The wear, tear and strain of modern life are concentrated upon the

nervous system. The care and consequent fret, worry and labor of this

age are greater than ever before known.

The result of this extreme activity, is exhaustion and weakness.

Physical bankruptcy is the result of drawing incessantly upon the

reserve capital of nerve force.

We extract the following from an article which recently appeared In the

New York _Tribune_:

AN AGE OF NERVOUSNESS.

The stone age, the bronze age and the iron age, we have heard

of; likewise of the Dark Ages, and other self-marking eras in

human history. As for the present, it might with fitness be

known as the age of engineering, or of electricity, both of

which proud titles it has won by its achievements. Yet there

is also a less roseate view to be taken of it, and another

title to be given to it, based upon its too-evident frailties;

namely, that it is an age of nervousness.

Such is the view taken by the famous psychologist, Dr. William

Erb, of the University of Heidelberg. Nervousness, he says,

meaning nervous excitement, nervous weakness, is the growing

malady of the day, the physiological feature of the age.

Hysteria, hypochondria and neurasthenia are increasing with

fearful rapidity among both sexes. They begin in childhood, if

not indeed inherited. Minds are overburdened in school, with

too much teaching or misdirected teaching. The pleasures of

social life follow, overexerting the already enfeebled nervous

system. Business life is made up of hurry and worry and shocks

and excitements. Society, science, business, art, literature,

even religion, are all pervaded by a spirit of unrest, and by

a competitive zeal which urges its victims on remorselessly.

No man knows repose. The result is, wreckage. The

pharmacopoeia is overcrowded with nerve tonics, nerve

stimulants, nerve sedatives. The medical profession devotes

its best energies to the treatment of neuropaths. And as a

people we are, or are becoming, excitable, irritable, morbid,

prone to sudden collapse through snapping of the overtense

chord of the nervous vitality.

Nowhere are the rush and hurry and overstrain of life more

marked than in this much-achieving Nation. The comparative

youth and freshness and vigor of the American people enable

them to do and to endure what would be beyond the power of an

older and more worn-out community. Yet there is no disguising

the fact that the pace tells even here, and often tells to

kill. True, all the tendencies of the age are in that

direction. Inventions, discoveries, achievements of science,

all add to the sum of that which is to be learned, and widen

the field in which there is work to be done. What we need to

learn is, however, that all these things are for man, not man

for them. If knowledge has increased, we should take more time

for acquiring it, knowing that, with the consequent increase

of power, we shall be able to achieve as much afterward in the

shorter time as our predecessors did in the longer time their

briefer study afforded. Greater ability should mean not only

greater results wrought, but fuller repose as well. For it

would be a sorry ending of this splendid age of learning and

of labor to be known as an age of unsettled brains and

shattered nerves.

A distinguished medical authority says:

"It is proved beyond any dispute that nervousness is the

characteristic malady of the American Nation, growing upon

them in a frightfully accelerated ratio every year, and

threatening them with disasters at no distant date which the

mind shrinks from contemplating."

He continues as follows: "The number of deaths from this cause

is already appalling and is steadily and rapidly increasing.

In some of the busy centres the tables of mortality show that

the proportion of nerve deaths has multiplied more than twenty

times in the last forty years, and that now the nerve deaths

number more than one-fourth of all the deaths recorded. What

is most shocking in these returns, this fearful loss of life

occurs mainly among young people of both sexes."

"This means that the Americans are fast becoming a very

short-lived people; and that if they were shut in on

themselves for only a few years, without any influx of

vitality by immigration, the publication of the census would

send a pang of horror and alarm throughout the land."

The annual report of the State Board of Charities of the State of New

York for 1894, shows that while the increase in the State's population

from 1880 to 1892 was 28 per cent., the increase of the insane in State

institutions for the same period was 83 per cent.!

The enjoyment of the fruits of fortune, earned at the expense of the

nerve cells, is an impossibility. The quiet and harmony of the nerve

centres and nervous system are gone. Rest is impossible, continuance of

work only causes increased jarring and discord of that many stringed and

wonderful mechanism.

SYMPTOMS. It is well nigh impossible to give the symptoms of this

disease in an orderly manner, as the affection gives rise to a thousand

and one varying and ofttimes vague symptoms. The particular part of the

nervous system affected, and also the cause and character of the attacks

modify the symptoms. The eminent Dr. Wood says: "Nervous exhaustion may,

in the beginning, affect the whole of the nervous system, or it may be

at first purely local, and co-exist with lack of general nervous

strength."

SPERMATORRHEA furnishes many examples of the local form of neurasthenia,

or exhaustion, the sexual centres being primarily affected. In these

cases, however, sooner or later, the whole nervous system becomes

Involved. So in other forms of the disorder, the exhaustion at first

local, finally, if neglected, implicates the whole organism. Often, in

brain exhaustion, the symptoms are at first purely local. Almost always

the cause of a local neurasthenia, or exhaustion, is excessive use of

the part. Thus, cerebral or brain exhaustion, or debility, is usually

the result of mental overwork, while sexual asthenia, or weakness is

generally due to abuse of the sexual organs or to sexual excesses. When

to the brain fatigue, or exhaustion, are added the depressing effects of

excessive anxiety, or allied emotions, the symptoms from the first are

more general, and the exhaustion may effect chiefly a single function of

the brain. In pure brain exhaustion, the loss of a disposition to work,

is usually the first symptom, the sufferer finding that it constantly

requires a more and more painful effort of the will to perform the

allotted task. At first, there is loss of the power of fixing the

attention, and this, by and by, is accompanied by a weakness of the

memory; disturbances of sleep are frequent; various abnormal sensations

in the head are complained of. In most cases there is not absolute

headache, but a feeling of weight or fullness, or an indescribable

distress, usually aggravated by mental effort. It is true that in some

cases of very dangerous brain tire, mental labor is performed with

extraordinary vigor and ease; the power of work, is, for the time,

markedly increased, and even the quality of the product may be raised.

The patient may glory in a wild intellectual exaltation, a sense of

mental power, with an almost uncontrollable brain activity. It is

probable, however, that these cases are not instances of pure

neurasthenia, or brain exhaustion, but that there is active congestion

of the gray matter of the brain. In these cases the disease is very

prone to end in serious organic affection of the brain.

[Illustration: Melancholy. ]

Severe brain exhaustion may be associated with good spirits, but usually

there is marked depression, and this perversion of function generally

goes on, if the disease be not checked, to decided melancholy. The will

power, like all the other functional activities of the brain, is prone

to be weakened, morbid fears may finally develop, and at last, that

which was at the beginning a single brain exhaustion, may end in

persistent hypochondria, followed by insanity.

Peculiar sensations are common in neurasthenia, such as chilliness,

unnatural itching, a feeling as though ants or other insects were

crawling on the skin. Eruptions are common. Attacks of neuralgia are

often frequent and sometimes severe, being usually worse in those

persons of nervous ancestry. In some cases there is a lack of proper

sensation, in others an unnatural sensitiveness. There is also in many

cases a peculiar tenderness over some portion of the spinal column,

especially in women.

IN WOMEN, with nervous disturbance of the sexual organs, there is

frequently great pain felt during menstruation; in others, ovarian

irritation and a so-called "irritable," or sensitive uterus, giving rise

to manifold nervous and hysterical symptoms, sometimes culminating in

convulsions or "fits." In not a small proportion of the uterine diseases

which are generally only locally treated by physicians, the local

disease is largely and sometimes solely the expression of a general

weakness of nervous origin.

SELF-ABUSE AND EXCESSES.

It is well known that Onanism, or masturbation, as well as sexual

excesses, produce an exhaustion of the nerve centres presiding over the

sexual functions. This is the common history of spermatorrhea or loss of

the virile fluid by nightly emissions, accompanied by lascivious dreams.

GENERAL NEURASTHENIA, or nervous exhaustion, may also produce a local

weakness of the sexual centres of the brain and spinal cord, with

symptoms at least resembling those of partial impotency and great

irritability of the sexual organs, or a complete impotence, with

premature seminal discharge whenever coition is attempted. Many times

this condition results from excessive intellectual labor, even with no

sexual excesses or abuses. Nocturnal, or nightly emissions, are not

always experienced in these cases. When they do occur, the debilitating

losses of vital fluid react upon the brain, robbing the victim of

courage and manliness and exciting various phases of morbid fear and

sensitiveness.

Many cases of nervous debility, or exhaustion, are the result of long

continued malarial poisoning, diarrhea, Bright's disease, exhausting

fevers or other debilitating affections. Numerous are the cases in which

the patient is able to trace the origin of the malady back to an attack

of influenza, or grip. An epidemic of the latter disease is sure to be

followed by numerous cases of nervous prostration, or exhaustion.

CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED.

In all cases, it is necessary to make careful examinations in order to

detect any obscure chronic disease which may exist. In women, nervous

prostration often develops without perceptible cause at the age of

puberty or at the "change of life." Overwork, especially overwork

combined with worry, are fruitful causes of nervous exhaustion in both

sexes.

AN OVERWORKED NERVOUS SYSTEM

is always an exhausted nervous system. The nerve cells have been robbed

of their vital forces. All the nutritive organs of the body suffer from

the lack of nerve control, and the blood-vessels that supply the nerve

centres are not in proper tone. Hence the supply of blood and the action

of the heart are greatly interfered with. Many times, the most

troublesome symptom, early in the disease, is an excessive perspiration

of the hands and feet.

IMPOVERISHED OR POOR BLOOD.

A badly nourished nervous system is irritable. Many of the symptoms of

weakness and lack of nutrition resemble those found in congestion, or

stimulation from excess of blood. Then, too, we find sometimes that

poor, thin, watery blood, not suitable for nourishment although sent in

large amount to the brain, does not properly nourish that organ. There

will still be brain exhaustion, as the nervous structures have lost

their power of absorbing the nutrient materials from the blood which,

being poor in quality, does not vitalize and strengthen the nerve

centres as it should. In such cases thought is an effort and sustained

mental exertion is impossible; the memory is uncertain, and the patient

drowsy. Occasionally, after rest, there may be flashes of brilliancy,

but generally they are brief.

DANGER OF CONTRACTING INTEMPERANCE.

The patient often learns that a small amount of wine or spirits is a

temporary aid, and sometimes its habitual use is begun in this way.

Stimulants only make a bad matter worse when their use is continued for

any considerable length of time. The sufferer becomes more and more

dependent upon them and the nervous exhaustion is much aggravated as

large quantities are taken to satisfy the morbid craving that has been

acquired.

WAKEFULNESS, OR INSOMNIA, is present in many cases; in others, there is

unusual drowsiness but sleep gives neither rest nor strength; often it

is disturbed by dreams that exhaust the vitality and leave the patient

more tired than when rest was sought.

HEADACHE is one of the most annoying symptoms and sometimes is very

persistent. It may incapacitate the patient for the ordinary duties of

life. After laying down awhile and being quiet, the headache may be

relieved, but recurs on attempting to go about.

FRETFULNESS. Sometimes, owing to the discomfort experienced, there is

likely to be a change of disposition, irritability of temper,

fretfulness and peevishness; a tendency to an irascibility all out of

proportion to the real provocation. In many cases there is dizziness,

and frequently noises in the head, ringing in the ears, spots before the

eyes, twitching of the muscles, eyelids or eye muscles, and at times

dimness of vision, or sudden spells when the sight is not satisfactory.

At times there is a feeling of discomfort, as if the quantity of good

air were not sufficient to aerate the blood, and there is sighing or a

desire to sit in an open window, or a strong desire to be fanned. The

pulse and temperature are usually normal, or a little below, but may

rise if any local irritation exists. At times the face is flushed and at

others pale. The skin may be dry, or in other cases bathed in

perspiration on slight exertion or mental worry. When there is weakness

of the nervous system, the disease manifests itself through various

organs. Hence, the palpitation of the heart, dyspepsia or acute attacks

of indigestion, with colicky pains and heaviness after meals, with

eructations or belchings of gas, or local discomfort and unnatural

action affecting, at different times, almost every organ of the body. It

is well known that insanity may result from the loss of sleep and

constant brooding over the symptoms that the patient fails to properly

understand.

