Transcriber's notes:
In this plain text version, italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and
bold text by =equals signs=. Numbered footnotes are located below the
relevant paragraphs.
In the list of errata, page numbers are consistent with those in the
book but line numbers do not correspond because of word-wrapping
requirements to produce this screen-readable text.
Capitalisation, hyphenation, and spelling styles vary throughout the
book and almost all have been left in the original format (some marked
with [sic]); some of the more obvious variations are listed below.
Inserted corrections are enclosed in [ ]. Abbreviations such as U.S.,
M.A., and M.D. vary as to whether they are spaced or closed up.
a-day/a day
ancle/ankle
aught/ought
a-week/a week
bason/basin
catemenia/catamenia
colic/cholic
degrees/deg./°
diarrhoea/diarrhœa
ear-ache/ear-ach
etc/&c
everywhere/every where
Freywalden/Freywaldau/Freiwaldau
Greenough/Greenhough
headache/head-ache
Homoæpathic/Homeopathy/Homæopathist
Hydropathy/hydropathy and related terms
Hygeia/hygeia
inquire/enquire
Jenison/Jennison
kidnies/kidneys
mattrass/mattress
Packing-sheet/packing-sheet/Packing sheet/packing sheet
Priessnitz's/Priessnitz'
reaction/re-action
ringworm/ring worm
Rubbing-Sheet/Rubbing-sheet/rubbing-sheet/rubbing sheet
shews/shows
sitting-bath/sitting bath
sitz/Sitz
smallpox/small pox
staid/stayed
tepid-bath/tepid bath
Vanderheyden/Van der Heyden
watercure/water-cure/Water-cure/water cure/Water cure
EVERY MAN HIS OWN DOCTOR.
THE
COLD WATER, TEPID WATER,
AND
FRICTION-CURE,
AS APPLICABLE TO EVERY DISEASE TO WHICH THE HUMAN
FRAME IS SUBJECT.
AND ALSO TO
The Cure of Disease in Horses and Cattle.
BY
CAPTAIN R. T. CLARIDGE.
AUTHOR OF THE "GUIDE ALONG THE DANUBE TO TURKEY AND GREECE;"
"HYDROPATHY, OR THE COLD WATER CURE," ETC. ETC.
LONDON:
JAMES MADDEN, PUBLISHER,
8, LEADENHALL STREET.
M.DCCC.XLIX.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY J. WERTHEIMER AND CO.,
CIRCUS PLACE, FINSBURY CIRCUS.
[Transcriber's Note: The book does not contain a list of contents;
the following table has been compiled to assist the reader.]
PREFACE iii
ERRATA
HYDROPATHY
I. Vincent Priessnitz. 1
II. Hydropathy. 17
III. What Does Hydropathic Treatment effect? 17
IV. How are the Effects described in the last Chapter
produced? 20
V. Is Hydropathy a Panacea? And what Complaints are
Curable by it? 24
VI. Is Hydropathy new? Why is it not generally adopted? 26
VII. The Lancet. 30
VIII. Authorities in Support of Water as a Curative Agent. 32
IX. Ablutions. 40
X. Use of Cold Water for Drinking and Injections. 41
XI. The Cold Bath. 43
XII. Is going into the Cold Bath in a State of Perspiration
attended with Danger? 45
XIII. The Packing Sheet, and Sweating Process. 46
XIV. Sweating Process. 50
XV. The Rubbing Sheet, or Abreibung. 50
XVI. The Douche Bath. 52
XVII. The Shower Bath. 54
XVIII. The Sitz or Sitting Bath. 54
XIX. Eye Bath. 55
XX. Head Bath. 55
XXI. Finger and Elbow Baths. 56
XXII. Leg Bath. 56
XXIII. Foot Bath. 56
XXIV. The Tepid, or Abgeschrecte bath. 58
XXV. Bandages, or Umschlags. 59
XXVI. Diet. 62
XXVII. Clothing, Air Baths, Wearing Stays, etc. 69
XXVIII. Drugs. 73
XXIX. Assimilation. 77
XXX. The Crisis. 79
XXXI. Dropsy. 82
XXXII. Smoking. 84
XXXIII. Questions put to Mr Priessnitz, and his Answers. 90
TREATMENT AND CASES
XXXIV. Gout. 92
XXXV. Rheumatism, etc. 100
XXXVI. Tic-Doloureux. 106
XXXVII. Affection of the Throat and Pain at the Chest. 107
XXXVIII. Fevers. 108
XXXIX. Congestion of the Lungs. 118
XL. Inflammations. 118
XLI. Gripes, Cholic, Diarrhœa, English Cholera, or Cholera
Morbus. 121
XLII. Consumption. 125
XLIII. Cramps. 125
XLIV. Asthma. 127
XLV. Surgical Operations, Accidents, etc. 128
XLVI. Small Pox, Measles, Hooping Cough, Croup, Scarlatina,
Colds, Shivering, etc. 135
XLVII. Sore Mouth--Inflamed Gums 146
XLVIII. Tooth-ache, Preservation of the Teeth, etc. 147
XLIX. Watery or Inflamed Eyes. 148
L. Deafness. 148
LI. Ear-Ache. 148
LII. Ringworm, Itch, etc. 149
LIII. Psoriasis. 149
LIV. Fistula. 151
LV. Hæmorrhage, Irregular Menstruation, Pains in the
Womb, &c. 152
LVI. Change of Life in Females. 155
LVII. Treatment of Ladies. 156
LVIII. Giddiness, Dizziness, etc. 158
LIX. Head-Aches. 158
LX. Acute Inflammations in the Head, Chest, and Abdomen. 160
LXI. Chilblains. 160
LXII. Cold Feet. 160
LXIII. Cold Hands and Whitlow. 160
LXIV. Bunnion and Enlarged Glands of Foot and Instep. 161
LXV. Depression of Spirits, Head-Ache, etc. 161
LXVI. Deafness. 161
LXVII. Hernia and Constipation. 161
LXVIII. Liver Complaint, Congestion of Blood in the Head,
Enlarged Vein in the Leg. 162
