if in the throes of some great regenerating change, personal, political, and religious. An impuise is being communicated to the human intellect, that will be far greater in its results than that of the Revival of Letters. A Reformation is in embryo, that will far exceed in depth, extent, and direction, that of the era of Luther. The material and the spiritual world exhibit the development of agencies, whose ultimatum no mortal ken can scan--agencies neglected in the slumber of ages, or rejected in the pride of sophisticated intellect, because considered too simple to produce mighty results.* Primitive principles of truth, suppressed throughout the entire dura-

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PREFACE. | Xill tion of empires and hierarchies, because uncongenial to dominant systems—are once more struggling into existence, and beginning to exert their native force. Light is being shed abroad; and darkness, and what it hides, are disappearing before it. Men are awaking from their apathy about matters of general concern ; and rejecting the authoritative dictation of prejudiced or interested partizans, are enquiring, for themselves, into the why, and wherefore, and whereto of things. Long-constituted, and long-venerated powers, civil and ecclesiastical, whose tenure of existence is held on popular prestige, as much as on public utility—are crumbling before the assaults of modern innovation, or falling asunder by their own internal divisions. Mere antiquity commands no reverence ; and mere novelty conciliates no favour. Mind is gaining the ascendant over matter—moral power over physical force. The immunities of w

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the privileged class are more closely than ever associated with its obligations—the rights of property with its duties. Individual emolument is being postponed to public advantage. Even the names and symbols of party, erewhile so talismanic, begin to lose their power ; and its ancient distinctive tenets, whilom unyielding, are now forced to bend before the pressure from without. The spirit is taking the place of the letter in government, laws, and literature; and both are once more earnestly contended for in religion.

In such an eventful epoch as this, comes forth the Warer-Curg, with its claims to public favour. It is a system in harmony with the spirit of the times ; it supplies a want exactly suited to its exigencies. Let not the doubts of the incredulous, or the sneers of the unthinking, here assail us, in our opening. “ HE THAT JUDGETH A MATTER BEFORE HE

HEARETH IT, IS NOT WISE.” It is enough a,

PREFACE. KV to forestal such hasty judgments, to say, that THE WATER-CURE IS A NECESSARY RESULT OF, AND APPENDAGE TO, THE DISCOVERIES OF THE IMMORTAL LIEBIG —a philosopher in honouring whom, on his late visit, the country has honoured itself. Calm discussion of the subject will prove, that not merely in the fact, but in the explanation of its curative results, Drug-MEDICATION can no more cope with the WaTer- TREATMENT, than pack-horses can compete with railways. The question narrows itself to this point; namely—it is acknowledged that it is not physic, or the physician, that cures ; but that the functions of the living organism, the unshackled play of its physiological actions (the vis medicatrix nature), are the prime agents in the restoration, as in the conservation, of health. Water, in its varied modes of application, can be made to produce, demonstratively, every salutary phystologicm action, and

*

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opinion can scarcely be expected to be sufficiently ripe, just yet, for so extensive an innovation ; yet we venture to predict that in a very few years it will be so, and that the neighbourhood of the projected “parks” will abound with “ packing houses,” ‘ douches,” &c., where “the people” may undergo the most important processes of the cure, at any hour of the day, and on a scale of terms within reach of the poorest. If the regular establishments do not offer these facilities, speculation will herein, as elsewhere, find scope for its ingenuity, and its capital ; and the supply will not tarry behind the demand. By such arrangements alone, will the present benevolent intentions result in the largest harvest of good, and can the full benefits of the Water-Cure ever become available to the labouring classes. For the cure of diseases by water, though infinitely shorter than that by drugs, requires the

PREFACE. XIX devotion at first of more time, as well as the commaand of such “means and appliances” (as water, tubs, bedding, attendance, &c.) as the homes of few working men can afford. This is almost a virtual interdiction of its benefits to this class. ‘Till these drawbacks are removed, the drug system will always have the preference among the masses of the population, but no longer. The revenue of our public hospitals—if their present expensive system were modified according to these salutary and economic arrangements—would suffice to take in charge the health of the entire sick of the working population, and free the State, as well as private charity, of an enormous burden. It will behove the present or a future Home Secretary, to look into this. Before twenty years elapse, all these matters, it is to be hoped, will be rectified. If Sir James Graham’s “‘ Medical Bill” (which, so far as it goes,