TREATMENT.

In no class of diseases is greater care, scientific knowledge and skill

more necessary than in the treatment of nervous affections. Almost every

case is a law unto itself, and must receive careful consideration,

pains-taking advice and specially prescribed treatment suited to the

peculiarities of the individual. Hereditary influences, causes of the

disease and constitutional peculiarities of the patient must all be

taken into account.

VALUE OF EXPERIENCE.

Only through extensive experience can the medical practitioner become

expert at detecting and successfully meeting, by rational scientific and

carefully adapted treatment, the many phases and complications incident

to the different forms and stages of this very prevalent malady.

For more than a quarter of a century, the Specialists of the Invalids

Hotel and Surgical Institute having charge of this department of

practice, have been actively engaged battling with diseases of the

nervous system. As a result of this long time and vast experience, they

have naturally developed and thoroughly tested many valuable remedial

agencies for the relief and cure of this class of sufferers. Many of

these can be successfully prescribed and used at the patients' homes

without a personal consultation; while others can only be brought into

use at our Institution.

TREATMENT AT HOME.

Many cases, especially when the exciting cause of the malady can be

easily ascertained, as in spermatorrhea from self-abuse, or sexual

excesses, or in women when arising from uterine affections, can be very

successfully managed and cured at home. This is also true when the

disease is due to the excessive use of tobacco, opium and other

narcotics.

CONSULTATION BY LETTER.

The patient has thought over his symptoms hundreds of times. The

location of every discomfort has been carefully noted. These matters are

stated with accuracy, common sense and good judgment when writing to us.

The people are far more intelligent in these matters than physicians are

generally willing to admit. A patient is often confused while being

personally examined by a physician and gives imperfect or incorrect

answers. After he has left the presence of the physician, he finds that

he has failed to enumerate many of the most important symptoms. In

consulting by letter, the patient is not embarrassed, states the exact

symptoms and carefully reads over the letter, to see if it is a complete

and accurate description of his sufferings. In this way he often conveys

a much better idea of the case than if present in person, and subject to

the most thorough questioning and "cross-examination." The timid lady

and nervous young man write just as they feel and one reason why we have

had such success in treating intricate and delicate diseases, is because

we have obtained such true and natural statements of the cases from

these letters, many of which are perfect pen pictures of disease. As

bank tellers and cashiers, who daily handle large quantities of

currency, can unmistakably detect spurious money by a glance at the

engraving or touch of the paper, so the experienced physician, by his

great familiarity with disease, becomes equally skilled in detecting the

nature and extent of a chronic malady, from a written description of its

symptoms. To aid the patient in giving a clear and intelligible history

of his case we send, when requested, a very complete question blank.

EXAMINATION OF THE URINE.

A careful, microscopical examination and chemical analysis of the urine

is a valuable aid in determining the nature of these diseases of the

nervous system. This important fact is not overlooked at the Invalids'

Hotel and Surgical Institute, where experienced chemists are employed to

make such examinations and report the result to the attending

physicians. Persons consulting us and desiring to avail themselves of

the advantages afforded by these examinations, can send a sample of

their urine by express. The bottle should be thoroughly cleansed and

should contain from two to four ounces of that first passed after

arising in the morning. It should be carefully packed in saw-dust or

paper and inclosed in a light wooden box. All express charges must be

prepaid through and a complete history of the case, including the age

and sex of the patient, should accompany every package, or it will

receive no attention. This saves valuable time by directing the

examination into the channels indicated and thus avoiding a lengthy

series of experiments. As we are daily receiving numerous bottles of

urine, every sample, to prevent confusion, should be labeled with the

patient's name. By the postal regulations, all liquids are excluded from

the mails, unless packed in accordance with our printed directions,

which will be sent free on request being received for them.

WE AIM TO CURE,

not merely to palliate as is so often done by practitioners in dealing

with these distressing maladies. We do not prescribe coca mixtures,

whiskey, malt extracts, so-called celery compounds or other nerve

stimulants, which only spur the already weakened nervous system on as a

man would urge his jaded horse to renewed efforts when the animal should

be refreshed by proper food and rest. Neither have we any faith, in

lasting good resulting from prescribing such nerve sedatives as put the

nerves to sleep and so, by simply blunting sensibility, delude the

patient into the false belief that he is being benefited.

To effect a radical cure of the weakness, the nerve centres must be

restored to a normal condition by improving the nutrition of the nerve

cells. To do this the causes of the difficulty must be understood and

any local weakness or disease of any organ, be it the liver, kidneys,

lungs, stomach, rectum, bladder, or generative organs, must be

understood, properly treated and overcome. The desire for alcoholic

stimulants is a most common and dangerous tendency of the disease. To

gratify the morbid appetite for stimulants is to do the patient lasting

injury.

IMPOVERISHED BLOOD.

In some cases the nervous affection is the result of an impure, or

impoverished, condition of the blood. In such cases the use of Dr.

Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery has, in the great majority of cases,

resulted in an immediate benefit and gradually in a permanent

restoration of the nerve centres to a normal condition. This remedy,

particularly if assisted by the use of Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets,

when constipation is present, unloads the liver, and their combined

action tends to remove from the blood the poisons which it is the

function of the liver to take from that fluid. The cells of the brain,

after performing their function, throw into the blood certain poisonous

materials which it is the function of the liver to remove. If this is

not done, the cells become clogged, and can only be restored to a

natural and healthful condition by increasing the activity of the liver.

This treatment gives rise to an immediate improvement, and a continuance

of the remedies results in a gradual toning up of the nervous system and

relief from the unpleasant symptoms.

"FEMALE WEAKNESS."

Many women suffer from nervous prostration, or exhaustion, owing to

congestion of the uterus and ovaries, caused by over-indulgence; again

by overwork, the strain of too many household cares, or too frequent

childbirths. In these cases, the use of Dr. Pierce's Favorite

Prescription is of the greatest benefit, tending to restore the uterus

and ovaries to a normal condition. Its wonderful restorative effects,

tonic and nerve invigorating properties, especially adapt it to the cure

of these cases. Digestion and assimilation of food are promoted by its

use. When the liver or blood is not in healthful condition, as

previously referred to, the "Golden Medical Discovery" should be used in

conjunction with the "Prescription." If menstruation be scanty, Dr.

Pierce's Pellets will have a beneficial influence in increasing the

flow, and overcoming the headache and congestion of internal organs that

is the result of scanty menstruation, especially if their use be

accompanied with full doses of Dr. Pierce's Compound Extract of

Smart-Weed.

LOCAL CAUSES.

In the great majority of cases, when nervous prostration has made its

appearance at intervals, with periods of prolonged good health

intervening, but in which, as a rule, slight excesses, over-exertion or

the attacks of some acute disease, produces a nervous exhaustion, we

have found that local derangement is the cause of the whole trouble.

This cause may often be readily removed and a perfect and permanent

restoration of the health will follow.

IN MEN, we have often found a varicocele to be the cause of nervous

prostration. In others rupture, or urethral stricture, sometimes of a

character so mild as hardly to give serious inconvenience, has been the

cause.

IN WOMEN,, ulceration of the uterus, stricture of the cervix, congestion

or other diseases of the ovaries, such as cysts, abscesses, etc.,

inflammation of the Fallopian tubes, characterized with more or less

periodical discomfort and attacks of leucorrhea, or "whites," are common

causes.

In all cases in which the nervous disease depends upon local causes, we

find that the relief of the local source of irritation, which tends to

reduce the general health and interfere with perfect nervous tone, is

all that is necessary to give the invalid a perfect restoration to

health, vigor and activity. It is like removing the burden from a tired

horse who has fallen prostrate under an excessive load. The removal of

the burden puts the individual under a favorable condition for the

immediate restoration to health and strength, and permanent relief is

only a matter of a few days' or weeks' time, with appropriate

nourishment and restorative nerve tonics.

ALCOHOL, OPIUM AND TOBACCO

affect different individuals according to their several

susceptibilities. Some are able to withstand, with apparent impunity, an

amount of these that can not be tolerated by others without great

injury. No one, however, is wholly proof against these unwholesome

agents which are in such common use. The sad results of their excessive

use are seen in thousands of cases of shattered nerves and wasted vigor.

The excessive use of tea and coffee is also a prolific cause of nervous

affections.

Happily, we have now at our command remedies which exercise a most

potent controlling influence over the acquired, morbid appetite for

these narcotics and stimulants. Of course we have to depend, to some

extent, upon the will power of the patient, but where this is not wholly

lost, we have in all our later experience, been able to realize a degree

of success which has been alike gratifying to both physician and

patient.

THE INVALIDS' HOTEL AND SURGICAL INSTITUTE SPECIALLY EQUIPPED FOR THE

CURE OF NERVOUS AFFECTIONS.

Private institutions, well supplied with the numerous and costly aids to

the work of the specialist treating nervous diseases, are now a

recognized necessity. Physicians and sufferers alike appreciate this

fact.

Public hospitals do not answer this purpose, owing to the fact that they

are more especially intended for the alleviation of the sufferings of

the poor, and the greater part of the work done is in affording relief

from acute diseases and emergencies requiring surgical aid. Attention is

thus detracted from delicate nervous affections and is almost wholly

engrossed in caring for sufferers from other diseases and injuries.

Besides, association with the charity cases that abound in such places

and the evidences of suffering present on every hand, are enough to

prevent all improvement in sensitive and sympathetic invalids.

Perfect equipment is an important part of the battle in the cure of

nervous affections.

ELECTRICITY IN NERVOUS AFFECTIONS.

[Illustration: Fig. 4.

Our large 40 cell Galvano-Faradic Battery with Switch-board.]

Electrical applications, to be beneficial, require, on the part of the

attendant, a technical knowledge of the highest character with costly

apparatus and special appliances. There can be little doubt that

electricity is convertible into nerve force.

[Illustration: Fig. 5.

Our Franklin, or Static Electricity, Machine.]

In treating cases in the Invalids' Hotel, a large variety of batteries,

dynamos and other electrical appliances are brought into use. These

consist of cell batteries, such as is illustrated by Fig. 4, dynamos,

operated by power, Franklin, or static electrical machines illustrated

in Fig. 5, and other electrical apparatus, the choice of the particular

machine or battery being determined by the nature of the case.

CARE AND SKILL REQUIRED.

Electricity, like other powerful agencies, in order to prove remedial

must be used of proper strength and in proper quantity. The potential,

or strength, as well as the volume, or amount, of current has to be

carefully measured for that purpose. To accomplish this, we employ an

instrument called a galvanometer, or amperemeter, illustrated in Fig. 6,

which indicates the exact amount of current being applied. For the want

of such instruments to measure the current, physicians often fail to get

beneficial results, as they are not able to administer either the proper

quantity or quality of current. Ofttimes, for like reasons, their

hap-hazard way of employing this powerful agent does positive injury to

the patient.

[Illustration: Fig. 6.

The Galvanometer, or Amperemeter.]

Of course, in treating cases at a distance, we cannot avail ourselves of

all the great variety of apparatus brought into use at our Invalids

Hotel, yet we have some forms of machines well adapted for home use, and

so simple that, by sending plain printed directions with the machines,

our patients are able to use them effectively without the aid of the

physician. Especially is this true in the milder forms of nervous

disease, and when great exactness and nicety of application is not so

important. We show in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, two forms of such batteries

which are often furnished our patients for use at their homes. Many

times, after cases are under treatment here for a while, we are able to

educate them in the use of the battery so that by taking one of these

home with them they can continue the treatment with good results after

leaving the Institution.