LXIX. Deformity. 163
LXX. Spinal Complaints. 164
LXXI. Constipation. 166
LXXII. Indigestion. 166
LXXIII. Stomach Complaint. 167
LXXIV. Throwing Food off the Stomach. 167
LXXV. Heartburn. 167
LXXVI. Sea Sickness. 168
LXXVII. Palpitation of the Heart. 168
LXXVIII. Want of Sleep. 168
LXXIX. Languid Circulation. 168
LXXX. Ring Worm. 169
LXXXI. Hands Frostbitten or Suffering from a Boil. 169
LXXXII. Weak Eyes and Eruption on the Head. 169
LXXXIII. Weak Ankles. 169
LXXXIV. Treatment of Infants. 169
LXXXV. Epilepsy. 170
LXXXVI. Hypochondria and Hysteria. 170
LXXXVII. Fœtid Perspiration of the Feet. 171
LXXXVIII. Stricture. 172
LXXXIX. Inflammation of the Kidneys and Urethra. 172
XC. Hydrocephalus. 172
XCI. Syphilis. 172
XCII. Chancre. 173
XCIII. Gonorrhœa and Chancres. 174
XCIV. Scrofula and Vaccination. 175
XCV. Piles. 176
XCVI. Rupture. 176
XCVII. Chilblains. 177
XCVIII. Cold Feet. 177
XCIX. Eruption, Scabs, and Sores on the Arms. 177
C. Consumption. 177
CI. Insanity. 179
CII. Cholera. 179
CIII. Colds, Sore Throats, etc. 185
CIV. Cancer, etc. 187
HYDROPATHY FOR ANIMALS 197
EXPENSES AT GRAFENBERG 212
ROUTES TO GRAFENBERG 212
INDEX 213
PREFACE.
It is difficult to account for the fact that Hydropathy was practised at
Gräfenberg, and at many other establishments in Germany, and that books
on that subject were published in that country, twenty years before it
was known in England.
Most works treat upon some familiar subject, and are supported or
opposed; but my book on the Water-cure, from its great novelty, placed
me in almost as isolated a position at the time, as the publication of
Bruce's Travels did their author.
A gentleman who had been at an establishment in Germany, and who
afterwards wrote in favour of the cure, on seeing the review of my work
in the Times, addressed me a letter wishing me every success, and saying
"that I had put my hand into a hornet's nest: that I had that day made a
hundred thousand enemies."
These fears, I am happy to say, have not been realised: at least, as far
as I know. The leading papers reviewed my work favourably; my lectures
in England, Ireland, and Scotland, met with serious attention; and baths
and wash-houses resulted from a lecture I gave in Edinburgh.
I have found numbers of persons willing to give the system a trial; but
unfortunately, few could spare time to go to Gräfenberg, where it is
carried out with safety and success by the immortal Priessnitz.
Though not a medical man, I seldom refused to administer aid when it was
asked of me, and I have the satisfaction of knowing that no accident
ever attended my operation; on the contrary, my humble endeavours, in
every instance, were more or less crowned with success. I am bound, in
candour, to say, that from members of the medical profession with whom I
have had the honour of becoming acquainted, I have invariably met with
the greatest courtesy.
The propagation of any novelty, however useful, is a work of
time,--especially when, like Hydropathy, it attacks the deep-rooted
prejudices of society, and is opposed to the interests of a host of
individuals.
Hydropathy--unlike brandy and salt, mustard-seed, and many other
chimeras with which its opponents wished to rank it--is not to be put
down. During the short period of eight years, its principles have
pervaded all society: we can hardly go into any society that we do not
find its advocate. The upper classes drink more water and less wine; the
poorer classes are beginning to bathe: for this purpose, baths and
wash-houses are open or being erected in most of the metropolitan
parishes--or, as it is expected they will pay their own expenses, it is
to be hoped they will be provided for the poor in every parish in
England.
Hydropathic establishments are now to be found in England, Ireland, and
Scotland, and in America; and the practice of the Water-cure has
penetrated to the Antipodes. Hardly a week elapses but some work appears
on the subject. Messrs. Abdy's "Diseases Cured by Cold Water;" Sir
Eardley Wilmot's "Tribute to the Water-cure;" Col. Dundas' work, "To the
Halt, Lame, and Lazy;" Mr. Lane's "Life at the Watercure;" Sir Edward
Bulwer Lytton's "Confessions of a Water-drinker," are amongst those of
the non-medical productions.
The following is a list of medical men who have recorded their opinions
in favour of Hydropathy:--Drs. Wilson, Gully, Johnson, Weiss, Marsden,
Ellis, Baxter, Rischanek, Weeding, Feldmann, Lovell, Courtney,
Heathcote, Balbirnie, Stummes, Paterson, King, Curteis, Hills, Preshaw,
Gibbs, Macleod, Paisley, Smethurst, Barker, Laurie, Bushnell, Mayo,
Weatherhead, Graham, Alexander, Freeman, Martin.
