felt violent palpitation of the heart, and numbness of the whole side of
the body. Three-rubbing sheets and a foot-bath with friction, allayed
the palpitation, then a body _umschlag_ was applied. Next night the same
symptoms returned, and were combated in the like manner, afterwards the
patient was treated with packing-sheets, tepid-bath, foot-bath, and
douche. Whenever any obstructions of this nature occur, it is always
safe to resort to rubbing-sheets two or three times a day.
_Erysipelas._--This disease is an effort of nature to relieve itself by
the skin; the packing-sheet process in this case is resorted to,
followed by a rubbing-sheet or tepid-bath: when the head is overcharged,
sometimes the body is placed in a packing-sheet (previously put into
tepid water instead of cold) from the arm-pits to the knees, and then a
tepid-bath or a bath with very little water in it. Much water should be
drunk, and bandages applied to parts affected.
_To refresh and invigorate._--A gentleman with no decided complaint, but
generally feeling a degree of languor, and want of nervous energy was
ordered, a rubbing-sheet in the morning and afternoon, and a sitz-bath
in the middle of the day, followed by much exercise.
Another party felt somewhat below his usual standard of health and
activity. For years there had been an accumulation of matter in his
nose, from which at times there was a free discharge. Priessnitz said it
was a sort of safety valve, and had better not be stopped: the patient
derived great advantage from pursuing the following treatment for six
weeks:--
In the morning, a packing-sheet for twenty minutes, then changed for
another for fifteen minutes; this was followed, first by tepid, and
afterwards by cold bath; at noon, a rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath for
fifteen minutes; head-bath three minutes each side, making in all nine
minutes; in the afternoon, rubbing-sheet, sitz and head-bath.
CIV.--CANCER, ETC.
When taken in the commencement, this disease is generally curable;
later, a cure admits of doubt.
Princess Esterhazy, who was so long in England, consulted all the
leading medical men in Vienna for a cancer in the breast: they could
afford her no relief. She went to Gräfenberg and was perfectly cured in
seven months. Six years afterwards, one of the family informed me she
still continued in perfect health.
A neighbour of Priessnitz had a cancer in his hip; he advised him not to
allow of an operation, as it would grow again. The man disregarded this
advice, it did grow again, and his life paid the forfeit. A general
treatment is required for this complaint.
Our opinion that water, even without Priessnitz's valuable modes of
applying it, is the best remedy--is supported by Dr. Abernethy, who, in
his book entitled "Surgical Observations", mentions a case of a lady
(page 200), who had gone up to town for the removal of a diseased
breast, who was cured without amputation, the only local application
being linen moistened with water. Dr. Abernethy applied water poultices
also for glandular swellings, which had the effect of removing the
swelling without suppuration--_see pages_ 189 and 192. I know a French
lady who cured herself of a hard swelling on the breast: she took a
rubbing-sheet every morning, a sitz-bath at mid-day, drank ten tumblers
of water daily, and wore a wet bandage, with a dry one over it, on the
breast always, until the hardness was removed.
_A case of White Swelling._--A letter from Dr. Gibbs to the Editor of
the Water-cure Journal.
"My dear Sir, "_March, 17th, 1848_.
"I have heard even friends of the Water-cure express doubts of its
efficacy in the treatment of white swelling. For the benefit of such
unbelievers I transcribe the case at foot, from a letter which I
received from the mother of the youthful patient.
"The enemies of the system frequently assert that it cures only
imaginary diseases; how many would rejoice if it could be proved that
white swelling properly came under this category!
"From the details of this case, it appears that, by the advice of
Priessnitz, an operation was performed by the late very eminent surgeon,
Dieffenbach; and this affords occasion to observe, that Dieffenbach
several times remarked, that patients sent to him from Water-cure
establishments were in a healthier condition for the knife than others,
and more speedily recovered from the effects of an operation.