ORGANIC, OR ANIMAL, EXTRACTS AS REMEDIES.

The experience of Pasteur, Brown-Sequard, and our own specialists, in

the use of extracts of nerve substance and of certain glands and organs

by hypodermic or subcutaneous injection of these fluids, has, in a vast

number of cases, been most gratifying to both physicians and patients.

Many wonderful cures have thus been obtained. Injected subcutaneously

these animal extracts are immediately assimilated and we are often able

to stop, at once, the progress of disease and turn the tide towards

recovery. Thus the cells receive the special stimulants upon which their

life and activity depend.

[Illustration: Fig. 7.

A small Battery for home use.]

The animal extracts employed in our Institution are all scientifically

and carefully produced in our chemical laboratory under the direct

supervision of an experienced chemist, and are believed to be superior

in quality. They are turned out fresh, as wanted, which is important, as

all such preparations, no matter how carefully made and put up,

deteriorate with age.

These extracts are made from the glands and organs of the lower animals,

as from the brain, spinal cord, heart, testicles, ovaries and some other

organs and parts of bullocks, rabbits, guinea pigs and other animals.

That they possess properties which exert most potent tonic, or

invigorating, influences upon those organs and parts of the human system

corresponding to the organs and parts of the lower animals from which

they have been extracted, no longer admits of doubt. In cases of partial

and even complete impotency, especially in elderly men, attended with

nervous exhaustion, most astonishingly favorable results are obtained by

our specialists through the administration of our extracts obtained from

the nerve tissue of the spinal cord, associated with the use of the

expressed juices from animal testes. We do not, however, prescribe these

extracts to the exclusion of other well tested remedial agents, but do

regard them, especially in the more confirmed and obstinate cases, as

among our most positive curative agents.

[Illustration: Fig. 8.

A small Battery for home use.]

We must confess that when first proclaimed by Brown-Sequard as Valuable

remedial agents, we regarded the use of these extracts with good deal of

skepticism, but experience is, after all, the best teacher and we were

forced, after numerous successful tests, to admit their great efficacy.

We have always endeavored to keep up with the vanguard of the army of

medical reform, and so took early occasion to introduce these agents

into our practice and made preparations to produce them in our

laboratory.

From an article written by an eminent specialist in nervous diseases,

and recently published in the New York _Medical Journal_, we extract the

following:

"Organic beings possess the power of assimilating from the

nutritious matters they absorb the peculiar pabulum which

each organ of the body demands for the development and

sustenance. The brain, for instance, selects that part which

it requires, the heart the material necessary for its growth

and preservation, and so on with the liver, the lungs, the

muscles, and the various other organs of the body. No mistake

is ever committed. The brain never takes liver nutriment, nor

the liver brain nutriment; but each selects that which it

requires. There are, however, diseased conditions of the

various organs in which this power is lost or impaired, and,

as a consequence, disturbance of function, or even death

itself, is the result."

"Now, if we can obtain the peculiar matter that an organ of

the body requires and inject it directly into the blood, we

do away with the performance of many vital processes which

are accomplished only by the expenditure of a large amount of

vital force."

"Let us suppose a person suffering from an exhausted brain,

the result of excessive brain-work. Three hearty meals are

eaten every day, but, no matter how judiciously the food may

be arranged, the condition continues. Now, if we inject into

that person's blood a concentrated extract of the brain of a

healthy animal, we supply at once the pabulum which the organ

requires. Then, if under this treatment the morbid symptoms

disappear, we are justified in concluding that we have

successfully aided Nature in doing that which, unassisted,

she could not accomplish."

"That is the system. I believe it is applicable not only to

the brain, but to all the other organs of the body."

The writer of the above is, very probably, a little over sanguine in his

opinion that the plan of treatment will prove efficacious in all organic

diseases, but certainly, from our experience, we can endorse his belief

as to its great efficacy in many forms of organic weakness, especially

those of the generative organs, nervous system, heart and some other

parts of the body. We believe that we are placing a conservative

estimate upon the remedial value of these animal juices, or extracts,

when we say that they are destined to fill an important place in the

curative resources of the specialist in chronic diseases.

Under the head of epilepsy, also in connection with our consideration of

locomotor ataxia, we shall have occasion to refer to the use of these

extracts as applicable to the cure of those maladies.

Most cases of nervous diseases that come to us, for examination and

treatment, do so after having tried, without success, treatment by

baths, enforced seclusion, as well as unskillfully applied electrical

treatment and massage. Prolonged medication has frequently aroused

digestive disorders and made the patient hate the sight of the medicine

bottle. In such cases our improved methods, as applied in the

Institution and also prescribed for patients at a distance, enable our

specialists to give relief and effect cures with a minimum of medicine.

They also enable us to treat many cases of nervous diseases heretofore

regarded as almost hopeless, such as locomotor ataxia, paralysis,

epilepsy and spinal affections, with a degree of success which has been

very gratifying alike to physicians and patients.

* * * * *

HEADACHE AND NEURALGIA.

There is no ill to which flesh is heir that is the source of a greater

degree of discomfort to the human race than headache. The farmer,

housewife, banker, merchant and laborer seem to be equally prone to the

affliction and all who suffer have a great number of days rendered

uncomfortable and unhappy by the presence of this most unpleasant

affection. Pain is the warning finger of disease--the threatening

indication of coming trouble. In headache, we have an indication that

the system is subjected to some strain or injurious impression. It may

be that the eyes have been overworked or the brain unnaturally taxed; or

that the nervous and physical systems have not been properly refreshed

by sufficient sleep, and have used up the residue of reserve power. Many

suffer from headache only after they have been subjected to sudden

changes of temperature and have taken cold; others only when the bowels

have become inactive, the liver torpid and the blood vitiated with

retained poisons.

All appreciate the discomfort that results from this malady and

earnestly seek for permanent relief.

Headaches may be divided in two classes: (1) those due to the presence

of poisons in the blood, and (2) those due to irritation of various

organs, as of the eyes, stomach, liver, and intestines.

Of the first form, or variety, of headache, influenza, or grip, and

acute "cold in the head," are the most common causes. These give rise to

most excruciating pain. There is congestion, followed by inflammation in

the nasal passages and cavities communicating therewith. The membranes

of these passages throw out a thin, watery, irritating discharge, which

gradually thickens and becomes pus-like and offensive in character, if

the disease continues.

Poisonous matters are absorbed from the affected surfaces into the

blood. These poisons, circulating in the blood, produce great irritation

of the nerve cells, so much so, that the severity of the attack is felt

in the nervous centres, the brain and spinal cord, with pain varying

from the most acute and sharp, to a dull, numb ache. The temples, eyes,

neck and small of the back, are in their order, the usual locations of

greatest pain. Such attacks vary in frequency and severity. One attack

is usually followed by an early recurrence, which may be more or less

severe, while the period of active pain varies from a few hours to

several days. Such attacks leave an exhausted state of the nerve centres

and general weakness of the system that often lasts for weeks and may

permanently impair the system, except such results be prevented by

appropriate treatment. Every recurrence of the attack leaves the system

in a worse condition, until profound nervous prostration; ensues.

Malarial headache, sometimes termed "brow ague," is a common form of the

malady with those residing in malarial regions. The pain rapidly

develops, usually over one eye. It lasts from five to ten hours, and is

often of frightful intensity.

Other forms are rheumatic and gouty headache; usually a heavy aching

pain appearing on the approach of storms, but at times almost

continuous, made worse by improper diet.

Uræmic headache is due to kidney disease, and alcoholic to direct

irritation of the brain membranes from the use of alcoholic beverages.

The latter is accompanied with much irritation of the stomach and

intestines.

Headaches of a similar character result from the presence in the blood

of an excess of the active principles of coffee and tea.

Overindulgence in these agents, as with alcohol, affects the nerve cells

and membranes, often causing severe attacks of headache.

Nervous headache is another common affliction. This seems to arise from

several causes, such as impoverished blood and exhaustion from overwork

of the brain. Hysterical headache is not uncommon. There is a severe

kind of headache, the attacks of which appear first at early puberty and

continue at intervals more or less frequent in women up to the change of

life and in men to about the fortieth year.

The periodical headache is usually preceded by yawning, chilliness,

languid, exhausted feelings, in others by peculiar emotional or mental

activity. This is followed by unusual drowsiness, in which the night's

rest is broken by dreams, and from which the patient awakes tired.

Gradually, during the day, the headache develops, beginning in the eyes

or bones over them. It gets more and more severe, shooting into the jaws

and neck or extending to the back of the head and spine. As the pains

get most severe, nausea or vomiting, often repeated, follow, in which

the contents of the stomach, with mucus and bile, is ejected. The whole

paroxysm lasts from five hours to two or even three days.

NEURALGIC HEADACHE is a common variety; often the pain is not confined

to the head, in fact neuralgia may affect almost any part of the system.

NEURALGIA.

Neuralgia is an affection of the nerves, of which the chief symptom is

pain. This is of variable intensity and character. It follows the course

of the affected nerve and its branches, and occurs in paroxysms, of

agonizing pain with periods of intermission during which the pain may be

very slight, and cause but little discomfort.

The severe pain is described as lancinating, cutting, tearing, burning,

boring and pressing. Patients use different words in describing the

attacks, and there is probably a difference in the character of the

pain, though in a severe paroxysm one is scarcely able to make a very

nice distinction. We have known cases in which the pain occurred

suddenly and overwhelmed the patient's fortitude by its severity and

unexpected onset. Between the paroxysms there may be less severe pain,

which is then more frequently of an aching, burning or pricking

character. In some, paroxysm after paroxysm succeed each other with

almost lightening-like rapidity, and even in the intervals the pain is

very intense. At another time there is only one sharp sting of pain,

which attacks recur several times an hour or day, or may be absent for

days or months. An extended freedom from all pain is rare in a patient

very much affected. The first attacks in all forms of neuralgia are

often comparatively light, and the severity of the pain gradually

increases as the attacks multiply. We have frequently had patients

unacquainted with anatomy, map out the distribution of a nerve very

perfectly, simply describing the portion of the body in which the pain

was experienced. For convenience, the neuralgia has been named with

reference to the nerve most seriously attacked; lumbago to the spasms of

pain affecting the small of the back; tic-douloureux is a term applied

to neuralgia of the fifth nerve, that supplying the side of the face,

with branches to the eyes, jaw, and teeth. Neuralgia of the testicles,

ovaries, stomach, heart, are frequently met with. That affecting the

large nerve supplying the thigh and leg is termed sciatica. These nerve

affections often prove a most grave disorder, rendering the life of the

sufferer a burden.

TREATMENT. Contrary to opinions frequently expressed by members of the

medical profession, we find that most cases present some removable, or

remediable, cause for attacks of headache and neuralgia. The temporary

relief that is obtained by the use of "headache powders," various

bromide combinations, caffeine and other anodyne and narcotic medicines,

is sometimes necessary in order that the excruciating sufferings may be

borne for the time, but as a rule such remedies only react unfavorably

by interfering still further with the natural restoration of the

affected organs, or protract the removal of the cause of the disease.

Hence, the next attack is usually earlier in its appearance and more

severe and lasting when such agents are employed.

The great majority of headaches and neuralgias are due to the presence

of poisons in the blood. This may be due to affections of the

blood-making, or blood-purifying organs.

For the correction of inactive blood-making glands, or a lack of

purification of the blood, due to such cause, the use of Dr. Pierce's

Golden Medical Discovery is particularly beneficial. It has no equal in

its direct effect upon the liver, the great purifying organ of the body.

Through this natural gateway, it removes from the system poisonous

materials which are the waste from the nerve cells. The accumulation of

these waste materials irritates the cells and causes them to cry out

with pain. The blood, being properly purified by the use of "Golden

Medical Discovery" supplies to the nerves, and to the nerve cells, what

they crave--a healthy and rich blood that furnishes proper nourishment.