XX PREFACE, is a real god-send to the profession, ) passes this session, it will only be the precursor of a sweeping measure of medical police, which the progress of public opinion, and its own interests, will force the Government to adopt. To “honourable members,’ ere long, “ coming events” will “ cast their shadows before,” in the shape of visions of a ‘ Hospital Revenue Appropriation Clause.” Private corporate bodies, and foreign governments, it is certain, will, in the long run, adopt these modifications,

We now address a few considerations, more especially affecting the position, and deserving of the attention, of the Faculty.

It is the part of an impartial judge to weigh evidence of character, before uttermg sentence of condemnation. The Warer-Cure préeminently deserves of its medical judges, unprejudiced ex-

PREFACE, XX1 amination,—a mind alike free from the fanaticism of its advocates, on the one hand, and the bigotry of its adversaries on the other ;—and needs for its discussion all that sound sense, patient temper, and good breeding, ever characteristic of the most distinguished members of the profession.

All medical practice is empirical in the true sense of the term; and is only to be tested by Induction. In weighing the pretensions of the Water-Cure, the possibility of a fallacious. decision cannot be admitted; because there 1s both sufficiency of facts, and competency of witnesses. a

Incredulity here displays either a lack of knowledge, or a defect of judgment. The Water Cure is not a thing of yesterday ; nor confined in its operations to one remote, obscure, outlandish spot, frequented only by a few stray visitants ; nor is mysticism or manceuvre affected

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as toits modes and means. The patients are now of every class, and from every chime; and come across us in every path of life. If such persons had been the dupes of false representations, it is reasonable to conclude, that they would long ago have warned the world of an imposture, and saved alike the pockets and the bodies of all whom their voices could reach. But where do we hear of any such testimonies against the system? The false ery of “danger” will not now avail. ‘The same “dangerous” results were prognosticated of the noncoercion treatment of the insane. To confess the truth, this is merely one of the same obstacles which Presupice raises against INNovaTioN—or SELF- INTEREST against PusLic CONVENIENCE. ‘The characters of men and things are too often appreciated according to popular rumour; and the best of them despised and rejected in their day, because the

PREFACE. XXlll leaders of opinion, and then, the multitude, speak evil of them. Hence the hostility to Reformers—the jealous watching of their steps—the uncharitable misconstruction of their motives— often the savage thirst for their blood. Jesus Christ and his Apostles were considered “dangerous” characters, disaffected, seditious, enemies of government, and unworthy to live—and this, not merely by the “ profanum vulgus,” but by the professed fearers of God, the venerators of the Prophets, the public exemplars and expounders of religion ! Individuals of similar spirit and function —the most God-like of human kind —have had their hottest persecution from similar quarters, since. The Faculty of Paris at first denounced fermented bread as poisonous! ‘The same learned body refused permission to print the work that gave to Surgery the greatest practical improvement it ever received ;

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namely, that of Ambrose Paré, on the application of ligatures to arteries after operations.* The introduction of hackney-coaches was opposed by water-men! —the introduction of umbrellas was opposed by hackney coachmen! To shrewd men of the world, who know better, this philanthropic crusade of certain of the profession against the ““dangerous”’ water-treatment, seems very suspicious.

If the faculty profess, as they do, to follow their vocation, préeminently, pro bono publico, can they consistently withhold, or would they wish to restrain, ‘their fellow-men—we do not say from a trial of the efficiency of water relatively to drugs, in simple cases, but—/rom the chances of recovery in cases where they

* They said, “What! trust a man’s life to a thread !” and so they persecuted him, unti! his practice was nearly destroyed.

