Consumption curable : and the manner in which nature as well as remedial art operates in effecting a healing process in cases of consumption, explained and illustrated by numerous remarkable and interesting cases : to which is added a mode of treatment, by which the development of tubercles may be prevented in persons liable thereto, from hereditary predisposition, or a bad state of the system induced by various causes

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Introduction

y In presenting the work of Dr. Ramadge to the American public, it it may be proper to give some explanation as to the circumstances which have led to its publication. The following letter, which appeared sS> in the Christian Advocate and Journal, of March 1, 1839, will throw ^ some light upon the subject.

LETTER TO CONSUMPTIVES.

Messrs. Editors, — A two-fold object induces me to present the following for publication ; the one to proclaim the goodness of God in his providential dealings with me in staying the hand of disease and death, and the other the very novel instrumentality by which it has been effected ; hoping, by the blessing of God, it may be a means of saving some similarly afflicted. And without entering into any detail of the general state of my health, I would remark that I took a cold in December, 1837, after attempting to preach, which settled in my throat, and finally terminated in chronic bronchitis ; and after having had the best medical advice at home for about four months without any benefit, but rapidly getting worse, so that my throat and lungs were considerably affected, and my voice reduced to a whisper, every change of weather affecting me much, I was informed by my medical friends that I had nothing to expect from medicine, and that a sea voyage and change of climate would be the only possible means of alleviating my symptoms. In June last I sailed for Liverpool. The result of the voyage was entire physical prostration ; but I still hoped that change of climate would perform for me what the voyage had not. For this purpose I travelled to some extent in England, and consulted three of the most eminent physicians, who recommended similar means to those of the physicians at home. These remedies gave no relief, but together with the humidity and changeableness of the climate and the fatigue of travelling, rather aggravated my disease. I then went into France, hoping for the time being my symptoms would be alleviated ; but was again disappointed. And being wearied out, and despairing of any relief from the ordinary means used in such cases, I committed myself entirely to the Lord ; being in much doubt whether my health would enable me to reach my home. At Boulogne, on my return, I was obliged to consult another physician ; but to no purpose. And when I returned to London, I seemed literally choking to death, and had to take to my room and bed. In this condition I was providentially relieved by a work being put into c

INTRODUCTION.

my hands, entitled “ Consumption Curable,” by Dr. Ramadge, the senior physician of the London Lung Hospital. After a cursory reading of the book, I was led to consult the doctor, and was by him encouraged to expect entire recovery. He directed as a principal means — medicine being only auxiliary — a tube to breathe through. I followed his advice, and experienced by its use, in the course of only one or two days, very essential relief. It was the first thing I had found to alleviate my symptoms in the least. It is now five months since I began to use the tube, and my recovery has been gradually progressing. On the first of January last, I resumed my labours as chaplain of the City Hospital, from which I had been laid aside for nearly one year ; and what is very remarkable, and speaks volumes for the tube, though I arrived in the city in October last, with the most unfavourable season before me, and have exposed myself to all weathers, (storms not excepted,) and have twice taken severe colds which settled in my bones, I have not once had any cold to settle on my lungs or in the throat ; although previous to my using the tube, the slightest unfavourable change affected me most seriously.

The tubes are made of different materials, and are five feet long^ and half an inch in diameter, furnished with a mouth-piece, and piece to contract the end to keep the air from rushing in and out too rapidly. The instrument is to be used three times a day for the space of from four to six months, discontinuing its use under certain symptoms.

I would further remark that Dr. Ramadge is a regularly educated physician, and has been for nearly twenty years in the London Lung Infirmary, and for several years past the senior physician. This is a public institution, and has been established, if I mistake not, about one hundred years, and is under the patronage of the nobility and gentry of England. He assured me again and again that the use of the tube would do more to prevent consumption, and restore those who are consumptive, than any other means within his knowledge.

The doctor has written a very able work on the subject, explaining the philosophy of his treatment, in which he shows the great benefit arising from inhalation in preventing consumption, by enlarging the volume of the lungs, and materially altering the shape of the chest ; and also curing the disease in its incipient stages, and even after the top of both lungs has been very considerably ulcerated.

So very limited is the knowledge of Dr. Ramadge’s work on the treatment of throat complaints and consumption in this country, although on the continent of Europe it has been translated into several languages, and so invaluable, in my humble opinion — for I am quite sure, under God, I owe my life to him — that I consider it an imperative duty I owe to my suffering fellow-men to call their attention to it.

INTRODUCTION.