Hence the headache disappears, and the neuralgic pains are overcome.

When the liver is engorged and torpid, the intestines become overloaded

with fecal matters that putrefy and give rise to gases and consequent

distention. Deleterious poisons are formed and absorbed by the blood

from such hardened and irritating lumps in the intestines. When the

bowels are thus constipated, Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets are necessary

as an adjunct to the "Golden Medical Discovery." The "Pellets" remove

from the intestinal canal all irritating materials and thus enhance the

alterative, or blood-cleansing, action of the "Golden Medical

Discovery."

In women, when there is a nervous affection, dependent upon some

unnatural state of the ovaries or uterus, and complicated with an

imperfect or unnatural circulation in those parts, we have noted that

most satisfactory results invariably follow the use of Dr. Pierce's

Favorite Prescription. This agent improves the tone of the nervous

system, and by its direct restorative tonic effects, lessens, or

overcomes, any congestion of the womb or its appendages, regulates

menstruation and promotes a condition of health and vigor.

In a vast experience, our specialists have thoroughly tested a great

many specific remedies which we prescribe for home-treatment, sending

the necessary remedies to our patients by express or mail, carefully

adapting them to each individual case. Many sufferers have been, by a

brief course of our home-treatment, relieved permanently from

excruciating sufferings that had been a source of annoyance and loss of

time for many years prior to the use of our remedies.

Our treatment is intended to effect permanent cures. We do not use those

narcotics and compounds of antipyrine and other similar agents which are

very depressing in their effects, and, like morphine and other

preparations of opium, give only temporary relief, and interfere with

the action of the heart, but we use treatment that builds up the system,

removes the cause of the difficulty and restores the nervous system and

all the organs of the body to a normal and healthful condition.

In some cases we advise treatment in our Institution, where we have

every facility in the way of electrical appliances and many other aids

that can only be employed by the personal attention of a skillful

physician. These aids are more fully described under the head of nervous

exhaustion and a reference is also suggested to what we have to say

under the heads of paralysis and locomotor ataxia.

Headaches or neuralgic pains, due to local irritations, as uterine

disease, stricture, neurotic or nerve tumors, pressure of trusses, eye

strain from weakened eye muscles, or lenses that need the help of proper

spectacles, require for a permanent cure the removal of the cause.

Sciatic neuralgia, one of the most common and painful forms of nerve

irritation, is particularly amenable to treatment by the modern means of

cure used in our practice at the Invalids' Hotel.

We find, as a rule, that severe headaches and neuralgias are but the

forerunners of more serious conditions, and are therefore deserving of

special attention. They should be corrected as early as possible, before

any organic changes have occurred.

* * * * *

PARALYSIS OR PALSY;

LOCOMOTOR ATAXIA AND KINDRED AFFECTIONS.

Paralysis is an affection characterized by loss of muscular power or by

the sense of touch, taste, sight or smell becoming impaired from injury

to a nerve by accident or disease.

The disease is sometimes due to simple lack of nerve force or power.

This may come from interference with the blood supply of the nerve

centres, as in hysterical palsy and reflex paralysis. Frequently the

power of speech is affected in this way, ability to remember and

difficulty in pronunciation of certain words being the most common.

Certain affections of the womb and its appendages, in women, and, in

men, stricture of the urethra, adherent prepuce, or foreskin, with

wounds and injuries, many times of nerves and organs remote from the

paralyzed points, cause the loss of power.

THE CAUSES OF PARALYSIS are very numerous. Whatever destroys, or impairs

the natural structure of nervous matter, or whatever interferes

materially with the conducting power of nerve-fibre, or the generating

power of the nerve-centres, will produce a paralysis, the extent of

which will depend upon the amount of nervous matter affected. Thus

paralysis may be due to disease of the brain arising from apoplexy; to

abscess, softening, syphilitic or other tumors, or epilepsy; to disease

of the spinal cord, or marrow; to disease of the structures which

surround the spinal cord, producing pressure upon it; to injury or

compression of a nerve, by which its conducting power it impaired; to

the effects of diphtheria, hysteria, or rheumatism. It may also be due

to poisoning of nervous matter with opium, lead, arsenic, or mercury; or

to the retention of poisonous substances which are generated in the

living body and which should pass off through the excretory organs, as

the elements of the urine and bile.

Members of consumptive families are very prone to paralysis.

We also find that the disease is often the result of some nervous

strain, or over excitement The over indulgence of the passions is

particularly a fruitful source of injury to the brain and spinal

centres. An angry man or woman uses up more nerve energy in a few

minutes than would be sufficient to serve the muscles with stimulus

through hours of toil.

The young, in unnatural indulgence of the sexual passions, waste the

vigor and energy of maturity. Sexual excesses must be put down as among

the most prolific causes of this terrible malady. Ignorance shields no

one from the consequences of violations of the laws of health.

The passion for wealth with its ceaseless toil, continuous strain, and

rapid exhaustion of the nerve forces, usually brings its devotee into

the same condition of discord as does the abuse of a stimulant. For a

time the system will repair and bolster up the weakness, but the longer

the day of reckoning is postponed, the more serious and terrible is the

collapse.

Such individuals need only an exposure to cold, or an over indulgence of

some kind, to suddenly precipitate a paralysis.

GENERAL PARALYSIS. This term is applied to paralysis affecting the arms

and legs. In this form of paralysis there is generally more loss of

motion than of sensation, and the mind is usually more or less affected.

HEMIPLEGIA, or paralysis of one side of the body, is generally spoken of

as a "stroke of palsy." Sometimes only one extremity, the arm, is

affected. Only occasionally is the face involved. In the majority of

cases the mind is affected, the memory being poor, the sufferer becoming

melancholy, peevish, and fretful.

In paralysis of the right side, there is sometimes a curious

forgetfulness or misplacement of language, the patient being unable to

think of words to express his thoughts. This condition is called

_aphasia_. It is usually the result of some injury or disease of the

brain, almost invariably the side of the brain opposite the affected

half of the body. In some cases it is due to a wasting, or softening, of

the brain substance, on account of insufficient nourishment, a deficient

supply of blood; whilst in others, it is due to just the opposite

condition, an excess of blood, producing rupture of some blood-vessel,

transudations, and pressure.

PARAPLEGIA, or paralysis of the lower half of the body, is the result of

disease of the spinal marrow. The paralysis may occur suddenly, but, in

the majority of cases, it comes on slowly and insidiously, with weakness

and numbness of the feet and legs, or with tingling and a sensation

resembling that produced by ants creeping on the surface of the skin. By

degrees the weakness increases, until there is complete loss of both

motion and sensation in the feet and legs. The lower bowel and bladder

are generally involved, and as a result, the patient suffers from

constipation, and retention and dribbling of urine. Although completely

paralyzed, the patient is often tormented with involuntary movements and

cramps in the affected muscles.

Paraplegia may be caused by various injuries of the spinal cord; by

congestion, degeneration, or hemorrhage; by pressure from thickening of

the sheath of the cord, or from tumors, or from disease of the bones and

cartilages of the spinal column. Paraplegia may also be produced through

reflex action, by an irritation, or injury to some organ or part of the

body distant from the spinal cord; thus, irritation of the skin, or of

the bowels from the presence of worms, or disease of the bladder or of

the womb, may produce paraplegia.

LOCOMOTOR ATAXIA.

Locomotor ataxia, or creeping palsy, is also called progressive

paralysis. This affection consists of a disease of the nervous matter in

the posterior columns of the spinal cord. It usually affects first the

lower part of the cord, and those portions of the nerve matter that

supply the muscles of the legs. In other cases it first affects the

portions of the spinal cord that supply the arms. In most cases of this

disease there is an early stage in which the patient suffers from

"lightning pains," as they are called. These are of a severe, stabbing,

boring character, very sudden in their onset, and at times so serious as

to have induced suicide. These paroxysms, in the milder form of the

disease, are not so severe, and are readily controlled by anodynes. They

may affect the stomach, and be mistaken for dyspepsia, or the rectum,

and be taken for fissure or piles. At times they affect the bladder,

when the symptoms are not unlike those of stone or cancer. In many cases

we find the patient has been treated for a long period of years for

rheumatism, sciatica, or neuralgia, when the real disease has been this

progressive paralysis in its earlier stage. Sometimes the disease takes

the form of spermatorrhea or impotency; in other cases it is manifested

in weak eyes, disturbances of vision, or cross-eyes. Sooner or later,

there appears the peculiar paralysis of the disease, which consists of

more or less numbness of the feet and legs, and, in the later stages, of

the hands and arms, sometimes of the face. As a rule, however, the

patient finds difficulty in properly maintaining his balance, and in

walking his movements are tottering, like a man partially intoxicated.

It is difficult for him to maintain his balance and walk with his eyes

closed. If the arms are affected, their movements are uncertain. In

guiding a needle or in buttoning or unbuttoning the clothing, there is

an inability to move the hand with rapidity and certainty, or to any

portion of the face or body if the eyes be closed. The eyes and

attention must be constantly directed to the motion that is about to be

performed, or it is imperfectly done. The brain centres in this case

supply the weakened action of the spinal cord, and the stimulus to the

muscles is directed by the intelligence instead of being automatic, as

in health, and due to spinal action. Still later, the voluntary

movements become spasmodic or jerking. The neuralgic pains often become

very distressing; there is often a sense of constriction around the

limbs or body, as if they were encircled with tight cords. In extreme

cases locomotion becomes impossible, the patient is unable to bring the

hand to the mouth, and the speech may become impaired, articulation

being difficult and imperfect. In all cases there is more or less loss

of sensation in the lower limbs, the patient generally being usable to

distinguish between two points and one, even when the two, are a

considerable distance apart. The inability to feel the contact of the

ground or floor with the feet occasions the difficulty in walking. THE

CAUSES of this disease are somewhat obscure, but unquestionably exposure

to cold and dampness, and over-mental work, are largely instrumental in

its production. Scrofula and syphilis favor its development, while abuse

of the nervous system, such as results from over-indulgence of the

animal and reproductive instincts, are frequent sources of the nervous

changes that lead to ataxia.

SHAKING PALSY.

_Shaking Palsy, or Paralysis Agitans_, is an affection dependent upon

degenerative changes in the nervous centres. It is characterized by a

tremulous agitation, or continual shaking, beginning in the hands, arms

or head, and gradually extending itself over the entire body. The

disease progresses slowly, but when far advanced the agitation is

violent, and the patient swallows and masticates his food with great

difficulty. In an advanced stage of the disease, the body becomes bent

forward, and the chin almost touches the breast-bone. The tremor, which

early in the disease only occurred during the time the patient was

awake, now continues during sleep, and not infrequently the agitation

becomes so violent as to waken the sufferer.

GENERAL TREATMENT OF PARALYSIS.

The indications of treatment for the various forms of paralysis are to

remove the causes, if these can be determined, and rouse the functions

of the paralyzed parts. Measures should be adopted to remedy the morbid

conditions upon which this affection depends. Keep the skin clean and

healthy, promote the circulation of the blood, especially in the

paralyzed limbs, and encourage healthy nutrition. These ends may be best

attained by the daily employment of stimulating baths and frictions upon

the surface. As much regular exercise as the patient can bear without

fatigue should be taken in order to favor the preservation of the

appetite and strength. Care should also be taken that the bowels are

evacuated regularly every day. The circulation through, and consequently

the nutrition of, the palsied muscles may be aided by having a strong

healthy person knead and manipulate them. These manual movements upon

the surface of the body will often excite muscular sensibility, similar

to that awakened by a weak Faradic current. The internal medicines

should be such as to regulate the general functions of the system. The

use of these remedies must be directed by the skill and experience of

those who are professionally qualified to administer hem.