PREFACE. XXV confess medicine avails not? Why debar those, at least, whom the old tactics have failed to benefit, of the trial of a system whose efficacy is attested by the most conclusive evidence:* The profession is called upon to show magnanimity on the present occasion—to postpone their private interests to the public weal. In the end, they will not be losers. New fields for their talents will open up. Medicine, as a practical art, will never be superseded. The weapons of warfare will indeed be changed; but the aid and opinions of physicians will still be as necessary as ever. In the meantime—in the present transition stage from the old to the new discipline—difference of partizanship—

* Fourteen Physicians, it is known, visited Grafenberg in one year, and many left behind them their complaints, for which they had been treated in vain, for years, by the most eminent of their brethren! In like manner at Malvern, under the Water-Cure treatment of Dr. Wilson, ten Medical Practitioners became converts to the new system, and the majority of them are now practising it. |

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difference of means in working out one common end, should not alienate professional men, as it has too often done— should not raise enmity between brethren.

The really sore part in the present, case—‘ the head and front of the offending” —is, that a Silesian peasant, and not a learned professor, 1s destined to revolutionize, at no distant day, the practice of physic, and with it, to a great extent, the habits of society. It is humbling to the pride of science to owe its discoverles to accident, and to receive its improvements from the illiterate. But real greatness of mind and character ever prompts its possessor to seek and accept information from the humblest, as well as the loftiest sources.

The history of medicine is but a series of revolutions. Practice that is now considered heterodox, was once most orthodox; and, upon its first assailants were evoked the wrath and persecution of the

PREFACE. XXvii whole faculty. The immortal SypeEnHam quailed before a storm of this kind. Yet the mnovations in question are hailed as an emancipation from inveterate and malignant error. THE PRESENT IS AN EPOCH OF LIKE CHANGE. There is the old unwillingness to abandon beaten paths—the same clinging to time-honoured prejudices. Private interests are now, as before, at variance with public benefits; and the collision will always produce the same shock, so long as human nature remains the same. New truths must now encounter the same opposition and obloquy they ever did. Advantages that come recommended by this universal ordeal, possess at least some claims to notice; as, without it, their validity might be questioned.

The present deviation from general usage is an innovation in practice as great as any preceding; and a similar improvement in the results has fol-

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lowed the change. The best way, perhaps, is to leave it to time, to dispel the fallacies and falsehoods now so current against this, as against other innovations. If, however, the spirit of innovation had been checked, what would have been to-day the state of Mechanics, Mathematics, Astronomy, Geography, Geology, Chemistry, and all our flourishing Arts and Sciencesr Those persons have read history, and studied human nature, to very little profit, who think to silence TrurnH by outcry, or to arrest its progress by opposition. Hard names, and calumnious imputations, are very questionable weapons of literary warfare; and are only arms, like the clubs and brick-bats of the mob, which Despair takes up in a fury, when sound argument, or a good cause, fails.

Tus Water CURE IS FOUNDED ON

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‘, rock; and the winds and waves of persecution will in vain assail it.

In “ Part Il.” we have endeavoured to clear up the ill-understood Laws of the operation of cold, on the animal economy. Specific ideas on this subject were a great desideratum ; inasmuch as in some deservedly popular guide-books on health, the most unfounded and contradictory counsels are given, with relation to the use of baths, and exposure to cold. ‘THE PRINCIPLES OF THE WATER-PRACTICE IN DISEASE, AS DEDUCED FROM THIS INQUIRY, will be regarded as at least an humble attempt and contribution, towards rescuing the new treatment from the errors and empiricism of its unprofessional practitioners—towards reducing its scattered and discordant elements, into a compact and harmonious system-—to-

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wards, in short, establishing the Water- Cure on asafe and scientific basis. This part of the work, from its very nature, will admit of great future amplifications, as experience will accumulate facts to fill up the deficient, and to settle the undefined. Itis in vain for prejudiced medical writers to attempt to depreciate a system whose resources are so precisely suited, and so extensively applicable, to the wants of a diseased organism. Such attempts are only to be compared to the erudite essays written many years ago, by the beads of Literature and Science, to prove that the project of lighting streets and houses with gas was a chimera; that to cross the Atlantic by steam was impossible; and that Sir Walter Scott could not be the author of the “ Waverley Novels.”