While in London I was several times at the Hospital, and conversed with many of the patients, who all testified to the benefit of the tube ; and since my return home I have recommended it to several, some of whom have found very great benefit. I shall be happy to show the tube, and also to furnish such other information as to the manner of using it, together with some general information on the subject, at my dwelling, No. 102 Grand-street, New-York.

JOHN M. HOWE.

The preceding letter was extensively copied in the city and country papers, and was read with so much interest, being so novel in its character, that many persons called on me soliciting further information, and many from abroad wrote to me ; as answering them consumed much of my time, and subjected me to some expense, and being desirous to spread the information, and to do it more effectually, I abridged Hr. Ramadge’s work, and published a thousand copies ; and although it is but six months since its publication, without the aid of notices from the press, the whole are nearly disposed of. It now appears necessary that another edition should be printed ; and so repeatedly has the work been called for by physicians and others, that all doubt is now dispelled as to the publication of the complete work being sustained.

As the principles of practice laid down in this work differ very materially from those of practitioners of our own country in chest diseases, and as I have been successfully treated by the doctor, to whom, under God, I am indebted for the prolonging of my life, (a debt of gratitude I can never repay,) for the benefit of others I deem it incumbent upon me to state a few facts corroborative of this practice, drawn from my own case, and facts obtained from others.

For several years past I had suffered much from indigestion, which deranged the whole system, and produced, finally, disease in the lungs. Previous to sailing for England my symptoms were, the hectic fever, night sweats, cold chills, a slight hacking cough, with some expectoration 5 voice reduced to a whisper, and much emaciation of body. I was labouring under most of these symptoms when I came under .the care of Dr. R. I was informed that both my lungs were tuberculous, and had long considered my case utterly hopeless, unless God interposed in some extraordinary way to save me. Almost the first question that I proposed to Dr. R. was, with my mouth to his ear, in a whisper, “ Doctor, can I yet live, or must I die?” He replied, “You have come just in time to save your life ; you will recover.” “ Shall I have my voice ? shall I be able to speak loud ? shall I be able to sing ? shall I be able to preach ?” To all of which he answered, “ You will certainly recover your voice so as to speak loud, to sing, and to preach.”

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“ How long, sir, will it probably be ere this takes place ?” He replied, In four or six months you will call yourself quite well, and you will attain a vigour you have not had for years.” I replied, “ Ah, sir, I am afraid to rely upon you.” He answered, with warmth, “ I would ensure it by my right arm, were it possible.” I then informed him that I had made arrangements to leave England in twenty days, and inquired, whether he wished me to tarry longer. He replied, “ You may return by that time.’’ Upon subsequent interviews with him, I made particular inquiries relative to my future place of residence, &c. He directed me to pass the winter at home, and not to change for a warmer climate, which I had previously purposed to do, and, instead of confining myself to a warm room, or to the house, to expose myself to the weather every day, without regard to storms, as occasion might require. Being somewhat skeptical as to the propriety of the advice given, with the doctor’s permission and invitation, I visited several times the lung infirmary,* to get what information I could from persons under his care, — to many of whom I proposed the following questions : “ What is the nature of your disease ?” “ Consump-

tion,’’ was the usual reply. “ Whose care have you been under previous to coming here for advice ?” Some answered one, and some, another ; some named one or two hospitals. “ Did you get benefitted “ No.” “ How long have you been here ?” They answered different

* It may be of importance to state, for the information of those who are unac. quainted with the standing of Dr. Ramadge, and the institution with which he is connected, that he is a regularly educated physician, and, for nearly twenty years last past, has been physician to the London Lung Infirmary. Through the kindness of a friend, I am enabled to give the following statement, copied from the Royal Calendar, and Court and City Register, for England, Scotland, Ireland, and the Colonies, for the year 1825.

“ Infirmary for Asthma, Consumption, and other Diseases of the Lungs, Unionstjeet, Bishopsgate.

Vice Presidents, Marquis of Camden, Marquis of Cholmondeley, Earl of Darnley, Earl of Crawford, Lord Calthorpe, Bishop of Salisbury, Benjamin Shaw, Esq., Thomas C. Marsh, Esq., John Meyer, M. D.

Treasurer, William Heygate, Esq.

Consulting Physician, Isaac Buxton, M. D.

Physician, F. H. Ramadge, M. D.

Apothee and Surgeon, Mr. Hurkey.

Assistant Secretary and Collector, Mr. William Eddrup, White-chapel Road.

From the above, it appears that Dr. R., as long ago as 1825, was physician to the institution, and that the Infirmary was sustained by some of the most distinguished men in the kingdom — and I am enabled to state, from my own personal knowledge, that the institution is still sustained by individuals of the highest rank, and that Dr. R. is now, and has been for several years past, the senior physician.