When the patient has been able to be under our personal care at the

Invalids' Hotel, we have found the employment of mechanical movements

and manipulations, applied by means of a variety of machinery, employed

in this Institution, together with the use of the equalizer, or large

dry cupping, or vacuum apparatus, to be of the greatest benefit. These

several machines and apparatus furnish a perfect system of physical

training, thus rendering valuable aid in the cure of many forms of

obstinate chronic diseases. A few of these machines are shown in Figs.

9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14; also see page 32 of Appendix.

[Illustration: Fig. 9.

Manipulator Extended.]

[Illustration: Fig. 10.

Manipulator Folded.]

The general practitioner often endeavors to overcome the inertia of the

nerve-centers and nerves by means of specific irritants, with the view

of exciting the power-producing function, of compelling the weakened and

disabled centers to evolve more power. By such stimulation and forcing,

he places a burden on the weakest parts. The compulsory and ineffectual

endeavor of the weak parts to act in response to such stimulation is

very liable to make undue drafts upon the capacity to act, which only

end in exhaustion of the little remaining power instead of its

re-enforcement. Cases which were previously curable by direct and

appropriate means, are thus forever placed beyond the reach of remedies.

No powerful stimulating or depressing medicines are indicated in any of

the various forms of the affection. In paralysis it should be our aim to

improve local and general nutrition, to relieve local congestions and

inflammations, to produce absorption of deposited matters, and to force

an abundance of blood through palsied muscles, from which they may

derive a proper supply of nutriment, and to which they may give up the

products of waste. All this can be accomplished by massage, mechanical

movements, regulation of the atmospheric pressure on the body, baths,

and proper physical culture.

In paralysis, there is a diminution or total loss of the contractile

property of the muscles to which the affected nerve fibers are

distributed; consequently the capillaries and small veins are not

compressed, as in health, and the blood is not forced on through them

towards the heart; hence there is a backing-up of the circulation,

passive congestion, and all the evils incident to that condition ensue.

[Illustration: Fig. 11.

Oscillating the Arms and Chest.]

_Mechanical movements_ properly applied to the affected limbs, or parts

of the body, accomplish the same results as contraction of the muscles.

They compress the capillaries and veins and thus force the blood on

through these vessels towards the heart. There is a constant pressure in

the arteries, hence the flow of blood in the capillaries is always

towards the veins, and, when it gets into the veins, it is prevented

from flowing back by the valves in those vessels.

A proper circulation of the blood through the disordered parts is thus

effected, and, as the result, they receive an abundance of nutriment,

and their waste products are promptly carried away to the excretory

organs, by which they are separated from the body; the deposits of fatty

matter between the muscular fibers are absorbed, and the agglutinated

fibers are separated.

[Illustration: Fig. 12.

Rubbing the Legs.]

As proof of these statements, it has been found by experiment and

observation that there is an increase of temperature in the parts

subjected to this action, which _must_ be due mainly to an increase in

the chemico-vital changes that are superinduced by the nutritious

elements of the arterial blood, particularly that element which is

supplied to it by the inspired air, oxygen. All the products of waste

are increased. The skin becomes more soft and moist, showing that the

amount of matter eliminated by it is increased. The urine becomes more

abundant, and the relative amount of urea, its most important

constituent, becomes greatly increased. The amount of carbonic acid gas

exhaled is increased, and further evidence in the same direction is

furnished by the very marked increase in the inspiratory acts,

necessitated by the increased demands for oxygen.

[Illustration: Fig. 13.

Oscillating the Legs.]

The local increase of the circulation incident to properly applied

mechanical movements, must produce a corresponding diminution of blood

in other, even in remote, regions of the body. Thus this treatment, by

its revulsive effects, is capable of relieving various disorders of the

head, chest, digestive organs, and pelvis. Nowhere, however, is the

effect more satisfactory than in affections of the brain and spinal

cord, whether characterized by loss of power, of sensation, or by

neuralgic pain. Any portion of these nerve centres suffering from

congestion, will find prompt relief in mechanical vibratory movements.

THE MOVEMENT CURE which we advocate is not a "Swedish Movement Cure,"

nor anything akin to it. It is the application of remedial forces by

complex structures, which combine a variety of mechanical powers. The

inventions are solely American.

[Illustration: Fig. 14.

Apparatus for Rubbing in a Recumbent Position.]

By means of this machinery, which is driven by steam power with great

velocity, we are able to apply _soft, pleasant, rapid vibrating

movements_ over the surface of the body, and thereby increase the

circulation of blood through the parts, raise the temperature, and

excite pleasant sensations. The movements can be applied by our

ingeniously-devised machinery to any part of the body through the

clothing and _without the least exposure of the person._ They can be

administered in a great variety of ways, by light, quiet persuasions, by

gentle frictions, by rubbing, by oscillations, by kneadings, by circular

movements, in fact, by an almost _endless variety_ of reciprocating and

alternating motions, which, if described, would convey to the mind of

the reader but a faint conception of their remedial value.

VIBRATORY MOTION not only establishes activity of the circulation

through the skin and muscles, but it also affects profoundly the

circulation in the important and vital organs of the body; it is thus

capable of overcoming torpidity or congestion of the liver, spleen, and

other deep-seated organs, without the depressing effects which sometimes

follow the administration of powerful medicines.

It has not been our purpose to literally explain, in detail, the methods

of applying vibratory motion in the treatment of paralysis for popular

experiment, since to be successful one should become an expert, not only

in this mechanical treatment, but also in the diagnosis of the various

forms of paralysis, as well as familiar with their causes, pathology,

and remedial requirements. Thus, to be successful in the treatment of

paralysis and other nervous diseases, by the application of motor forces

with our ingeniously-contrived machinery, the cost of which is beyond

the means of most invalids, one must exercise great discretion.

GRATIFYING SUCCESS. Not only is vibratory motion as a remedial agent

rational and philosophical, but our experience has fully demonstrated

its marvelous effects in the treatment of paralysis in its various

forms, and also in the cure of other chronic diseases. We have cured

cases of infantile paralysis which had resisted the skill of the most

renowned physicians in our country. We have treated those who could not

stand or bear the weight of the body, but who have been so far restored

as to be able to walk and run without assistance. Writer's and telegraph

operator's paralysis, or cramp, we have cured in a few weeks' time.

Club-feet, spinal curvature, and other deformities resulting from

paralysis, have been successfully treated in our Institution. In short,

our success has been most flattering in all curable cases of paralysis,

and it is such experience that induces us to hold out encouragement to

those who are afflicted with paralysis and other nervous affections.

Vibratory motion is a desideratum of priceless value to those who are

afflicted with diseases of the nervous system, as well as to all others

who need a gentle stimulus to call forth their latent energies and

improve their physical condition.

RECAPITULATION.

Motion, properly transmitted to the human system by mechanical

apparatus, is transformed into other forms of force identical with vital

energy, by which the ordinary processes of the system are greatly

promoted.

It increases animal heat and nervous and muscular power to the normal

standard.

It removes engorgement or local impediments to the circulation.

The electrical induction produced, renders it a most efficacious remedy

for paralysis of all kinds.

It removes interstitial fluids and causes rapid absorption and

disappearance of solid and fluid accumulations.

It is a powerful alterative, or blood-purifier, increasing oxidation and

stimulating excretion.

It diminishes chronic nervous irritability and promotes sleep.

It hardens the flesh by increasing muscular development and improves

digestion and nutrition.

ANIMAL JUICES, OR EXTRACTS.

The use of animal, nerve and gland extracts has proven of surprising

efficiency in the treatment of paralysis and locomotor ataxia. They

furnish a pabulum in concentrated form for the nourishment and

restoration of the weakened nerve cells and fibres.

In the vast majority of cases, we have been able, by the use of these

recently discovered curative agents, when assisted by other means at our

command at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, to arrest the

progress of these nervous affections, hitherto so generally considered

incurable, and bring about restoration of the paralysed functions and a

renewal of lost power.

These comparatively new remedial agents have been very thoroughly tested

by us. Their merits are more fully considered in a preceding chapter of

this treatise, under the head of treatment for Nervous Exhaustion, or

Debility.

* * * * *

EPILEPSY ("FITS").

Epilepsy, or falling sickness, is a disease which is characterized by

attacks of sudden loss of consciousness, together with convulsive

movements of the muscles. The paroxysms occur at irregular intervals,

the periods between them, in some cases, being only a few minutes or

hours, while in others, several months elapse.

There are two classes of Epilepsy: 1st. The general form, with a

convulsion that usually involves all the muscles of the body

simultaneously. It begins suddenly with little or no warning, commonly

with a cry or scream. The convulsion may last several minutes and is

followed by a deep sleep for some hours.

2nd. The local or Jacksonian form in which the attack begins with a

peculiar sensation in some particular region of the body, either in one

extremity or one half of the face. This sensation is followed by a

twitching of the muscles of the part. The sensation and spasm extend or

advance gradually to other parts. Consciousness is not usually lost,

though it may be when the spasms culminate in a general convulsion.

Great weakness generally follows in the parts convulsed, gradually

passing away. When the attack begins on the right side of the face it is

associated with an immediate inability to speak.

SYMPTOMS. In the severe forms of the disease, the subject suddenly loses

consciousness and falls; there is rigidity of the muscles, which causes

a twitching of the face and limbs; the eyes are turned up, and there is

foaming at the mouth. In the severe form of the disease, the respiration

is arrested, while in the milder attacks, the breathing is difficult,

slow, deep, and snoring. With the commencement of the spasm, the tongue

is sometimes caught between the teeth and severely bitten. During the

paroxysm, the countenance changes from a livid hue to dark purple. The

convulsion continues from one to three minutes, and is followed by a

deep, sighing inspiration; the subject then sinks into a deep sleep,

which continues for half an hour or longer. When consciousness is first

regained, the subject appears confused, stupid, and usually complains of

headache. He has no recollection of what has occurred during the attack,

he pronounces words indistinctly, and if he attempts to walk, he

staggers like a drunken man. Sometimes, several attacks occur so closely

together that there is no interval of consciousness between them.

In some cases, there are premonitory symptoms, such as giddiness,

drowsiness, headache, and irritability of temper, which warn the subject

of an approaching paroxysm. Occasionally, a wave of cold commencing at

the feet and proceeding to the head, is experienced. This is called an

_aura_. When it reaches the brain, the subject becomes unconscious,

falls, and the convulsion commences. If the disease be allowed to

proceed unchecked, it almost invariably leads to great impairment of

mind, insanity, or paralysis.

CAUSES. The _predisposing causes_ are an hereditary tendency to the

disease, and everything which impairs the constitution and produces

nervous prostration and irritability. Syphilis, phimosis, sexual abuses,

uterine disease, and the use of alcoholic liquors are prominent

predisposing causes. Many of the causes treated by us have been brought

on by masturbation. Others are the results of injury to the head. Often

fracture of the skull is followed by epileptic attacks.

_The exciting causes_ include everything which disturbs the equilibrium

of the nervous system. Indigestible articles of food, intestinal worms,

loss of sleep, great exhaustion, grief, anger, constipation of the

bowels, piles, and uterine irritation may be enumerated among such

causes. Convulsions of an epileptic character may also be induced by a

poisoned condition of the blood, from malaria and disease of the kidneys

or liver.

TREATMENT. When the time of an expected paroxysm approaches, great care

should be exercised that the patient be not suddenly attacked while

carrying a lighted lamp, or that he does not fall in some dangerous

place, strike upon a heated stove, or in some similar way inflict great

injury. If there be warning symptoms before the attack, the subject

should carry a vial of the _nitrite of amyl_ in the pocket, and, when

the premonitory symptoms are felt, two or three drops should be poured

on a handkerchief and held about an inch from the nose and inhaled,

until flushing is produced, or a burning sensation is felt in the face.