All morbid conditions of the body, are reducible to a few primary types. Contrary to this simplicity, is THE ENDLESS

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NOMENCLATURE OF DISEASE; and founded on this, THE MULTIFORM DOGMAS AND RESOURCES OF PRACTICE—A FARRAGO OF FORMULA, AS EXHAUSTLESS AS IT IS UNMEANING AND INEFFICIENT. Hence the Art or Heauta@ has ever been, hitherto, the most complicated, contradic. tory, and incomprehensible of all human knowledge—the furthest removed from any sound and consistent principles worthy of the name of Science. The Warter- Cure, however, solves these complications and difficulties ; breaks the spell of mystery and mysticism ; illuminates the obscure, reconciles the conflicting ; and even reaches the (erewhile) unattainable. The treatment of disease, now, for the first time, in the varied epochs and fashions of Medicine, exhibits almost universal POWER, CLEARNESS, SIMPLICITY, CER- TAINTY, BEAUTY—attributes that assimilate it to the operations of the Divine Hand. The Wisdom and Goodness of

Cc

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the Creator are not more vindicated in the penalties inflicted on man, for the contravention of the laws of his being, than in the beneficent means of indemnity He has placed within reach of all, when His Will is comprehended, and His Designs fulfilled.

“Part IV.” will be found to condense an extensive body of practical information, about matters that are the constant theme of a patient’s thoughts and inquiries. It was our object, there, only to develope established principles. To have offered their rationale, would have required a volume as large as the present.

In the concluding topic of discourse —that constituting “ Part V.,” we have of set purpose forborne to make the most of the subject. Much more, we conceive, is to be gained of our adversaries by conciliation, than by an opposite line of conduct. The former

PREFACE. XXXxill will tend to disarm their hostility, and to invite their calm inquiry; the latter, by creating irritation, will only confirm prejudice, and repel investigation: the one will gain over from a wrong course ; the other will only harden in error. Truth is strong enough in its own intrinsic merits, and transparent enough in its own naked simplicity, effectually to appeal to, and convince, the honest and dispassionate in research. The advocates of the Water-Cure are especially in a condition to dispense with the acrimonious weapons of violence and invective, and to forego the adventitious aids of ridicule and sarcasm. In only one single instance in this part, have we thought it necessary to assume the critic’s strict function—and that is temperate in tone —but let that example suffice. We have studiously avoided to push our advantages to the discomfiture of the old system: because, in the present state of feeling,

XXXI1V PREFACE, hard hits on the most vulnerable points would only give offence. ‘The enemy 1s sufficiently hors de combat, and demands “quarter.” The wounds he has already received, bleed enough to leak away life; and it would be as ungenerous as gratuitous to administer a “coup de grace.”

For the purpose of brevity, we have omitted in this work two “ Parts;” one “A Selection of Testimonies from ancient and modern medical authorities in favour of Water-treatment;” the other was a collection of cases, entitled, “The Achievements of the Water-Cure.” The omission of this last “Part” we the less regret, as the reeent work * of our friend Dr. WIL- SON, contains such statements both

* The Practice of the Water-Cure. With authenticated Cases of its Efficacy and Safety. By James Wilson, Esq., M.D,—Balliére, 219, Regent Street, Jsondon.

PREFACE. XXXKV of fact and of philosophy, with regard to the triumphs of the Water-Cure, that it forms an indispensable suPPLE- MENT to every other book at present written on the subject. Without the perusal of that, the study of this will only produce half its effect. It is therefore earnestly recommended to every reader anxious fully to settle his mind, as to the pretensions of the Water-Cure. Its extraordinary cheapness is its least excellence.

One remark as to the connexion of the Water-Cure with the sacred cause of Temperance. The latter requires, for its due and permanent operation, to | be identified with some great public Institution, wherewith to be a co-worker for the regeneration of society—so far as human means will contribute to that end. The genius of ‘Temperance, as

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impersonated in the societies in question, stretched out its arms for aid to the various sections of the professing Christian Church; and had they come forward in a body to cooperate, as they were bound to do, on the principles of the New Testament, (taking only the low ground of St. Paul’s “ expediency ” argument in an analogous case,) then THE AXE WOULD HAVE BEEN LAID TO THE ROOT OF THE TREE of the most gigantic evil of modern times. This coalition, unhappily, the weakness and dissensions of men prevented. The Warer-Curg, as destined henceforth to be a permanent Institution, takes the Temperance mission in its powerful embrace. The triamphs of the one will now go hand in hand with those of the other. The facts of Science, and the testimonies of Experience, alike show how powerful a claim they have on society at large. Here, as elsewhere, the most rational