Notwithstanding Hydropathy has made its way in an extraordinary
manner,--with the mass of evidence that has been produced in its favour,
it is matter of surprise that it has not become _even more_ general; for
it is a remarkable fact, that, in this age for writing, whilst so many
works, both in Germany, France, and England, have appeared in support of
Hydropathy, I do not know one that has seriously attempted its
refutation. It is true that, at its first introduction, some said my
only object was to make money; others cavilled at the term Hydropathy,
the absence of diphthong in the word Gräfenberg, its want of novelty,
the non-professional terms I made use of in my work, and similar
trifles; but no one ever wrote a line to disprove the truth of the
system, or demonstrate the uselessness or danger of the wet sheet,
sitz-bath, or, indeed, any part of the treatment.
That it was my intention to make money by hydropathy is an allegation
without a foundation; my object being completely philanthropic. Having
gained my own health and saved the life of my daughter at Gräfenberg,
and having witnessed most astounding cures there, I wished to make
generally known so valuable a remedy,--to do this by writing, lecturing,
attending the sick, opening establishments, or any other means in my
power, my exertions have been unceasing. I may therefore be permitted to
repeat, my motives have been disinterested, as, thanks to Providence, I
am perfectly independent in circumstances. The promotion of hydropathy
has always been attended with expense to me--a sacrifice which I am
still willing to make for its advancement.
We claim nothing for hydropathy on the score of novelty, because it is
well known that in India the natives understand the use of cold water in
curing fevers, wounds, bruises, etc.; in all probability it has been
their panacea for all diseases since the time of Noah.
A hundred years ago, Dr. Sir John Floyer, in a work he published, stated
that he frequently saw people with cutaneous eruptions go to a spring in
his neighbourhood, dip their shirts in it, wring them out, put them on,
and walk away. He inquired, and never found any harm to result from thus
wearing wet linen.
The Russians, from time immemorial, have gone into snow in a state of
perspiration.
What we claim for Priessnitz' system is, a systematic mode of
manipulating; a cautious, modified plan of operations, by which no risk
is incurred, and more good produced than can be accomplished by any
other means known to the medical profession. Hydropathy would doubtless
have taken a much larger extension, had the trouble attending the
treatment been less, and its practitioners more competent. It has always
been matter of regret that Mr. Priessnitz has no successor, and that he
has not himself published something on the subject of the Water-cure. To
supply this desideratum, when last at Gräfenberg, where I stayed twelve
months, I proposed to Mr. Priessnitz that he should furnish me the
matter, and that I should publish it; to this he consented, and gave me
verbally his opinion of the treatment to be followed in the various
cases as they occurred. The following pages are my humble endeavours to
place before the public the results of our conversations as a familiar
guide to the Water-cure for men and animals.
The greatest enemies to hydropathy--its most violent opponents--are
those who know nothing whatever about it; who have never seen it
practised as it ought to be, or made reasonable inquiry into the
subject. This is what every science has had to encounter. When Lord
Spencer, many years ago, was in the habit of stating his belief that
steam and gas might be made available to useful purposes, he was
considered a madman, and would-be-wise people declared that what he said
on the subject was absurd. Dr. Lardner, in his "Encyclopædia,"
endeavoured to prove, and no doubt did convince his readers, that no
steam-boat could cross the Atlantic. Works may be read in the
"Bibliothèque" in Paris, written by medical men on the introduction of
the potato into France, to shew that fevers which raged at that time in
the capital arose from the use of that vegetable.
Thus, it will be seen, speculative opinions are but of little value--we
want facts; and unless we are prepared to discredit the evidence of the
many respectable professional men, and others, whose names are here
given, the value of hydropathy must be admitted.
The learned and talented Dr. Forbes, editor of the "British and Foreign
Medical Review," says:--
"The practice of the Hydropathists is so open, and their disciples so
numerous, that the innocence of their proceedings may be said to be
established by the absence of evidence to the contrary. We cannot enter
any circle of society without encountering some follower of this method,
ready to narrate a series of _psuchrolousian_ [Transcriber's note:
should be psychrolousian - 'psychro-' of or pertaining to cold]
miracles, prepared to defend and zealous to applaud the Priessnitzian
practice. Judgment must, therefore, be entered by default against its
opponents, and Hydropathy is entitled to the verdict of harmlessness,
since cause has never been shewn to the contrary."
ERRATA.
In consequence of the unavoidable absence from London of the
Author, while these sheets were passing through the press, the following
errors have occurred:--
_Page_ vii. _line_ 16, in preface, _for_ Spencer _read_ Stanhope.
" 29, " 40, _for_ Wilson _read_ Watson.
" 104, " 32, _omit_ "and the following process was adopted"
" 108, " 21, _omit_ not.
" 123, " 6, _omit_ before.
" 127, " 26, _omit_ until warm.
" 132, " 19, _for_ Scontetton, _read_ Scoutetton.
" 154, " 20, _for_ minutes _read_ weeks.
" 175, " 36, _for_ from Dartres, _read_ afflicted with
dartres.
" 208, " 25, _for_ and afterwards had wet bandages, dry
ones were applied, _read_ wet bandages were applied to the
inflamed part; when inflammation was subdued, the heating
bandages were used.
HYDROPATHY,
ETC. ETC.
I.--VINCENT PRIESSNITZ.
"Discover what will destroy life, and you are a great man--what will
prolong it and you are an impostor! Discover some invention in
machinery that will make the rich more rich, and the poor more poor,
and they will build you a statue! Discover some mystery in art, that
will equalise disparities, and they will pull down their houses to
stone you."--_Bulwer._
Priessnitz was born at Gräfenberg, October, 4th 1800. His father became
blind in his nineteenth year, and remained so until his death, which
took place in 1838, a period of thirty-two years, during fourteen of
which his son was his guide. His mother was killed by a bull in 1821.