During the paroxysm, the subject should be laid on the back, with the

head slightly elevated, and the clothing about the neck and waist, if

tight, should be loosened. If there be sufficient warning, a folded

napkin, or a soft pine stick covered with a handkerchief or cloth,

should be placed between the double teeth, to prevent the tongue from

being bitten. During the fit, the head may be bathed with cold water.

A person who suffers from this disease should avoid everything which

tends to excite the nervous system, or increase to any great extent the

action of the heart. The sufferer should go to bed at regular hours, and

take at least eight hours sleep. The sleeping-room should be large and

well ventilated, and the patient should lie with the head elevated. All

indigestible articles of food should be avoided and the diet should

consist principally of bread, vegetables, milk, and fruits. Meat should

be taken but once a day, and then in very small quantities. The use of

alcoholic liquors and coffee should be avoided, and tea only taken in

small quantities. The bowels should be regulated with Dr. Pierce's

Pleasant Pellets and injections, if necessary. A thorough bath should be

taken once or twice a week. If the attacks occur at night, the body

should be sponged before going to bed with tepid water, to which should

be added sufficient tincture or infusion of capsicum, or red-pepper, to

render it stimulating to the skin.

The causes, if they can be determined, should be removed, and those

remedies administered which relieve nervous irritability and cerebral

congestion. If due to worms, the proper remedies should be given; if to

phimosis, the subject should be circumcised; if to pressure on the

brain, from fracture of the skull, trephining should be practiced, and

the depressed bone raised. There are no _specifics_ for this disease;

each individual case must be treated according to the condition

presented. The nostrums advertised extensively over the country as

specifics for this disease, while they may, in some instances, prevent

the attacks for a short time, irritate the stomach, impair digestion,

lower vitality, and permanently injure the system, often rendering the

disease incurable. They deceive the sufferer, leading him to think that

his disease is being cured, until it progresses so far that he is beyond

the reach of any treatment. As a rule, the longer the disease

progresses, the more difficult it is to cure.

Epilepsy has by many physicians been regarded as incurable, but our

extensive experience has convinced us that by an appropriate course of

treatment, the _vast majority_ of cases can be cured. The animal

extracts, or juices, herein more fully described under the head of

treatment for Nervous Exhaustion, have proven curative in some cases

that have resisted other remedies. This treatment requires the personal

attention of a physician skilled in its employment. It is also of first

importance that the extracts be properly made. We have discovered

several new remedies, which undoubtedly exert a powerful curative

influence over this disease, but it is necessary to vary the treatment

so much in different cases, that it would be useless to enter further

into details in this treatise.

SURGICAL TREATMENT. A considerable proportion of those cases of

epilepsy, termed Jacksonian, have been found to be caused by new growth

upon, or in, the substance of the brain. Sometimes cysts form as a

result of small hemorrhages, or of spots of softening from clots in the

cerebral arteries. Other cases are due to a small spot of hardened

tissue or an inflamed centre of irritation in the outer gray matter of

the brain.

The majority of these forms of disease can be exactly localized in a

small area of the brain, and may usually be traced to a blow or fall on

the head, or to fracture of the skull without depression. The discovery

of the fact that such results of injury will produce localized spasm has

naturally lead to the conclusion that similar products anywhere in the

brain may give rise to epilepsy. In these cases trephining of the skull

and the removal of irritation from the brain has been followed by the

most successful results. It is seldom a serious or dangerous operation,

but very few deaths having resulted in the practice of good surgeons in

many hundreds of cases, and these were individuals who were not

favorable for operation, and in whom it was undertaken as a last resort

In these cases of epilepsy, due to injury, the operation is fairly safe,

and in carefully selected cases that have not been allowed to run so

long as to bring upon the brain a general epileptic tendency, the

results of operation are good and the procedure warrantable.

SEE TESTIMONIALS FROM A FEW OF THE MANY CURES EFFECTED BY OUR

SPECIALISTS.

* * * * *

CHOREA (ST. VITUS'S DANCE).

This disease is an affection of the nervous system, which is

characterized by spasmodic contractions of certain muscles. It may

affect the entire body, although it is usually confined to the left

side, or to a special group of muscles.

SYMPTOMS. Twitchings of the muscles of the face are the most conspicuous

symptoms. They are at first comparatively slight, but as the disease

progresses, these spasms become more decided, and the face is twisted

into various shapes and forms. The head, in some cases, is constantly

jerking. It is with great difficulty that the tongue is thrust out of

the mouth, and then, with a sudden jerk, it is quickly withdrawn.

These spasms or contortions, may affect the extremities in a similar

manner, the hands and arms cannot be kept quiet, the gait may be

unsteady, and one foot is merely dragged after the other. If one limb be

forcibly held, to keep it quiet, some other limb will involuntarily

move. Strange as it may appear, these contractions, which cannot be

controlled by the will during wakefulness, are very much lessened or

arrested by sleep.

Prior to the development of the spasmodic affection, there is usually a

period in which the sufferer notes a want of appetite, languidness, with

disinclination towards mental or bodily pursuits, headache,

restlessness, pains in the limbs and joints, with irritable temper and

weakness of memory. There are many other symptoms in special cases. As

the disease develops, the patient gradually begins to exhibit an

awkwardness of movement in the extremities, and objects frequently fall

from the grasp. Children thus afflicted, spill their food while eating,

and it becomes difficult for them to stand still. Attempts to write,

sew, or draw are imperfectly performed. Such children are very often

punished for supposed ill-behavior or careless habits. Later on the

symptoms become more unmistakable, and the presence of the disease is

readily recognized. The patient may become incapable of dressing, and

the limbs and face are no longer under the control of the will.

Uncontrollable movements of the fingers, hands, shrugging of the

shoulders, dancing of the legs, grimaces of the face, and distortions of

the body, become more or less constant. Speech and swallowing may be

seriously embarrassed. Any unusual excitement of the mind or body is apt

to intensify the muscular twitchings. Severe mental application, the

reading of exciting books, the witnessing of entertainments, and

excessive indulgence in sports, have to be discontinued.

THE MOST COMMON CAUSES seem to be exhaustion of the nerve centres, due

to the appearance of the second teeth in children and the development

common to the age of puberty. Other causes may be briefly mentioned as

follows: rheumatic affections, constipation, a morbid state of the

blood, suppression of the menstrual function, uterine difficulties,

masturbation, or self-abuse, blows, injuries, or any cause which would

give rise to nervous debility. Sometimes it is caused by obstruction in

the alimentary canal, or by intestinal worms.

TREATMENT. The disease is one in which there is a debility of the nerve

centres, complicated with a lack of assimilation and digestion. There is

no affection more amenable to treatment in its early stages than this.

We are daily in receipt of correspondence from sufferers, or their

parents, or friends, in which the most gratifying relief and a cure has

resulted from the use of Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription used in

conjunction with Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery. These two

remedies should be used alternately, the dose being suited to the age of

the patient.

A large majority of the cases of chorea occur in females and at the

period of life when the nervous system is subjected to unusual

requirements. In these cases the "Favorite Prescription" effects a

gradual restoration of nervous energy, and improvement in the tone of

the nerve centres, and by its direct effect upon the circulation in the

ovarian region, eliminates the most potent causes of debility. In young

people, we usually advise a dose of three drops for each year of the

age. For instance, children of eight years of age should take

twenty-four drops; those of twelve, thirty-six drops; those of fifteen,

forty-five drops, which is about two-thirds of a teaspoonful. A similar

dose of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery should be administered,

taking it before meals, and the "Prescription" after meals. Under their

administration the patient will rapidly improve in health and strength;

the circulation is materially bettered, the blood is purified, enriched,

vitalized. The remedies effect a complete removal, from the blood, of

the impurities that represent nerve waste, and as a consequence the

nerve cells are properly nourished. The disease is gradually controlled,

and when the favorable influences of quiet, nourishing food, with plenty

of outdoor air, and not too active exercise is added, the progress is

most gratifying. The patients, in a few weeks, are able to control much

of the spasmodic movements, and gradually their restoration to a normal

condition is accomplished.

In occasional cases, where there is some complication, as rheumatism or

other severe affection, complicating and preventing their recovery,

special treatment is required. We are always ready to advise in regard

to such cases when consulted either by mail or in person.

* * * * *

TESTIMONIALS.

If the following letters had been written by your best known and most

esteemed neighbors they could be no more worthy of your confidence than

they are now, coming, as they do, from well known, intelligent and

trustworthy citizens, who, in their several neighborhoods, enjoy the

fullest confidence and respect of all who know them.

Out of thousands of similar letters received from former patrons, we

have selected these few at random, and have to regret that we can find

room only for this comparatively small number in this volume.

NERVOUS AND GENERAL DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 663 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: T.M. Carson, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--I am thankful to-day that I can honestly say, that as a

result of your few weeks' treatment, I feel better now in both body and

mind than I have for fifteen years. Before I consulted you I felt more

like taking my own life to end my miserable feelings than I felt like

living; I had given up all hopes of ever being any good to myself or

anybody else, but, thank God, your encouragement, and kind words, and

skillful treatment have made a different man of me.

Before I consulted you, I took no interest in business nor any thing

else in the world, which the wise Creator has placed in this world for

all mankind to enjoy; but now my mind is clear, and I take an interest

in business and enjoy life better than I ever did before.

Now, may God bless you for your good and skillful treatment of me; and,

also, may this be the means of inducing others who are to-day suffering

from the same complaint to at once consult you, as I can assure them

that they will receive full benefit of your kind attention, for moderate

charges.

Yours respectfully, T.M. CARSON,

P.O. Box 145, Swissvale, Allegheny Co., Pa.

NERVOUS DEBILITY.

SPECIAL TREATMENT, FOLLOWED BY USE OF "GOLDEN MEDICAL DISCOVERY."

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Ltd., 3, New Oxford Street,

London, W.C.:

[Illustration: F. Macey, Esq. ]

_Gentlemen_--I now write to describe the benefit which I have received

from your treatment. For some time I had been suffering from nervous

debility, and before placing myself under your treatment my trouble was

very severe; and not understanding the nature of my disease, I did not

know what to do until I saw a few testimonials of your wonderful cures,

when I was led to at once communicate with you; and after two months'

special treatment from you, I was greatly relieved, and was advised to

then use Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery, which I did for a time,

and am happy to say that I now feel like another man, and am troubled no

longer with the old symptoms, and I thank God, and also the kind

gentlemen that have been conducting my case, for the treatment and

advice which I have received. I also think the "Golden Medical

Discovery" is a most wonderful medicine, and I shall feel it my duty to

speak well of your medicines and treatment to all fellow sufferers I may

meet. I am,

Yours truly, F. MACEY,

Faversham, Kent, England.

NERVOUS DEBILITY.

[Illustration: A.E. Norcross, Esq.]

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 663 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--Two and a half years ago, after seeking in vain for health

at the hands of local doctors, I began treatment with you for "Nervous

Debility of a complicated nature. Ag a result thereof I now give this

testimonial, having been changed from a person of rapidly declining

health--often despondent and with no inclination to work of any kind, to

one of sound constitution who enjoys life and is once more able to

battle his way to success in life; and it is now about two years since

the change occurred, showing it to be permanent.

I cannot say too much in praise of your methods, and careful, courteous

attention which myself and others have enjoyed at your hands; and that

the good work may go on to an unlimited extent is my earnest wish.

Yours sincerely.

A.E. NORCROSS,

(General Delivery), Detroit, Mich.

NERVOUS DEBILITY, DYSPEPSIA, HEART DISEASE.