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Philosophy is the soundest policy. The GosprEL, doubtless, will do its own work. The amelioration of the surface of society, at least,—the less feverish existence—the sober habits—the health of body—the calm of spirit—the subjugation of the passions—the simplicity of tastes—and the reform of manners, which are the proved results of these two great agencies, will be hailed as the harbingers of a better state of things —of a time when, as foretold by Prophets and Poets,

« Exiled, from earth to deepest hell, In brazen bonds shall barbarous Discord dwell; Gigantic Pride, pale Terror, gloomy Care, And mad Ambition, shall attend her there : There purple Vengeance, bathed in gore, retires, Her weapons blunted, and extinct her fires ; There hated Envy her own snakes shall feel, And Persecution mourn her broken wheel ; There Faction rage, Rebellion bite her chain, And gasping Furies thirst for blood in vain.” Porn.

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Once for all, the reader is cautioned not to misinterpret the views of man’s frame herein given, as sanctioning the doctrines of Materialism. The fact of the mysterious connexion between soul and body is unaffected by any philosophical speculations as _ to the nature of the latter.

In conclusion :—as regards the medical theories propounded, they are those which have met with general acceptance in the profession, as held by three of its master-spirits, Lizsic, BiLuine, and CopLAND.

As regards the handling of the subject, we have carefully endeavoured, throughout every part of it, to keep in view the admirable model for the execution of such a task, drawn by one justly celebrated member of the profes-

PREFACE. MXXIM sion, in his eulogium on the work of another. “There is no parade of quo- . “tations, no innumerable references to “the opinions of others, no transcend- “ental speculations, no ingenious and “unsubstantial disquisitions, no extra~ “vagant views, no hunting after what ‘“‘is merely new, nor bigoted adhesion “to what is merely old; no disposition, “in fact, to deviate from that straight “path of moderation and common sense, ‘which leads, in the applied sciences, as “in the common business of life, to the “‘most successful and solid results.”

x

Introduction

ay he

‘* How seldom is it that implicit faith, fear of losing credit with the party, or interest, (for all these operate in their turns,) suffers any one to question the tenets of his party ; but altogether in a bundle he receives, embraces, and without examining he professes and sticks to them, and measures all other opinions by them.”

LocKE.

«For the most part, people are born to their opinions, and never question the truth of what their family, or their country, or their party profess. They clothe their minds as they do their bodies, after the fashion in vogue, nor one of a hundred ever examines his principles. It is suspected of lukewarmness to suppose examination necessary, and it will be charged as a tendency to apestacy, if we go about to examine them. Persons are applauded, for presuming they are in the rights; and, as Mr. Locke saith, he that considers and inquires into the reason of things is counted a foe to orthodoxy, because possibly he may deviate from some of the received doctrines. And thus men, without any industry or acquisition of their own (lazy and idle as they are), inherit loca/ truths—that is, the truths of that place where they live, and are inured to assent without evidence.’’

Watts on THE MIND.

THE WATER CURE.

An ardent spirit of inquiry—a keen sifting of old systems—with a wide publicity to new discoveries,—are peculiar features of the times we live in. ‘Truth cannot now be scowled down by the frowns of authority, nor put out of countenance by the jeers of ridicule. Personal feelings and considerations, now less than ever, oppose the progress of scientific improvement, and the moral and physical amelioration of ‘society. Appeals to the vague fears and prejudices of the Public, Veneration for Precedent, and Respect for the mere Sanctions of

Time, or Custom, or Fashion, are found B but shallow substitutes for sound reasoning. Calumny and Detraction are not now received as Logic; nor Personalities and Abuse, as Arguments. Such weapons are repudiated by a good cause, and fail to bolster up a bad one. The Zeal of Party only stirs up the angry passions of human nature; the Zeal of Science, on the contrary, nurtures the amenities of conduct, and reproves the asperities of controversy.