INTRODUCTION.

lengths of time. “ Have you got benefit here?” “I have,” was the usual reply. “ Under whose care are you in this place ?” “ Dr. Ra-

madge’s.” “Do you consider Dr. Ramadge a skilful physician?” “ I do, most certainly.” One replied, “ Sir, you could not have your life in safer hands.”

I also was favoured, upon more than one occasion, by being present at the examination of some thirty, or perhaps fifty persons, who applied for advice. One instance, which made a lasting impression on my mind, was that of a young woman, of very interesting appearance, dressed in deep mourning. After an examination of her chest and symptoms she inquired his opinion. With great kindness, and sympathy of feeling, he informed her, that all means would avail but little ,* that in all human probability she would not recover. The silent tear trickled down her face ; it seemed as though her only hope was cut off. But, added he, you must use the means, and try. This frankness and plainness of dealing inspired me with much confidence. How much better, thought I, for a physician to be honest ; to deal plainly with his patients. Why should a patient, labouring under a fatal disease, be deceived upon a subject of so much importance. How much better would it be to discover to him, with sympathy and kindness, his real situation, and thus afford him time to adjust his temporal affairs, and make some preparation for his entrance upon the untried realities of another world, than to keep him in suspense, or in the expectation of recovery, until the last moments of life.

The home-bound voyage was much more comfortably made than the outward one. I did not suffer the one-tenth part by sea-sickness, owing, in part, to using the tube for a few minutes daily in the cabin, which produced favourable results upon the stomach, &c., by increasing the action of the diaphragm.

It is now a year since I first came under Dr. R.’s care, and I have realized the benefit of his advice, and the fulfilment of his predictions. My voice has returned so that I can sing, for a short time, at its highest pitch, and speak loud in public for half an hour, without injury. My digestion is better than it has been for years, so that I am enabled to eat whatever is set before me, with the exception of hot breads, &c. But what is of still greater importance is, that the shape of my chest is very astonishingly improved and enlarged. About six years since the measurement of my chest, close under the arms, was thirty-two inches ; but, for five years following, there was a gradual diminution, so that for three years previous to my getting the tube, my measurement was thirty inches ; making a decrease in the size of two inches. Since getting the tube I have increased in size two and a half inches, making my measurement now thirty-two and a half inches. But the alteration in the conformation of my chest is truly wonderful.

INTRODUCTION.

The collar bones were very prominent, and the pit of the neck so sunken, and the chest so drawn together, that I was afraid to see myself in the glass. Now my chest has recovered a rounder and plumper appearance, and my neck has filled out, so that the conformation is better than it has been for years ; and my whole system is generally improved ; the principal cause of which I attribute to the instructions received from Dr. R.

I would also remark, that previous to my getting the tube every change of weather, even the slightest, affected me much, notwithstanding the extra clothing put on, and care as to exposure ; but since using the tube, I have taken off all extra clothing, without even wearing flannels, except in the winter, exposing myself to all weathers every day through the whole of the last winter ; and up to the present time, (storms not excepted,) without once taking cold in my lungs. So great has been the benefit received that I am encouraged to expect a much greater strength of lungs than I have had for years, and perfect recovery.

It has however been remarked by some, that my lungs never could have been tuberculous, and that consumption could not have been fairly seated, or I should not have recovered. This I grant is the conclusion to which one must arrive from all the theories and practice in common use. As to my lungs being diseased, and of their being tuberculous, I could name several highly respectable physicians of this city who would testify to the fact. Previous to my going abroad four physicians, three of them of eminence, informed me that my right lung was diseased, and that no medical means could reach my case, and recommended me a voyage and travelling. One of them, after my sailing, informed some of my friends that I would never return. And when, in the good providence of God, I had the first interview with Dr. Ramadge, after an examination he informed me that both my lungs were tuberculous, but that I should certainly recover. I wrote home to a friend that Dr. R. stated that my lungs were tuberculous ; this friend informed one of the physicians. He replied, “ I knew his lungs were tuberculous previous to his leaving home.” And since my return, two other distinguished physicians of this city, who had heard of my case, called to see me, requesting an examination of my chest ; for, said they, there is much that passes for consumption that is not. I gratified them, and they pronounced both lungs tuberculed ; and one remarked that the upper lobe of the right lung had passed to hepatization. The other informed me that he had no more doubt of the diseased state of the right lung than though he could see it. Besides the opinions of physicians, my symptoms and appearance would justify the belief that I was fair lyin consumption, and many of my friends were

INTRODUCTION.

of the same opinion. Dr. Aider, the Wesleyan delegate to Canada, now in this city, with whom I had the pleasure of a few short interviews in London and in Paris, informed me this day that he considered me so much indisposed that he doubted whether I would survive the home voyage.

I should not be thus particular on this point was I not fully aware that some have asserted since my great improvement, that I never had the disease. My own opinion is, but for the tube and Dr. R. as the means, with the divine blessing, ere this the work of life had been done, and I should have been taken to my rest.

But my own case is not a solitary one. I have the testimony of persons of standing and of undoubted authority whom I have recommended to use similar means. As an evidence of the great benefit of inhalation, a respectable physician of this city informed me that one of his patients had increased in size two inches and a half by the use of the tube, in about two months, and that another of his patients had received very great benefit ; he has recommended more than a dozen to use it, some for the preventing and others for the cure of disease.

Dr. Wm. H. Huggins, of West Hartland, Conn., writes me thus :

I have felt much interest in relation to the success of Dr. Ramadge’s treatment in cases of phthisis pulmonalis, or pulmonary consumption, — but fearful that this like other modes of treating that insidious disease might prove fruitless, I have delayed expressing my opinion until confirmed by observation. I am ready to say, that the practice has more than answered my expectations.” This gentleman has experimented in six or seven cases.

John L. Sullivan, M. D., of New-Haven, after having perused Dr. R’s. abridged work, wrote me thus, in a private letter : — “ Permit me in thus commencing my acquaintance with you, and which I shall hope to do personally when I first come to New- York, to congratulate you on the good providence of God, who not only sent you abroad in suffering to find the remedy, but made you the instrument of the introduction into your country of the means of restoring many to health. We and the public have much reason to be thankful to the merciful and beneficent Disposer of events for this method.

“ The invention is philosophical and consistent. The discovery was arrived at by the cautious gradations of observation and experiment to establish its principles, and it claims no more than reason warrants.” This gentleman has fully adopted Dr. R.’s practice of inhalation in connection with his own, and has published a pamphlet recommending it.

The Rev. H. G. L , of New-Haven, writes me thus : — “ It

gives me pleasure to say that my wife appears to be receiving much

INTRODUCTION.

benefit from the use of your tube. I cannot but hope, if she improves as she has done, she will soon be as well as formerly.”

The Rev. D. B. Randall, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Annual Conference, in Maine, who had used the tube about six or eight weeks, was so much benefited that he rose in the Conference, in the presence of about two hundred ministers, to express his gratitude to God, and to recommend it to others.*

The Rev. A. D. Merrill, of Providence, Rhode Island, has taken so much interest in spreading the information that he has sent for a dozen and half of the tubes.

The Rev. Ezra Withey, late of Maine, has written me a very interesting account of the benefit he received from the use of the tube, after having been afflicted with a pulmonary disease for two years, during which time he had applied to various physicians of reputation without any relief. He had been so afflicted by the changes of the weather previous to using the tube, that he was obliged for three months to confine himself within doors ; but even then he was greatly affected. When so far relieved as to expose himself to the air, he only ventured out during a few hours in the middle of the day • but not a fortnight had elapsed from the time he got the tube till he w’as enabled to go out mornings and evenings, in damp and rainy weather as well as in the dry ; and ere he left the city I listened to him twice from the sacred desk, preaching with much energy and clearness of voice. He , soon returned to New-London, where he is preaching the gospel ; and he writes me that some of his friends state that his “ voice in singing is better than ever.”

The Rev. Mr. Garrett, of Lower Canada, writes me thus : —

NeW‘Yorlc, July 29, 1839.

Dear Sir, — Last June I arrived in this city from Hatley, Lower Canada. For several months previous I was incapable of discharging the ordinary duties of an itinerant ^ reacher, in consequence of a severe cold I received during last winter, producing almost constant pain in my chest, from right to left, great pain and difficulty in speaking, together with frequent discharges of blood from my mouth.

I had been recommended by my medical friends to abstain in toto from public speaking, and, if possible, to take a sea voyage.

In attending to these directions, I came from the province of Lower Canada to this city, and, shortly after my arrival, was introduced to you by the kindness of my friend, Mr. S. Dando. Having carefully perused your pamphlet entitled “ Consumption Curable,” I determined

* He has since recommended it to others, and writes me that “ it has given general satisfaction.”