"'Until the age of four years my daughter was perfectly healthy, when,
at the commencement of winter, she was attacked by cough and wheezing on
her chest, which gave the idea that her lungs were affected. Leeches
were applied, and medicine given with little effect. She continued to
look very ill, and became extremely peevish and inactive. In the spring
she was suddenly seized by a pain in her left knee, which rendered her
quite lame. The complaint was pronounced to be white swelling. One of
our first surgeons assured me the attack was of a most acute nature, the
joint of the knee being considerably enlarged, and the suffering very
great. By steam-baths and leeching the inflammation was in some degree
subdued, and mercury was used in various ways, internally, and
externally. In a week or ten days the violent pain subsided, but she
could not bear the limb to be moved in the slightest manner. In that
state the child continued for eighteen months, during which she had
three acute attacks similar to the first, which were got under in the
same manner, after each attack the limb became more contracted, and the
constitution was evidently sinking, although wine, porter, and fresh
meat, etc. etc., were allowed, in order to keep up her strength, but
they did not succeed. She was at the sea-side for the benefit of the
bathing, which appeared to strengthen her more than anything else, when
I learned something of the water system from Captain Claridge's book,
and subsequently from himself. At first, I must confess, I was rather
startled at the idea of trying such an experiment on my child, but, as
every thing else had failed, I made up my mind to go to Gräfenberg and
put her into the hands of Mr. Priessnitz. In the beginning of September
he commenced with her, giving her at first two packings up and a tepid
bath, and one knee-bath during the day, and compresses on the knee and
body. He desired that she should have crutches, and try to move about as
much as she could without hurting herself. She continued the same
treatment during the ensuing winter, during which she had a constant
rash on her entire leg, and subsequently several gatherings on and round
the knee, none on any other part of her body. In the spring she
commenced the cold bath after the packing up, and the douche bath. Her
strength increased rapidly, her looks became quite healthy, and her
appetite excellent. The appearance of the knee was very variable until
the end of the summer, when it diminished considerably in size, and she
could bear to have it moved without any annoyance; but about Christmas
it became suddenly nearly as bad as ever it had been. All cure was then
stopped, except one packing up and tepid bath, and the knee compresses
were changed every quarter of an hour. The inflammation and pain were
soon got under, but she continued the slight cure until the spring, when
she commenced the packing up and cold bathing twice a day--douche-bath
twice, and knee-bath twice, with rubbing with the wet hand, and
compresses changed after every operation. During this summer she made a
wonderful improvement, and the limb became so strong that she could bear
to have it pulled so as to drag her about by it. Mr. Priessnitz said he
thought the child was now quite free from _all disease_, and that I
might have an operation performed to straighten the limb, in which
opinion several English medical men quite agreed with him. I then took
her to Berlin, having been two years at Gräfenberg; the leg was made
quite straight by Dr. Dieffenbach, and since then the child enjoys
perfect health, being quite strong on her limbs, though still somewhat
lame. She continues the use of the cold bath and douche every day. It is
generally thought that she will outgrow the lameness. I forgot to
mention that from the time the knee was attacked, the chest and cough
quite recovered.'"
_Swallowing Glass._--A cure effected in the house of the Princess
Sophia, by her priest, the Rev. Mr. Klose:--
_June 1st, 1843._
A married woman, 26 years of age, in eating, swallowed a piece of glass,
which stuck in her throat; after many unavailing efforts, either to
force it up or down, she sent for a surgeon, who gave her an emetic,
which also proved unavailing; then he tried to extract it with
instruments, and applied a number of leeches to the throat, _to no
effect_. The second day, the surgeon declared he could do no more, and
she was attacked with inflammatory fever. As a _dernier ressort_, Mr.
Klose determined on trying hydropathy.
She was enveloped and kept in the wet sheet, with bandages round the
throat, day and night, both being changed as soon as they became warm.
At the beginning of this treatment, the invalid was unable to swallow
even a drop of water, could scarcely breathe, and a horrid smell came
from the mouth. Her medical attendant said that mortification had set
in, and gave it as his opinion, that she could not live through the next
day.
Third and fourth days, the same treatment was continued, with the
addition of three enemas, which operated slightly. The packing-sheet,
instead of being changed, was wetted with a sponge: moving the body
occasioned pain. She threw up a great deal of phlegm and matter, which
stank so horribly, that no person could remain near her bed-side.
Fifth day.--Vomiting increased, also the heat of the whole body; the
increase of heat rendered it necessary (notwithstanding the pain she
felt on being moved) to administer a tepid-bath 18°. Whilst in the bath,
her head, throat, and chest, were frequently wetted with cold water, and
the abdomen and feet were well rubbed. This bath afforded her great
relief, and whilst in it, she threw up much matter with ease and without
coughing. She remained in the bath thirty-five minutes, the same
temperature of the water being maintained throughout. At the expiration
of this time, the body was considerably cooled, but the pulse was still
very high; for which reason, recourse was again had to the
packing-sheet, which produced a regularity of the pulse. She was now
enabled to swallow the first drop of water.
Sixth day.--Mortification pronounced to be subdued, but as she could
not take anything in the way of nourishment, four injections of milk
were administered, and when fever returned, water injections instead of
milk were given.
Seventh day.--Besides the former treatment, a tepid-bath was
administered, with the same effect as on the fifth day, viz. much
vomiting and decrease of cough.
Eighth day.--Patient much better, treatment in consequence changed, only
large bandages being applied to the chest, throat, and neck, and in the
afternoon she could swallow some cold thin soup.
Ninth day.--Heat and fever returned, large quantities of matter vomited,
and inflammation of windpipe. Treatment changed back again to
packing-sheet and bandage and one tepid-bath.
Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth days, same treatment.
Thirteenth day.--Fever ceased, vomiting diminished, and patient able to
swallow some milk and water.
Fourteenth and Fifteenth days.--Great improvement, could eat a little
apple sauce.
Sixteenth day.--Some fever, but she could swallow some spoonfuls of milk
without coughing.
Seventeenth day.--After a tolerably quiet night, there was found in the
bed a piece of glass, which must have been thrown up by coughing.
Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twentieth, and Twenty-first days.--Great
improvement, and diminution of vomiting, also of bad smell. She drank,
and ate some light food very slowly, but without coughing.
Twenty-second day to 8th July.--Every day improvement, recovering
strength, and walking a little in the garden.
9th July.--Went to church.
10th.--Resumed her occupations, quite well, except when working she
suffered some slight pain, which ceased when she rested.
_Mr. Wright's case._--(Extract from a letter)--"Diseased lungs,
breathing organs generally impaired, chest, formerly full and prominent,
fallen in, breathing difficult, sleep disturbed, dry cough, sometimes
painful, for more than a year; a short walk caused perspiration, 46
years old, formerly robust, healthy, and strong.
"Cold water my only beverage for fifteen years, no alcohols.
"Three years ago began flannels, fur muffles round neck. Used every
possible precaution to keep the fresh air from throat, chest, body, and
lungs.
"Habituated to cold ablutions, it never occurred to me, that if the body
could stand these ablutions, no ill consequences could result from
admitting the air freely to it.
"Began hydropathic treatment at Gräfenberg, 10th January, 1843,
thermometer at zero. At once abandoned all flannels, and superfluous
covering. Linen shirts substituted for cotton ones.
"Treatment:--two packing-sheets, followed by tepid-bath, a day; at
eleven o'clock sitz-bath. Waist bandages always. Drank ten tumblers of
water before breakfast. Hail, rain, or snow, always walked before
breakfast; soon commenced the douche and two rubbing-sheets of an
afternoon, instead of the packing-sheets.
"From the first, found the treatment, the exercise and pure air,
exceedingly stimulating.
"Neck, throat, and chest, exposed in all weathers. In three months a
rash was produced; appetite voracious, breathing improved, cough ceased.
"About 1st April, joints, especially knees, began to grow stiff, sore,
and weak--pain in walking, and difficulty of straightening knees after
sitting. Low and gloomy in spirits, and altogether disheartened; told by
people around it was a good sign; the treatment was taking effect, and
so indeed I found it, affecting body and soul.
"Whole body became very sensitive to the touch of cold water; it seemed
as if the nerves were laid bare; in fact, had a perfect horror of the
treatment, which became more intolerable as the season advanced and
became damp. Damp weather of April worse than the cold of January and
February. Now became afflicted with throbbing pains in teeth, jaws, and
face, attended with sickness, for which I rubbed the back of my head,
neck, and face with cold water, and also my knees frequently.
"This," says Mr. Wright, "was the crisis of my misery. The most
enthusiastic hydropathist could not have wished me more wretched than I
was. It appears to me, the only way to a cold water heaven, is through a
cold water purgatory. I was frequently congratulated on my sufferings,
as one making a speedy and radical cure.
"Latter end of April, boils made their appearance on arms, hands,
fingers, and other parts of the body. All came to a head, and healed
during the month of May, and more succeeded them.
"Continued treatment vigorously, exposing myself to atmospheric changes
as much as possible. I now feel, that _all disease of my lungs is
removed_. _My chest has resumed its natural fulness, my cough is
entirely_ gone, and my voice is as strong and as deep-toned as it ever
was. Altogether my physical nature has experienced a great renovation. I
can now walk six or eight miles before breakfast without fatigue. I have
walked, on an average, about ten miles a-day since at Gräfenberg. What
of life, of usefulness, of health and comfort that remains to me in this
world, I owe to the Water-cure under Providence, and to the kind friends
who, much against my will, compelled me to come to Gräfenberg. Nothing
surprised me so much, as the perfect safety with which I cast off my
warm comfortable flannels, mufflers, neckcloth, hat, etc. Inflamed
lungs, and an increase of my cough, were the least that I expected; but
I was most agreeably disappointed, for although frequently wet through,
and my neck, chest, and the hair of my head (as I always went
bare-headed) constantly covered with snow, my lungs have always escaped,
nor have I had a cold, that a packing-sheet, or one night's bandage has
not removed. I frequently, on arriving at my room drenched with rain,
wet, and fatigued, took a rubbing-sheet, which prevented all evil
consequences, and invigorated me.
"From what I have experienced and seen in others, I can never again fear
cold, influenza, or fevers of any kind, as I feel sufficient confidence
to treat myself. The most malignant acute diseases are here speedily and
easily subdued, and that by a remedy which leaves no sting behind,
whilst drugs often leave an enemy in the system more difficult to expel,
than _that_ they were intended to eject.
"It is surprising what confidence all exhibit in the cure and its
practitioners. We have just had a case of small-pox, of the most
malignant kind. Persons passed through the passage into which the
patient's room opened all day long. The same bath-servant that attended
him attended other patients. The latter went into his room constantly to
see him. His wife attended him, and yet no one thought of taking the
disease; or if he did, had any fear of it, knowing from what we had
previously witnessed, that it was entirely under the control of this
treatment.
"The patient was confined to his room fourteen days, the disease broke
out from head to foot.
"After the fourteen days, he walked out amongst the other patients, and
the wonder is, that nearly every trace of disease is passing from his
face.
"Treatment.--Packing-sheets, tepid-bath, rubbing-sheets and fresh air
were the only remedies."
"_June 20th._
"Before closing, I wish to add, I suffered much from tooth-ache and pain
in my jaws. Priessnitz ordered me to rub the back of my head and down my
neck _often_ and _long_. From the first application I found relief,
after fourteen or fifteen minutes rubbing. The pain would leave for
hours and then return; soon the pain returned at longer intervals, until
it ceased altogether.
"The theory of this mode of curing tooth-ache, is based upon true
philosophical principles. Who does not know, that all the nerves of the
teeth centre in the back of the head? It is evident then, that by
rubbing there, the pain will be drawn from the teeth.
"I have now been three months out of the treatment, only continuing the
bath and rubbing-sheet; neither of which shall I ever abandon, as I
consider them luxuries, and preventives of disease. I would rather be
deprived of one of my daily meals, than of either of them. I am now
well, and about to return to the field of my labours.
"Whoever is ill and not passed recovery, may, I believe, find health by
the treatment administered by Priessnitz, provided he is willing to
labour for it, but if any one expects to find it whilst wrapped up in
flannels, lounging in easy chairs or on sofas, in confined rooms, or
without great self-denial, personal activity and exertion, he will, most
certainly, be disappointed.
"HENRY C. WRIGHT,
"Philadelphia, U. S.
"_June 21st, 1844._"
"_To Jno. Gibbs, Esq._"
_The Countess of Jennison's case._--The Countess, who had only been
married seven weeks, went to visit the Princess Tour and Taseis, when
she joined in skating, dancing, and playing at various games. On her
return home, she was seized with a violent head-ache, when a blister was
administered to the back of her neck. The pain continuing, a blister was
applied to the chest, and subsequently to other parts, all without
avail. Several doctors were consulted, whose measures weakened her
nerves. A severe nervous fever ensued, which deprived her entirely of
the use of her limbs. After seven months' extreme suffering, and the
speculative operations of various medical men, the case was declared a
hopeless one.
She made her will, received the sacrament, and was at times quite
unconscious of what was passing around. Her debility may be judged of by
the fact that she could neither move joint nor limb, nor even close her
mouth or eyes. She was mere skin and bones, and her knuckles became
black.
Her husband, as a _dernier ressort_, went to Gräfenberg to consult
Priessnitz, the result of which was, Mrs. Browne, a bath-woman, going to
Brünn to bring the Countess to Gräfenberg, Priessnitz persisting in it,
that by management she could be brought. When Mrs. Browne stated her
intention to the M.D.'s in attendance, nothing could exceed their
astonishment. The first thing this bath-woman did, preparatory to the
journey, was to wash the body with tepid water, and it is heart-rending
to hear her account of the manner in which tow had been allowed to fix
itself in the hips, elbows, and other parts exposed to pressure;
however, little by little she succeeded in cleansing the body of all
these medical applications. She then ordered an upholsterer to make a
soft, narrow, mattress, with a number of tapes attached to it, and the
Count arranged the carriage so that the body might be extended in it.
The next morning, all being ready, Mrs. Browne bound up the arms, the
legs, and the whole of the body, in a number of wet bandages, with dry
ones over them, by this means there was more pliancy to the whole frame
than if it had been confined in one sheet, and it was much easier to
exchange the different bandages when they became dry _en route_.
The Countess was now fixed on the mattrass by means of the tapes, and
then placed into the carriage: in this manner she proceeded, night and
day, stopping occasionally to change the bandages. Had these bandages
become dry, they would not have been endurable. In this way the patient
arrived at the Hygeian Temple.
It would be impossible to give a detailed account of the Countess's
treatment during the time she was attaining to convalescence. As a
general outline, it may be stated, that when first brought to
Gräfenberg, she was constantly kept in a packing-sheet from the arm-pits
downwards. Her feet were kept in water, with but slight intervals, day
and night for months; even when somewhat better, and able to go out in a
carriage, her feet were in cold water. Priessnitz did not wish this, but
her feet burned so dreadfully when out of water, that there was no
alternative. During the first four months of the treatment, enemas were
administered, nature being too weak to assist itself. When she had
gained a little strength, her hands were put on the table and pushed on
a few inches by her attendant, and the same with her feet. She could not
move them herself. After four months she was strong enough for the
douche and cold-bath.
The packing-sheets were changed when dry--at times in fever they were
hot in ten minutes, at other times two packing-sheets a day were
sufficient.
At the end of forty-nine weeks she left strong and healthy, able to walk
without sticks, and was three months advanced in pregnancy.
1845.
Four years after I met the Countess again, at Gräfenberg, and was
astonished to behold her such a fine, fat, healthy woman. Since being
cured she has had three children, one died almost immediately after its
birth, the second is a fine child, and for her accouchement of the
third, she came to place herself under the care of Priessnitz. She did
remarkably well, and left Gräfenberg in perfect health.
I consider this one of the most wonderful cures effected by Priessnitz.
Those who saw the complete _anatomie vivante_, which she was, declared
that nothing but a miracle could save her from her early tomb.
HYDROPATHY FOR ANIMALS.