These reflections are suggested by the reception and progress of the WaTER CuRE. This great innovation on modern practice—-at variance with established usages, and opposed to long dominant prejudices —neither suggested by the lights of science, nor imported from the seats of refinement—has, nevertheless, already happily emerged from the Ordeal of Ridicule, Misrepresentation, and Abuse, which it. is the fate of all new remedies—if not af every boon of humanity—to encounter.

The indifference that for a while induced neglect, and the prejudice that repelled investigation, have given place to a dispassionate inquiry into matters of fact, and to that moral greatness that stoops to confess and retract its error. Discussion has only confirmed the merits of the new treatment, and settled its pretensions on an impregnable basis. Its claims, extensively to diminish the sum of human sutfering, have been substantiated ; and the result is, that it is now as widely diffusing its benefits, as are the wants of society it meets, and the defects of medical practice it supplies.

The Voice of Experience, and the Researches of the philosopher, alike unite to justify this popularity. A “great cloud of witnesses” has arisen up in its behalf, not only on the Continent of Europe, but in our own country—trophies of its power to cure, when all the usual resources of the Healing Art, in the most

B 2 skilful hands, had failed. DercEeprion HAS NOT BEEN, AND COULD NOT BE, PRAC- TISED. ‘THE NEW TREATMENT IS NOT CAR- RIED OUT IN A CORNER, BUT IN THE OPEN LIGHT OF DAY, AND CHALLENGING THE INVESTIGATION OF ALL Men. The Darkness, Mysticism, and Manceuvre in which Quackery hides its head and enacts its deeds, have no part in it.

The derision thrown upon the external application and internal use of cold water as a remedial agent, could only originate in an utter ignorance of the true principles of physiology, and of the objects and rationale of a philosophic treatment of disease. ‘The processes of the Water Cure, moreover, are reducible to a sounder scientific system; and are more in accordance with the latest Discoveries regarding the Phenomena of Healthy and Diseased actions, than the uncertain, contradictory, and random practice of physic. If the Doctrines of the Schools, therefore, are to be the Guides of Practice, the Water Cure, as being in stricter conformity with Physiology and Pathology, has greater claims to the favour of the Public and the confidence of the Physician.

The Professional Opposition to the new treatment is gratuitous—alike without grace, and without reason. The same cold-water applications that pretend to

shock as dangerous innovations, are but the revival of obsolete practices once in vogue in our own country, in Germany, and in the south of Europe; and are but an enforcement of the recommendations of modern chemistry. The sanguine predictions of Dr. Currie and his coadjutors are now being realized. The practice of the professional censurers of Priessnitz, and his professional followers, only differs in degree, not in kind.

The Dangers of Treatment—the Risks arising from Defects of Judgment—clearly preponderate on the side of the Old Practice.

In Drug-medication, errors of diagnosis. are often fatal; in the Water Cure, they are always innocent. In the treatment by medicine, present disease is often removed by sowing the seeds of future malady : temporary relief is often bought at the expense of permanent inconvenience; healthy action is not unusually restored to one organ by taking it away from another. These results cannot occur in the Water Cure. Drugs attack the general constitution through diseased localities ; the Water Cure attacks diseased localities through the general constitution. In the one case, the organ to be attacked is left to Nature ; in the other, it is selected by Art. In the Old Treatment, the wrong organ 1s sometimes chosen for attack, and the fons malorum exasperated ; in the New Treatment, the Wants and Resources of the Constitution call forth the Efforts of Nature in the right direction, and limit the extent of her operations. In Drug-medication, the result of unsuccessful practice is worse than no treatment; for functional disturbance is often aggravated into organic disease; in the Water Treatment, where a cure is not accomplished, the disease is not exasperated, but always mitigated. The Water Cure is always consistent with its own principles; Drug-medication often wants principles altogether, or runs diametrically counter to them. The one has many remedies, all of them uncertain; the other boasts of but one, and that Simple and Efficacious ; the mode and dose of the remedy determining the sind of action. The Administration of Medicine is guided by the uncertain Rules of Art; the Practice of the Water Cure is a close Imitation of Nature. In the Drug treatment the remedy is abhorred; in the Water Cure, it is enjoyed: the first chill and shock of the baths being followed by the glow and reaction of invigorated vitality.