[Illustration: Miss Greenwell. ]

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I feel very grateful to you, and to our all-wise Creator

for restoring my health. When I first wrote to you I was a miserable

sufferer with nervous debility, dyspepsia, heart disease, also female

weakness. I was so nervous and low-spirited I could not sleep, in fact I

was just about as weak and low as I could be, and could scarcely drag

around; but, after persevering for about twelve months, occasionally

with the help of your kind treatment and advice, I once more begin to

feel like myself again. Words cannot tell how I do appreciate my health.

Thank you, gentlemen! I shall never forget the kind business-like manner

in which you have treated me. May God bless you, inasmuch as your

heart's desire is to do good to suffering humanity.

Very truly, Miss K. GREENWELL,

No. 253 Twenty-second St., Ogden, Utah.

NERVOUS DEBILITY--RESULT OF INDISCRETION.

[Illustration: C.H. Goodsell, Esq. ]

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--For the last year and a half I was troubled with Nervous

Debility. I tried some medicine that I bought from the druggist, which

did me little or no good; so, hearing of the World's Dispensary Medical

Association, of Buffalo, I wrote them about my case, and in reply, they

said they were sure they could cure me. At that time I was weak in my

arms and legs, had poor sight and, worst of all, I was very nervous and

bashful. I could not sleep at night and feel refreshed in the morning. I

could not look any one in the eye without feeling ashamed.

I have now taken two months' treatment and I feel sound in mind and

body; but to be sure I am going to take another month's treatment from

these same doctors in Buffalo.

I recommend all men who are afflicted with any disease similar to the

one of which I have just been cured to apply to the World's Dispensary

Medical Association, and if they take treatment from these doctors they

will surely be cured. I cannot praise them too much for what they have

done for me.

Yours truly, C.H. GOODSELL,

No. 151 S.W. Temple St.

Salt Lake City, Utah.

NERVOUS AND GENERAL DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL, ASSOCIATION, 663 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: T.W. Knapp, Esq. ]

_Gentlemen_--I had been out of health for a period of about three years.

Suffered with pains in the head, catarrh, chills, fever, nervousness,

and general debility. Spent about all the money I had in order to obtain

relief, but received little, if any good. I was scarcely able to work,

when in July, 1887, I wrote to your Association, describing my case. You

replied, advising me, and prescribing a course of treatment, which you

sent to me. After taking but a part of these medicines I began to feel a

great deal better; could sleep very much better and was able to resume

work as usual, but still suffered some pain in head, and my buck was

lame and weak. I continued treatment for some three or four months,

until all remaining symptoms of distress and weakness had disappeared.

At the end of about eight months I found I felt as well as I ever did.

My weight had increased fully twenty pounds, and I could safely say that

you had effected a perfect cure in my case.

Respectfully yours,

THOMAS WESLEY KNAPP,

Myhart, Allen Co., Ind.

NERVOUS AND UTERINE DISEASE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 663 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: Mrs. Williams. ]

_Gentlemen_--I was sick for over three years with nervous complaint,

with blind dizzy spells, palpitation of the heart, pain in the back and

head, and at times would have such a weak tired feeling when I first got

up in the morning, and at times nervous chills. At other times, I would

feel as if there were a tight bandage around my forehead.

The first physician I went to said I had nervous dyspepsia; the next one

did not say what he thought ailed me; the third said I had dyspepsia,

but none of them did me any good. As soon as I commenced taking Dr.

Pierce's Favorite Prescription, I began to get better; could sleep well

nights, and that bad nervous feeling and the pain in my back soon left

me. I can walk several miles without getting tired. I took in all, three

bottles of the "Favorite Prescription" and two of Dr. Pierce's Golden

Medical Discovery.

Yours truly,

MRS. JENNIE WILLIAMS,

Mohawk, Lane Co., Oregon.

NERVOUS AND GENERAL DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, NO. 663 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: W.C. Dillon, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--When I applied to you for medical treatment I was in a very

bad state. Your suggestion that I use Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical

Discovery was followed with good results, and I can say I felt the

effects of it before the first bottle was finished. The dull pains in my

back were leaving me very fast. I used three bottles of the "Golden

Medical Discovery." I had a dull pain in the back, restless sleep

followed by very trying dreams, appetite poor, weakness, consequently

very easily tired. Now I can go about my work, walk twelve or fifteen

miles a day and not feel tired. When I commenced to use your "Golden

Medical Discovery" I only weighed 125 pounds; now have increased to 150.

Yours respectfully,

W.C. DILLON,

Box 63, Woburn, Middlesex Co., Mara.

NERVOUS DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 663 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: M.H. Moore, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--I had been ailing for months and did not know what was the

matter. I had a heavy and languid feeling; dimness of sight, spots and

flashes before my eyes; an "all gone" feeling in my stomach as if the

bottom had fallen out; was nervous and irritable and felt like sinking

down when at work. I could hardly get up in the morning; it seemed as if

I were more tired then I was when I went to bed. My appetite at times

was ravenous, and at other times the smell of food made me sick; I would

often go from the dinner table and vomit. I would have spells when it

seemed that every man was my foe and would be melancholy, and think that

something was going to happen to me; was easily upset, could not get my

mind to stay on anything long at a time. When I read about your

remedies, I made up my mind to try them. After taking one month's

treatment I felt better, and kept on until I had taken three months'

treatment and was made a new man. I would advise any one who is in bad

health to do the same, and will assure them that Dr. Pierce is a

gentleman, and will do Just what he says, as he did in my case.

Yours truly,

MARIS H. MOORE,

Ocean City, Cape May Co., N.J.

NERVOUS AND GENERAL DEBILITY.

Dr. R.V. PIERCE, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: Mrs Linn.]

_Dear Sir_--My case was a complication of diseases--a general

break-down, lasting three years. I placed myself under the treatment of

four different physicians. At last, giving up all hope of recovery at

home, I was making arrangements to go to a Sanitarium in Michigan for

special treatment. One of your small books with blank enclosed was

handed to me; I filled out the blank, and thought I would try rather

than leave home and little ones,--"Happy decision;" two months' special

treatment and I was well and happy, and to-day, I have the very best of

health.

Yours respectfully,

MRS. LOMA LINN,

Ladoga, Montgomery Co., Ind.

NERVOUS AND GENERAL DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: J. Thomas, Esq. ]

_Gentlemen_--Had vertigo, or dizziness. Pain over right eye. Vomiting

sometimes, severe pains in arms, from elbows to shoulders, pain in left

side. Numbness of the fingers. His home physician said "will run into

paralysis." Analysis of the urine shows phosphatic deposits. Began

treatment with specialists of Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, in

August, '87; used the remedies interruptedly for about six months.

Writes May 11th, '89, "have not had a dizzy spell for a year." In

October,'90, writes, "the dizzy spells have gone for good, I hope."

November 9th, '93, reports, "I most willingly recommend your medicines

for they cured me of those dizzy spells of long standing, after four

doctors in this county had treated my case for three years, without

benefit."

Respectfully yours,

JASPER THOMAS,

Alamosa, Conejos Co., Col.

IRRITABILITY AND EXHAUSTION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, RHEUMATISM AND HEART

DISEASE.

CURED BY SIX BOTTLES OF THE "GOLDEN MEDICAL DISCOVERY."

[Illustration: C.A. Roberts, Esq. ]

Mr. C. Allison Roberts, of Cassville, White Co., Tenn., suffered a great

deal from rheumatism, he says: "Legs ached more like toothache than

anything I can think of, the thigh bones throbbing and paining; had

pains in hips, back, arms and shoulders." His symptoms also showed that

the heart was affected. Had chills, headache often and sometimes sick

headache. Bowels were costive and irregular. Food distressed and could

not eat meat; urine milky; coughed in early part of night, and feet and

legs would become numb. Had difficulty in getting to sleep before

midnight, and was restless through the night and dreamed much. Had

sinking spells which lasted for thirty minutes. Turned pale, became

trembly and sometimes vomited his food.

Almost immediately after beginning the use of the "Golden Medical

Discovery" the headache ceased. After using four bottles, reported that

he had been benefited by the remedy. Later he reported: "I have been in

reasonable health for some time. I took six bottles of the 'Golden

Medical Discovery' and it cured the rheumatism entirely. I had suffered

with it for several years and found no relief until I used your

medicine. Have no weak nor nervous symptoms now, and no spells of

turning sick at the stomach, or of bad action of the heart, palpitation,

etc."

NERVOUSNESS, "FEMALE WEAKNESS," NASAL CATARRH.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: Mrs. Sanderson. ]

_Gentlemen_--My health was utterly gone. Was suffering from nervousness,

female troubles and nasal catarrh; life was almost a burden to me, but a

glorious change came, due solely to Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription

and Dr. Sage's Catarrh Remedy. I have suffered more than tongue can ever

tell. I have been treated by good physicians but they only help me

temporarily. I have taken a great many patent medicines with the same

result. In 1890, I began taking Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription and

Dr. Sage's Catarrh Remedy, which gave me immediate relief and a

permanent cure.

Respectfully,

MRS. BELLE SANDERSON,

Sprout, Nicholas Co., Ky.

NERVOUS DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 603 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: J.F. Ritter, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--It is now about six months since I discontinued your

treatment, and as I have had no return of the old symptoms, I consider

it unnecessary to take more medicine. When I visited your Institution

some two years ago, I had but faint hopes of ever being restored to

health, as I was suffering from a complication of diseases. My case was

an unusually obstinate one, yet I am satisfied that a cure could have

been accomplished in half the time, had I been able to follow your

directions in regard to diet more closely. I hereby tender you my

sincerest thanks for the kind treatment received while at your

Institution. Those days will always be the happiest in my memory. I will

close by giving your faculty my sincere thanks, and hope success will

crown your business.

Yours very gratefully,

J.F. RITTER,

Medford, Jackson Co., Oreg.

NERVOUS DEBILITY. SPECIAL TREATMENT.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Ltd., 3, New Oxford Street,

London, W.C.:

[Illustration: W. Trumbetta, Esq. ]

_Dear Sirs_--In reply to your kind inquiries regarding my health, I am

only too glad to say that I am better than I ever was. Before taking

your medicines, I experienced great nervousness, loss of appetite,

restless nights, taking no interest in my work; had pale complexion,

with hollow checks, sunken eyes and loss of memory. I only took your

special treatment for about two months, and received great benefit from

taking it, but still go on taking your "Pellets" when required. I am

sorry to say that I have not got a photograph before taking your

medicines, or I should have been glad to send it to let you have seen

them both before taking your medicines and after. I remain

Yours sincerely,

W. TRUMBETTA,

84, Essex Street, South Heigham, Norwich, Eng.

NERVOUS PROSTRATION.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL, ASSOCIATION, 663 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: Mrs. E.A. Northrop.]

_Gentlemen_--It is now sixteen years since I suffered from that terrible

disease, nervous prostration. I suffered untold agony and thought I

would go insane. Had a terrible burning sensation across my shoulders,

and my head felt large as two, and as if there was a hole from one ear

to the other and all sounds passed right through. I could not see, nor

sleep, nor scarcely eat, and was that nervous the least thing made me

angry. I was treated by our home physician and given up as incurable. At

that time I saw your Memorandum Book and thought I would write you, and

the result of it was you took my case.

After one month of your valuable remedies I felt like a new person, and

after six months was restored to good health again after suffering

nearly one year of untold agony.

I would heartily recommend all and every one suffering from any chronic

disease to place their case in the hands of the World's Dispensary

Medical Association, of Buffalo, N.Y., as I cannot praise your treatment

too highly. Words are inadequate to express the gratitude I owe you in

so successfully treating my case.

Respectfully yours, MRS. E.A. NORTHROP,

South Main Street, Newark, Wayne Co., N.Y.

GENERAL AND NERVOUS DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: J.W. Stocking, Esq.]

_My Dear Sirs_--I believe that I am free from all the troubles that you

have been treating me for. The pain in my back is gone--my digestion is

good. In all truth I can say _I am a man again_!