Priessnitz's family have been in possession of the estate he now owns,
consisting of about 180 acres of land, for upwards of 200 years, so that
a mistake arose in calling him a peasant, instead of a farmer's son, or
yeoman of Silesia. Two centuries ago (1645), when the country was
invaded by the Swedes, a soldier, attempting to carry off a female of
the family, was pursued and slain by one of Priessnitz's ancestors on
the spot now called the Priessnitz-Quelle (or spring). A tablet placed
over the spring, commemorates this event.
Priessnitz was born, in what is now called the "stone house," (opposite
the large establishment) which he inherited with the land.
He began dabbling in the Water-cure, when only twelve or thirteen years
old. Having sprained his wrist, he pumped upon it and applied a wet
bandage, which produced an _Ausschlag_, or eruption; he not knowing
whether it would be beneficial or otherwise. The question was, however,
soon decided; for the _sprain_ was cured. Finding the same plan, in
other sprains, cuts, and bruises invariably succeed, he recommended its
adoption to his neighbours.
He next applied the wet bandage to swollen joints and local pains, and
was gradually led to its application in gout and rheumatism. Observing
that the wet bandage remained cold from want of heat in the part
affected, he covered it with a dry one to prevent evaporation, and
confine the heat. The appearance of eruption in many cases before
amelioration or cure, led him to suppose that there was generally some
peccant or foreign matter required to be drawn out, or eliminated. Thus
drawn on to think and reason on the subject, his powers of invention
were kept in constant activity to find new expedients for producing the
desired effects in the fresh cases presented to him; until the present
complete and efficacious system, or science was gradually developed and
matured.
In treating a cut hand in one person he found it heal kindly; in
another, it became angry and inflamed: whence he concluded that the
blood of the one was healthy, and of the other impure. Reflecting on the
effect of bandages and baths, in extracting and attracting heat, and
exciting eruptions when applied, he resorted to the elbow bath, and
bandages up the arm, to relieve the hand. Other modes of treatment were
progressively discovered and added.
When sixteen years of age, after loading a waggon with hay, Priessnitz
was standing at the horse's head, whilst his companions were cogging the
wheel; before this was effected the horse struggled, overcame him and
rushed down the hill, which was very steep. Unwilling that the animal
should destroy itself, Priessnitz would not relinquish his hold, his
foot caught in a bush and he fell between the horse's feet, was dragged,
trampled upon and severely bruised. He was taken up senseless, with two
of his front teeth gone, and three ribs on the left side broken, he was
carried home, and a doctor sent for: who, after causing great pain by
probing and _punching_ the side, applied his remedies, at the same time
prognosticating that his patient would never perfectly recover.
Priessnitz having no respect for treatment or opinion, declined the
doctor's further attendance.
He then began to manage himself. By frequently holding his breath, and
pressing his abdomen on the side of a table, for a painful length of
time, he forced back the ribs into their proper position. Wet bandages
were constantly applied and changed, and water drunk in abundance. By
perseverance in these means he rapidly mended, and in twelvemonths his
health was completely restored.
His own faith and that of many of his neighbours in the power of water
was thus established; and ere long the peasantry from all sides flocked
to him for aid. Some thought him endowed with the power of witchcraft;
others honored him as a prophet; all wondering at his success in curing
disease. Sponges used by him in washing his patients were regarded as
talismans--as containing within them something gifted with a mysterious
and marvellous operation. Broom-sticks were placed across his doorway,
to see whether on coming out he could get over without displacing them,
it being a prevalent opinion that only those practising witchcraft can.
His antagonists took advantage of this disposition of the people; and
their opinion that Priessnitz was possessed by an evil spirit was
encouraged by the priests, who denounced him publicly in the church.
Some idea of the excitement got up against him may be found, from the
fact, that the peasantry were in the habit of throwing stones at the
early visitors to his house.
Numbers, however, came to him for advice, which he then only gave at his
own house; afterwards he was induced to visit his patients. This seemed
to dissolve the spell, and his reputation began to decline,
notwithstanding he claimed no remuneration nor accepted any fee: from
hundreds his applicants fell off to tens. He soon perceived that what is
simple, costing neither money nor trouble, loses its value, or is but
coldly appreciated; he therefore returned to his previous usage of
giving advice only at home, leaving people to believe as much as they
pleased in the magical virtues of his remedies.
His reputation now rose higher than ever, and spread far and wide.
Strangers from distant parts came to Gräfenberg, so that he was
compelled to increase the size of his house for their accommodation; and
thus his establishment commenced.
He was not yet, however, allowed to proceed smoothly in his career: many
viewed his growing reputation with jealousy. The two medical men and the
Burgomaster at Freiwaldau set on foot a conspiracy to crush him. Their
persecutions lasted thirteen years: but, as frequently occurs in
similar cases, these were among the circumstances that eventually
advanced his success; since but for this pressure from without, he never
would have so completely developed the power of water over disease; and
the physiological and pathological truths that have in consequence come
to light, must still have lain buried in darkness. During all this
period, he was strictly watched, to see if he applied aught else than
the pure element; calling for the exertion of his utmost ingenuity, to
supply, by water alone, the place of every other remedy.
He was frequently brought before the Syndic at Freiwaldau; but all
endeavours to convict him of any unlawful act (which the administration
of drugs or herbs in an unlicensed practitioner would have been) had
failed, when in 1828, a more determined attempt was made to put an end
to his proceedings. Witnesses were brought forward to prove that he had
injured them, and others that he had pretended to cures that had
actually been performed by the medical men. But none, when examined,
could deny that Priessnitz had benefited them, and taken no payment in
return.
There was a miller, whom both the doctor and Priessnitz claimed the
merit of curing. On being examined, the miller was asked which of the
two had effected the cure? "What shall I say?" answered he: "_Both_; the
doctor relieved me of my money, and Priessnitz of my disease. In return,
I have given him nothing--not even thanks, which I take this opportunity
of offering him for the first time." This was of little avail; his
calumniators had resolved his downfall. Accordingly, he was next accused
of quackery, in illegally tampering with the public health, and ordered
to be put under arrest. An appeal to the tribunal at Brünn, caused this
unjust sentence to be reversed; and he then obtained permission to have
a cold-water bathing establishment. Discontented at this, his
persecutors shortly after brought him to the court at Weidenau, a
neighbouring town, on the hypocritical plea that the connection between
his accusers and the authorities of Freiwaldau might, contrary to their
wishes, give a colour of unfairness to the proceedings. The tribunal of
Weidenau could not reverse the sentence of that at Brünn, but prohibited
Priessnitz from treating any persons but those of his own parish or
district. He replied that water was free to all, and that he was not in
the habit of inquiring whence an invalid came previously to
administering aid. Feeling he was right, he persisted in acting as
before; and for some time, no further notice was taken of him.
In 1831, his enemies took a bolder course, by raising an alarm of the
craft being in danger. This enlisted in their cause the medical men at
Vienna, who brought the subject under the notice of the emperor. He sent
Dr. Baron Turckheim with a commission of district and staff surgeons to
Gräfenberg, to investigate and report on the new system, and the
proceedings of its originator. Notwithstanding that most of these
gentlemen were prejudiced against both, they were astonished and pleased
at what they witnessed; and their report was of so favourable a nature,
that Priessnitz was allowed by imperial authority to carry on his
establishment, with the addition of the privilege enjoyed by staff
surgeons of giving sick certificates to public employés and officers
under his care. This state of things was, however, again shortly
afterwards disturbed. In 1835, the emperor Francis being dead, fresh
intrigues induced the government authorities at Troppau (a town about
fifty miles from Gräfenberg) to withdraw the permission Priessnitz had
received for giving sick certificates. He was urged to appeal to the
higher powers, but declined, saying--"The matter must right itself," and
steadily refused giving sick certificates, even to foreign officers.
These complained, through their ambassadors, to the authorities at
Vienna; and for them, Priessnitz's power of granting certificates was
restored. The Austrian officers and employés being still excluded, also
exerted themselves through friends in the capital; and the matter was,
in the end, satisfactorily arranged.
In 1843, the Prussian government, doubtless under medical influence,
forbade all officers or employés proceeding to any hydropathic
establishment out of Prussia, unless expressly recommended by their
medical advisers.
The greatest difficulty in obtaining passports to the Hygiean temple is
also encountered by the Russian Poles. It has been observed by many from
both these countries who, nevertheless, reached Gräfenberg, that their
medical men strongly recommended their not going to Priessnitz, and
willingly gave certificates for any other establishment, even though in
a foreign country.
For thirty years, although all publications against Priessnitz and the
Water-cure were tolerated in the Austrian dominions, none in favour of
either were permitted. But, as though willing to do tardy justice and
urged on by public opinion, in July, 1845, the Vienna Gazette inserted a
favourable article on both subjects.
From the age of seven to twenty-one, Priessnitz was in constant
attendance on his blind father; and on that account, escaped the
liability of being drawn as a soldier. Early in life he married a
distant relation of his own name, daughter of the _Schulz_ or chief
magistrate of Bömishdorf, who was by trade a miller. He has had nine
children, of whom six daughters and one son are living. The first-born,
a sickly boy, died of apoplexy. When taken ill, the wife and relations
insisted on having a physician from Nicholasdorf: this was at the
commencement of Priessnitz's career, and he reluctantly yielded. He has
since said he would not have given way, had he imagined the doctor could
have killed the child so soon, for a powerful medicine being
administered, death was the almost immediate result. Priessnitz supposes
it was calomel. Whatever it was, it produced spasms and death.
This was a severe lesson to Mrs. Priessnitz, who since that event has
left the treatment of her children entirely to her husband.
As has been said, the various manipulations which now form so complete a
system, were gradually introduced just as Priessnitz became aware of
their necessity and had experience of their effect.
Finding that pain was relieved by natural perspiration, he instituted
the sweating process by covering the patients up well in bed. Some time
later he improved on this, by introducing the blankets. On a patient
becoming faint, whilst under the process, he found that opening the
windows to admit fresh air, and washing the face, afforded relief, and
ordered it with equal advantage generally. At first he sponged the
throat, then the chest, and gradually the whole body; finding the
extension of this practice most beneficial in _every_ case, he ventured
on the tepid (_i. e._ 62° Fahr.) bath and ultimately the plunge or cold
bath.
The relief afforded by local bandages to the finger, arm, leg, and other
parts of the body afflicted with pain, or to which he wished to attract
the vicious juices, suggested the use of the waist bandage, which he
found fulfilled many useful purposes, especially in relieving pain in
the abdomen, feverishness, and restlessness, and also in bringing the
abdominal functions into a healthy state.
Satisfied of the benefit derived from local cold bandages, he thought
they might be extended over the whole of the surface of the body; and
this originated the wet sheet, which supersedes the lancet by relieving
the overcharged system of heat, and is the most powerful sedative known.
It has gradually superseded the sweating process, though not in all
cases. Priessnitz recommended the weaker patients to remain in the
blanket only a sufficient time to get thoroughly warm; but they,
thinking to accelerate a cure, sometimes remained in it too long, and
fainted from exhaustion--a reason assigned for confining his treatment
more especially to the wet sheet.
In chronic cases, which resisted the application of bandages, tepid and
cold baths, he long tried local baths, to cause internal excitement and
reaction; thence arose the hip, arm, foot, and head baths, which were
generally successful: but in some obstinate cases, where they were not
so, Priessnitz wished for a more powerful agent, and hit upon the
douche, to which his attention was drawn by reflecting on the benefit he
had received by pumping on his sprained wrist.
The rubbing sheet is a much later addition, being an improvement on
rubbing with wet hands, or using sponges. It is a means of rousing
latent heat, and administering an ablution to delicate persons, who
could not endure an immersion in the bath.
This combination of novel and invaluable appliances will effect any
purpose attempted by the pharmacopœia. In fact, so complete and
efficacious is the system, that it may justly be termed a science
putting into the shade all hygeian discoveries from the days of
Hippocrates to the present time.
"Notwithstanding there are several defects in point of beauty, and a
sternness of outline in almost every feature," there is something in the
whole expression of Priessnitz's countenance peculiarly pleasing as well
as striking; and one reads there kindness of heart as well as firmness
and decision.
Among all his neighbours, his character stands deservedly high. From his
infancy, he has been a pattern of sobriety and virtue, a good Christian,
kind neighbour, an excellent husband and father; ever prompt to acts of
benevolence and, though secretly, to acts of charity. Poverty deprives
no invalid of his succour. Many, for months together, enjoy the
hospitality of his table, and benefit by his advice, who have no means
of making any pecuniary return. Indeed, Priessnitz never demands a fee,
nor complains if none be given. Nevertheless, he has become rich by the
exercise of prudence and economy.
It is worthy of record, that he never wrote a line or caused anything to
be inserted in newspapers on the subject of his discoveries, or employed
any of the means of publicity usually resorted to make known his
establishment; yet this is frequented by denizens of all nations, and
his fame extends to the antipodes.
When the author went to Gräfenberg in 1841, there seemed a deficiency of
English; of whom he found but three. There were members of every grade
of society from the crowned head to the beggar, all submitting
themselves to Priessnitz's directions.
Anxious to make my countrymen acquainted with a system which had
benefited thousands, and from which I had personally derived great
advantage, immediately on my return home I published a work suggested by
my visit to Gräfenberg, which proved to be actually the first that had
appeared in England on the subject. Many English were thus induced to
undertake a journey to see Priessnitz, and several books shortly
afterwards came out, attesting the writer's high opinion of his skill,
with their faith in the efficacy of his method. The number of English
pilgrims to the Hygeian temple increased; and it is at present one of
their favorite resorts. In 1848, a letter numerously signed was sent to
America, and was inserted in the _New York Tribune_.
"To the Editor of the Tribune.
"Sir, _Gräfenberg, 14th August, 1849._
"The undersigned, desirous to alleviate suffering, and to promote the
health and comfort of human beings, wish to call attention to the
Water-cure as practised by Vincent Priessnitz. Not a particle of
medicine is ever administered in any form or quantity. No bleeding,
blistering, or leeching is ever employed.
"It is not pretended that the Water-cure is a universal specific for
all diseases; but there are sufficient facts to prove that all diseases
curable, and many incurable by any known means, can be healed by a
proper application of the Water-cure, which the following cases will
demonstrate.
"Count Mitrowski, an Austrian nobleman, aged fifty-four, who had long
been afflicted with gout, and whose name we are permitted to use, was
found insensible in his bed in an apoplectic fit. Some medical men were
quickly in attendance and Priessnitz was sent for. The professional men
considered the Count past recovery; and one of them said that he would
throw his drugs away and become an hydropathist if this patient was
restored. It was proposed by some to bleed the invalid, to which
Priessnitz objected, if he was to bear any part of the responsibility.
So far gone was the patient, and so nearly extinct did vitality appear,
that a priest administered the extreme unction, and according to the
custom of the country, a lighted candle was placed in each hand of the
apparently dead man. By cold water treatment alone under the sagacious
direction of Priessnitz, this gentleman recovered consciousness on the
_third day_, drove out in a phaeton on the fourth, and gradually
returned to his former habits.
"The only son of a Sovereign Prince, aged three years, suffered for
fifteen months from chronic obstruction of the bowels, which baffled the
skill of his medical attendants, and resulted in total atrophy. For
twenty-seven days the child had _had no relief_, when, by the
physician's advice, Priessnitz was called in. He saw the child; and at
his suggestion the Prince and his family came here, in order that
Priessnitz might daily superintend the treatment. In a few days the
disease yielded to the water-cure, and at the end of three months, the
child returned quite well.
"A lady of rank suffered severely from frequent head-aches, cramp in the
stomach, indigestion, and other maladies, which cannot here be
particularised. She constantly threw up her food, even whilst in the act
of eating, and could not have the slightest relief without medicine, and
even then had great pain and difficulty. She had been under medical
treatment for fourteen years, during which time she consulted fourteen
eminent physicians. In little more than a year under the Water-cure, she
was restored to perfect health.
"A gentleman had one of the worst attacks of small-pox, complicated
with measles. From the fact of his vomiting blood any medical man will
judge of the malignity of the disease.
"In a fortnight he was out of doors; and in four weeks all traces of the
disease were rapidly disappearing.
"Here is one case of a gentleman advanced in life and long an
invalid,--another of a tender infant,--a third of a lady,--a fourth of a
person labouring under what is generally considered a fatal disease, and
_all restored_.
"The undersigned trust you will kindly insert this statement, which they
are impelled to offer from a desire to make known to others the benefit
derivable from a system in the efficacy of which, as well as in the
sagacity and skill of its founder Priessnitz they have the fullest
confidence, and to which, humanly speaking, some of them owe their
lives, and are,
"Sir,
"Your most obedient servants,
E. H. Tracey, the Hon., _England_
J. Hailes, Major, Bengal Army
Hugh Barr, _Paisley, Scotland_
J. H. O. Moore, Capt. H. B. M. S.
Edward Birch, British Consul
J. F. Sparkes, _England_
C. A. Lane, Lieut. Col., Bengal Army
Alonzo Draper, _New York_
T. V. Ganahl, _Inspruck, Tyrol_
C. W. Ganahl, _Ditto_
H. C. Wright, _Philadelphia, N. Y._
H. D. Avrainville, _Ditto_
Baron Rudolph, _Lüttechan, Austria_
Count Guillaume D'Aichott, _Westphalia_
Charles Dr. Pickler, _Gratz, Styria_
Baron de Leutch, Capt. Austrian Army
Count Pierre, Dr., _Goess, Styria_
Baron Keller, Capt. Austrian Army
Count Zelenski, Chamberlain, _Austria_
Gustav Hirschfeld, _Holstein_
H. K. Marcher, M. D. _Denmark_
Count Wallowitz, _Poland_
L. Lemoile, French Consul
Baron de Wrede, _Austria_
Count Henkel, Dannesmark, _Prussia_
C. Balsch, Grand Logothet, _Moldavia_
Baron de Pabst, _Holland_
J. N. Spencer, Surgeon Dentist, _London_
F. B. Y. Ribas, Spanish Consul, _Odessa_
F. Harnish, Apothecary, _Bresslau_
L. J. E. Rudnick, Phil. Doc., _Prussia_
E. C. Ellery, _London_
G. Pietsch, _Leeds_
Sig. Goetzel, _Vienna_
Count J. Schaffgotsch, Chamberlain to King of Prussia
Baron F. D'Unsulz, _Poland_
Baron Schmidburg, Sect. Austrian Gov.
A. B. Mills, _Glasgow_
J. T. Delvarnes, son of Ex-President of Chili
H. A. Muller, _Hambro'_
Carl Burmester, _Ditto_
H. Schierholz, _Ditto_
Theod. Heyman, _Ditto_
E. Holzmann, _Ditto_
Count Szirmay, Chamberlain, A. G.
H. G. Robinson, _Yorkshire_
L. de Grotoski, _Poland_
Napoleon Maleski, _Ditto_
J. Slatter, _Isle of Jersey_
Le Chevalier de Montiglio, Sec. Legation, _Sardinia_
Prince Auguste Ruspoli, _Rome_
F. Kronwald, Councillor, _Austria_
Count Zeno Sarav, Austrian Chamberlain
Baron Tindal, Sec. Legation, _Holland_
The Rev. Thos. Smythe, _England_
J. Hamilton, _Carnacassa, Monaghan, Ireland_
Donilzi de Galetti, Capt., Russian Army
Alexr. de Harmasaki, _Moldavia_
V. Hake, Lieut. Col., _Prussia_
V. Crety, Lieut., _Ditto_
Otto Schramm, Royal Councillor, _Prussia_
Edward Hoffman, Lieut. Prussian S.
Edward Calvos. Lieut. Austrian S.
J. Gibbs, _Enniscorthy, Ireland_
Edward Joseph Tabelar, Councillor, _Vienna_
Baron C. V. Radzig, _Bavaria_
Michael Avrial, Merchant, _Paris_
Ignace St. de Ionnewald, Major, _Austria_
V. Siegl, Barrister, _Austria_
V. de Lauken, Lieut. Prussian S.
V. Siegler, Capt. Austrian S.
Count V. Orosz, Sec. Excise Bureau, _Vienna_
V. Perboe, Lieut. Austrian S.
L. Liebshang, Postmaster, _Austria_
L. Bardel, Lieut. Austrian S.
H. de Strager, Lieut., _Ditto_
C. Niemann, Provincial Deputy, _Pomerania, Prussia_
Victor Kurnatowksi, _Poland_
Baron N. de Höpken, _Stockholm_
Genges Siebil, _Lyons, France_
Karl Quovos, _Prussian Poland_
Francis Rieger, _Cracow_
Johann Gotthilf, President Criminal Court, _Prussia_
Count Oscar Roswadowski, _Austria_
Baron J. Wallish, _Ditto_
Baron M. Lyncker, Lieut., _Prussia_
Baron Mezenthin, Major, _Ditto_
Ivan A. Roiz, _Brazils, S. America_
Nicholas Arnault, _Paris_
Guiseppe Weyher, _Trieste_
August Navez, Lieut., _Belgium_
Wilhelm Lommatsch, _Saxony_
Baron A. Ledderer, Colonel, _Austria_
Von Kutzl, Lieut., _Ditto_
Von Bovelmo, Lieut., _Ditto_
Baron Huelberg, Lieut., _Ditto_
"P.S.--We, the undersigned, cannot vouch for the exactitude of each
particular in the four cases, related above, not having been at
Gräfenberg during their occurrence; but we are happy to state our
conviction and experience to be fully in favor of this mode of
treatment.
E. Hallman, M. D., _Berlin_
Peter Wilson, Writer to the Signet, _Scotland_
Horatio Greenhough, _U. S._
A. Schrotterick, M. D., _Norway_
Francisco Bazan, _de la Province de Seville en Espana_, M. D.
J. M. Gutterieg Estrada, late Plenipotentiary to the Court of London,
from _Mexico_
C. M. Mecker, _America_
R. L. Jones, _Luton, Bedfordshire_
A. J. Colvin, _Albany, N. Y._
A. F. Webster, R. N., _Battle Abbey, Sussex_
W. Cybulvo, M. D., _Prague_
Dr. Hempin, _Prussia_
W. Murray, _Monaghan, Ireland_
W. S. Ellis, _Middle Temple, London_
T. H. Cohen, _London_"
* * * * *
In 1845 a work of a very different tendency appeared, which, though
approving of the hydropathic treatment in itself, denounced Priessnitz's
application of it, and calumniated him personally in the most
unwarrantable and groundless manner. The author was R. H. Graham, M. D.;
and so unpardonable was his attack on Priessnitz that it drew forth the
following letter.
"To the Editor of the London Times,
"_Gräfenberg, 2nd February, 1845_.
"Sir.--We, the undersigned British and Americans, who have resided here
for periods varying from three months to two years and upwards, and who
consequently have had ample opportunities of acquiring correct
information, deem it our duty publicly to assert that a work, entitled
'A true Report of the Water-cure, by Robert Hay Graham, M.D.' abounds in
gross exaggerations, mis-statements, and calumnies respecting
Priessnitz. It would lengthen this document too much to go into a
detailed repetition of all those portions of Dr. Graham's work which we
could contradict; we therefore refrain from noticing any in particular:
it will be sufficient to say, that _from personal observations_, we can
deny several of Dr. Graham's allegations, and, from information upon
which we _can_ rely, we are convinced that many more are totally devoid
of foundation.
"We have seen a letter dated January 15th, 1845, from Captain Wollf,
whom Dr. Graham gives as his authority for some of his most unfounded
assertions, and to whom he dedicates his book; and we beg attention to
the following extracts from that letter.
"'I not only' says Captain Wolff, 'was a passionate Hydropathist, but am
still, to this day, known as an out-and-out one ... the information
which I gave Dr. Graham, concerned solely the scientific part of the
Water-cure, and could not, of course, be otherwise than favourable; I
being, as above stated, an Hydropathist. With regard to the wretched
stuff you allude to, as to whether Mr. and Mrs. P. drink wine or grog,
whether Miss J. S. and other English ladies were treated with or without
clothes, the tiresome story about Munde, or whether the Princess L. did
or did not employ the Water-cure, with such like, I have never concerned
myself; for I lived at Gräfenberg exclusively for the Water-cure.'
"Thus does Dr. Graham's principal witness fail him! It is only necessary
to add, that we do not place the least reliance on any of Dr. Graham's
statements. We are led to say thus much from regard to truth, and from
esteem for a great and good man, who has been basely vilified.
"In our opinion Priessnitz, from long practice, varied experience, and
close observation, guided by his extraordinary genius, has acquired so
intimate a knowledge of the action of water, of its dangers and
advantages as regards the human body, both in health and disease, that
the most delicate invalid may safely rely on his judgment; and in this
opinion we are sustained by the fact of his great success in the
treatment of almost every variety of disease, which surpasses that of
any physicians on record. The patients who seek his aid may be divided,
with few exceptions, into two classes:--those who by medical men have
been pronounced incurable; and those, whose diseases are the result of
medical treatment: and, out of the large number whom he yearly treats,
it would be absurd to expect that he should never lose one. But we
cannot believe that the Water-cure is the best remedy for disease,
without also believing that he, its discoverer, is the best practitioner
of it; and to convince us to the contrary would require somewhat
stronger and more unexceptionable testimony than that of Dr. Graham.
From the portrait which Dr. Graham draws of Priessnitz, one who did not
know him, would be apt to imagine him as full of assumption and
Charlatanism, whereas he is as far from either as any man; being as
remarkable for his simplicity and truth, as for a native modesty and
unassuming propriety of demeanour, which, combined with his kindliness
of heart, win respect and regard from almost all who approach him.
Requesting that you will do us the favour to give insertion to this
letter, We are, Sir, Your obedient Servants,
Lichfield (The Earl of)
E. H. Tracey (The Hon.)
W. S. Ellis, _Temple_
Richard L. Jones
Gretton Bright
Augustus Blair (Capt.)
J. H. O. Moore (Capt.)
Thomas Smithell, M.A.
Andrew B. Mills
C. Sewell
Horatio Greenough, _U.S._
W. D'Arley
John Gibbs
William Murray
Andrew J. Colvin, _U.S._
Alonzo Draper, _U.S._
G. Pietsch
James Hamilton
Henry J. Robinson
C. H. Meeker, _U.S._"
* * * * *
If Dr. Graham's object was to injure Priessnitz, it was, unquestionably
thoroughly defeated; for his fame continued to increase, and at the end
of the same year, Gräfenberg was honoured by a visit from the Archduke
Charles, heir apparent to the imperial crown of Austria, who treated
Priessnitz with the greatest consideration, and shewed great interest in
the Hydropathic treatment. On his arrival, an address was presented to
him, numerously signed by the visitors at Gräfenberg, and presented by--
Don I. M. Estrada, Ex-Minister from Mexico to London
Count Cyacki, Grand Marshal of Poland.
Count Shaffgatch, Chamberlain to the King of Prussia
Baron A. D. Lotzbeck, Chamberlain to the King of Bavaria
Capt. Moore, 35th Regt.
F. La. Moile, Ex-Consul de France.
The Archduke seemed much pleased with it; and as it was a novelty in
Germany, where addresses are unknown, we think a translation may be
interesting to our readers.
_Address presented to_ Archduke Franz Carl, _at Gräfenberg, October
4th, 1845_.