INTRODUCTION.

to procure a tube from you, and try its effects upon myself. I commenced by regularly breathing backward and forward, through the tube, according to your directions, and, through divine mercy, have, since then, been constantly increasing in inward strength ; so much so, that yesterday I was enabled to comply with an invitation from my excellent friend, the Rev. Mr. Trippet, Wesleyan minister of Seventh-street chapel, to officiate in his pulpit. I can now breathe much deeper, and with less pain, than formerly. I have also had but one return of blood-spitting since I commenced using the tube. I find, after an exact measurement of my chest, that I have gained rather more than three quarters of an inch. I still continue to use the tube, and confidently hope that through the divine blessing I shall be fully restored to my former health and strength.

You are (allow me to say) at perfect liberty to make any use of the above simple and unvarnished statement of facts you think proper.

I am, dear sir, respectfully yours, &c.,

RICHARD GARRETT.

The following testimony, from the pen of Rev. Mr. Sunderland, is also very interesting : —

New- York, March 20, 1839.

Dear Sir, — It is now three months since, at your recommendation, I commenced using the tube invented by Dr. Ramadge, for the cure of pulmonary consumption. As you know, it is more than seven years since I lost my voice from a severe bronchial affection, caused by preaching when I had a bad cold. During this time I have used every means in my power for a recovery ; and while my general health for two years past has been very good, my voice had recovered but very little strength ; (I mean, of course, strength sufficient to enable me to speak in public ;) till since I commenced using the tube. And though I have used it only about eight weeks in all, yet I must say that the tone of my voice has improved considerably more in this time, I think, than during a number of years before. This is also the opinion of my friends. And it seems to me that a slight acquaintance with the anatomy and physiology of the human body must convince any one that the system adopted by Dr. Ramadge is based upon the immutable principles of philosophy and truth ; and the success which has crowned his practice for a number of years puts the matter beyond all reasonable doubt, that consumption, if attended to in time, can be cured. LE ROY SUNDERLAND.

Mr. Sunderland has since informed me that he is well.

INTRODUCTION.

From the Rev. T. J. Harris.

Having been afflicted for a number of years with a most inconvenient and distressing affection of the throat, it at length terminated in the raising of blood. I was induced to procure of Mr. J. M. Howe the tube recommended by Dr. Ramadge, and instructions for its use, &:c., and have found it effectual in removing, in the course of a few weeks, entirely the inflammation from my throat, and a most distressing sense of pain and weakness of my lungs. Whereas formerly my pulpit services were attended with great pain and suffering, I have now for some time resumed them, with great comfort to myself, and with little pain or difficulty of any kind, and am free to say, that nothing that I have ever tried has had the effect produced by the tube.

REV. T. J. HARRIS,

Pastor of 2d Mariners' Church, New- York,

From Rev. Mr. Sutton, of New- York.

Dear Sir, — I take much pleasure in informing you that since I commenced the use of Dr. Ramadge’s inhaling tube my health has slowly, yet constantly improved to the present time. When I obtained the tube of you my health was very poor, as you will recollect, and my difficulty in breathing was very great. This was attended with inflammation of the left lung, and an almost unceasing pain in the left breast and side. These symptoms, however, are being gradually overcome, insomuch that I am strongly inclined to believe that, with the blessing of a good Providence, a final restoration will yet take place. As to the propriety of the tube in cases of bronchial and pulmonary affections I can have no doubt ; faith has been inspired in me by its philosophy and its use. Furthermore, I have obtained the tube for several intimate friends, to whom I recommended it, and who are now being benefited by it. The increase in the size of my chest since I first obtained the tube has been two inches.

I am most affectionately your brother, New-York, Sept. 4, 1839. GEORGE D. SUTTON.

A lady of wealth and respectability, residing in Abingdon-square, whose habit is decidedly consumptive, and who is confined to her house, under the care of a respectable physician, has been using the tube by his advice. When he obtained it for her he informed me that her lungs were so much diseased, particularly one of them, which was extensively tuberculated, that he had no expectation that she could live any length of time, being very much debilitated, with great weakness of voice, &c. She has received very great benefit, so as to enjoy comfortable health. In order to obtain some facts relative to her

INTRODUCTION.

case I visited her while preparing this, and she informed me that her chest has enlarged two or three inches since commencing the use of the tube, that her voice is much strengthened, so that she can converse with less weariness than formerly, and can indulge in singing a little, and that her general health is greatly improved. Her improvement thus far affords the highest gratification to her friends.

A lady, in whose integrity and piety I have the utmost confidence, informed me, a few days since, that as she was sailing down the Hudson, in one of our steamboats, an aged lady on board informed her that her daughter had been raised from a very low consumptive state by the use of the tube, to the agreeable disappointment of her physician and family.