I can stoop without pain--can labor without that weak and tired feeling.

I am truly grateful to you for the good that you have done me, and may

you reap a rich reward for the good you have done for suffering

humanity, is my sincere wish.

Truly yours,

J.W. STOCKING,

Panama. Lancaster County, Nebr.

NERVOUS DEBILITY AND VARICOCELE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: D.A. Walton, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--I commenced treatment, I think, in July or August, of 1888,

and continued four months. My case was nervous debility of fifteen

years' standing.

I tried home doctors but found they were only aggravating my case. I

also tried the Remedy Company, then of St. Louis, who claimed to perform

wonderful cures with their "Pastiles," but they proved utterly

worthless. Having come in possession of Dr. Pierce's little book and

circulars, a perusal of the same convinced me that my health would not

be trifled with at his Institution.

I was a poor man and could not afford much experimenting. I ordered one

month's treatment, and at the end of this first month, I found, to my

surprise, that I was feeling different. The second month, still more

surprised at my returning health. Third month thought I was cured, and

engaged myself to a young lady, and wrote you to that effect, and you

advised me with your congratulations to marry, and to order another

month's treatment; and at the end of the fourth month I was a _man_,

something I did not know what it would be like to be before.

I have now been married five years, and have two healthy children--a boy

and a girl. I would never have dared to marry had it not been for your

medicines. I must add that during this treatment I was troubled with

varicocele on left side. I wrote you this at third month of treatment,

and you sent without extra charge, a Suspensory and Lotion, and two

months' treatment cured me sound and well of this distressing malady; I

have not felt the least symptoms of its return.

I want the world to know what a competent and honorable firm the World's

Dispensary Medical Association is. I would love to shake you by the

hand. May God let you continue to be a help to mankind is my prayer.

Yours truly,

D.A. WALTON,

Marion, Grant County, Ind.

NERVOUS DEBILITY AND VARICOCELE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: J.L. Ridings, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--I can bear testimony to the removal of varicocele, for

which you treated me. I had been in the habit of getting out with the

boys and trying to see which could kick the highest with one foot on the

ground, and it caused me to have varicocele. I went to my home doctor

and he treated me with no success. It was getting worse all the time and

I got out of shape all over. My health got bad and I thought my case

hopeless. I had tried two doctors and received no benefit.

I had one of your little Memorandum Books in my pocket, and one day,

looking through it I saw you treated such cases, and wrote you and

received word in a few days that you would treat me, so I sent off for

one month's treatment; and in five months I had gained my weight back,

and that was eight years ago and I feel sound and well and my health has

been good ever since.

You are at liberty to use my testimony in whatever way it may be of most

benefit to you.

I also enclose a photograph of myself that was taken soon after your

treatment.

With feelings of much gratefulness, I am.

Very truly yours,

J.L. RIDINGS,

Clarence, Shelby County, Missouri.

NERVOUS DEBILITY. INDIGESTION.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: R,M. Bascom, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--It is now about thirteen months since I discontinued your

treatment, and I have no return of the old symptoms, I consider it

unnecessary to continue treatment. When I commenced taking your medicine

I was suffering from nervous debility, indigestion, dyspepsia, etc.

After using your medicine one month I am perfectly healthy, and

cheerfully recommend your Institution to suffering humanity.

Yours truly, R.M. BASCOM,

Sunfield, Eaton County, Mich.

NERVOUS DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: F. Zerbe, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--It is now about five years since I received a two months'

treatment for my case and I have had no return of the symptoms, I

consider it unnecessary to take more medicines because I am gaining

strength every day. I am healthier than I have been in fifteen years,

and I thank you for the kind favor you have done me in my case, and I

wish that all sufferers would send to you for treatment.

Yours respectfully,

FRANKLIN ZERBE,

De Turksville, Schuylkill Co., Penna.

NERVOUS DEBILITY, DYSPEPSIA, CONSTIPATION.

Blackstone, Nottoway Co., Va.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery and "Pleasant

Pellets" made a perfect cure of me. I increased in weight from 120

pounds to 150 pounds and my strength increased in proportion. It

improved me so rapidly that my friends inquired what produced such a

change in my general appearance and health. Some accused me of

dissipation. When I told them it was your medicine, the drug stores

found a ready market for it, and continue to sell it with increased

sales.

Yours truly, R.E. Jones

NERVOUS AND GENERAL DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: O.A. Conklin, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--I was a great sufferer from nervous and general debility. I

applied to you by letter for advice and received from you medical

treatment for three months, which completely restored me to health; the

course of treatment did not interfere with my usual vocation and was not

difficult to follow. I am a well man to-day and take pleasure in

advising all the afflicted to consult you at once, and feel sure they

will, like myself, be well pleased with your treatment.

Yours truly,

O.A. CONKLIN,

Ravenna, Muskegon Co., Mich.

NERVOUS DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: H. Culver, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--After taking the two months' treatment which you sent me by

mail for that broken-down condition, usually styled "Nervous Debility,"

attended by the usual symptoms such as headache, sleeplessness,

confusion of ideas, etc., the above symptoms have so entirely

disappeared that I do not consider it necessary to continue the

treatment longer. I would say further that I am satisfied that you

understand your business, and would advise anybody suffering from any

chronic disease to avail themselves of your skill in preference to

resorting to any other source known to me.

Yours respectfully,

HERMAN CULVER,

Port Angeles, Clallam Co., Wash.

GENERAL AND NERVOUS DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: Wm. H. Coon, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--I am very thankful for what you have done for me. The

treatment which you furnished me a year ago gave me great relief. I had

been suffering for many months with general and nervous debility, with

headache, languor, sleeplessness, indigestion, constipation, etc., which

were increasing upon me. One month's treatment gave me perfect relief,

and I am now like a new person. I can heartily recommend all young men

to consult your staff when in need of medical advice.

Respectfully yours,

WM. H. COON, Medina, N.Y.

NERVOUS DEBILITY AND CATARRH.

Big Piney, Pulaski Co., Mo.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I was treated by you eleven years ago for nervous debility

and chronic catarrh of eight years' standing and of a very aggravated

nature. I was considered near my grave by many of my friends when I

commenced treatment.

I used eight months' special treatment, after which I used some 13 or 15

bottles of your Sage's Catarrh Remedy, and have had excellent health

ever since.

Yours truely

B.P. Dake.

NERVOUS DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: G. Rankin, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--For about five years I was troubled with Nervous Debility.

I was weak and nervous, and my appetite poor. I saw your advertisement

in a newspaper and concluded to write to you. I took your medicine for

nine months, and at the end of that time, I had gained thirteen pounds,

was much stronger, my nervousness had left me and I felt well and

strong. I am sincerely thankful for the great help I received from you.

Yours very truly,

GEORGE RANKIN,

New Castle, Lawrence Co., Pa.

NERVOUS DEBILITY.

Richville, St. Lawrence Co., N.Y.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--After two years of perfect health I write to you thanking

you for your treatment.

I had suffered several years from Nervous Debility, and had tried

various remedies, and been treated by different physicians, but received

no benefit from them. I ventured to write to you, and after taking a

month's treatment and following your Hygienic rules, I am now fully

recovered and never felt better in my life.

May God spare you for many more years, for the sake of suffering

humanity.

Yours respectfully,

Evan P. Jones.

NERVOUS DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: Edw'd Uelbrick, Esq. ]

_Gentlemen_--In 1887, I had occasion to visit your Invalids' Hotel and

Surgical Institute for a course of treatment. I am happy to state that

my case was cured to my entire satisfaction, and that I always think

with gratitude of the kind treatment received from the hands of doctors

and nurses. While there I became acquainted with many undergoing

treatment for various chronic and surgical diseases, and all were

unanimous in their praise of the Institution.

Respectfully yours,

EDWARD UELBRICK,

White Oaks, N.M.

NERVOUS PROSTRATION; RHEUMATISM; CONSTIPATION.

Colebrook, Litchneld Co., Ct.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I desire to express my heartfelt thanks for the great

benefit you have done me. About ten years ago I contracted rheumatism,

from which I suffered dreadfully at times. Was also troubled with

chronic constipation; had been from boyhood. Had doctored more or less

for years without any great benefit until I consulted you and commenced

taking your Special Remedies. After taking three courses of your

medicines I was so far improved in health and strength that I considered

it unnecessary to continue it longer.

Wishing you much success in your great work.

Yours truly,

W.H. LOVELAND

NERVOUS DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: L. Rakes, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--So much of my good health is due to the excellent treatment

I received from the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, that I take

the greatest pleasure in recommending all the afflicted to this famous

Institution.

I was run down and a great sufferer from nervous debility. The remedies

put up by the specialist of this Institute so suited my case, and so

improved my health, that I soon felt like a new man. My gratitude is so

heartfelt that I cannot speak to my friends and to all the afflicted in

too high praise of the skill of the physicians of the World's Dispensary

Medical Association and of the great benefit to be derived from their

treatment.

Yours, truly,

LEVI RAKES,

Plattemouth, Cans Co., Neb.

NERVOUS DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: T.J. Carder, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--I was suffering with a very severe nervous debility and

general weakness, and after using your splendid treatment for four

months, I find myself perfectly cured.

Respectfully yours,

T.J. CARDER,

Pacific Grove, Monterey Co., Cal.

NERVOUS PROSTRATION.

Severe Palpitation of the Heart.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: Mrs. Moore.]

_Gentlemen_--I am feeling quite well. I have taken Dr. Pierce's Golden

Medical Discovery and "Pellets," and I can truly say they have done me

more good than anything I have ever taken. I keep the "Pellets" in the

house all the time.

Respectfully,

MRS. LAURA E. MOORE,

Wolfborough, Carroll County, N.H.

NERVOUS DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: G. Posson. Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--My health had been gradually failing for years. I could not

sleep nights and was very nervous, and I was depressed in spirits and

was entirely unfit for business. The principal cause was over-work.

Through the influence of friends I began your treatment and continued it

three months, and at the end of that time I felt so much better that I

did not continue it longer.

And I can cheerfully recommend your mode of treatment to every sufferer.

Sincerely yours,

GEORGE POSSON,

Middleburgh, Schobarie Co., N.Y.

NERVOUS DEBILITY AND CATARRH.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y,:

[Illustration: Mrs. Hoffman.]

_Gentlemen_--I have enjoyed good health since I took your treatment I

suffered intense agony for five months, and after taking one month's

medicine I found very much relief--so much I was surprised.

Many thanks for the good your medicines have done me, and my prayers are

that God may help you in your good work, and that you may live long and

prosper.

Yours respectfully,

MRS. ALICE HOFFMAN,

Box 183, Clarksville, Butler Co., Iowa.

"A NERVOUS WRECK."

NERVOUS DEBILITY, EXHAUSTION, THREATENED INSANITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

[Illustration: F. Moffat, Esq.]

_Gentlemen_--About six years ago, I had tried all the doctors in my part

of the country with no satisfactory benefit. They did not understand my

case.

I was a nervous wreck--unable to sleep--could not eat, and underwent the

usual horrors that one endures where there is loss of control of the

nerves. A few months more would have made me insane.

My cure has remained permanent. The relief was something that I cannot

describe. It has enabled me to pursue my work steadily ever since, and I

am more than happy to testify to the excellent skill and honorable

dealings of your faculty and the fine appointments of your Institution.

Respectfully yours,

FAYETTE MOFFATT,

Hendrum, Norman Co., Minn.

NERVOUS DEBILITY,

KIDNEY DISEASE, NIGHT-EMISSIONS, SEVERE HEADACHES, INDIGESTION,

RHEUMATISM, COULD NOT SLEEP NOR REST. FOUND RELIEF AFTER FIVE OR MORE

YEARS OF AGONY.

Elstonville, Lancaster Co., Pa.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL, ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.: