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Full text of "Practical reflections on the nature and treatment of
disease: founded upon sixteen years experience in the cure of gout,
rheumatism, scrofula, fever, ringworm, indigestion, spinal affections,
etc., and remarks on the present system of medical education and
practice, with suggestions for its improvement
"
See other formats
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M® S. WW. TILKE,
PRACTICAL | BOTANIST. |
Born al Stamoulh, Devon, IP tage 1794. ares
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7:
PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS
ON THE
NATURE & TREATMENT OF DISEASE;
FOUNDED UFON
SIXTEEN YEARS’ EXPERIENCE
IN THE CURE OF ~
GOUT, RHEUMATISM, SCROFULA, FEVER, RINGWORM,
INDIGESTION, SPINAL AFFECTIONS, &c.
AND
REMARKS ON THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND
PRACTICE, WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR ITS. IMPROVEMENT.
r BY
SAMUEL WESTCOTT TILKE,
Medical Botanist.
‘FIFTH EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED,
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR,
AND
SOLD BY HIM AND ALL BOOKSELLERS.
—<$$<———
1844.
Printed by J. & H.COX, BROTHERS, tate COX & SONS,
74 & 45 Great Queen | Street, Lincoln’s-Inn Fields.
NOTICE,
Tue author of this work considers it his duty to impress
on the minds of his readers, that he can only be seen at
home between the hours of eight in the morning and two in
the afternoon. From two to seven in the evening he visits out-
patients, and after that time he is engaged with his patients at
home. The whole day being thus fully occupied, this notice
becomes highly necessary, as it frequently happens that pa-
tients come a great distance, and are disappointed at not
having an interview. The author is strict to his time, as he
considers punctuality and confidence necessary in all business.
Fee for consultation at home, 3s. 6d.; out, under one mile,
7s.; under two miles, 10s. 6d.; and within five miles, £1. Is.
Country journeys of any greater distance, 2s. 6d. per mile
extra.
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PREFACE
TO
THE FIFTH EDITION,
« According to the fair play of the world, let me have audience.”
SHAKSPEARE.
Tue flattering reception with which the former
editions of this work have been honoured, evi-
denced by its rapid sale, and that without even
one advertisement to apprize the public that
such a book was in existence, cannot be other-
wise than a source of immense gratification
to me.
In correcting this fifth edition, I have, with-
out altermg the former arrangement of the
work, considerably enlarged it, and done my
very best to make it useful, by avoiding all
technicalities, and expressing only just sufficient
to instruct and be understood by those for whom
the work was originally intended, the noné
medical reader, and by such, I flatter myself, it
will be found worthy of serious attention:
RAS > ER ‘a ue nite: S- ‘eee:
ieee att Phoonee dd dala, pee
af '
4] x
a
PREFACE.
«J have neither the scholar’s melancholy, which is emula-
tion; nor the musician’s, which is fantastical ; nor the courtier’s,
which is proud ; nor the soldier’s, which is ambitious ; nor the
lawyer’s which is politic; nor the lady’s, which is nice; nor
the lover’s, which is all these. But it is a melancholy of mine
own; compounded of many simples, extracted from many
objects ; and, indeed, the sundry contemplation of my studies,
in which my often rumination wraps me in a most humorous
sadness.”
Wuitst writing a preface to the fourth edition
of this work, methinks I hear my reader say,
“Where are the sarcasms set forth in the third?”
~The object I then had in view is attained. In
consequence of certain unmerited attacks on my
professional reputation, the motives of which may
be easily imagined; I was reluctantly constrained
to take up the quiver as well as the defensive
shield. ‘These attacks, as feeble as they were
undeserved, are now ended, the weapons which
prejudice and jealousy employed in a bad cause
have fallen pointless and harmless to the ground;
and I therefore most gladly lay aside the armour:
Vill PREFACE.
Time has proved that the liberal portion of the
Profession, despising that man who can wound
his neighbour's reputation in sport, or by false-
hood strive to injure his fame, have held out the
hand of friendship to me; I therefore omit many
unpleasant pages to which I was then obliged to
call my reader’s attention, in consequence of most
illiberal and personal allusions made in a public
lecture, which I had no opportunity of rebuking
but through the medium of the press.
It is with real pleasure that I observe among
the numerous improvements of the present age,
the spirit of pure liberality so gradually dawning
on the members of all professions. It is not con-
fined to the medical alone ; for, possessing many
friends in the church, I have opportunities of
witnessing the better feelings entertained by
legitimate professors towards their dissenting
brethren; in proof of this opinion, I insert an
extract from a letter written by a sectarian
minister, to a clergyman who was once my
patient, and who has kindly placed it at my
disposal.*
* « Now that Lam writing, I may as well inform you, that
we have had a most noisy company of visitors in the parish
lately. At the request of the Primitive Methodists, we granted
them the use of the chapel last Monday night, when they
employed, for four successive hours, their usual means of en-
deayouring to make converts to their views of religion. Of
course I felt I was doing right in allowing them the use of the
chapel ; into my reasons for which I need not trouble you now
PREFACE. 1X
I also feel it necessary to explain the omission
of those letters which formed a part of my last
edition.
At the time when that was published, my
practice needed the testimony of those persons
who had so greatly benefited by, and warmly
approved it; and I take this opportunity of
thanking the writers of those letters for the kind
feelings and good wishes then expressed. In-
deed, I may thank them that I am now beyond
the need of such testimonials, being as generally
known, and as warmly supported as they, or
even I, could desire. Were { to publish the
records of gratitude I have received since that
period, they alone would fill a volume. I have
(at the earnest entreaty of my best friends) re-
cently published an AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR
of Forty-five Years of my Life, in which I trust
to enter. Iam not afraid of their doing harm, and if they do
any good (and there is plenty of room for it, when we look
around and see the present degraded state of many of our
neighbours), we shall rejoice. As the means adopted for the
cure of the bodily disorders are widely different, and as the
advocates of one medical treatment are ready to persecute those
of another, so it is with regard to the means employed for the
recovery of mankind from their moral and spiritual maladies ;
and as it would not do, in the present day, to coerce in either
case, the wisest plan, I think, is, not to oppose by external
force, but to endeavour to cast the light of truth, reason,
and pure religion on their minds, that they may be able to
choose for themselves the true and the good, and delight
therein.”
x PREFACE.
I have fully satisfied the curious with respect
to my birth, parentage, and education; my
motives for adopting my present profession, and
the principles upon which I carry out my mode
of practice :
“ For I
Have given you a thread of mine own life,
Or that for which I live.”
‘To shew the general patronage and favour which
it has received, { have inserted at the end of this
volume a list of the subscribers to the work.
The number and high respectability of the
names with which [ have been honoured will,
I trust, be a suflicient testimony that my exer-
tions have not been unappreciated, and _ satisfy
the sceptical that [ am both known and acknow-
ledged.
i need not the spirit of prophecy to perceive
the critical situation in which I place myself by
endeavouring to prove a new theory in one of the
most important diseases which act with a fatal
influence on the human frame. INDIGESTION
is a subject which many of the most learned
men have failed in tracing to its proper source.
A desire to give an opinion of what appears to
me to be consistent with the laws and mecha-
nism of the human body can be the only way to
arrive at a safe and certain conclusion. ‘That
which may appear like science in one man, in
another will savour of bigotry. Every one must
PREFACE. X1
- reason from facts, if he desires to be useful and
to raise his reputation in the world, and_ this
without the least tincture of prejudice to mis-
guide him, taking care that he does not propose
carrying out a principle which the constitution
cannot endure. If my reader will refer to the
Bible, he will find that all the sentiments which
were expressed by Solomon (and other sacred au-
thors) were in unison with the functions of the
human body, proving that he possessed a sound
botanical knowledge of the virtues of many useful
plants in that infant state of medical science.
The healing art was not then clogged with
hypothetical reasoning, or chemical absurdities,
as in the present day. Solomon’s prescriptions
were few and simple, but seldom unsuccessful,
because pointed out by the hand of Nature.
The cure was slow but sure, for it entirely freed
the body from every species of morbific matter.
Alas, how different the results of those visionary
theories which form the doctrinal practice of the
present day, and seem to have been adopted by
one consent in all our medical schools !
The practice of physic is now governed by
principles of chemical reasoning, a system which,
in my opinion, must ever prove fallacious and
dangerous, unless man can by an act of Par-
liament alter the laws of human nature, and
change the organic formation of the stomach,
Xil PREFACE.
which consists of the most sensitive and active
fibres. I re-assert, that unless this wonderful
storehouse can be converted into a stone filter,
or a cast-iron vessel, all such reasoning must
prove in practice hurtful to man, and retard
the progress of safe and natural remedies, such
as act in unison with the body in all its com-
ponent parts.
T leave the subject to those who may read this
treatise, when I shall be, perhaps, crumbled with
the dust, and who have more intellect than I
possess, to shew the connection which exists
between the sight, the hearing, the taste, the
touch, the smell, and, above all, the sense of
sympathy, which is like the fiction of imagina-
tion—its cause is beyond our finding out. The
anatomical knife may discover the shape and
texture of the nerves, arteries, ligaments, muscles,
and bones; it may unfold the different depart-
ments of the brain, and unlock, as it were, the
springs of all the machinery, and prove to us that
every faculty is but a different link in the chain of
the whele body—but the active principle within us
is known only to the great Architect above. In the
study of these important matters, Nature must be
thesoul of the understanding, to convince us which
part of the theory we ought to adopt or reject.
Deeply learned must that man be who can ac-
count for the wonderful contrivance of Nature ;
PREFACE. Xill |
how, at the command of the will, every function
of the body should obey the laws of motion, and
yet the mind can reason, think, and act, without
any assistance from the body. ‘This is a subject
which has often puzzled my reasoning powers,
and brought me to the conclusion that it is one
of those secret mysteries which can only be
known by its Supreme Author, who has thus
“fearfully and wonderfully” made us. For the
body is a piece of mechanism: in the heart we
have a pump which never ceases until we die;
we have hydraulics in the blood-vessels; cisterns
and strainers between the several glands; levers
and pulleys in the muscles ; and a pair of bellows
in the lungs, But these matters, as I have
said before, I leave to others more competent to
the task.
I have, neither in writing nor practice, ad-
vanced any new theory without having first
weighed it in the scale of my own reason; and
fearing lest that should deceive me, I have en-
deavoured to adopt sure means to convince
myself of its correctness, and not lead others into
error. I am well aware that | am treading an
unbeaten path, and that [ am a plain and self-
educated man; this must be my only excuse, if
I am supposed by those who differ from me to be
now and then out of the common road; for,
unlike the generality of authors, 1 am thus far
indifferent to the smiles or frowns of the world,
cat
X1V PREFACE.
though truths are sometimes more apt to recoil
upon and injure their writer than all he can ever
after advance to convince and conciliate the un-
thinking bulk of mankind. But to one who has
well regulated his conduct through life, this can
be but of little consequence; he will not be—
ashamed of the truth, or fear to brave the
opinion of the. prejudiced part of the world,
This is a subject which I shall enter into more
fully when I can find the time to write a work on—
Scrofula and Spinal Deformity, which I intend
to dedicate to the rising generation, but more
particularly to those youths who are destined for
the medical profession. I shall endeavour to
prove to them by experimental facts that trath,
though for a time suppressed, cannot wholly be
laid aside, but must eventually prevail; for how-
ever simple it may be, yet it will prove most
powerful. |
I do not think that any one following my ad-
vice will regret having done so, as I have reason
to believe that the rock on which I build my
practice is both sure and true. Although IT have
not had a college education, I have spent much
time and money in my own experiments, which
alone have qualified me for the practice of Na-
ture’s medicines ; and when any man can shew
me, by substantial and well-grounded evidence,
that [ am wrong, and that he has a_ better
method, instead of jealousy, he shall have my
PREFACE. XV
warm admiration. What can be more pleasing
than the study of a science so important to the
ease and happiness of mankind? and what re-
ward can we receive for our toil equal to the
feeling that we are instrumental, in the hands
and under the protection of the Author of all
good, to lessen the sum of human misery? I
confess it often grieves me to know that by many
the study of physic is considered a conjectural
art. J would ask such theorists, is not the me-
chanism of the body governed by the same laws
which give motion to the universe? and are not
all the changes and variations it suffers in diseases
to be ascribed to the alteration of its causes and
effects? This simple theory is supported by
principles the most evident and easy of proof,
and might, with comparative ease, be shewn to
the rising generation, by introducing in our
schools certain class-books and medical cate-
chisms, prepared expressly to instruct the in-
quiring mind im the virtues of Nature’s produc-
tions. ‘The young scholars might thus acquire a
knowledge of their own constitutions, and be
able to communicate the benefits of this know-
ledge to those who might not have the same
opportunity of learning it. This would be the
way to destroy all existing abuses, and effectually
stop the nefarious proceedings of both the legal
and legal quack.
XVI PREFACE.
“¢ For such things in false disloyal knaves
Are tricks of custom ; but in a man that’s just
They are close denotements working from the
Heart, that passion cannot rule.”
SHAKSPEARE.
The public might, with little effort, be speedily
enabled to judge in a great measure for them-
selves, were such initiatory school-books on this
particular subject introduced, and which, if I
can spare the time, I fully intend to publish. I
shall endeavour to shew the order and connec-
tion of natural things, together with the means
whereby they are completed, and to point out to
youth an easy mode of becoming conversant with
the moral characters of men, and attaining a
knowledge of all the arts (which are but the
imitations of Nature), with the advantages they
provide for the welfare of man. I hope to con-
vince them that the great and infallible book of
Nature will shew them that her remedial powers
are inexhaustible, and that it will perfect them
in the knowledge of medicine: that “time and
kindness” claim a large share in the rebuilding
of the body, which must not be hurried by the
handiwork of the physician; that Nature alone
knows best how to restore or repair her own
materials, and I shall prove to them that I have
enjoyed some of the pleasantest hours of my life
in this delightful study, hours stolen from my
*
PREFACE. XVI
domestic circle, from the fatigue of business, and
from the tame for sleep.
Acting in pursuit of this principle, the bless-
ings to be found in the vegetable kingdom must
be exhibited ; and knowledge, built on the prin-
ciples of universal good towards each other (such
as rational beings should practise in matters
appertaining to life and health), must be spread,
if we hope to see abuses destroyed. We look
for honesty of dealing in commercial and legal
affairs; have we not the same right to expect the
exhibition of similar principles in the medical
profession? A reform in this important de-
partment may be procrastinated, but it cannot
be avoided. Let the faculty look to the rapid
advances making daily in botanical knowledge,
and judge of the inevitable results. ‘Truth is
great, and must prevail.”
At a meeting lately held at the Botanical
Institution, John Street, Adelphi, a paper was
read by Mr. Irving, containing many facts re-
lating to the science, with the results of observa-
_ tions made by him in its pursuit in the neigh-
bourhood of London. It appears that there are
about 1,500 species of plants in Great Britain, of
which about 1,000 may be obtained within a
circle of twenty-five miles round the metro-
polis. Mr. Irving had himself found 670 dif-
ferent species within two miles of Hampstead,
and 900 within the same distance of the town of
b
XVill PREFACE.
Croydon. The neighbourhood of London is
considered the richest in the kingdom in ob-
jects of botanical research; the inhabitants of
this smoky city have thus every encouragement
to pursue this delightful_and healthy employ-
ment.
Yet it is no less strange than true, that not ”
one man in ten thousand knows any thing about
_ these treasures ; for the majority of the world do
not appear to bestow a thought on such matters,
until they are overtaken by that disease which
might, perhaps, have been prevented, when the
knowledge proves unavailing, because too long
deferred to be of benefit; they then find that
health, like time, becomes valuable only when
irrecoverable. Far be it from me to decry the
art of physic, for when fairly and honestly prac-
tised, | honour it as the most useful and valuable
science in Nature. What I complain of is the
abstruse innovations and strange fantasies, so
much favoured by the medical schools, in direct
opposition to the simplicity of Nature; a know-
ledge not derived from her green fields, which,
are ever open for the benefit of all.
Has the practical knowledge of the present
day exceeded that of Shakspeare’s apothecary
in “ Romeo and Juliet,” or his doctor in ‘* Mac-
beth?” Decidedly not. This alone proves that
physical science had attained, -full two hundred
years ago, at least the same perfection that it
PREFACE. - XIX
has now, All the writings of Shakspeare and
Le Sage evince that they had not a very high
opinion of the doctors of their day. If now
living, what would they say, cn taking up the
new Pharmacopeia, to find seventy-nine old
medicines designated by seventy-nine new names?
By such folly, many mistakes have been made in
prescriptions; and the danger of these altera-
tions must be manifest. An act of parliament
is really required to prevent this subterfuge for
their utter want of the knowledge of Nature’s
medicines! Can I, or any other man, ‘point out
in too broad a character the danger that may
accrue to our deceived, physic-taking, and suffer-
mg race?
If my readers turn to the Lancet of January
7th, 1837, they will see the danger of giving new
names to so dangerous a poison as ‘ hydrocyanic
acid.” This report emanates from the Middlesex
Hospital! If sucha blunder had been committed
by a man like myself, there might have been some
found in the profession who would have been in
arms to crush him in a manner such as no en-
lightened mind can contemplate without disgust.
I have this moment a Prospectus before me,
drawn up by several of my most influential pa-
tients, for the erection of an hospital, in which
they propose to introduce my system, as prac-
tised so successfully in my own establishment for
the last fourteen years. 1 will only add, that 1
62
XX PREFACE,
should not be found wanting on this occasion, but
that my gratuitous services would be freely given
in aid of so important an object. It is well
known that I am already deeply occupied; but I
should rejoice in the selection of six or more per-
severing and well-educated young men,* whose
heads were on the right way, with one working
man who had a thorough practical knowledge of
anatomy, to attend to surgical cases, to whom I
would very speedily make familiar my mode of
action ; and I would venture my future reputation
on the report which should appear of our success,
during even the first twelve months; such a
detail, indeed, as should gratify the subscribers,
* A young medical friend has put into my hand the follow-
ing statement of the manner in which several years of the most
valuable period of his life have been dwindled away in acquir-
ing what is called a competent knowledge of his profession ;—
« A five years’ residence with an eminent anatomist—a cooping-
up ina large parochial London Infirmary, to learn Pharmacy—
an hospital dressership of twelve months, under a Sir Charles
Bell—a session or two at Edinburgh, to see how the medical
world wagged—then a diploma from the College of Surgeons,
and a subsequent drilling in the fenny parts of Cambridgeshire
—three nights in the week without ‘passing through the sheets ;’
and all this trouble and expense, amounting to many hundreds,
incurred before a shilling could be returned.”
It is not wonderful that these men, after spending so much
time and money in qualifying, as they call it, should feel
anxious to indemnify themselves by over-dosing their patients—
it is naturally to be expected. But what a waste of time for
young men, who might, under judicious instruction, be early
brought into action for the benefit of the afflicted, and for their
own support. The vice is in the system !
PREFACE. X XI
and put some of the older institutions to the
blush.
I would recommend my medical friends to read
a pamphlet ‘“‘ On the Necessity of an Entire
Change in the Constitution and Government of
the Royal College of Surgeons,” by Frederick
Salmon, M.R.C.S., one of their own body. He
says, ‘‘ The present arbitrary, irresponsible, and
exclusive power of the Council is subversive of
science, and derogatory to the public good.” ‘This
is a pretty candid admission, but the truth of it
cannot be disputed.
“ Oh gentlemen, the time of life is short ;
To spend that shortness basely were too long,
If life did ride upon a dial’s point,
Still ending at th’ arrival of an hour.”
Many of my sincere friends, even now, wish
me to go through the regular degrees, as it is
called, to get a diploma to protect me. I reply,
that my protection is in my numerous grateful
patients, in a liberal and, I hope soon, a self-pro-
tecting public; and, above all, it is in my own
bosom. For I well know that
“ Thrice is he armed that hath his quarrel just ;
And he but naked, though wrapt up in steel,
Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted.”
In the three former editions of this work I
have used the title “‘ Random Reflections,” from
the fact of the remarks having been noted down
XX1l PREFACE.
hastily, as passing events suggested themselves to
my mind. Having made considerable additions
to this, the fourth edition, and having arranged
the whole in a more methodical form, and also
from the fact of having had fourteen years’ prac-
étcal experience, I have thought it not improper
to entitle the work ‘“ Practical Reflections.” I
must still, however, deprecate severe criticism, as
under my present arrangements I can devote but
a small portion of my time to writing, and am
then called away to severe exercise, both of body
and mind. It will be sufficient encouragement
to me, if my friends find here and there some
pages worth perusing; and the recipes [ have
inserted, I can safely say, if generally acted upon,
will mitigate an immense aggregate of suffering.
There may be found much in the following
pages uninteresting to a general reader, especially
those parts relating to myself; but it must be
borne in mind, that in some companies, when my
name is introduced in conversation, the first ques-
tion is, ‘ Who is he?”—This must be my apology
for placing myself so prominently before the
public.
[ have but little time to spare, as | prepare all
my own medicines, administer every dose and
attend the baths to all my in-door patients.
Many persons visit me daily for consultation, to
say nothing of the numerous letters I receive from
the country, describing, often, very difficult cases,
PREFACE. XXill
and requiring either to be received into my house
or that I should send them medicine and direc-
tions. This of itself is a most responsible and
arduous duty; and yet [ rejoice in it all, inas-
much as there is a pleasure in mitigating the suf-
ferings of my. fellow-creatures, far outweighing all
pecuniary recompense; and as in this latter
respect I have nothing to desire, if I wish to do
more, zt is that more good may be done.
In conclusion, | beg to assure my readers, that
no thirst after gain, nor desire of applause, has
urged me forward in my endeavour to attain the
high station I now enjoy in society; on the con-
trary, [ have acted but on the honest and un-
biassed suggestions of my own mind, for the
relief of the afflicted, and as a pledge of the sin-
cere love and good-will which I trust I bear to all
mankind.
Deeply grateful to those (many much my
superiors) who have kindly admitted me on their
list of friends, I subscribe myself,
Their most obedient humble servant,
S. W. TILKE.
No. 8, THAYER STREET,
June, 1842.
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AND THE AUTHOR'S PRACTICE. 2438
took his pen and said: “‘ Now, Sir, for the name
of the fortunate fellow who has effected this won-
der for you.” On my name being given, he said,
«Tilke! Tilke! why, I never heard of his name
in the profession before!” My patient replied,
“No, Sir; he is not a regular doctor, but was a
tradesman in the neighbourhood where he now
resides.” —‘‘ Oh!” said this great man, “ I think
I have heard of him before; I dare say it is
that baker-doctor who professes to cure the gout?”
The reply was, “ Yes, Sir, that is the man.” This
had an instantaneous effect on this éberal man ;
he threw down the pen, and shewed his disap-
proval so evidently, that my poor patient was con-
vinced he had given great offence, in condescend -
ing to be cured by a quack.* Had I wished
* I must confess that I am not well acquainted with the mean- |
ing which the professional men have attached to the term of
quackery ; but I understand it to mean mal-practice in physic,
or the exhibition of injurious or useless drugs for diseases of the
human body, and that he who prescribes such injurious or use-
less remedies is to all intents and purposes a quack. Then,I
maintain, that those gentlemen who attended this poor patient
before me were all quacks, as they all applied a useless remedy. I
could not come under that name, as I applied useful remedies
and cured the disease, which their best regular treatment now
in practice had failed to do. Methinks I hear him telling one
of his students, after my patient was let out, “ That fellow has
suffered himself to be cured by a quack after I had given him
up ; it is enough to ruin my reputation. There is an unfeeling
scoundrel for you! aman of honour would sooner have died
under my hands. This must be puta stop to, or there’s an end
to all law and justice.”
rR 2
244 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
to avoid this contumely, what was to prevent
me from purchasing a diploma at the College
of Aberdeen, Saint Andrew, Edinburgh, or Glas-
gow, where such things have been sold without
the candidate being present? I say, had I cared
for this mockery of common sense and under-
standing, | might have had my name and practice
blazoned forth in the lecture-rooms and in the
medical publications of the day :—But
‘¢ Who shall go about
To cozen fortune, and be honourable
Without the stamp of merit! Let none presume
To wear an undeserved dignity.
Oh, that estates, degrees, and offices
Were not derived corruptly ! and that clear honour
Were purchased by the merit of the wearer ;
How many then should cover that stand bare!
How many be commanded that command !
How much low peasantry would then be gleaned
From the true seed of honour! And how much honour
Picked from the chaff and ruin of the times,
To be new varnished.”
How does this agree with the remarks of the
liberal-minded Mr. Lawrence, who observes in
one of his lectures, “‘ It is the obvious interest of
the patient to be under the care of men who un-
derstand the case in all its bearings. Jt matters
not,” hesays, ‘ to him whether he belongs to this
or that college, or even if he belong to no college
at all.” Dr. Burrows says, “ Medicine ever was
and ever will bea conjectural science : the dogmas
AND THE AUTHOR'S PRACTICE. 245
of schools are dangerous; because they are sanc-
tioned by such an authority, and embraced un-
examined, and perpetuated.” Dr. M‘Culloch
observes, that “ it is quite time that physic should
cease to assert, and commence to prove.’’
FATAL EFFECTS PRODUCED FROM THE USE OF
MERCURY.
The ‘“ North River Times,” published at Ha-
vershaw, states that a young upstart of a doctor,
recently settled in that village, was a few days
since called to visit a lady whose thumb, from
which she had extracted a thorn, had become
violently inflamed. Young Bolus immediately
administered fifty grains of calomel, and after
watching the thumb with great anxiety for an
hour, he prescribed a thumping dose of jalap, and’
went his way. Inthe course of the day he again
called, and had the satisfaction to find his patient
enjoying a happy state of purgation, but still no
alteration in the thumb: whereupon he sent her
another dose of calomel, and left her for the night.
The lady, burning with an inward fever, and un-
conscious of the nature of the drug she had taken,
drank plentifully of cold water. Salivation en-
sued, and, though she saved her thumb, she lost
her teeth, and, what is worse, her health is sacri-
ficed for ever. The husband commenced a suit
246 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
of damages: but the doctor proved that in all
cases of this kind the practice was according to
Hunter—or in other words, was scientific; so
that, in addition to the loss of his wife’s teeth and
health, the plaintiff lost his suit, and had to pay
his own costs.
I will now introduce to my readers the case of
a young lady and her aunt, who were fast falling
sacrifices to the injurious effects of minerals ;
these parties came to me by mere accident, as.
will be seen. The wife of Dr. — brought
to me her two daughters afflicted with the Ring-
worm, and on each visit, whilst I was dressing
their heads, she complained of her own dreadful
sufferings, and stated that she had been told that
they arose from dz/e and the liver complaint ; that
the liver was grown to her side; and that all her
friends thought that she could not live long. I
readily perceived the cause of her illness from her
appearance alone; but she admitted that for two
years her medical advisers had been giving her
calomel and blue pill (to use her own words),
‘“‘ to scrape her liver.” Observing me smile, she
said: ‘“ Mr. Tilke, whenever I am describing my
troubles, you always smile; why do you do so 2”
—My answer was, ‘“‘ Were you any other person
than the wife of Dr. , 1 would soon tell
you; and what is more, I would almost as soon
cure you; but I know that such prejudice must
exist in the bosom of a man educated as your
AND THE AUTHOR’S PRACTICE. 247
husband has been, and in those that are attending
you, that all I could say or do would not have the
least effect.” I explained to her the cause of her
sufferings—the effects her own feelings told her.
I then stated that, if she would come to me for
one fortnight (and her husband might come with
her and see my mode of treatment), I had no
doubt that I could put her in that course of im-
provement which would soon make her a strong
woman. She went home and told her husband
what I had said. The next morning for the first
time he paid me a visit. I then explained to him
very fully my opinion. He at once proved him-
self a sensible man without prejudice ; he placed
his wife under my care, witnessed my practice, and
slept in my house a fortnight. In two months
the lady was in as good a state of health as ever
she was in her life, and remains so up to the
present moment, although nine years have now
elapsed.
A short time afterwards I saw a niece of this
lady, who was also the daughter of a professional
man, but in a worse state than her aunt, as she
had, from taking minerals, so paralyzed the ef-
forts of nature, that all was wrong. This young
lady was nineteen years of age, and her beautiful
features and form were changed to those of a
bloated person. All desire for amusements was
gone, and her mind was so impaired, that she
could not be left alone. Being the only child of
248 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
doting parents, no expense was spared. By the
desire of her medical attendants, her father took
her to Paris, to try what the amusements of that
gay city would do for her; horse-exercise, and
every expedient that could be thought of, were
tried, but all to no purpose. At last, when every
hope was fled, her uncle and aunt (the doctor
and his lady before spoken of) consulted me on
the case, unknown to her parents. I at once
pointed out to them where I thought the defect
was, and the simple means which Nature had
provided, to help, on the one hand, or to check,
on the other, that action of the body which a
wise Providence has ordained to the sex. I had
an interview with the parents, and gave them
hope that I could save their afflicted child;
the mother and daughter came, and in three
weeks, with my baths and harmless herb-tea,
all was well.
Never, to the longest day of my life, can I
divest my ears of the sound of the convulsive
sobs of gratitude of the poor mother, when the
functions of nature were once more regular.
This amiable young lady has from that time
(eight years since) enjoyed the best state of
health.
The father and brother of the doctor’s wife
before alluded to afterwards placed themselves
under my care. The father (a captain in the
navy) I soon cured, as I had nothing to do but
AND THE AUTHOR'S PRACTICE. 249
work the mercury out of his system by: means
of the steam-baths, and by strengthening and
sweetening the blood with a decoction of holy
thistle, comfrey, and flax. The son, an officer
in the Indian army, was sent home an invalid,
with the liver complaint. For twelve months,
although he saw what I had done for others in
the family, he refused my assistance. At length,
he was in such a state, that I was fearful he was
too far gone for me to recover him. I made the
attempt, and the medical gentleman who visited
him almost every day, for the six weeks he was
in my house, will feel pleasure at any time in
stating what he saw of my mode of treatment.
In three months, this gentleman was able to
return to his regiment in the East-Indies. It
will be seen that I was successful in every case
of this highly respectable family. I have given
the particulars, as I believe, that from very
slight indisposition at first, the use of mine-
rals injudiciously applied had induced acute
disease.
I shall give one case more and then close the
subject, feeling that I have done my duty as an
individual, in cautioning the public against a
practice so much to be deprecated, and in recom-
mending the substitution of a simple and effec-
tual remedy in its stead. A young gentleman,
aged twenty-three, son of a family of high rank,
250 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION »
had for nearly two years been under mineral
treatment for a supposed liver complaint. At
last it issued in what is very well understood in
the medical profession as a Mercurial Fever.
In this state he became my patient, and after
he had taken about six baths, he found every
morning on rising a substance on his skin. He
removed it by my desire, and put it upon a piece
of writing paper. This was done for three or four
days. He then shewed it to a physician who was .
in the habit of calling at my house, to visit one of
my patients, and who very candidly admitted
that it was a composition of quicksilver, of which,
no doubt, the patient’s system was full. This is
only one case similar to many that I have had
under my care.
A medical man can know but little of his
business, if he contends that mercury will not
enter into the blood and poison the stream ; for,
on dissection, it has been found in the spleen, the
liver, the kidneys, and the flesh, as well as under
the skin; and I do not hesitate to say, that
in many cases scrofulous disease has been in-
creased and aggravated by the use of this mineral.
I am induced to give the particulars of an ex-
traordinary case, which came under my notice in
the autumn of last year, 1843, in the hope that
the treatment I shall explain may be fairly tried
in a similar extremity. A friend of mine, a
AND THE AUTHOR'S PRACTICE. 251
solicitor, living about five miles from town, was
seized with severe pains and total stoppage of
the bowels. ‘The family doctor was sent for, who
bled him in both arms, and the next day put
eighteen leeches over the colon; the third day
he ordered thirteen leeches, and afterwards a
blister; gave violent pills and other medicines’;
also enemas, but to no purpose. ‘The patient's
mouth became sore, and inflammation advanced
so rapidly, that a physician was called in, but his
remedies afforded no relief, and my friend was
considered in so much danger, that on the follow-
ing day a second physician was sent for, and after
a consultation, a new course of treatment was
adopted, which hourly aggravated the complaint.
The patient now resolved not to take another
pill or draught, exclaiming, that it was only
adding fuel to fire. He was in a hopeless state,
and his children were sent for from school
to witness their expected loss of an affectionate
father. About this time I first heard of his
alarming illness, and was soon at his house. I
own it was a rash act for me to take him out of
the hands of three Legitimates, nor should I have
done so, but at his urgent request, and his open
avowal, that he would rather trust his life in
my hands than any other person’s. Had he died
under my treatment, this case would doubtless
have been published against me. But look at
the simple remedies with which this valuable life
252 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
was saved. At the time of extreme and increas-
ing suffering, I administered a wine-glassful of
brewer's yeast in the same quantity of water, and
in less than five minutes after, the patient de-
clared he had less pain ; in two hours the second
dose was given, and the relief produced was appa-
rent to all in attendance. After the third dose,
the pain entirely subsided, the inflammation was
arrested, and the bowels acted freely, but with
evident proofs that mortification would soon have |
commenced in the colon and intestines, and that
in a short time death must have ensued. I now
ordered two ounces of groundsil, boiled in a pint
of milk, to be given in three doses, two hours be-
tween each, and then again the yeast, and so on.
The blister [I removed, and healed up the sore
with an ointment of butter and chalk. Ina fort-
night he was able to sit up, and in one month to
attend to business. Since I have commenced
writing this, he has called on me in excellent
health, and has wished me to publish his name
and address, but this is unnecessary. I believe
that the disorder arose, in the first place, froma
simple obstruction of the bowels, caused by pre-
vious neglect, or by taking improper food, which
the stomach had not power to digest; and this
not being removed, inflammation took place, with
sickness ; and now the medical attendant applies
the lancet, taking blood (which is life) from one
who needed it. This is a desperate measure,
AND THE AUTHOR’S PRACTICE. 253
and the very way to hurry on the fatal end; for
the bleeding may, for a time, cause the inflamma-
tory action to subside, yet, in proportion as the
strength of the patient is reduced, the disease
itself gains ground.
Every disease is as a living monster destroying
the body, and the attendant’s first object should
be, so to support and encourage the patient, that
he may be able to struggle against the enemy.
Again, to salivate, in such a case, appears to
me highly injudicious; and I cannot but think
that these learned gents must have taken the
effects for the cause, or they would not have
done so. Supposing they were ignorant of the
qualities of yeast and groundsil, they might have
ordered the stomach and bowels of the patient to
be rubbed with two ounces of castor oil and one
drop of croton oil; and applied, instead of the
blister, folded cloths, saturated with water and
nitre, as hot as could be borne, giving, in-
ternally, two drachms of mountain flax, sim-
mered in half a pint of beer, or a teaspoonful of
cream of tartar, the same of liquorice-root (in
powder), and one drachm of jalap, every two
hours, until effect was produced; administered
an injection of gin and water, and thrown him
into a perspiration, by having jars of hot water
placed at his feet and sides. If this had been
done, the danger would have been over in a few
hours. The family attendant was much annoyed
954 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
at my interference, and expressed himself so
strongly on the subject, that I thought fit to send
him the following letter :—
‘‘S1r,—Being in the neighbourhood of ————— yesterday,
I was informed that you considered yourself ill-used by Mr.
and Mrs. —————. My reason for writing to you now is to
endeavour to convince you that Mrs. ————— has acted only
as any other affectionate wife would have done under similar
circumstances ; and I appeal to your own sense and reason to
determine, who has acted the foolish part in the affair I am
about to narrate. On Thursday last, I was informed of the
dangerous state of my friend, Mr —————-, and on calling at _
his house and hearing the history of the case from his wife, I
then refused to see him, that no jealous feelings might be
excited on your part; hearing that the second physician had
been sent for, I said, that in the event of your means proving
insufficient, I should be happy to meet you, as the family
attendant, and explain the wonderful effects I had often wit-
nessed from the use of yeast and groundsil. This meeting
you refused, and only because I was not a Legitimate Quack.
It was then, seeing the distress of his family, and hearing the
almost dying sufferer calling on me to relieve him, in language
that can only come from the heart ; it was then that I caused
to be administered those simples which, blessed by an over-
ruling Power, have been the means of saving so valuable a life.
Had you acted as a Christian towards your patient, and as
a gentleman to me, instead of observing the too often dangerous
etiquette of the profession, “more honoured in the breach
than in the observance,” you would not have lost a good pa-
tient, or excited the laughter of your more sensible neigh-
bours ; for, the moment I had seen my friend out of danger, I
should have made my bow, and left you to all the glory of the
case. This I am constantly in the habit of doing with some of
the most: eminent and wise of the profession. During my four-
teen years’ extensive practice, you are the second person who
has refused to consult with me, as an equal (for on no other
terms will I meet any man); but I trust the same verdict of a
country village will not be passed on you, as on the first, for
AND THE AUTHOR’S PRACTICE. 255
he lost the whole of his practice for ‘his ‘insult to me, and
clearly proved'what every observing person must see, in his
walk through life, that the stupid are generally illiberal and
yevengeful in proportion to the amount of good done by their
betters. I am proud of my behaviour ‘in this:affair, and ready
to repeat it to-morrow, if necessary. I am only sorry that you
have played so injudicious a part.
“I am your obedient servant,
Joule this St he
As might be expected, I never received any
reply to this letter.
There are many hints I could give on culti-
vating the good-will of our fellow-creatures,
but I will content myself by observing, that in
this world we cannot hope for happiness or
improvement without mutual concessions, and
when the life of a brother is at stake, to stand
aloof is selfish and cruel; for we are well aware
that the talents, habits, and inclinations of no
two men are alike, and that the knowledge in
which we are most deficient, another, and even
humbler individual, can with ease and readiness
supply ; for Nature abounds in remedies for the
use of man, and they are generally found where
most needed.—(See pages 175 and 176.) In this
instance, the herb which was to assist in saving
the patient’s life was growing in his own garden.
What is past cannot be recalled; but I hope this
case will be a seasonable lesson to the learned
gent, and that he will never again despise those
‘small things” which he does not understand.
256 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
‘‘ How! what then! let me see wherein
My tongue hath wronged him: if it do him right,
Then he hath wronged himself: if he be free,
Why then my taxing like a wild goose flies,
Unclaimed of any man.”
SHAKSPEARE.
To my readers of the faculty I now address
myself.—After perusing these melancholy in-
stances of the baneful effects of mercury, can
you still persist in continuing its fatal use?
Surely you must acknowledge that more misery
is entailed by its being indiscriminately adminis-
tered, than would accrue even from the unreme-
died diseases for which it is unhappily but too
commonly prescribed. Although a pursuance of
this barbarous mode of cure may advance your
fortunes, or hide your want of true skill in the
healing art, yet rest assured that the know-
ledge which you must in a measure possess of
its dreadful consequences will, in the hour of
reflection, force itself most poignantly upon your
conscience. Let me, therefore, entreat you, as
men of education and discernment, to sympathize
with your afflicted race, and, in accordance with
that sympathy, to lessen the miseries so inevitably
produced, by discontinuing the general and in-
judicious use of mercury. ‘Thousands now living
will praise and bless you for it, and millions
AND THE AUTHOR’S PRACTICE. 257
of those yet to come, of all ages, will have cause
to commemorate your mercy! But on the other
hand, if you do not abandon the use of this
death-dealing drug, the strong arm of the legis-
lature must do it for you, by prohibiting its ad-
ministration under a strong penalty; and should
that penalty be death, who will exclaim against
its enforcement? Surely the demand will not
be too severe, of one life in return for the sacri-
fice of many.
The above remarks, called forth by the ex-
tensive use of this pernicious drug by a_ very
large portion of the medical profession, may
probably appear to be uncalled for and _ too
severely written. But before the reader pro-
nounces this opinion, 1 would ask him to re-
consider the cases mentioned in the preceding
pages, shewing the effects produced by the ad-
ministration of mercury, and, whatever his for-
mer opinions may have been, if he will now
forget them and lay prejudice aside, he must ac-
knowledge that this practice deserves censure,
and that a strong tone of expression might be
anticipated from one who has witnessed, in
the cases of several differently constituted per-
sons, the painful results arising from the use and
abuse of this injurious mineral.
S
258 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
SURGICAL CASES.—SPINAL AFFECTIONS, ETC,
Many difficult cases of disease, not coming
within the range of those to which I especially
apply myself, daily present themselves; these
I at once refuse to undertake with that feeling
and desire to do right to which I trust I may,
without presumption, lay claim, and avail myself
of the services of a neighbouring surgeon, in
whose opinion and practice I have implicit con-
fidence. Indeed, f am bound in candour to state,
that in respect to the case I have adduced of
white-swelling, from Blackheath, something is
due to the valuable assistance and advice which
I received from a medical friend, during its pro-
gress of cure. He is one of the few amongst
the professional world who are sensibly alive to
the superiority of the medicines of Nature’s pro-
duction over those of art; and, as far as one
bound in the trammels of a strictly professional
education can do, he has availed himself of that
inexhaustible store.
I employ the aid of a set of instruments for
contracted knees, weak ankles, and spinal affec-
tions. They are made with such a degree of
exactness, that relief can be given to one part
while the other is compressed ; this is far more
preferable and successful than the unpleasant
and cruel plan of lying on the back, on a hard
board, day and night, for months, and sometimes
AND THE AUTHOR'S PRACTICE, 259
years. Ihave not the time to enter more fully
into this subject, and therefore shall only give
an extract from my Memoir, pages 332-35,
which will illustrate all my ideas of this prevail-
ing disorder. I have been very successful in cases
of spinal affections by the use of my baths, sup-
pling the distorted parts at the same time with
vegetable oils, and recommending the most
peculiar and well-constructed supports to be
worn next the body, without the least incon-
venience.
“The next case was a young lady, aged nine-
teen, with a spinal affection of two years’ stand-
ing. Her general health had suffered much, and
she was considered by the faculty to be in an
advanced stage of consumption. During the
above period, she could scarcely walk or sit but
in a crooked position, and in excruciating pain.
In this case I had to bring my whole battery into
action. I took a useful hint from observing, at
Hillhouse’s Ship Yard, Hot Wells, Bristol, the
manner in which the mast of a ship was bent by
warmth, &c. I act, in spinal cases, the same way,
by suppling the body with vegetable oils, and
keeping up a perpetual action of perspiration, for
nearly a week, which enables me to place the
body in a proper position. I then put on an in-
strument to keep it so. ITrepeat this, and
strengthen the whole system with nourishing diet,
formed to stimulate while it lubricates, and at the
s 2
960 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
same time be readily taken up by the absorbents,
in order to comfort the nervous system. Hence —
the folly of crediting those geniuses who profess
to effect some sudden change in the human system
by force. Such attempts must fail, as they are
quite opposed to the established laws of Nature,
and counteract her wise and regular plans. To
my way of thinking, a cure of spinal deformity can
only be effected by impressions gradually made
on the constitution, and a progressive removal of
the weight of the body from the vertebral column.
The time requisite to accomplish this, and effect
a cure, cannot possibly be stated beforehand, as
in no two persons will it be exactly alike; but in
the case of the young lady now alluded to, in one
month she was enabled to walk to her house, a
distance of nearly three miles. She is now in ex-
cellent health, an elegant figure, and a wonder to
those who knew her before she came to me. She
is one of my most grateful patients, and allows me
to refer to her to prove the case.
“This young lady had a near relation in the
medical profession, who was adverse to her be-
coming my patient ; but when he saw what he
was pleased to call ‘a wonder,’ he paid me a
visit, and expressed his: sorrow, in the most feel-
ing manner, for having imbibed a_ prejudice
against a man whom he did not know, and one
who, hereafter, he should consider it an honour
to be on a friendly footing with. He soon after
AND THE AUTHOR'S PRACTICE. 261
sent me one of his own patients, similarly afflicted,
~and visited her almost daily while under my
care; and [ explained to him all my mode of
treatment. This is the plan I adopt towards me-
dical friends, who will not allow me to be called
a quack.
«“ As may be supposed, my continual inter-
course with sick people gave me the opportunity
of observing many cases of spinal distortions. The
first thought that struck my mind, on seeing so
many forms of spinal complaints, was that they
could not be brought on by mere accidents.
‘Why,’ said I to myself, ‘ among so many chil-
dren who, by some chance or other, meet with a
blow or with a fall, do some escape entirely un-
hurt, whilst others present so hideous malforma-
tions?” This first thought spurred my inquisitive
mind to look deeper into the matter, and I found
that among those who were afflicted with spinal
distortions, the principal were also afflicted with
king’s-evil or scrofula in some form or other.
‘If that be the case,’ said I, ‘ the many machines
which have been invented by the learned gentle-
men to cure this disorder, and the mode of forcing
their patients to lie month after month upon a
board, are of no use, or merely an accessory.
Would it not be better to treat them as I treat
people afflicted with king’s-evil, and to endeavour
to strengthen their bodies by purifying their blood,
by means of my baths and vegetable treatment ?’
262 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION, ETC.
‘“ No sooner had I conceived this new idea,
than I began to put it into execution, and the
result of my treatment not only answered, but
even surpassed, my expectation. Since that time
I have received a great number of patients, and
have always succeeded in curing them.
«« However, I must confess, that in many cases
the use of the medicated baths and the internal
vegetable treatment were not sufficient. Diseases
of this kind require also the aid of mechanical
means; but even on this point I could not remain
satisfied with the apparatus with which the pro_
fessional gentlemen endeavour to perform, by
hook or by crook, a cure. I have a simple ma_
chine, by which, without subjecting the patient
to any unnecessary torture, the vertebral column
is kept in a proper position. Indeed, the action
of my supports is not that of compressing any
part of the body, but that of enabling the patient
to support himself with more ease. I have sold,
and continue to sell, a great many of them, and I
could offer a hundred testimonials of their useful-
ness, not only in spinal cases, but also when aris-
ing from weakness; but, as I said before, the
machines are mere auxiliaries. We must combat
the disease by medicated baths and a botanical
treatment.”—Autobiographical Memoir, pages
332-35.
THE
AUTHOR'S MODE OF TREATMENT
EX PLAINED.
As it is very probable that many of my readers
will be anxious to learn in what manner I arrange
my medical establishment, I will state as briefly
as possible my plan of proceeding.
I have accommodation in my house for nine
persons, each bed-room having its separate bath
apparatus. A patient on entering my establish-
ment usually arrives in the evening, and about
eight o'clock the bath is administered by proper
attendants and under my immediate superinten-
dence. He (or she) is then placed in bed, and
supplied with a suitable cordial made for the pur-
pose, and such medicine as (according to my
judgment) he may require. In the morning he
breakfasts in bed, and if on my visit (which is
usually about nine o’clock) I deem it necessary,
he remains there, receiving every medical atten-
tion that his case may require, and being well
supplied with appropriate nourishment. In the
264 THE AUTHOR'S MODE OF
evening the bath is again administered as before,
and the following day (unless it be a severe case)
the patient is allowed to rise. I have one com-
mon sitting-room which my patients occupy as
the members of one family. We dine at two
o'clock, when all assemble, unless any one avails
himself of a private sitting-room (for which, of
course, an extra charge is made). Ifthe weather
and the disorder will permit, I recommend out of
door exercise during the day. ‘The evening is_
spent in amusements congenial to the tastes of
the majority.
When patients come to me, they are quite at
liberty to bring their own blankets, but this is
not absolutely necessary. Each person must be
provided with a flannel night-dress (an article
which I keep by me for those who need them),
for (with few exceptions) I consider it imperative,
that persons taking the vapour or medicated
spirit-bath should sleep in flannel, in order to
keep up the topical action as long as pos-
sible.
I do not permit the patients, during their resi-
dence under my roof, to take any thing in the
shape of aliment or liquid, except that which is
provided and served up under my direction. If
I had not this control, my efforts in many in-
stances would be neutralized. Many persons come
to me, whose indisposition is accelerated or
brought on by over-indulgence either in eating
TREATMENT EXPLAINED. 265
or drinking ; and it is well known that to put a
fire out, we must not add more fuel.
It frequently occurs that individuals place
themselves under my care with the impression
that they are to be benefited by a look, a word, or
a touch, and that a week, or a fortnight at the ut-
most, must be a sufficient time to renovate and
establish that health which has perhaps been un-
dermining the constitution for years:
«« How poor are they that have not patience !
What wound did ever heal but by degrees?”
My terms are from five to seven guineas per
week, every expense included. Board and medi-
cal attendance are the same to all. The price is
regulated by the apartments, and the difference
in the diseases. It not unfrequently happens,
that a patient wishes to have a companion or ser-
vant, when, of course, an additional charge is
made. I permit this in extreme cases, though I
do not always approve of it.
As may be supposed, I send medicines to all
parts of England; but in all dangerous or diffi-
cult cases, Ido not feel justified in prescribing
without an interview, and in some instances re-
fuse to interfere, unless the patient comes under
my roof. In this I have a great advantage, for
I cannot well be deceived as to the fulfilment
of my directions, and the profession must ad-
mit that 1 have more weapons with which to
266 THE AUTHOR'S MODE OF
combat the enemy than they possess ; for most
disorders I have several remedies, and in the
event of one failing, have the advantage of being
able to try another.
There is another subject connected with this on
which I must speak. Although I have, perhaps,
the largest circle of grateful patients of any prac-
titioner in London, yet it not unfrequently hap-
pens, that I meet with persons whose dispositions
are far more diseased than their bodies, and who
have more acidity and pain in their tempers than
in their stomachs.
« This disease is beyond my practice.”
SHAKSPEAREs
When such a one becomes an inmate of my
house, much misunderstanding ensues; as may
be supposed, I am excessively annoyed, and fre-
_ quently the first week is lost in a sort of civil
war, which ends either in the re-establishment of
my power, or the expulsion of the refractory pa-
tient.
By way of amusing my readers and indulging
in reminiscence, I will divide these persons into
three classes. The first will rather claim our
pity than otherwise, and I think must come under
the denomination of spoiled children of a larger
growth. From the fact of their being sufferers,
they have been petted at home, by an over-fond
husband, wife, or parents, and allowed to indulge
TREATMENT EXPLAINED. 267
in those things which would destroy the effects of
any medicine. I have much to do in order to
overcome the affectation and folly displayed by
these persons. Will it be believed, that I have
met with many who have imagined that they are
formed of richer and finer clay than their fellow-
creatures, and, as a prelude to my treatment, as-
sure me, that | must by no means apply those
remedies which agree with common constitutions;
for they have been repeatedly informed by their
former medical attendants, that they are differently
constituted from the general order, their skins
being of a finer texture, their nerves more highly
sensitive, their frames more excessively delicate,
their ideas more refined, and their dispositions
more approaching to heavenly perfection than any
of their less fortunate fellow-creatures? Itis a
fact that those persons are in truth the very
opposite to their own fond opinion, and, of all
others, should be silent on this subject; and,
“¢ Because I cannot flatter, and speak fair,
Smile in [their] faces, smooth, deceive, and cog,
Duck with French nods and apish courtesy,
I must be held a rancorous enemy.”
The second class are those who consider that
they are conferring a great favour, by condescend-
ing to allow me to attempt that which every one
else has failed in doing. A gentleman one day
said to me; “ I can assure you, Mr. Tilke, I have
268 THE AUTHOR'S MODE OF
had a severe struggle with my feelings, in order to
give up the regularly educated doctors, and place
myself under such a man as you.” In return for
this compliment, I begged to assure him, that if
he could do without my assistance, I could do
without his, and that, in my humble opinion, the
obligation was quite on the other side. He
ultimately agreed with me, and I have now to
thank him for many a kind word spoken in my
behalf.
There is a third class of patients, to whom the
term unthinking may not inappropriately be ap-
plied ; this class consists of persons who, having
heard my practice warmly recommended, pin
their whole faith to it, and in consequence expect
that I can at once expel disease and renovate the
constitution, and this in a most incredibly short
space of time, and without any personal incon-
venience or suffering ; forgetting that it is neces-
sary to remove diseased fluids, ere the flesh can
be made firm, and the circulation perfect. Upon
a general average, eighty persons out of every hun-
dred do not remain with me longer than a month.
They rarely honour me until the eleventh hour; and
although disease may have been part and parcel
of them for half a life, they are disappointed if
they are not freed from its influence and restored
to health, and almost youth, immediately. If
they for one moment reflected upon their disorder,
its cause, and the necessary method for its removal,
TREATMENT EXPLAINED. 869
surely they would not be so unreasonable as to
expect me to remove a dilapidated building, and
replace it with a new one, without the usual ac-
companiments of dust and confusion.
Having mentioned a few of my disagreeables,
my reader must see that if I were not actuated
by those feelings which urge me forward in
carrying out the humble abilities with which I
have been blessed, I should long since have laid
down my weapons, and retired from the conflict
and annoyances which I am every day exposed
to. Such, however, must be the case, until I
meet with one of Nature’s odd children, who,
taking my place, will practise with my own in-
ventions, the knowledge of which must come
from me; for were I to be called hence, my
practice would be lost to society, with the excep-
tion of what I have left on record. I name this
to shew the public our relative positions, and
that I give full value for all I receive; I also wish
to shew the ground I take as regards the pro-
fession. It not unfrequently happens that a pa-
tient wishes me to have an interview with his
late medical adviser, in order that his case and
constitution may be fully explained ; to this |
always most readily consent, but upon this con-
dition only, that we meet on an equality, for I
will not play a subordinate character to any in
the profession. Why should I? J am prepared
to prove that I understand what I profess, that I
270 THE AUTHOR'S MODE OF
conduct my practice upon an honourable princi-
ple, that my character 1s without reproach, and
my standing in society far from mean; and,
while this is the case, I ask, why should any
take the rank of superiors, and treat me with
contempt? If I allowed it, I should be wanting
in respect for myself, and throwing imsult upon
those kind friends who have helped to place me
where Tam, and who still advocate my cause. I
am happy to say, I have always been well re-
ceived by those who stand high in the profession,
and it is only the mean and contemptible who
make a point of despising me.
«“ Thou! who in thy folly arrogatest to thyself the title of
the King of Nature !—thou! who measurest both the earth and
the heavens !—thou! for whom thy vanity makes thee imagine |
that all things were made because thou art intelligent! There
needs but a slight accident—but a single atom displaced, in
order to degrade thee, and ravish from thee that intelligence of
which thou seemest so proud !”
Frencu AUTHOR.
I will relate two instances which just occur to
me. A short time ago I was at a town about
one hundred miles from London, and while there,
consulted on a case which was deemed incura-
ble. Tat once saw that I had at least a dozen
different remedies which I believed would effect
a cure; I therefore sent word to the medical man
in attendance, that if he would meet me before
I left the town, T would give him the means, and
TREATMENT EXPLAINED. 271
he alone should have the credit. Improbable as
it may seem, this offer, which I thought most
reasonable and liberal, was declined, simply be-
cause “ I had been a baker.” ‘This was the good
sense and gentlemanly courtesy of a man who
must have had a wrong direction put on him
when his friends tried to make him a doctor,
never having possessed talent beyond that suf-
ficient for a hedger and ditcher, or, as a more re-
fined occupation, to toll the church-bell in a
country village; one who made so many blun-
ders in his pretended practice, that he at last
gave it up, and poured forth the whole tide of
his splendid talents and unceasing attention on
the ancient and rustic occupation of farming.
The second is a cast from the same mould, in
which that part usually appropriated by Dame
Nature for brains was unfortunately filled with
sawdust. This apology for a gentleman went in
a great rage to the parents of a young lady about
to become my patient, and whom I eventually
cured, and said, ‘“‘ Why, you must be mad, to send
your daughter to London under such a man as
Mr. Tilke, who was nothing but a baker: can
you expect such a fellow as that to cure your
daughter, after such men as we of this town have
failed?’ Shortly after, this very legitimate, as
he called himself, was subpeenaed on a trial, and
in his cross-examination was obliged to admit
that he was a quack, never having had a
Q72 THE AUTHOR’S MODE OF
diploma ; this exposé lost him his little practice,
and made him a subject for the ridicule of his
more sensible neighbours.
Having shewn up these two “ liberals,” by way
of contrast, I will insert extracts from letters I
have just received from two gentlemen of the
very highest grade of the profession: they are
both physicians :—
“My pear Mr. Ti1LtKe,—I must crave your charity. I
want not money, but something which for every man is more.
valuable than money, and, for a man who lives and has a family
to keep by his exertions, is equal to life. I want health, and,
with the help of God, I am confident you can restore it to me.
Mental anxiety and domestic afflictions have undermined my con-
stitution. After a few months ill-health, I have been visited with
an abcess in the perineum. The learned of our profession have
seen it, lanced it, some will close it up, others kindly propose to
use more of the knife. I know they mean well, but I know,
also, that in such cases the profession are totally ignorant of
the simple laws of nature, and increase the suffering and per-
vert the disease.
“T trust in you, and will not go on any longer with the
humbug of the schools. You have had more sound experience
in these matters than any man living, and with some simple
means may perform more than all the flesh and bone cutters in
this blessed land. Call on me, if you have a moment to spare.
I know you are a kind-hearted man and a Christian, and will
not deny the favour of your advice to your truly grateful friend
and. admirer,
“ce id
I called, undertook his case, and had the
immense satisfaction of curing him in one
month. |
The second and third are from a physician,
TREATMENT EXPLAINED. O75
whose wife had been for twenty years suffering
from a cancerous ulcer in the face :—
“ August, 1843.
“ DzAR S1r,—It was only by Mrs. —————’s letter of this
morning that I was informed that the sad malady under which
she has so long laboured was, under your able advice, gradually
yielding, an issue which, I can assure you, I shall hail with joy
and gratitude. Her case has hitherto proved an opprobrium to all
remedies, no matter by whose advice, however able or however
fairly carried out by herself; which, indeed, has ever been
done with a patience and energy that very few would be at all
equal to under such painful circumstances, and frequently,
from the state of the disease, isolating her entirely from her own
family circle. That a cure may happily follow, is ‘ most de-
voutly to be wished;’ and in the meantime I shall feel great
satisfaction if you will kindly favour me with a letter, stating
your views as to the disease, and the probable time it may be
necessary to remain under the treatment ; for I can truly say
that, in a professional sense, there has been no one thing, in a
tolerably active medical practice of some thirty years, that has
so humiliated me as the utter want of success I have had in the
application of means for the removal of so indomitable a disease.
Not to trespass further on your time and attention, I can only
offer you my warmest expression of thanks, and as an humble
brother of the same profession, wherein, were it only in the cure
of this case alone, you would stand in public estimation as a
more enlightened member, I will subscribe myself.”
“ January, 1844.
« My pear Sir,—I have for a length of time suffered under a
self-inflicted punishment, in having delayed so long writing to
you ; but various circumstances have of late conspired to frus-
trate that which my feelings told me I ought to be most for-
ward in, namely, in rendering you the expression of my warmest
gratitude and thanks, not only for the happy cure you have
made of Mrs. ’s face, but the uniformly kind and hu-
mane attention you paid her, under an affliction which has been
T
Q7A THE AUTHOR’S MODE OF
as trying to us all as it has been a source of misery to herself;
though I must say, throughout, borne with a fortitude and
patience that might in others be equalled, but certainly not
exceeded. You will be pleased to learn, that from her return
up to the present time, her health has been remarkably good,
and her appetite better than I ever knew it at any preceding
period,”
It is highly gratifying for me to know, that
my practice has for a long time attracted the .
attention of some of the most eminent in the
Medical Profession, who had acted upon the
suggestions offered in former editions of this
work, of personally watching the cases which
have been placed under my care; and I cannot
but feel some pride in finding that I am now
fully as much encouraged and supported by the
enlightened part of the profession as by any
other class of the community. I must again re-
peat, that these gentlemen are deserving of, and
certainly have, my highest respect. There will
ever be an independent few, breaking through
the shackles of prejudice, and exhibiting that
liberality and independence of mind so creditable
to human nature where it does exist.
It will doubtless be a matter of surprise in the
minds of many persons, to learn the manner in
which my pursuits and practice have become so
generally known. It may with great truth be
said, that I have been sought, not that I have
TREATMENT EXPLAINED. 275
thrust myself on the public. No other means
have I adopted to place myself in public view
than by the circulation of several editions of this
unconnected, but yet well-meaning work; the
original intention of publishing which was rather
to satisfy the inquiries, long since very generally
made, than to trumpet forth my own fame.
I have had the good fortune of being essen-
tially useful to many leading families in this
country. From a very natural wish to avoid
notoriety, their names never have been (and
never will be by me) brought forward. But
they have not been forgetful of benefits, and
it is alike honourable to them, and gratifying to
me, that a large portion of my patients, even in
the highest stations of life, come to me, deeply
prepossessed in my favour even before trial. The
cause for this predisposition towards my treat-
ment appears to arise from the simple fact of
some one or more of their confidential friends
having alluded to me in the most flattering man-
ner; for I frequently find that perfect strangers
to me display the greatest anxiety to be placed
under my care (which, from my confined prac-
tice in a dwelling-house, although a large one, is
often obliged to be delayed). ‘Thus, through in-
direct means, I am brought into an acquaintance
with the most difficult cases.
But there is another channel through which
patients reach me, viz. by the introduction of
4 iP
276 THE AUTHOR’S MODE OF
medical gentlemen themselves. Many of those
enlightened men coincide in opinion with me
upon the system of medical tuition, and the
useless restrictions forced upon its practitioners ;
and it is highly honourable in them to have acted
as they have done with me. In many instances
they have, first, either witnessed some portion of
my practice, or taken other sure methods of
ascertaining my capabilities, and then in the
most. liberal manner introduced me to their own.
patients, candidly stating that they had reason
to believe that I should succeed where they
could not.
These gentlemen cannot be too highly esteemed
for thus conquering prejudices imbibed even in
early youth. It cannot be matter of surprise that
I should succeed, after others have failed; the
reason is self-evident—the Colleges have shut
out of their Pharmacopeeia some of the most
useful simples created by the all-wise Author of
the universe, and have constant recourse to such
medicines as are of themselves frequently most
injurious in their general effects, even though
they may afford relief for any particular com-
plaint. The difference is this with me (it is a
circumstance that I have repeatedly mentioned
in these pages, and it cannot be repeated too
often), that I do not succeed by having recourse
to still more violent means than have been
already used (which, indeed, would in many
TREATMENT EXPLAINED. O77
cases be absolutely impossible); but in a large
majority of cases coming under my notice, my
task is twofold; first, to mitigate or remove the
distressing effects of the medicine already taken,
and afterwards to proceed with my own simple,
harmless, and what are often called wonder-
working cures. ‘There is no mystery in this; the
wonder would be if it were otherwise. Instances
have repeatedly occurred of patients calling on
ine, at the suggestion of their own doctors, to
get advice and assistance. This I am always
desirous to give, under the personal observa-
tion of the medical adviser himself, in order
that he may have ocular demonstration of these
things, and that the barrier which would _ pre-
vent any one being instrumental to any useful
purpose, except under the A B C tuition of the
Medical Schools, may speedily be destroyed.
It is with no little pride I reflect on the fact,
that should even an attempt be made to arrest me
in my career, among my firmest supporters would
be found many of the leading practitioners of
the day, to say nothing of the nobility of the
land, very many of whom are fully acquainted
with my success in their own circle of relations,
or acquaintances.
It is with some reluctance that 1 have been
compelled to refer so frequently to myself; but
I am not aware in what other way | could have
a Ce
78 THE AUTHOR'S MODE OF
explained my opinions with sufficient distinct-
ness, as I cannot reconcile myself to the insertion
of long cases of cures performed, which might
not be altogether agreeable to the parties them-
selves; and I am quite sure that many facts
which I could have published, however true,
would have appeared to border so closely on the
marvellous, as to have rendered it doubtful
whether they would gain belief.
I deal at all times with plainness and can-.
dour with parties applying to me: if I see a rea-
sonable prospect of effecting a cure, 1 do not
hesitate a moment. At the same time I am
bound to state, that many cases coming under
my notice are of such long standing, and so _
generally relinquished as incurable, that it re-
quires a considerable share of philanthropy, as
well as interest, to undertake them. It has been
my happiness to be eminently successful (and
this is reason sufficient for me), iz aid, not i
opposition to the medical profession. Let that
portion of the profession who are willing to re-
ceive instruction, consult me, and if I can be
useful to them (and this is daily occurring), I
will; let a generous rivalry exist, and I will exert
every faculty I possess, before them, wth them,
or after them, as the case may be.
A few years since I had a physician from
Philadelphia, in America, taking lessons from
TREATMENT EXPLAINED. | 279
mein my mode of giving Baths and Medicine.
He said that he expected that a large sum
would have been demanded for the instruction
I gave him, On our first interview, he placed
before me_ his credentials from America, be-
sides letters of introduction from the first
medical practitioners in London; but expected
that I should have a feeling of prejudice
against him, because he belonged to three
medical. colleges. Judge of his astonishment,
when [ told him that he should see all my
apparatus and mode of treatment, and that I |
was ready and willing to write him instructions
and give him models of my Portable Steam -Bed-
Bath, the Camphor Spirit Bath, and all I could
do to make him as useful in the New World,
as I thought I was in the Old, and this without
fee or reward.
Thus will the first seed of my practice be sown
abroad, and may a Divine blessing attend its
harvest! We have mutually exchanged many
valuable recipes with each other: this is as it
ought to be: if this feeling were more general,
what a happy people we should be! He was
delighted on witnessing the performance of my
little Camphorated Bed-Bath; indeed, every
medical man I have met with has pronounced
this to be the most perfect, safe, and simple con-
trivance to obtain a copious perspiration ever
280. THE AUTHOR’S MODE OF TREATMENT.
offered to the public. My friends wonder that
I do not advertise, and take out a patent for it ;
this J shall never do, because I disapprove of the
principle of an inventor paying a large sum of
money to his country for having administered
ease and comfort to its inhabitants.
*‘ T shall be well content with any choice,
Tends to God’s glory, and my country’s weal.”
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
“ T cannot hide what I am: I must be sad when I have
cause, and smile at ne man’s jests; eat when I have stomach,
and wait for no man’s leisure; sleep when I am drowsy, and
tend to no man’s business; laugh when I am merry, and claw
no man in his humour.”
Every man, however humble his station in
life, is endowed with a spiritual principle, which
he received by ‘“ the inspiration of the Almighty,”
whence result the faculties of consciousness, per-
ception, memory, imagination, judgment, reason,
moral feeling, &c. It is true, indeed, that there
are great differences amongst men in the posses-
sion of those faculties; yet all are sufficiently
endowed to promote the end of raising them-
selves from a state of moral and _ intellectual
degradation. We should all seek the hope of
immortality beyond the grave, as all ranks must
come to the same mortal termination—‘‘ Dust
thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return.”
(Again, Proverbs xxii. v. 2; also, Job xxxi.
v.15; and Acts xvii. v. 26.) These quotations
282 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
from the Bible contain not only a command for
the practice of every virtue, but they also pro-
mise Divine assistance, if we seek it, and present
us with some of the most striking and amiable ex-
amples and the most valuable rules for the re-
gulation of our conduct. ‘* As ye would that men
should do unto you, that do ye also unto them,”
is a precept which pervades the whole of the
Christian religion; and if my readers require a
more explanatory account of all that constitutes.
the character of a just and happy man, let them
read the 8th and 12th chapters of Romans, which
contain most important advice, and recommend
a practice of every thing that can render us amia-
ble in the sight of God and man, These chap-
ters, with proper reflections, ought to cause in
our bosoms a universal love towards men of all
nations, tribes, and ranks, as we are all children
of the same Almighty Parent, and members of
the same great family. Diversity of fortune and
station appears absolutely necessary in a world
where moral evil exists; it is a wise and gracious
appointment of the Creator, and is attended with
many and important advantages, such as employ-
ing and putting to their proper use the several
capacities and endowments of mankind, in those
states of active exertion for which they are fitted,
for their own good, and for the improvement and
happiness of society in general. ©
To men ofa contrary opinion (wishing to destroy
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 283
and not improve), who think property ought to be
equaliy divided and all men be on a level, I have
often said, that the first law of God is order.
This we witness in all the works of Nature;
we need go no further than the bee-hive: there
will be seen every order of state, from the queen
down to the common labourers, who toil to col-
lect the moisture from the foliage. The latter
dare not enter the hive beyond an appointed
station, where another grade of bee takes the load
from them, and conveys it to a sort of scafiolding ;
a superior order removes it to the roof, where the
master bee is ready to plaster it on, precisely the
same as aman does to the ceiling of a room; while
others of a superior class sit looking on, to see
that each does his duty, and to administer com-
fort to the sick and weary, similar to the skilful
and attentive agents in the benevolent and cha-
ritable institutions by which we are surrounded
in this highly-favoured country. In the faint
and imperfect picture which I have drawn, it
will be seen that bees never work singly, but
always in companies, and in the greatest order,
that they may assist each other—a useful hint to
mankind.
By this judicious arrangement, the exertions
of a single individual are rendered conducive to
the ease, the convenience, the comfort, and the
mental improvement of thousands. If all men
heartily and faithfully performed their allotted
284 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
task, and contributed in their respective spheres
to the prosperity and happiness of each individual,
the misery we every day witness would no longer
walk “triumphant through the world,” nor would
the ‘world’s laws’’ cause the widow and _ the
fatherless to groan, from the abuse of power by
those who have deprived them of comfort. The
victims of seduction would no longer crowd our
streets, but purity, peace, and righteousness,
would run through our world like a river, dis-—
tributing safety, happiness, and repose. ‘To dwell
together in unity, to communicate useful know-
ledge, to instruct each other, to assist the afflicted,
in every kindly office, and to prepare for that
world which keeps this in awe, should be the
main business of life. ‘The human mind, trained
in wisdom, would be gradually prepared for
entering on a higher scene of contemplation and
enjoyment. What a happy world might this be,
if kindness and affection were the characteristics
of its inhabitants! Most fervently do [hope that,
from the advance of science and the improve-
ment and extension of education, that auspicious
era may soon arrive, when every comfort will be
recognized as “ coming down from the Father of
all good,” and contemplated by enlightened un-
derstandings with emotions of gratitude and admi-
ration. On such a world the God of Heaven
would look down with complacency, and his pro- —
vidential care would be exercised in averting
CONCLUDING REMARKS, 285
those physical evils which have for many years
been the punishment of the moral depravity of
mankind, by whose cunning artifice the dogmas
of mere quibbles and unmeaning and useless theo-
ries have been supported. Surely it is the height
of ignorance to be attached to ancient opinions,
merely because they have existed, and do exist,
so as to be the enemy of improvement. In what
situation will such stand at that solemn period
when the present course of divine Providence
shall be completed on earth—when all the gene-
rations of men, both “ rich and poor,” being ga-
thered together, will have to account for the deeds
done in the flesh ?
‘¢ Then shall the Lazarus of the earth have rest,
The rich man judgment-——and the grieving breast
Deep peace for ever.”
Tue Hon. Mrs. Norton.
Then it will be known if we have practised the
very sweets of that religion, which says—‘ Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength.
This is the first commandment; and the second
is like unto it—Thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself.’ Every man, whether educated or unedu-
cated, however humble his situation in life, how-
ever limited the gift of his knowledge, has it in
his power, and is imperatively required, to practise
these two grateful affections—the first, to love his
286 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
God ; the second, to communicate blessings to
his brethren.
« Are we not brethren ?
So man and man should be;
But clay and clay differs in dignity,
Whose dust is both alike !”
He can easily study Nature’s laws, and also
visit an afilicted neighbour; he can smooth his
pillow, turn him round in his bed of suffering,
cheer him with expressions of tenderness and.
affection, and thus console his downcast spirit
by his counsel and advice. I have proved, that
the mind has often become so consoled by these
friendly attentions, and the use of simple means,
that Nature has cured the disease.
** From lowest place when virtuous things proceed,
The place is dignified by the doer’s deed.”
God generally gives a blessing to proper means.
He teaches the seedsman to sow his seed, who
does not expect to reap wheat if he sows barley.
So it is in the practice of physic: he that expects
success must first learn the cause of the disease,
and then be conversant with fit remedies; when
this is done, the rest must be left to the Almighty,
whose natural as well as moral laws have never
yet been brought into full effect.
‘¢ What is man,
If his chief good and profit of his time
Be but to sleep and feed ?—a beast, no more,
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 287
Sure He, that made us with such power of comprehension,
Looking before, and after, gave us not
That capability and god-like reason
To mould in us unused.”
This is a subject from which we ought never
to turn away—it lies fairly before us; the evil
which requires our utmost industry to counter-
act. If all the energies and treasures that have
been expended on an unjust war had been de-
voted in cultivating the principle of benevolence
among men, this world would long ago have
assumed a very different appearance to that which
it has for many years presented, through the en-
mity, malice, frenzy, and the unforgiving disposi-
tion displayed by man towards his fellow ; instead
of bearing in mind that—
‘¢ All souls that were, were forfeit once ;
And He, that might the ’vantage best have took,
Found out the remedy : How would you be
If He, which is the summit of judgment, should
But judge youas you are? OQ, think on that,
And mercy then will breathe within your lips,
Like new-made man.”
I know that the majority of the Profession will
object to the young mind being medically edu-
cated, for reasons my readers will not require me
to explain :—
« That I remember now
I am in this earthly world, where to do harm
288 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
Is often laudable ; to do good, sometimes
.Accounted dangerous folly.”
Ihave long observed the times and disposi-
tions of men, and I think both are alike favour-
able to the supposition, that common. sense,
blended with honesty of intention, will ere long
be universally practised in the healing art, tend-
ing to the incalculable benefit of thousands who
are now languishing in despair and _ hopeless
misery. |
‘«« The image of it gives me content already,
And I trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection.”
Among the numerous patients [ have had
under my care are two gentlemen naval officers,
one residing within a few miles of my native
town, and the other in one of our fashionable
watering places. Though suffering under widely
different disorders, I had the good fortune to suc-
ceed in establishing the health of both. Whilst
under my roof, they became great admirers of
the simplicity and safety of my practice, and on
leaving, each took a supply of my chief remedies,
and with real philanthropy as an impulse, com-
menced an attendance on those of their afflicted
neighbours who were too poor to obtain proper
medical treatment. ‘Their success has been really
astonishing, especially my countyman, who, com-
bining a slight knowledge of medicine with great
industry and perseverance, might with justice
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 289
claim a diploma from the College of Merit.
My judgment is of course appealed to on all oc-
casions, and the description of his patients are
really amusing and quite A‘sculapian. These
gentlemen, after having spent the greater por-
tion of their life in the service of their country,
might, without meriting the appellation of idlers,
sit down in luxurious indolence for the rest of
their days ; but
“ Their desert speaks loud, and I should wrong it,
To lock it in the wards of covert bosom,
When it deserves with characters of brass
A forted residence, ’gainst the tooth of time
And razure of oblivion.”
Alas! how great a contrast to these friends of
humanity are the present race of fashionable men,
who spend the greater part of their time in bed,
and when they rise, saunter to their club, and
complain that the day is too long for them! I
would they could witness the happiness which
these worthy men experience, when even the most
trifling success attends their exertions.
‘¢ Oh, if the selfish knew how much they lost,
What would they not endeavour, not endure,
To imitate, as far as in them lay,
Him who his wisdom and his power employs
In making others happy !”
RoaeErs.
Such is the work we were sent to perform for
U
290 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
each other. All the writings of St. James enjoin
this; St. Paul approves of it; and He that came
to save, and who is no respecter of persons or
sects, commands it, saying, ‘“‘ Inasmuch as ye
have done this unto one of the least of these my
brethren, ye have done it unto me.” In order to
carry this blessing into effect, it requires but a
common-place understanding and talent. When
the laws of Nature are studied by the repeated
monitors she so often gives us of the cause and
cure of disease, I am every day more convinced
that they must succeed, even after the failure of
the splendid talents of the high-flown college
practitioner, whose science has carried him so
far under the servile influence of the mercurial
mania.
This opinion may raise the ire of those who
would, for the sake of pounds, shillings, and
pence, wish to support a mercurial practice. To
such I would say—
For shame! Be not offended,
I speak not in absolute fear of you ;
I think our country sinks beneath the yoke!
It weeps—it bleeds ; and each new day a gash
Is added to her wounds.”
SHAKSPEARE.
The many applications that have been daily
made to me by the Clergy, and by the conductors
CONCLUDING REMARKS, 291
of Charitable Institutions (since my first work
appeared), to be instructed in Nature's medicines
for the suffering poor, convince me that there is
a ray of light rising on the mind of man in regard
to the preventive and curative art. This science
ought to be more open for social discussion, in-
vestigation, and adoption, than any other earthly
acquisition which conduces to the welfare of
man, instead of being monopolized, from age to
age, by many who are not blest with sufficient
sense to distinguish causes from effects. Can we
have greater proofs of the defects of this wretched
practice, than the many thousands of sufferers,
who at this moment are dying for the want of
proper assistance to remove those injurious Juices
which cause their disease? As far as my obser-
vation extends, | am of opinion that all pain pro-
ceeds from a stagnation of the impure fluids of
the body, which causes’ a compression of the
membranes—the heart, the lungs, the liver, the
kidneys, the flesh, the ligaments, the beautiful
and delicate fibres, the cartilage, the tendons, and
above all, the veins, arteries, and nerves; and as
the stagnation and compression are greater or
less, so is the pain. But the pain varies in
different parts, according to the difference of the
membranes affected ; for where there are the most
nerves, there are the most acute sensations. Ob-
serve how every thing is arranged and tempered
in this respect, to contribute to our comfort!
U 2
292 CONCLUDING REMARKS,
The points of the fingers, which require to be
possessed with a more delicate sensation than
many other parts, are furnished with a corre-
sponding number of nerves; at the heel of the
foot they are more sparingly distributed, as it is
required to be more callous. If those sensitive
feelings were equally diffused over the whole
body, our very clothes would become galling and
oppressive; and if every part were as insensible
as the heel, the body would be benumbed, and
we should lose the pleasure of that beautiful
pliancy which Infinite Wisdom has designed for
the active duties of life.
When we consider how these delicate organs
are abused in their uses, during a length of years,
the only wonder to me is that they last so long.
If we consider the number of years those bless-
ings have continued to us, if we count the num-
ber of nights we have passed in sound repose, the
days we have enjoyed without pain, and from
how many visible and invisible dangers we have
escaped—when I muse on these things, I am
overwhelmed with astonishment, with a solemn
awe, and with lively gratitude to ‘“ the Giver of
all good.” He who feels that God is master of
the actions of man, must not choose which part
he will act; it only concerns him to be careful
that what he is appointed to do is well done.
I admit that there have been discoveries made
in the anatomy of the solids within the last fifty
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 293
years, but I can find none on the fluids of the
body, in which are the seat and cause of all
diseases. ‘These have been neglected; yet the
profession abounds with men of such capacities,
that if once they were to throw aside the tram-
mels of their college tuition, make experiments
on the fluids, and Jet the humours be the founda-
tion of their practice, they might act with some
sort of certainty, to the great satisfaction and
advantage of mankind. I may truly ascribe my
success with my patients to having taken this
view of the subject, and then finding some of
Nature’s remedies to second and promote the
natural efforts of the constitution to subdue and
free itself from foul and noxious humours, which
will, sooner or later, destroy the body and the mind.
(For an animated description of the evils here
mentioned, see ‘‘ Cases in Medicine,’ by Wm.
Stevenson, M.D.; and “Fallacies of the Faculty,”
by Dr. Dickson; works that no one of moderate
understanding can read without deriving both
pleasure and profit.) Here will be seen the im-
propriety of making the faculty the directors of
the public mind. I trust the time is not far
distant when the sovereign power which they
exercise will be entirely abolished; but until
then, I fear it is in vain to look for any great
reformation in physic. Those who attempt it
will have to contend with such powerful and
violent opposition, as must retard the progress
294 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
of discoveries; and there are many, having the
reputation of great skill, who practise upon most
erroneously-formed notions, more injurious than
positive ignorance. He who takes Nature for his
guide, and at the same time proceeds with great
caution, will be more likely to see his error,
should he fall into one, and so reform his sys-
tem; but to form an opinion at random, and
upon that opinion to build a practice, will, sooner
or later, cause endless mischief.
What vast benefits would arise in each town
and village, if a few individuals whom God has
enriched with the gifts of independence, and
made the treasurers of his bounty, were to act
as the real guardians of the poor, by finding out
and soothing those suffering on the bed of sick-
ness, and applying simple remedies for their re-
covery (like the friends of humanity alluded to
at page 270), bearing in mind that God provides
his blessings in very simple forms to serve the
needs of nature.
““’ Tis not enough to help the feeble up,
But to support him after.”
In this way clergymen, and charitable ladies
and gentlemen, may be doing more good in
opposing and stopping the progress of disease
with the assistance of a single well-contrived
medicine, than is effected by the present practice
of all the faculty within a hundred miles. Iam
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 295
of opinion that it would be a great improvement
in the moral state of society, if all the young
clergy, both of the church and dissent, were ’
medicaily instructed; they would then have
ample opportunities of being useful to their
fellow-creatures. Such kind acts would opena
direct avenue to the mind and heart of the per-
sons they visited, like the miraculous cures which
were performed by our Saviour; so that whilst
the Christian minister administered to the ail-
ments of the body, he could at the same time do
good to the soul by his instructions, consolations,
and prayers. Goodly actions, as well as preach-
ing, comprise the duty of a clergyman; to com-
fort and relieve the sick ought to be a great part
of his employment.
“ Be patient, for I will not let him stir,
Till I have used the approved means [ have,
With wholesome syrups—drugs—and holy prayers,
To make him a formal man again ;
It is a branch and parcel of mine oath—
It is a charitable duty of my order ;
Therefore depart, and leave him here with me.”
So St. James thought when he penned the 2nd
chapter, 15th and 16th verses: ‘‘ If a brother or
sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and
one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye
warmed and filled, notwithstanding ye give them
not those things which are needful to the body,
what doth it profit?” In the prosecution of this
296 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
noble end, man becomes ‘a worker together
with God,” an agent in carrying forward his
plans of infinite benevolence, for the ultimate
happiness of the universe.
The moral and religious considerations to
which I have thus alluded I have never seen re-
commended by any medical writer, or heard in
any address from the pulpit: yet it has often
struck me that the miraculous powers which
were given by our Saviour to his Apostles, chiefly
came within the province of medicine; all the
Apostles, in a certain sense, might be considered
as doctors. Could any other person have writ-
ten the 31st chapter of Ecclesiasticus? Their
powers, it is true, were extraordinary, yet they
were principally exerted in the cure of bodily
diseases, and no doubt such benevolent acts had
a considerable tendency in preparing the people
for the doctrines which their kind Master had
sent them to preach.
When I review the conduct of the Deity, what
provision he has made for the temporal comfort
and individual happiness of man—when I reflect
on what I every day witness, in the anguish, the
tears, the groans, and all the combined forms of
wretchedness which are the attendants of accu-
mulated diseases ; and when I see the effect pro-
duced by the poor patient’s deliverance from
this bodily suffering, the mind then becoming
softened, and bursting with gratitude; his ear
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 297
opened to the counsel of him who, as God’s in-
strument, has effected his cure, I perceive that
this is the moment to drop the seeds of religious
truth. For there is no time at which the heart is
more easily touched than when the body has lost
its strength upon the bed of sickness. The proud
and strong mind of man is then subdued and
humbled, and his will sinks into submission while
_ the hand of his Creator is pressing heavily upon
him. Earthly objects then appear invested with
their own soberness and insufficiency ; they feel
conscious that, through the singular mercy of
God in restoring them to health, they ought to
love him, and serve him all the days of their life.
Yes, I have seen such persons calling upon God
in devout sincerity, with uplifted hands, and eyes
bathed with repentant tears. Thus, a once de-
praved individual, witnessing in his own person
the manifest goodness, of God, has often had
those feelings of delight and gratitude enkindled,
which for ever after have constrained him to love
his God and keep his commandments.
‘ Poor soul,
God’s goodness hath been great to thee.
Let never day nor night unhallowed pass,
But still remember what the Lord hath done.”
Opposed to the Lord of Heaven and Earth, all
power is weakness ; supported by him, weakness
becomes irresistible might;—and thankful am I
298 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
that the eyes of the world begin to be opened,
and that the new theory which I have recom-
mended is already gaining so much ground, that
few authors or practitioners have in their own time
seen its parallel. This unexpected encourage-
ment has filled me with such a sense of gratitude,
that I feel stimulated by an irresistible impulse
to go onward in the work I have begun; and I
have no doubt that, notwithstanding all the im-
perfections to be met with in my writings and
practice, which, though very successful, is capable
of considerable improvement, many good and in-
genious men will reap the advantage of the hints
I have here given.
The Christian-like charity to which I have re-
ferred, [ am happy to say, has for several years
past been practised by many kind-hearted indi-
viduals. i will mention a few cases. Near Read-
ing, there is a young clergyman, only twenty-
seven years of age, who, while at college studying
for his profession, thought a little knowledge of
medicine could do him no harm. Soon after he
was appointed to his present living, my first pub-
lication was put into his hand: he entered so
fully into my views, that he determined on seeing
me. I instructed him in the use of my portable
bath; explained causes and their effects; the
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 299
remedies for the same ; encouraged him to go on
in the good work he had begun ; and advised him,
if he met with any difficulty, to write to me, and
I would answer him without fee or reward. ‘This
he has done, and this highly gifted young man,
whose example is worthy the imitation of every
person, is now in full practice. ‘To use the words
of a neighbour, ‘“‘ Your pupil, the Rev.*****,
may be seen travelling of a night from one sick
house to another, giving, with his own hand,
baths to the aged poor, and administering to them
every comfort; he will soon starve the doctors,
for he is curing all the diseases in the village.”
Oh, if such deeds were more common, there
would be no need of the cry, «The Church is in
danger.”
May he live
Longer than I have time to tell his years,
Ever beloved—and loving may his rule be ;
And when Old Time shall lead him to his end,
Goodness and he will make up one monument.”
Another case is that of a most amiable young
lady, the daughter of a country magistrate, who
witnessed the cure I had performed on her be-
loved parent. Having told her the names of
several herbs I had used, she begged me to sup-
ply her with them, in order that she might attend
to the poor in her neighbourhood. I did so, and
when she wanted my humble advice she had it.
The event will be seen in the following letter
300 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
from her father :—‘* Your firm must be called
Tilke and — My daughter must be con-
sidered a partner; with the means you sent, and
the use of the spirit-lamp, she is curing all the
poor old ladies of dropsy and rheumatism, and
she has such a high opinion of the holy-thistle,
that she desires as a favour you will furnish her
with some of its seed, and with her own hands
she will sow it in a piece of ground my gardener
has marked out for her in my plantation; and
she says it will be the most useful thing ever
planted there.”
Another young lady, who came to me a patient
from Suffolk, had for six years been treated on
the Abernethy system, and the action of mercury
so long repeated had brought her to the very
brink of the grave. No one thought she would
have survived the first night she came into my
house; I never witnessed any person in a more
deplorable state from the sad, destructive effects
of mercury. Delicacy alone prevents my giving
particulars; suffice it to say, that her bones were
in such a state before she came to me, that almost
the whole of the lower jaw-bone, together with
the teeth, came away, entirely decayed. Her
father commenced law proceedings against this
injudicious practitioner—but the latter soon died,
so the matter was never brought before the
public.
This lady was in my house six weeks. In her
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 301
first letter after she left me, she says, ‘‘ I cannot
find words to express to you my feelings for your
skill and great kindness towards me during the
time I was under your roof; my friends were asto-
nished to see me on my return. Iam every day
getting better.” Ina second letter she says, “ I
am quite well.” I have this moment (1837) re-
ceived a letter from her, wherein she says she
never enjoyed better health; she left me in
October, 1835.
This young lady has ever since devoted her
time to the study of herbs, having the means as
well as a humane disposition. She is now wil-
ling to extend to others that knowledge, which
no doubt was the means of snatching her from
an untimely grave, In a letter in which she is
asking my advice, and the properties of several
herbs, she says, ‘I often envy your daughters
the delight they must have in studying your
charming pursuit; I am now so fond of it I
could devote all my time to its cultivation and
practice. ‘The poor woman with the bad leg of
years’ standing, I have nearly cured under your
kind advice and the means sent. You are not
aware how highly I consider myself privileged
in being allowed to refer to you, to assist me in
my charitable work of curing the poor and needy.
[am this moment going to visit a poor woman
with a large family, who for a long time has been
confined to her bed with rheumatism. I shall
302 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
apply your little favourite camphor-bath, and all
other means in which you have instructed me,
and have no doubt but that I shall succeed in the
desired object.”
This young lady, only about twenty-two years
of age, sets a bright example to idlers and novel-
readers, shewing how useful persons may make
themselves, however high their rank in society.*
(In very select and similar cases, [ am allowed to
refer to the parents, and even to the young lady
herself. This reference, as a matter of course, Is
confined to females.)
In the various sections of the present volume,
I have directed the reader’s attention to the cure
of the body, that only lives for a short time; but
I cannot conclude without most earnestly calling
their attention to the care of that soul, which
must live through the unmeasured ages of eternity,
either in bliss or in misery.
“‘ Let us go to our bosom,
Knock there, and ask our heart what it doth know.”
* To such worthy persons how applicable is the language of
Job, chap. xxix. 11—13: “ When the ear heard me, then it
blessed me ; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me ;
because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and
him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was
ready to perish came upon me, and IJ caused the widow’s heart
to sing for joy. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the
lame. I was a father to the poor, and the cause which I knew
not I searched out.”
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 303
Let us look within and read it there; read it
in the troubles, the remorse, the forebodings of
our own conscience. Why are we uneasy, when
any thing reminds us of the approach of Deity ?
Why does sickness, or sudden death, or the sight
of an open grave, create alarm ?
“ Tell me what is’t that takes from thee
Thy stomach, pleasure, and thy golden sleep.
Why dost thou bend thine eyes upon the earth,
And start so often, when thou sitt’st alone?”
The answer will be plain: because we have
“left undone the things we ought to have done,
and have done those things which we ought
not to have done, and there is no health in us;”
unless intercession is made for us through
Him who came to save. If we feel and believe
all this, and go on still displeasing God, where is
our gratitude to him? Speaking as a poor mortal
man, I’can say, that nothing is so cutting to me
in this life as ingratitude ; if this be the feeling of
men in general (which I believe), what must be
those of God, who has already made such sacri-
fices for us, and prepared a place for the good and
happy? But when men continue in their wicked
course, and conscience is tender, scrupulous, and
fearful, they are soon terrified, and always looking
for the punishment they have so justly deserved.
Man is a rational being, but with cunning sufli-
cient to give all his actions the colour of reason.
304 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
What he cannot forbear, he will endeavour to jus-
tify; what he cannot justify, he will extenuate ;
and what he cannot extenuate, he will endeavour
to excuse, and raise up a “ Mammon” of his own
begetting, which will represent ill-gotten gain,
fraud, scheming, hard-heartedness, hatred of the
poor, contempt for misfortune, and every odious
attribute that can dishonour human nature, under
every plausible and attractive form. But when at
length conscience, like a sleeping sentinel, is
awakened to a sense of its duty and its danger,
what fears ensue, what alarm is felt in the pros-
pect of death, and a future state of retribution !
I would ask those who are in the habit of attend-
ing the sick and dying, if they have not often
witnessed such expressions of contrition for deeds
done, by those who have
«‘ Been struck so to the soul, that presently
They have proclaimed their malefactions.”
For sin,
« Though it have no tongue, will speak
With most miraculous organ.”
I trust that there are but few such men to be
found, and those I would advise to lose no time
in accomplishing the ‘‘ consummation so devoutly
to be wished,” that of being happy in this life,
and in the prospect of future felicity. This can
only be accomplished by being good and doing
good ; it behoves every man who is accountable
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 305
to his God for all his actions, that when he is
about to accomplish any important affair, he
should retire alone, and ask his own heart: If I
do this act to-day, will it make me unhappy to-
morrow ?—would it make my pillow hard if I
were on my death-bed? There is a little Cherub
in that heart, who will tell him if it be wrong,
when he at once ought to say—To gain the
‘ whole world,” I would not doit. For the want
of this self-examination, the conscience of many a
naturally good-disposed man
‘¢ Can accuse him of such deeds,
That it were better his mother had not borne him.”
While I am endeavouring to urge a subject so
important, let me entreat my readers to employ
their minds, not in determining the awful condi-
tion of others, but in judging of their own: “ Let
every man prove his own work.” I have doneso
as an individual in the scale of self-examination,
and am found much wanting :—I blush when I
state, that on reference to my Journal of 1810,
I find Iam not so good a Christian as I was at
the age of sixteen. Year after year I have pro-
mised to amend ; time has been given me for this
purpose. J once thought that when I was com-
fortably settled in the world, 1 would begin;
when this comfort was attained, my excuse was,
when I had attained a sufficiency. This, I fear,
is the excuse of many. To my disobedience in
Xx
306 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
my duty to God, I plead guilty ;—but if accused
of not performing my duty to my fellow-man, I
plead not guilty. Iam a slave to that feeling,
which already has given me that inward comfort
which no man can take from me. To the help-
less poor, | have always given my advice, medi-
cine, and exertions, with the same pleasure with
which I ever took the nobleman’s fee ; and if any
other feeling possessed me [ should hate myself.
I have always thought that love to our neigh-
bour is one of the greatest duties of human life ;
it constitutes the best part of our earthly happi-
Ness ;
‘< It is twice blessed ;
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes,
* x # %* * * #
It is an attribute of God himself.”
I trust that my present enjoyment of health will
not produce in me a forgetfulness of that divine
wisdom which saw my early afflictions seasonable.
_ I trust I shall still go on promoting the happt-
ness of my brethren, and consider that I am
spared from death for this very end, that the re-
mainder of my life may be employed in the service
of my country’s good, which is the whole world.
When all nations become united by those gene-
rous sentiments, we shall mutually encourage
each other in every thing that is good. I must
conclude, as [| am now beyond the limits allowed
me ; but as this may be the last opportunity I may
CONCLUDING REMARKS, 307
have of addressing my fellow-creatures, I would
advise them to
‘“¢ Reason thus with life—
If I do lose thee, I do lose a thing
That none but fools would keep: a breath thou art,
(Servile to all the skiey influences, )
That dost this habitation, where thou keep’st,
Hourly afflict.”
Let us consider this—
« That in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy ;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy.”
May this be uppermost in the thoughts of all
men, but more particularly those of medical
men ; a blessing will then attend them, and give
them judgment to discover disease and skill to
treat it. When God endows with his favour the
means which may be devised for the restoration
of health, the humblest instrument may succeed ;
without it the ablest skill will prove unavailing.
May He spare them from all sordid motives, and
endow them with a spirit of pity and liberality
towards the poor, and of tenderness and sympathy
towards all, that they may enter into the various
feelings by which they are respectively tried ;
may ‘‘ weep with those that weep, and rejoice with
those that rejoice ;’ and may He sanctify the soul
as wellas heal the body, May faith and patience,
and every Christian virtue which they or their pa-
tients are called upon to exercise, have their per-
x 2
308 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
fect work; so that in the end, whatever the end
may be, it may be good for them to have been
afHlicted.
‘¢ Heaven doth with us, as we with torches do; ©
Not light them for ourselves: for if our virtues
Did not go forth with us, ’twere all alike
As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touch’d
But to find issues: nor nature never lends
The smallest scruple of her excellence,
But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines
Herself the glory of a creditor,
Both thanks and use.”
APPENDIX.
Tis known, I ever
Have studied physic, through which secret art,
By turning o’er authorities, I have
(Together with my practice) made familiar
To me and to my aid the blest infusions
That dwell in vegetives ;
And I can speak of the disturbances
That Nature works, and of her cures ; which gives me
A more content in course of true delight
Than to be thirsty after tottering honour.
SHAKSPEARE.
PROPERTIES OF HERBS, PLANTS, AND
ROOTS.
Baum (Melissa)—The juice, mixed with a
small quantity of melted lard, is good for green
wounds. Serapio says, “ A strong infusion, often
drunk, causeth the mind to be merry, and reviveth
the heart when faint. Good for those who have
weak digestions!’ Pounded with suet, it is
good to remove wens, kernels, or hard swellings
in the flesh or throat; the herb, when green,
bruised with a little linseed-oil, and laid warm on
310 APPENDIX.
a boil, wiJl ripen and break it. It is also good to
sweeten the breath, if made and drunk as tea,
with a little cream of tartar or lemon-juice. Time
for gathering: June, July, and August.
Borace (Borago)—Fumatory (Fumaria)—
and E.per (Sambucus).—The properties of these
three are so nearly alike in fevers, that to save
space I shall describe them under one _ head.
Indeed, if I had the ability, as [ have the will and
the knowledge of these safe medicines, I could
write a book larger than this on their virtues ; and
if these, as well as many other useful plants, could
only be imported from some distant parts, and
sold at extravagant prices, there is no doubt that
they would be held in great estimation. The
productions of Nature are given to man for food
and medicine; common, cheap, and easy to be
found ; but the medicine of the doctors of the
present day is dear, scarce to be found, and
hardly worth the finding.
These three herbs are all great cordials, and
strengtheners of nature, excellent to defend the
heart and to resist and expel the poisons or venom
of putrid and pestilential fever. They will expel
melancholy, clarify the blood, and mitigate heat
in fever; together they will cure the yellow
jaundice and dropsy, which they expel by urine
in great abundance. They expel phlegm and
choler, and those saltish, choleric, and malignant
humours which cause leprosy, scabs, tetters, and
APPENDIX. dit
such-like breakings-out of the skin. After hav-
ing performed these and many other services, they
strengthen all the inward parts of man, and leave
none of the wreck of the disease behind, as we too
often see in fevers, according to the practice of
the school of medicine.
Let these valuable plants no longer be allowed,
then, to rot in the earth ; if you love your fellow-
creatures, your children, and your health,—if you
love your ease,—and if you can afford it, always
keep them by you in a syrup, or in any way.
Bucxtruorn (hamnus),—The properties of
this are exceedingly like the Wood Betony.
CHAMOMILE (Anthemis).—The flowers of this
well-known plant are the most valuable. When
made into tea, and a cupful taken in the morning
fasting, it fortifies the stomach, creates an appetite,
and prevents the wind and heart-burn. It may
also be used for fomentations, as it will disperse
congealed blood in bruises, tumours, and swell-
ings.
CINQUEFOIL, or five-finger grass (Potentilla).
—This is so much like Tormentil, that 1 have
but few remarks to make. An infusion is excel-
lent for the liver, comforts the stomach, and will
cure the jaundice ; the root boiled in vinegar will
heal the shingles, sores of all kinds, and cancer-
ous ulcers, Time for gathering: May and June.
Danve ion (Leontodon).—This plant grows
abundantly in all parts of Europe. ‘Taken in-
312 APPENDIX.
wardly, it is a fine aperient as well as diuretic.
The young leaves are very good in salads, or eaten
with bread and butter. |
Knowing well the properties of this herb, I am
compelled to make the same remark as I have
done elsewhere in this volume, that Nature has
given those things most bountifully which are
most useful. This plant is an instance, as it is in
perfection all the year round, and there is scarcely
a disease that it will not soothe. By its drying
and temperate qualities, one ounce of the ex-
pressed juice taken every day will, by perse-
verance, cure the dropsy. It eases pain, and
procures rest and sleep to bodies that are
diseased.
Dandelion is highly spoken of by French phy-
sicians, who are more alive to the properties of
vegetable medicine, and more liberal in communi-
cating knowledge, than the English.
Fic-Tree (Ficus).—The juice from the green
leaves, melted with lard, in equal parts, will
make an excellent ointment for deafness, put
into the ear on a little:cotton. I hardly know a
better remedy for the leprosy than this. It also
clears the face of scurf and pimples, heals all
fretting ulcers, and is good for inflamed eyes.
~Grounp Ivy (Glechoma).—An excellent me-
dicine for all inward wounds, ulcerated lungs, or
other parts. The decoction may be improved by
boiling equal parts of rosemary, mixed with
APPENDIX. 313
honey. It will ease griping pains, and windy
choleric humours in the stomach; it will cure
the yellow jaundice, by opening the pores of the
gall and liver; it gives ease to those who are
troubled with the sciatica, or the gout in the
hands, knees, or feet. This herb has the same
effect upon the brute creation as upon man. The
best time for gathering is May; but unless the
winter be very sharp, it may be found all the year
round. Its taste is sharp and bitter.
Grounp Ivy (inruston or).— Leaves of
ground ivy and colt’s-foot, each one ounce; root
of liquorice half an ounce, water one quart: this
to be taken in one day.* )
Grounp Ivy (Syrup or).—Fresh leaves of
ground ivy half a pound, boiling water three
pounds ; infuse for ten hours, then strain, and
add to the liquor white sugar twice its weight ;
boil toa syrup. Dose, two ounces a day.*
Hoxry THIstTue.
—& Get you some of this distilled Carduus Benedictus, and lay
it to your heart; it is the only thing for a qualm. I mean
plain Holy Thistle.”
From the above quotation, it appears that
Shakspeare knew the wonderful properties of
this herb. Some botanists have called it Blessed
* All other herbs spoken of in this work may be prepared in
a similar way.
314 APPENDIX.
Thistle, on account of its excellent qualities.
As I use this herb with wonderful effect in pri-
vate practice, I at first considered that, in justice
to myself, I should not at present publish the
virtues with which God has indeed blessed it;
but when my heart intends a kindness, I do not
like << to let the coldness of delay hang: on it.”
I can state as a fact, that I have caused more of
this herb to be used within the last fourteen years
than was consumed in London in 100 years pre-
viously. I shall have very little to say of it
myself, as [ intend to give the opinions of others
two or three hundred years since; and I can
assure my readers, that although the robust
health of man has degenerated from that time,
the properties of this excellent herb have not. I
have found it such a clarifier of the blood, that
by drinking an infusion once or twice a day,
sweeted with honey, instead of tea, it would bea
perfect cure for the headach, or what is some-
times called the meagrims. In fact, this plant
has very great power in the purification and cir-
culation of the blood, from the bad state of which
arise all the humours of the body; and although,
in another page, I have expressed the opinion
that we are different from each other, in every
sense of the word, only in proportion as these
humours abound more or less in each of us, yet,
retaining this opinion, I believe this herb must
benefit every constitution.
APPENDIX. 315
From the great effect the Holy Thistle has
on the blood, it comforts the brain, and thus
strengthens the sense and memory; it will also
cleanse and mollify an infected stomach, which
must produce good blood, and good blood cannot
but produce good and healthy secretions. It is
also good for the dropsy or ague, neither of which
can exist if the circulation of the blood be pure.
i advise every mother to give this to her daughter
from the age of ten to twenty. I need merely
state, that it may prevent them enduring years of
pain and misery.
I will now give what Mattheolus and Fuschius
have written of Carduus Benedictus. “It is,”
they say, “a plant of great virtue; it helpeth in-
wardly and outwardly; it strengthens all the
principal members of the body, as the brain, the
heart, the stomach, the liver, the lungs, and the
kidneys; it is also a preservative against all
disease, for it causes perspiration, by which. the
body is purged of much corruption, such as
breedeth diseases; it expelleth the venom of
infection ; it consumes and wastes away all bad
humours; therefore, give God thanks for his
goodness, who hath given this herb and all
others for the benefit of our health.”
Holy Thistle may be used in four ways: Ist,
It may be eaten in the green leaf, with bread and
butter, for breakfast (instead of water-cresses) ;
2nd, The leaves may be dried and made into a
316 APPENDIX.
powder, and a drachm taken in wine or otherwise
every day; 3rd, A wine-glass of the juice may
be taken every day; the 4th (which I strongly
recommend) is an infusion, about two ounces of
the dried plant simmered in a quart of water for
two hours. ‘The daintiest stomach will not refuse
this medicine; it may be taken any time as a
preventive; but when intended to remove dis-
ease, 1t should be taken at bed-time, as after a
few doses, it will most likely cause a copious
perspiration. |
When time will allow, I shall endeavour to
bring this plant into general use, and I hope to
see it grown in our fields. I shall then feel that
I have discovered and communicated the only
grand secret worth knowing, viz. how one man
may contrive to be more useful in life than
another. ‘Time for gathering flowers for pre-
serving is July or August; but you may gather
the young buds early in the spring (March
April, and May), and use it almost any way, and
it will change your blood as the season changes,
which common sense tells us is a very sure way
to preserve health. If the seeds of this plant are
sown again in September or October, clear of a
north-east wind, you may have the herb green
summer and winter. I would advise those who
have gardens to attend to this :: any soil will pro-
duce it in abundance.
Any of the other thistles may be used as sub-
APPENDIX. 317
stitutes; such as the Common-thistle, Fuller’s-
thistle, Melancholy-thistle, Qur Lady’s-thistle,
Woolly or Cotton-thistle; these, as well as all
kinds of Docks, are all purifiers of the blood ; but
the Red Water Dock is the head of the Dock
family, as the Carduus is of the Thistle family.
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza).—This is a fine me-
dicine, and deserves more praise than I can bestow
upon it. An infusion of the fresh roots is excel-
lent to take off the acrimony of humours. In
coughs alone it is, as a remedy, without its equal ;
‘it promotes expectoration, and at the same time
thickens the juices. xcellent for dropsy, as it
abates thirst. This is singular, as every other
sweet increases it; the sweet of liquorice is equal
to that of sugar; the former checks thirst, the
latter increases it; a trial will shew this to be
perfectly true. Many plants of less virtue are
more celebrated, but there are few deserve a
fairer trial.
MaAnpvrakeE (Atropa).—This is a most useful
but neglected herb. The roots boiled with ivy
and oil heal St. Anthony’s fire; the green leaves
bruised with lard and barley-meal heal all hot
swellings and imposthumes ; an infusion given as
a lavement eases the piles and causes sleep.
Shakspeare seems to have been aware of man-
drake being soporific, as he makes Jago exclaim,
after arousing the jealousy of Othello—
318 APPENDIX.
« Not poppy, nor mandragora (mandrake),
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world,
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
Which thou hadst yesterday.”
By this it appears it was formerly given by our
forefathers as a syrup, to ease pain and cause
sleep. I have given it in doses of three, four, or
five grains, in powder, of the root, for the same -
purpose; I have also placed a piece of the root
on the pillow of my patients as the smell alone
causes sound sleep. This only relates to the
male: the properties of the female are very
different. If this cause too much stupor, dip a
sponge in vinegar, and hold it to the nose.
Mepiars (Mespilus).—Time for the flowers in
May. The fruit is ripe in September and October.
The fruit is good to stay all fluxes of blood in
man or woman; very proper to be eaten by the
latter when in a state of pregnancy, as it: will
prevent and cure their longings after unnatural
meats, &c. The stones of the fruit made into a
powder, and drank in wine, will break and expel
the stone, and is a perfect cure for the gravel, if
persevered in.
Mvuawort (Artemisia).—The leaves and flowers
are all full of virtue; they are aromatic to the
taste, and a most safe and excellent medicine in
all female disorders, and Providence has placed
it in every part of the land. No medicine can
APPENDIX. 319
equal this, in respect to safety and certainty, for
young women, or in fact at any time of life, when
the efforts of nature are too weak. Nothing can
be more destritctive to the constitution than the
use of powerful drugs; for “it is not proper to
weaken her who is already too weak.” Pick the
flowers and buds from the tops of the stalks, and
take one ounce, and the same of Carduus Bene-
dictus, or Holy Thistle, all cut small, and pour
one pint of boiling water upon it. When cool, it
is to be drank with a little honey, and it may be
taken every day. Should any further help be
required, a few days before the indisposition is
expected, boil one pound of mugwort and_ half
an ounce of socotrine aloes in two gallons of
water for twenty minutes; put all into a pan,
and sit over it as warm as possible every night
until all is well; if Mugwort cannot be obtained,
Tansy or Feverfew will do nearly as well.
Mucwort (Juice or).—Take the fresh herb
(any quantity), bruise it in a stone mortar, extract
the juice, and clarify it by slightly boiling ; strain
again, and preserve it. Dose, one ounce three
times a day.
Mucwort (Syrup or).—Three pounds of the
juice of mugwort clarified by boiling and strain-
ing, to three pounds of white sugar. Boil slowly
to the consistence of asyrup. Dose, half an ounce
twice a day
PELLITORY OF Sprain (Pyrethrum).—This is
320 APPENDIX.
a foreign plant. One ounce of the juice, taken
in a wine-glassful of Hollands one hour before a
fit of the ague comes on, will cure it after three
or four doses; the herb, or the root chewed in
the mouth, purges the brain of phlegmatic humours.
The powder of the root, snuffed up the nostrils,
eases the headach by distilling the humour of
the brain. But, above all, it will cure the tooth-
ache, which knowledge is invaluable to those who
suffer from this painful complaint. Take one
ounce of the root, cut small, put it to half a pint
of gin in a bottle, and let it stand in a warm
place; shake it repeatedly for two or three days,
then strain it, and when there is pain in the teeth
or gums, put a tea-spoonful of the mixture on the.
part affected, and keep it there as long as possible.
This rubbed on the head will cure the pain
thereof; but the herb or the root chewed in the
mouth will do nearly as well.
PELLITORY OF THE WALL (Parietaria).—If
this be planted in a shady place, it will afterwards
spring up of its own accord ; time, June and July ;
the seed is ripe soon after. A decoction of this
herb with honey is excellent for an old dry cough,
shortness of breath, or wheezing in the throat.
About three ounces of the juice (or a strong de-
coction, which is more easily made), taken at a
time, helps the stoppage of urine, and expels stone
or gravel in the kidneys or bladder, which cause
pains in the loins, sides or bowels. The juice,
APPENDIX. 321
bruised with a little salt, is effectual to cleanse
fistulas or green wounds, and to heal them up
safely. Or, made into a syrup, with honey, and
a dessert-spoonful taken every morning fasting, is
very good for the dropsy. The root, burnt toa
powder, is good to whiten teeth; the juice, held
in the mouth, eases pain of the gums proceeding
from rheumatism.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus).—Both the flowers
and leaves of this plant will strengthen the brain,
and help dim eyes; made into oils or ointments,
it will recover cold or benumbed joints and
sinews; it comforts the heart and raiseth the
spirits.
Rue (Ruta).—This plant, when in perfection,
which is in June, quickens the circulation of the
blood,and dissolves gross humours. Four ounces
of the leaves may be taken at bed-time as an in-
fusion, which will be found a sure remedy for that
troublesome visitor the night-mare. An ointment
made with the oil of roses and vinegar cures St.
Anthony’s fire, and all running ulcers. Can any
botanist tell the reason why this root and Sweet
Basil will not grow near each other?
SaceE (Salvia)—This excellent herb, taken in
any way, and for any disease, must do good, be-
cause it strengthens the head and nerves, cures
trembling of the limbs, and promotes a strong
circulation of the fluids.
The Chinese wonder that we should buy their
¥
322 APPENDIX.
tea, when we have so much Sage and Speedwell
of our own growth, which they consider by far
superior. The public ought to be made acquaint-
ed with the fact, that a great quantity of these
two herbs is exported for the use of those
shrewd people, who laugh (and well enough they
may) at the exchange for the wretched stuff,
which they have so properly named slow poison.
SARSAPARILLA (Smilax).—This is a foreign
plant. The true herb is considered not to heat,
but rather to dry the humours, and waste them
away by a secret and hidden property which it
contains. With perseverance it will ease, and
often cure, all pains of the sinews or joints ; all
running sores in the legs; all tumours, swellings,
spots, and fulness of the skin, by purifying the
blood. :
An excellent diet-drink may be made in the
following manner: take gum guaiacum one ounce,
bark of the same one ounce, sassafras one ounce,
sarsaparilla two ounces, juniper-berries half an
ounce; simmer all in two quarts of water for two
hours, then strain and add one drachm of cinna-
mon, and make it to please the palate with
liquorice or honey. ‘This quantity is sufficient for
two days.
Scurvy-Grass (Cochlearia).—Scurvy is com-
mon in this country under various forms, and this
grass Is such a sovereign remedy against it that it
cannot be too highly spoken of.
APPENDIX. 3238
In April or May, when this herb is in season,
it may be mixed with sorrel, or any other acid
herb, and eaten as a salad. When Scurvy-grass
cannot be obtained, Water-dock or Spearpint-
dock may be used in its stead, made into an in-
fusion.
SHEPHERD’S Purse (T'hlaspt).—This is another
proof that Providence has made the most useful
plant the most common. Nature in her bounty
has allowed this plant to flower all the summer:
and sometimes twice in a year; common sense,
therefore, would point it out for general use ; yet
it remains unnoticed. An infusion of this herb is
a gentle and safe astringent, good in all fevers,
inferior to nothing for the piles, or habitual purg-
ing; a wine-glassful of the juice of the leaves,
with one of red wine, will check and soothe the
overflowings of any kind in man or woman.
In my rides in the lanes round London, I have
often been grieved to see this excellent and useful
herb thrown over the hedge, and trampled under
foot, as if it were perfectly useless. Shepherd’s-
purse, Tormentil, and Comfrey are near alike; [
only wish those three herbs, together or separate,
were fairly tried for the cholera; it is not yet too
late. Let the profession look back to the ancients,
who saw the good effects of these medicines, and
have shewn us the doses and manner of giving
them. Ihave found them always right, and they
may be depended upon for our best guides, Like
y 2
324 APPENDIX.
every other art; much may be learned froma care-
ful trial.
Mothers, consider this and the next herb for the
use of your daughters, and esteem it as a valuable
secret. If this hint conveys to my readers the ad-
vantage of such simple medicine, I shall consider
that my time in stating it has been well employed.
SPEEDWELL (Veronica).—If this herb were
sent by the Chinese as green tea, we should
scarcely discover the substitute. It is very like
the Wood Betony; together they make an excel-
lent beverage for breakfast.
St. Joun’s Wort (Hypericum).—Time, July
and August. This herb (as well as many others)
produces a wonderful effect on those patients in
my steam-bath who have been in the habit of taking
mercury. When the vapour is inhaled, it seems
to set all the humours in a state of fermentation,
even to bringing on a slight degree of salivation.
Two drachms of the seed, pounded and put
into broth, will expel congealed blood from the
stomach, occasioned by the bursting of a vein,
bruises, falls, &c. ; it also eases pains in the loins.
In America this herb grows among the corn,
which makes it much superior to the English.
From the excellent properties I know it to con-
tain, I believe that, ground with the wheat and
eaten as bread, it would prove a cure, or preven-
tive, against many of the diseases man is heir to.
It is well known, by almost every baker who
APPENDIX. 325
works in his business, that this flour improves the
quality of the bread, by having a small quantity of
it in every batch, particularly in seasons when the
English flour is of inferior quality. A clever
author informs us that it contains one-fourth more
gluten than our famous wheats grown in Glouces-
tershire, known by the name of rivets. The only
objection I ever heard, during the years I attended
Mark Lane, was from its smell, which the trade
call savey ; I consider it more like rosin. The
juice of this herb is of a reddish kind, which gives
that beautiful yellow bloom to the flour so much
admired by the trade; to whom I will make a
few plain remarks publicly, such as I have pri-
vately made to many of my friends; viz. when
they use this flour, or any other that is rich and
glutinous, they should give the dough more proof
than for common English flour, because from the
great quantity of glutinous matter it contains, if
itis not well fermented, it will not spring or rise
in the oven; nor will it be so digestible to the
stomach ; for in the process of fermentation the
saccharine matter becomes sufficiently divided,
and then the heat of the oven throws off the su-
perfluous quantity of acid it contains, thus pre-
venting the bread causing a fermentation in the
stomach of those who eat it, as this will constipate
the bowels, inflame the blood, and _ produce
fever.
Few men living have had greater opportunities,
326 APPENDIX,
or perhaps have given their time more to fermen-
tation than I have, always considering it a most
important part of my business. Every experi-
ment I make, and they are not a few, convinces
me that the knowledge of fermentation is yet in
its infancy.
TorMENTIL (Tormentilla).—-The most power-
ful as well as the most manageable astringent we
possess ; it is deserving the name of English sar-
saparilla. I think I cannot do better than repeat
what Dr. Thornton has said of it, as I have
proved the same to bea fact. He says: ‘“ I have
witnessed extraordinary cures performed by this
root. I knew a poor man fond of botanical ex-
cursions, who, either by tradition or accident,
knew the powers of this root, and by making a.
strong decoction sweetened with honey, he cured
agues which had resisted Peruvian bark, long-
standing diarrheeas, ulcers of the legs, turned out
of hospitals incurable ; the worst scorbutic ulcers,
and confluent small-pox; the hooping-cough,
fluxes. ‘This poor man had so much practice as
to excite the attention of Lord William Russell,
who allowed him a piece of ground in his park to
cultivate the plant, which he kept as a secret.”
So much says Dr. Thornton. Now I have found
half an ounce of this root, and two drachms of
hops, boiled in one pint of water, taken every day,
do wonders for the piles and bowel complaint.
The powder of the root mixed with vinegar,
APPENDIX. 327
spread on oil-silk, and laid on the loins, will assist
those who cannot from weakness hold their
water; the same will dissolve all kernels about
the ears, throat, and jaws ; also the king’s evil, as
it is called, by restraining the sharp humours that
flow to them.
Witp Matitow.—The late Mr. Wm. Cobbett
strongly recommended the liquor of the Wild
Mallow. He says, ‘ 1 cannot help mentioning
an herb which is used for medical purposes, I
mean the wild mallow; it is a weed that has a
leaf somewhat similar to a scallop, its branches
spread upon the ground; it bears a seed which
the children call cheeses, and which they string
upon thread like beads. This weed is perhaps
among the most valuable plants that grow. Its
leaves stewed and applied wet, will almost in-
stantly cure any cut, bruise, or wound. Poultices
made of it will cure sprains, as those of the ankle,
&c.; fomentations will remove swellings. Indeed,
its operation is so quick, as scarcely to be believed,
and it signifies not whether the wound be old or
new. I gained this information upon Long Is-
land, from a French gentleman, who was one of
Bonaparte’s followers in captivity. The mallows
may be used directly after being gathered, merely
washing off the dirt first. Like all other herbs;
it should be gathered when it comes into bloom,
and dried and preserved in the same manner as
other herbs: it should be observed, however, that
328 APPENDIX.
if it should happen not to be gathered at the best
season, it may be gathered at anytime. The root
is nearly as efficacious as the branches. I had two
striking instances of its efficacy. A labouring
farmer had cut his thumb in a dangerous manner,
and after a great deal of doctoring, it was got to
such a pitch, that his hand was twice the natural
size. I recommended the use of the mallows, and
gave him a small bunch from my store (being
winter), and his hand was well in four days: he
could go to work the next day, after applying the
mallows over-night. The other instance was
this: I had a large and valuable hog, that had
been gored by a cow; it had been in this state
two days before I knew of it, and my servants
looked upon it as lost; it had eaten nothing. I
had it caught and held down ;—the gore was in
the side, and so deep that I could get my finger in
beyond the ribs. I poured in the mallows that
had been stewed, and rubbed the wound with it
also; the next day the hog got up and began to
eat. I had him caught again, but upon examin-
ing the wound, I found it so far closed up that I
did not think it right to disturb it ; I had the side
bathed again, and in two days he was turned out
running with the others. A good handful of the
herb should be boiled in a pint of water till it
comes to half a pint. Nowa person must be al-
most criminally careless not to make provision of
this herb,”
APPENDIX. 329
This is one of my most useful herbs, and many
wounds that I have cured with its assistance have
fully equalled what is here stated. 1 have given
it successfully for the gravel; and to persons of a
costive habit of body, I believe nothing can sur-
pass it. Ifit be taken every day for a month, in
a decoction or infusion, it will, from its oily
nature, entirely do away with the necessity of
forcing medicines, which generally do more harm
than good. When the bowels do not perform
their functions with regularity, there will infalli-
bly arise consequences more or less destructive
to health. I strongly recommend the following
prescription :—
Two ounces of dried marsh mallows,
One ounce of parsley root,
Two drachms of mountain flax.
Boil this in one quart of water till reduced to one
pint, drink this in the course of the day. ‘The
action of this decoction is more of a diuretic than
a cathartic nature, by which much of that slimy
matter which corrodes the kidneys is carried off.
I wish strongly to impress on the minds of my
readers (and I speak from experience), that more
depends on a pure and proper state of the secre-
tions of those organs than on any other function
carried on in the body. Every alternate day
drink about a pint of the following decoction :—
Four ounces of sarsaparilla—sliced,
One ounce of sassafras—sliced,
One ounce of guaiacum wood,
330 APPENDIX.
Two ounces of liquorice root—bruised,
Half an ounce of mezereon root.
The sarsaparilla ought to be first boiled by itself,
in three quarts of water, until reduced to two
quarts; then add the other ingredients, boil them
for half an hour, and strain.
Wiup Tansty, or Sitver Weep (Poten-
tilla).—Gathering time, June and July. A de-
coction with honey will expel wind in the
stomach and bowels; if often smelled to, it will
relieve the headache. Boiled in olive oil and
well rubbed in, it is good for the sinews shrunk
by cramps, pains, weakness, and stiffness of the
joints, after repeated attacks of the gout. The
same mixed with a little bees’-wax is an excellent
salve for wounds.
Woop Bertony (Betonica)— Ought to be
gathered in May. This herb boiled with wine
or water is good for those who cannot digest their
meals, or have belchings and a continual rising
in their stomach. A drachm of the root in pow-
der, mixed with honey and vinegar, taken every
day, is good for those who have a rupture in
their urinary glands, and pass blood with their
water. The green herb bruised with lard makes
an excellent ointment for wounds, old sores, or
ulcers ; for the latter add a little salt and figs
bruised together. It is a good and useful herb,
and very proper to be kept in every man’s house,
either dry, in syrup, conserve, or in ointment:
APPENDIX. ool
I have now given a description of a sufficient
number of simple and useful herbs for almost
every disease, omitting only such as would be
unsafe to trust in the hands of those who have
not made medicine a study. I have not ascribed
more virtues to these plants than other writers
have done before me; and I have proved their
value by long experience. The proper dose of
all that I have set down is about half an ounce of
the root, or a quarter of an ounce of the dried
herb, to a pint of water, to be taken daily, unless
otherwise ordered ; but when the herb or root is
green, use treble the weight.* I would recom-
mend those who wish to have cheap and safe
remedies by them, to gather every plant while in
the bloom, and prepare them in conserve, juice,
extract, or syrup.
“‘ There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance, * * * and
there is pansies, that’s for thoughts. There’s fennel for you
and columbines. There's rue for you.”
_ * The above-mentioned herbs, &c. are sold by Burizr,
Herbalist, Covent Garden Market.
302 APPENDIX.
SIMPLE BOTANICAL EXTRACTS FOR
VARIOUS COMPLAINTS.
[ Nore.—The proper dose of the following Ex-
tracts is about half an ounce of the root or a
quarter of an ounce of the dried herb to a pint of
water, to be taken daily. |
Acuet.—Agrimony, betony, mustard, St. John’s-
wort, wormwood, tormentil, and marigolds. |
Astuma. — Coltsfoot, horehound, mallows-
sage, speedwell, little centaury, and wood-
betony.
Cancerous SweE.Luinc.—A poultice of one,
or all, if they can be had: Comfrey, turnips,
carrots, and goose-grass. Drink tormentil tea.
Coucu.—Horehound, pennyroyal, tormentil,
vervain, liquorice, comfrey, mullein, stramonium,
and elecampane.
ConsumpTion.—Coltsfoot, pimpernell, chick-
weed, speedwell, mallows, and tormentil-root.
Convu.tsions.—Mother-wort, valerian, piony
dwarf.
Dropsy.— Wood-betony, agrimony, - chervil,
garlic, borage, fumitory, parsley, tansey, worm-
wood, speed well, toad-flax, dandelion, and pelli-
tory-wall.
Dicestion.— Horse-radish, lovage, hyssop,
sage, wood-betony, buckthorn, centaury, leeks,
and marjoram.
APPENDIX. 333
GraveEL.—Butcher’s-broom, ground-ivy, mal-
lows, nettles, parsley, pennyroyal, horse-radish,
dandelion, burdock, pellitory-wall, marigolds,
and medlars.
Gout.— Nettles, burdock, St. John’s-wort,
ground pine, ‘This herb, as an ointment melted
with lard, buck-bean, and water-dock of any
kind.
Herart-BurN.—Chamomile, saffron. Dose, a
drachm. Valerian, lovage, and water-cresses.
Hysterics.—Mother-wort, pennyroyal, pine,
St. John’s-wort, valerian, southernwood, mug-
wort, and spear-mint.
Herap-acHE.—Primroses, holy thistle, sage,
savory, thyme, sneeze-wort, vervain, cowslip, va-
lerian-root ; mistletoe of the oak, rosemary.
Nervous Disorpers.— Rosemary, sage, sa-
vory, thyme, valerian, vervain, cowslip, lily of the
valley, celery, piony dwarf, and tormentil-root.
Piies.—Pile-wort, fig-wort, brook-lime, mul-
lein, toad-flax, lavender, comfrey, tormentil-root,
shepherd’s-purse.
To promoTe PErsPprrRATION.— Pine, viper’s-
grass, pimpernell, elder flowers, borage, fumitory,
and marigolds.
Scurvy.— Holy thistle, brook-lime, goose-
grass, cresses, dandelion, endive, agrimony, let-
tuce, horse-radish, scurvy-grass, sorrel, succory,
turnip, briony, water-dock, and fig-wort.
334 APPENDIX.
Spasms.—Lavender, mother-wort, peppermint,
wood-betony, the lesser centaury.
For Burns anpD SCALDs :—
Mix—One pint of Linseed Oil,
Half pint of Sweet Oil,
Half pint of Spirit of Tar.
Apply it to the injured parts with a soft brush or
feather, and cover with wadding to exclude the
air. This will immediately draw out the re and
relieve the pain. The wadding must not on any
account be removed, but more oil applied through
it every twelve hours until well.
This remedy is so easily and cheaply made,
that it will be a shameful neglect for any person
not to keep it by them in case of accident. For
years past I have made much money by it, but I
can now afford to give the receipt away, and do
so with much pleasure.
USEFUL RECIPES.
Bap Lrec.—Bruise a pound of green hemlock-
leaves, pour on them one gallon of boiling water
from a smith’s forge ; when cold enough, put the —
foot or leg into it. This must be done morning
and night, for twenty minutes at each time; then
rasp a carrot, squeeze out the juice, warm the
APPENDIX. 335
pulp, and fill the wound with it, cover it over
with a dry rag, and confine it on with a bandage.
The hemlock will not agree with some constitu-
tions: let such apply fresh cabbage-leaves, goose-
grass, or clivers, bruised in the same way ; at the
same time take a pint a day of a strong decoction
of equal parts of common mallow and clivers.
Should a drying salve be required, take equal
part of unslaked lime and soap, mix them well
together, and apply the dressing once a day. Or,
with the following :—Take of vinegar, resin, and
myrrh, each one ounce; of red borax and ammo-
niac, half an ounce; boil them well together, and
stir them until cold. ‘This is an excellent cooling
ointment if there be not much inflammation: if
so, it must be first reduced by poultices.
Brie.—Take a tea-spoonful of the powder of
the root tormentil in a proportionate quantity of
lenitive electuary, every eight hours.
Buioatepd Hasit similar to Dropsy.—Two
ounces of foxglove boiled in a quart of water till
reduced to a pint; mix this with one quart of
gin, and take a wine-glassful every day for a
week, and then every other day: soak the feet
frequently, and keep them warm.
CHILBLAINS, see Sprains, &c.
CrHoLera.—Having received the following re-
cipes from a patient recently arrived from India,
I shall with much pleasure insert them. They
are rather out of my course of practice, but I
ww
“36 APPENDIX.
think they deserve a fair trial; and as the com-
position is such that it may be mixed and kept
ready for use in every man’s house, this informa-
tion is deserving of notice. I have not proved
their efficacy, but I confess I have a very high
opinion of them.
CuoLera. The Indian Cure.—One drachm of
nitrous acid (not nitric), one ounce of pepper-
mint-water or camphor mixture, and forty drops
of tincture of opium. A fourth part of this mix-
ture every three hours, in a teacupful of gruel ;
the belly should be covered with a succession of
hot cloths, and bottles of water applied to the
feet.
CHo.LerA (2).—Eighty drops of laudanum, a
wine-glass of brandy, and half a wine-glass of
castor-oil, mixed; if possible, given at once; if
not, one dessert-spoonful after another until all is
taken. |
CovcH.—Oxymel of squills, syrup of poppies,
and old rum, equal parts. One _ tea-spoonful
morning, noon, and night, in a wine-glass of sage
or balm tea.
Covucu (2).—Three new-laid eggs, one ounce
of honey, sweet-oil, lemon-juice, and old rum;
beat them well together, then add half a pint of
milk ; stir itallone way. Dose, a table-spoonful
when the cough is troublesome.
Cramp.—-Equal parts of salad-oil and oil of
rosemary ; rub a little in with the hand at bed-
APPENDIX. BVA
time, on the calf of the leg, abont three times a
week, |
Dentition.—An excellent soothing syrup for
children during dentition :—
Two drachms of syrup of buckthorn,
One ditto syrup of saffron,
One ditto —_ syrup of violets,
Halfan ounce of syrup of rhubarb.
Give a tea-spoonful twice a day, and frequently
rub a little on the gums.
Pills for the Mother to take at the same trme.
Two drachms of rhubarb,
One ditto syrup of buckthorn,
One ditto _ extract of bitter apple.
Rub this into a mass, and divide it into pills of
three grains each. Take one every six hours.
This will keep the milk in a cool and healthy
state.
Diet-prink ror Meratrs.—Take half an
ounce of ginger bruised, two ounces of bread
toasted very brown; pour over it two quarts of
boiling water, and stop it close. If this be done
as soon as breakfast is over, it will be ready for
dinner. It ought never to be drank colder than
about eighty degrees, better known as_ blood-
heat.
Another.— Pour one quart of boiling water
over a wine-glassful of linseed and a small piece
7,
338 APPENDIX.
of lemon-peel; when cold, strain off, and add
sugar to palate.
This is an excellent drink for persons of a
costive habit or bad digestion.
DysentTEery.—One pint of vinegar, half a
pound of loaf-sugar, simmered in a pewter vessel,
with cover of the same (no other will do). Take
this quantity every day until well.
Eriteptic Firs.—One ounce of common
wormwood, once ounce of mistletoe, half an
ounce of mountain flax ; pour on this one quart
of boiling water; when cold, drink a pint a day.
Should there be worms, which is generally the
case, it will kill and carry them off.
Frever.—lI will now give a very simple plan of
treatment, which I have found very successful in
all kinds of fevers.
Sponge the patient all over with the following:
Mix—Half a pint of fresh beer yeast,
Half a pint of vinegar,
Half a pint of warm water.
This will be found peculiarly refreshing, and at
the same time greatly assist in freeing the pores
of the skin.
Give internally two table-spoonfuls of yeast in
the same quantity of warm water, every hour, for
four or six successive hours, by which time the
violence of the fever will, in all probability, be
abated, when the same quantity may be given
APPENDIX. 339
every twelve hours, until it is entirely subdued. I
have also found this mixture beneficial in cases of
fever in children, produced by dentition, when a
tea-spoonful every hour is a proper dose; a little
may also be rubbed on the gums.
I have often given this remedy with great suc-
cess in cases of pleurisy, tightness and disorders
of the chest, &c.: its speedy effects have fre-
quently astonished me; and yet, when we con-
sider its component principle, we can but antici-
pate immediate operation, as it must separate
from and part with its fixed air the moment it
enters the warm stomach.
Gout.—I recommend the following infusion to
be freely drank by all persons while taking my
Gout and Family Pills, either as a cure or a
preventive :—
Take liquorice root, coltsfoot, elder flowers,
holy thistle, juniper berries bruised, and green
sage, of each one ounce; placing them in a jug,
add two quarts of boiling water; stop it down
close, and let it stand near the fire for three
hours to simmer (not to boil, as that will pass off
the essential oil of herbs by evaporation), and
then strain for use. |
Pixies. (A sure and easy Cure.)—One ounce of
lenitive electuary, one ounce ef milk of sulphur,
one ounce of powder of gum arabic, half an’
ounce of cream of tartar, and as much syrup of
violets as will make it into an electuary. A tea-
Z2
340 APPENDIX,
spoonful night and morning for nine successive
days. ‘To prevent the piles, take the same occa-
sionally, and anoint the part with the fig-leaf
ointment. This may be depended on.
Pites (Jnward).—Take one ounce of tor-
mentil-root bruised, and boil it in a pint of good
ale until reduced to half a pint; drink it blood-
warm. ‘Though a simple remedy, I have known
this prove effectual when expensive medicines
have failed.
UxcerateD Sore THroats.—Half a pint of
vinegar and one ounce of the herb wormwood;
boil for five minutes, and apply it warm to the
throat with flannels.
SPASMS AND CRAMP IN THE STOMACH.—One
drachm of carbonate. of soda, two drachms of
compound tincture of cardamoms, two drachms
of paregoric elixir, seven ounces of camphorated
mixture. Take a wine-glassful when requisite.
SPRAINS, CHILBLAINS, &c.—An embrocation
for Sprains, Chilblains, &e. One pound of black
soap, half a pint of the spirit of turpentine, one
ounce and a half of camphor; simmer well, and
stir it until cold. I have known this of great
benefit in cases of deeply-seated rheumatism.
SPRAINED OR ConTRACTED Knee (Poul-
tice).— Take equal parts of chamomile and elder
flowers, bruise them in a mortar; take about the
same quantity of linseed-meal, mix it to a proper
consistence with boiling vinegar. If there ‘is
APPENDIX. 341
much pain, add one ounce of oil of poppies;
cover the poultice with oil silk, and drink marsh-
mallow tea.
Stine oF A Bree or Waspe.—Moisten. some
whiting with cold water, and apply it to the part
stung; in ten minutes it may be washed off, and
all pain and swelling will have disappeared.
Tooruacnue,—Take two parts of the leaves of
rue and one part salt; form it into little balls,
and place one in the hollow of the ear on the
side opposite to that of the aching tooth. This
produces great warmth, and in most cases relieves
the pain.
ToorHacHeE (2).—Take a lump of unslacked
lime the size of a walnut; put it into three parts
of a tumbler of cold water; when cold enough,
hold it in the mouth, on the painful tooth: let
this be repeated as often as the pain is felt.
WerakNEss.—One ounce of ether, one ounce
of mustard, one ounce of cold-drawn oil, one
ounce of honey, half an ounce of balsam of
Peru: mix. Take one tea-spoonful morning and
evening.
For VisceraL Oxgstrruction, Bitious Cuo-
Lic, &c.—Wormwood tops, half an ounce; warm
water one pint. Let it stand one hour, filter it,
add three drachms bicarbonate of potass and one
ounce of syrup of buckthorn. Take one-third
every eight hours.
AGAINST SICKNESS AND TO CAUSE AN ApPE>
342 APPENDIX.
TITE.—LEssential oil of wormwood, 1 drachm >;
rectified spirit of wine, half an ounce; compound
spirit of sulphuric ether, half an ounce. Take a
desert spoonful in half a wine-glassful of water
every six hours for a week, or until the appetite
is increased. Wormwood is an excellent medi-
cine: I use it daily with the greatest success.
The leaves and buds should be collected in
August, and while the sun is on it: dry it in the
shade, and it is then ready for use.
The above-mentioned simple recipes will be
found useful in many private families. Since my
last work was published, I have frequently had
persons applying to me from a great distance
with my book in their hands. I have opened it,
on hearing their case, and shewn them, that if
they bad attended to my printed advice, they
might have spared themselves the trouble and
expense of coming to me. The answer generally
is, ‘‘ Bless me, Sir, I never noticed that ;” or, “I
was afraid of trying it until I had seen you.” I
have sent them away empty-handed to try my
remedies, which, perhaps, for a cure, may cost
them afew pence. I have many letters, thanking
me for this (what they please to call generous)
act, and informing me that they have not only
cured themselves, but their poor neighbours.
APPENDIX. 343
These reports always give me great pleasure, as
my great aim has been, and I trust ever will be,
to instruct others, not to enrich myself by their
misfortunes.
[Norr.—It may perhaps be necessary to re-
peat, that all the herbs mentioned above may be
obtained of Butler, the Herbalist, in Covent
Garden Market. I have endeavoured to write
my instructions so clear, that they may be readily
made up by any chemist or druggist, or even
by a private individual, at a trifling expense.
Should any questions of difficulty arise, I shall
be happy to give further instruction; but as my
time is very valuable, being entirely devoted to
the care of my patients, I am obliged to make
a charge of 3s. 6d. for my advice to corres-
pondents. |
THE FEET.
The following remarks are worthy the notice
of every one, but more especially of those who
suffer from nervous headache and indigestion :—
The feet should always be kept sweet and
clean, and plenty of room allowed in the shoe*
for the blood to circulate in all the small beauti-
* For this purpose I recommend the pannus-corium, or leas
ther-cloth boots and shoes.
344 APPENDIX.
ful veins of the toes. If the foot is contracted, it
becomes cold and numbed ; and that gentle per-
spiration of the body, which ought to keep the
feet in a glow of moisture to throw off the dross
of the humours as they descend, ascends to the
head, and causes those painful sensations so much
felt by both sexes, but more so by females, as
they bear the additional evil of having their body
in a vice, commonly called stays.
The mere sponging or washing the feet is not
sufficient to render them perfectly clean; they
ought, once or twice a week, to be well soaked in
hot water; then rubbed with a thick piece of
flannel (such as ironing-blanket), lathered with
one part soap and one part pipeclay; this appli-
cation will get out all the dandriff, scurf, or
dead skin, and leave the pores open. There will
then be no disagreeble smell, as is too often the
case when the humours are shut in by a false
skin formed all over the feet. All my readers
must have felt (or seen in others), that when
there is this burning heat in the feet, instead of
warmth produced by perspiration, they swell by
day, but on the following morning are reduced
to their natural size. This is easily accounted
for: when the body is laid flat in bed, those hu-
mours drain back into the system, and impreg-
nate all the healthy parts of the body. Such
persons will be found more cheerful towards the
close of the day, as those humours (which are
APPENDIX. 345
like the lees of beer or wine) fall down; but in
the morning feel sick and low-spirited, with a
disrelish for food or exercise, and, in fact, dis-
agreeable to themselves and all around them.
All this may arise from not being so particular
with their feet, which carry all the burthen, as
they are with their hands and face. I may be
wrong in this opinion, yet—
‘ This still may help to thicken other proofs
That do demonstrate thinly.”
Many persons have applied to me with corns,
bunions, and weak ankles, and I have at once
seen, that by wearing their shoes “ rights and
lefts,” and much too small, the whole weight of
the body has been borne by only. the outside
of the heel and one side of the foot, thereby
throwing the sustaining bone of the ankle out of
its natural perpendicular, and causing it to lose
its focusand equilibrium. A slender stick, whilst
upright, will support a great weight; but when
bent, will sink under it. It is the same with the
ankle: when erect, it is able to bear the weight
of the body; if otherwise, it has the most
injurious effects, in either sex. I recom:
mend straight shoes, and the changing them
every day, for I have always found them to be a
cure for weak ankles, and an assistance in the
cure of bodily disease.’ Follow the multitude in
the streets, see how they tread, and then place an
346 APPENDIX.
infant on the table, and observe the difference of
the position of the foot and ankle: the latter is
nature—the former pride and folly.
See
THE POOR MAN’S WEATHER-GLASS AND HUS-
BANDMAN’S BAROMETER.
Chickweed.—When the flower of this plant
expands boldly in the morning, and continues
open till twelve o’clock, no rain will fall on that:
day ; if it shuts, and covers the white flowers with
its green mantle, the traveller had better take his
great-coat and umbrella.
Pimpernel and Trefoil.—These plants fold up
their leaves on the approach of rain.
Sowthistle.—If the flowers of this piant keep
open all night, it will be sure to rain next day.
African Marigold.—If the flowers do not open
by seven or eight in the morning, it will rain or
thunder that day. .
ee
USEFUL HINTS FOR THOSE WHO KEEP HORSES.
I have always been a great admirer of that noble
and useful animal the Horse, which every day sets
us an example; namely, to know when we have
had enough both of eating and drinking ; thus
bringing to mind the old adage, that ‘one may
lead a horse to the river, but two cannot make
him drink.” It was by experiments on this noble
APPENDIX. 347
animal that inagreat measure I gained an insight
into the cause and cure of disease ; for a horse is
much more delicate than a man.
I have been accustomed to keep two and some-
times three horses, for many years, and the great
attachment which they exhibited towards me has
often been remarked. Several of my friends
observed, that I could make them do every thing
but speak. Isold a horse some years since which
still remains in my neighbourhood, and I think it
would puzzle any one man to keep the animal
from me if he heard my voice, without even see-
ing me. I will now with pleasure give the recipe,
that others may enjoy the same gratification that
I have. ‘Take one pound of oatmeal, a quarter of
a pound of honey, a quarter of a pound of Spanish
liquorice, half an ounce of white briony in pow-
der, one ounce of cuckoo-point in powder; mix |
all together and make a cake; bake it in a Dutch
or other oven ; carry it in your bosom for two or
three days ; fast your horse for a night and part of
the day ; then give him the cake out of your hand,
broken in small pieces. If you repeat this occa-
sionally, he will never forget you, and you may do
with him what no other person dare do. I have
known a cake made with honey and oatmeal an-
swer every purpose.
If you wish to see your horse with a good coat;
and to look superior to your neighbour's, give
him the powder of white briony and cuckoo-point,
348 APPENDIX.
of each halfan ounce, in a small quantity of bran,
every day. When the skin is injured by the fric-
tion of the collar or saddle, dress the wounds with
a fomentation made from the leaves of the wild
mallow.
While on the. subject of horses, I may as well
give an excellent and speedy cure for the cholera,
commonly called gripes, which destroys life in a
few hours. During a visit at the country-house
of a friend, the groom came to me early in the
morning to inform me that my horse, a very
valuable one, appeared in extreme pain, up and
down every five minutes, and that he. would -
neither eat or drink. On examining him I found
a thumping pulse, his nose, ears, and legs cold, a
faint damp sweat on his body, and every other
sign indicative of advanced inflammation. [ at
once mixed three pints of fresh beer yeast, one
pint of hot: water, and half-a-pint of gin, this
I gave him by the horn, and he was led out at a
sharp walk for twenty minutes. When put back
into the stable he broke out into a gentle perspi-
ration, the bowels and bladder were relieved, he
eat a warm bran mash, and in four hours I drove
him out as well as ever. |
Readers, you who have my “animal pet,” the
horse, garner up this recipe, and consider it a
treasure.
« A man of kindness to his beast is kind,
But brutal actions shew a brutal mind ;
APPENDIX. 349
Remember, He who made thee made the brute:
Who gave thee speech and reason, formed him mute :
He can’t complain, but God’s all-seeing eye
Beholds thy cruelty ; He hears his cry.
He was designed thy servant, not thy drudge,
And know, that his Creator is thy Judge.”
Cowper.
A
NEW IMPROVED PORTABLE
DOMESTIC INSTRUMENT,
By which Costiveness and its consequences may be always prevented or
removed (in most cases) with warm water only.
Figure 1,
APPENDIX. 351
DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Figure iy
Pass the pipe B into the rectum ; sit down upon
it on a chair; then place the reservoir C between
the knees ; fix to it the flexible tube D, and com-
mence the process of pumping. When applied by
an assistant, the rose A is to be removed, and the
pipe B should be fixed on, as represented in Fig.
2, Eand D.
Figure 2.
Unscrew the rose A,and put im the warm water
or other fluid for use; screw on again, leaving
the small rose B off, to admit air. While
being used, place it on a chair, and sit on it. When
given to a patient in bed by an assistant, screw
the pipe C to the end of the flexible tube D, fix-
ing the other end, EK, on to the instrument, when
it will have this great advantage over all others,
that it can be used under the bedclothes, in any
position of the body, without the least exposure of
the patient. ‘This last-named adaptation has been
found of the greatest benefit in difficult cases, and
to bedridden persons, as well as a great comfort to
those who have an antipathy to the employment
of this very useful assistant to the necessary opera-
tions of Nature.
If any other fluid than water is used, the instru-
ment should be well washed with warm water, to
cleanse it. Should the piston become loose, or
shrink by frequent use, it may be remedied by
392 APPENDIX.
unscrewing the pump F, and winding a little fine
worsted evenly round it under the leather, where
will be found a cavity for that purpose; after
which, oil the sucker about once a fortnight, and
it will remain as good as new.
Laxative and other injections by the Lavement
must remain in the colon a sufficient time to allow
them to act upon the internal surface of the ali-
mentary canal, and to be taken up by the absor-
bents. When a difficulty occurs in retaining
them, use less of the water, gruel, or other liquid,
by one-half, or one-third, than is directed below.
lt is desirable that the patient should, in such
cases, lie on the stomach, after having used the
injection, with the hips raised above the level of
the head, so that the injection may pass onwards
into the colon; for which see Fig. 3.
Figure 3.
Stomach.
ta)
APPENDIX. 353
Having explained the mode of using the Lave-
ment apparatus, I shall now endeavour to give
my reasons for recommending: its use by all per-
sons of nervous and weak constitutions, for such
I have invariably found to be the tendency of
what is generally understood by a costive habit of
body. This evil arises from an improper accu-
mulation of hardened faeces which lodges in the
colon. (See Fig. 3, line marked 8 B 8B.) This
often becomes too hard to be removed by purga-
tive medicine, as it is next to impossible that it
can be made to act with efficiency at this remote
seat of disease ; for it should be borne in mind;
that the length of the intestines from the stomach
to the rectum is six times the length of the human
frame. When the colon is distended, which is
generally the case when a patient suffers from a
costive habit of. body, the valve £ closes, and the
active medicine taken remains in the.small intes-
tines DDDDD, causing griping pains, sickness,
and not unfrequently inflammation. ‘The sto-
mach also sustains its share of the mischief,
for the active medicine first declares war with
its peaceable inmates, with “ malice prepense,”
not only carrying away the healthy bile, but also
the digestive mucus, or lining of the stomach,
which Nature has kindly supplied for the impor-
tant task of decomposing the food taken. When
these rich juices, compounded beyond the con-
ception of man, are carried off, the stomach loses
2A
354 APPENDIX.
its relish for food; and should art be used to
tempt it to receive such, it lies there like a lump
of clay, causing spasms, headache, and other dis-
tressing results. When the organs of digestion
are weak and disordered, and when the food is
not of an assimilating nature, it will pass onwards
undigested through the intestines p p p p b (See
figure 3), without affording the least nourishment
to the body.
Having made these few observations on the use
of Lavements, with a descriptive outline of the
digestive organs, and a drawing of the stomach,
intestines, and colon, shewing how disease may
arise from indigestion caused by purgative medi-
cine, and how this is occasioned, whereby the con-
stitution suffers, 1 would refer those who wish for
further information to my “ Reflections on Indi-
gestion, Bilious Complaints, &c.” at the com-
mencement of this volume, where I have named |
and accounted for a variety of causes, inducing
derangement of the digestive organs; and also
described the inconvenience to which the stomach,
liver, kidneys, &c., are subjected by the pressure of
the distended colon against them interrupting their
natural functions. I have written in the plainest
language, that I may be clearly understood,
because I know that persons generally are more
ignorant on this subject than would be supposed
possible, knowing how much it is connected with
their health. |
APPENDIX, 355
Jt only remains for me to point out the proper
time for using these Lavements, followed by a
number of injections, when warm water is found
to be insufficient.
To persons of a costive habit of body, and weak
powers of digestion, I advise the use of the Lave-
ment the first thing after breakfast every morning,
which is the period when Nature appears to re-
quire this salutary relief, in consequence of the
rest afforded to the stomach during the night; for
when the fresh stimulus of breakfast is taken, it
imparts a renewed action to the smaller intestines
DD DDD, and these again to the colon, 8 B 8, till
the required purpose is fulfilled. I would also
recommend to be taken, by persons of weak con-
stitutions, at the time of using the Lavement, an.
infusion as follows :—T'wo drachms of the herb
' chyrayata, and one ounce of spearmint: pour on
these one pint of boiling water in which one
ounce of Spanish liquorice has been dissolved ;
drink a wine-glassful two or three times a day :
this will give a tone to the stomach. Those who
suffer from spasmodic attacks will find, in a large
majority of cases, they may rely on this practice,
without the aid of nauseous and dangerous me-
dicines.
The habitual use of purgatives I have always
condemned, for many reasons; but it will be
sufficient to mention .one only, viz. that it ren-
ders the digestive organs incapable of performing
2Aa2 :
356 APPENDIX,
their functions with that energy which is requisite
to melt and minutely to divide the various food
and drink taken, often of opposite qualities and
quantities, which must, by the law of Nature, and
im accordance with the term digestion, be so com-
pounded together as to be reduced into one
smooth, soft, and uniform mass, so as to pass on-
wards into the duodenum, or first passage of the
small intestines, there to receive the assistance of
the gall, to pass it still forwards, to undergo other
changes, before its final expulsion. When, from
any cause whatever, the bowels fail in the regular
performance of their functions, consequences
must and will arise, more or less destructive to
health. I would recommend, in all such cases,
the frequent use of the Lavement; at the same
time the following medicine should be taken every
day for at least a month. Its action is diuretic as
well as cathartic.
Two ounces of dried marsh-mallow ;
Two do. of green parsley root, bruised ;
Two drachms of dried mountain flax ;
Simmer these in one quart of water until reduced
to a pint. | |
Experience has taught me that much depends
on a pure and proper state of the secretions of
these two organs. There is an important fact,
known only to those who. have observed causes
and effects, viz. that a costive habit of body will
©
APPENDIX. STi)
arise, not from indigestion only, but from an ac-
cumulation of a sandy sediment, and a slimy mat-
ter or mucus, which corrodes the kidneys. Now,
the above recipe, from its softening and oily na-
ture, will never fail in giving the relief required,
rendering unnecessary the use of forcing medi-
cines, which generally do more harm than good.
LAXATIVE INJECTIONS.
1. Thin gruel, one pint; Epsom salts, one
ounce; common salt, a table-spoonful. |
2. Hog’s lard melted, quarter of a pound ; cas-
tor oil, two table-spoonfuls; barley-water, one
pint.
3. Linseed oil, a wine-glassful ; mutton broth,
one pint; jalap, two drachms.
PURGATIVES, COMBINED WITH ANTI-SPASMODICS.
4. Glauber salts, one ounce ; tincture of assa-
feetida, two drachms ; thin gruel, one pint.
5. Mint water, one pint; olive oil, two ounces ;
scraped camphor, ten grains.
The mint water may be made by pouring one
pint and a half of boiling water on two ounces of
dried spearmint, |
ANODYNES.
6. ‘Tincture of spearmint, one drach; warm
milk, one pint; |
398 APPENDIX.
7, Oil of aniseed, six drops; laudanum, twelve
drops ; prepared chalk, one drachm ; warm gruel,
one pint.
Persons whose stomachs are weak, and unable
to retain tonic medicines, will find the greatest
benefit from using such injections as the follow-
ing :—
8. Boil two drachms of the herb chyrayata ina
quart of water, until reduced to a pint ; strain it,
and then add, extract of bark, two drachms ; con-
fection of opium, two grains.
9. Sulphate of quinine, two scruples ; rice wa-
ter, one pint; laudanum, ten drops.
FOR DYSENTERY.
10. Fat mutton broth, one quart ; mixed starch,
one ounce.
11. Mutton suet from the kidney, three ounces ;
milk, one pint: boil until the suet is dissolved,
then strain. }
12. Pearl barley, one ounce; linseed, half an
ounce ; milk, one quart: boil these until reduced
to a pint.
13. A strong decoction of marsh-mallow tea,
one pint ; tormentil in powder, one ounce.
Cee
After any of the above injections have been
APPENDIX. 359
used for some time, warm water will be suffi-
cient, occasionally adding a table-spoonful of
common salt.
The warmth of all fluids ought to be about
milk-warm, or blood-heat ; say from 90 to 100
degrees.
CAMPHORATED
SPIRIT BED-LAMP,
Price 35s.
As a domestic comfort, this little apparatus is
invaluable, being portable, simple, and easily
used without the assistance of an attendant.
Being made on the principle of Sir Humphrey
Davy’s Safety Lamp, no danger can arise from
using it in bed. Among the numerous useful]
purposes to which this lamp may be applied, the
following may be mentioned :— }
360 APPENDIX.
In all cases of obstructed perspiration, arising
from colds, &c., and accompanied by inflamma-
tion, which, when neglected, so freqnently bring
on most distressing symptoms, the use of this Bed-
Bath will be found of the utmost importance,
gradually opening the pores, and restoring a
healthy perspiration. It is very efficacious in
tases of Influenza, Cholera, and violent Colds ;
and the acute pain in Rheumatism will be entirely
removed, or greatly mitigated.
This Bath is very serviceable to persons sub-
ject to Gout, as the use of it, when symptoms
are felt, will effectually keep it off—and, with the
gout, it is found very active in bringing relief, the
patient at the same time taking the following :—
One tea-spoonful of paregoric elixir,
Three ditto sweet spirits of nitre,
In an infusion (warm) of elder flower.
The luxury of a warmed bed for an invalid, ora
whole household, during the inclement season of
the year, may be indulged in at the smallest cost
imaginable, by the Bed-Lamp (without the cam-
phor) being placed inthe bed half an hour previous
to retiring; and the Lamp being once trimmed
will suffice for three beds in the same evening.
Carriages’ during winter or damp weather,
inay be kept comfortably warmed by this Lamp
and persons accustomed to travel much, and con-
sequently sleeping in different beds, may be pro-
APPENDIX. 361
tected from the danger of damp sheets, by merely
taking care that the Lamp be placed in the bed
one hour before they intend to retire them-
selves.
The following are extracts from letters, one
written by a medical man, who uses it in his prac-
tice with the most pleasing results, the other from
a clergyman :—
“The more I witness the good effects of your
extraordinary and clever little Camphorated Bath,
the more [ am surprised that you do not make its
usefulness known by advertisements, at this mo-
ment, when the prevailing disease of influenza is
sweeping away thousands from the land : its use
is invaluable. Iam sure no person, medical or
non-medical, would be without one if they were
once to know its value.”
‘Tam sure we have reason to speak of your
skill and ability with sincere gratitude, having
reaped, in a great degree, the comfort of your
Camphorated Spirit Lamp in our late afiliction,
having had seven of our family at the same time
in different stages of that troublesome disorder,
the measles. The certain effect of that excellent
and always safe instrument is truly charming 5
I cannot but rejoice that I have been made
acquainted with it, and have recommended it to
others as an important desideratum in_ every
family. On account of such inventions every
truly benevolent mind must rejoice, as a new
362 APPENDIX.
means of preventing and removing pain and
disease, and of promoting, sustaining, and in-
creasing the health and comfort of our species.”
Directions for using the Camphorated Spirit Bed-
Lamp.
Take off the wire, unscrew the burner, and put
one ounce of spirits of wine into the receiver ;
screw on again, set light to the cotton, and fix on
the wire, on the top of which put about an ounce of
camphor; this, with the wick of a very moderate
height, it should never exceed the thickness of a
shilling above the top of the tube (as the flame
burns brightest when shut in the bed), will burn
one hour, during which time the camphor will
gradually evaporate. When the medicated spirit
I prepare ts used, instead of spirits of wine, no
camphor is required. ‘There should at no time
be more spirit put in the lamp than is intended
for present use ; should any be left for a few days
in the reservoir, it acts on the tin and causes rust;
the spirit also evaporates, which leaves the wick
wet, and on the next occasion it will not burn.
If the spirit is all consumed, one wick will last
for twelve months.
In rheumatism, &c., the lamp should be placed
nearest the part affected. A very thick covering
of bed-clothes is required, to prevent the heat
from escaping.
APPENDIX. 363
For general use, the patient is required to lie
on the back, the Lamp being placed between the
knees, which ought to be half drawn up, resting
a knee on each side of the wooden top. The
sticks sent with the Lamp are to be used, one on
each side, to support the bed-clothes. The pa-
tient must lie within blankets, and have the oil-
cloth placed between the quilt and the blanket,
with the clothes well tucked in all round, espe-
cially about the neck, so as to prevent the hot air
escaping. ,
MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS.
It will be seen in various portions of this work,
that I send medicines to all parts of the kingdom;
of course it 1s not convenient for all classes to
take long journeys that they might benefit by my
treatment: and there are many persons who ap-
prove of my practice, and require my medicines,
but are not sufficiently unwell to need my per-
sonal advice. Ihave therefore compounded the
following general remedies, which are perfectly
harmless, and, if judiciously applied, will in most
instances be found beneficial.
VeGETABLE Pink Oits, for general family
use. This is a very innocent preparation, and
may be applied to the most delicate constitution,
to remove the acute pain of ¢ic doloureux, gout;
364. APPENDIX,
and rheumatism; and also for sprains and bruises.
Its use will preserve the feet from chilblains,
and if daily applied to corns or bunnions for one
or two months, it will imperceptibly dissolve
them. |
Famity Priuus, for general use, are composed
of those tonic and bracing herbs, carduus bene-
dictus, horehound, betony, coltsfoot, &c., and
are excellent for weak constitutions, especially
after a fit of illness. ‘They are very beneficial for
persons leading a sedentary life, which relaxes
the solids, enervates the mental powers, and dis-
orders all the functions of the body. ‘The success
which has attended the use of these Pills entitles
-them to the strongest recommendation. One,
two, or three, should be taken every night at bed-
time, and the remainder gradually reduced.
Govur Prius, which may be taken while using
the Pink or White Oils. They are prepared
from simple herbs, and as their first action is on
the blood, exercise promotes their good effects, if
taken as directed. With some constitutions they
will not act on the bowels: in such cases, a little
gentle opening medicine must be taken. These
Pills stir up the humours, and evacuate those
from which the gout proceeds. They gently
assist digestion, and cause the food to pass on to
its respective parts for the purpose of supply to
the system. The want of this effect is no doubt
the first stage of gout, which may be known by a
APPENDIX. 365°
weakness and pain in the stomach, sickness,
headache, giddiness, disrelish of food, sense of
fulness after meals, spasms in the stomach,
acidity, &c.
The yoke of an egg swallowed immediately
after taking these Family Pills, will greatly assist
their action in carrying off the bile.
Pitus for the Piutes. A simple and_ safe
medicine which I can highly recommend.
Evixir and Piuus, for Femaues of all Ages
It will be easily understood that, in writing upon
irregularities of the female functions, I labour
under considerable difficulty ; for while it is im-
portant to be so explicit that the sex for whom it
is written shall fully comprehend me, yet every
one of a rightly-constituted mind would proceed
with the greatest delicacy and caution.
A train of disorders most appalling to think of,
have at all times arisen from monthly irregulari-
ties in the female system. Why is it that we so
frequently hear of numbers of the fairest portion
of the creation ailing, drooping, and dying, even
while in youth? Every mother of a family must
know the importance of this subject; and yet,
strange to say, neglect, or perhaps ill-judged
secrecy on the part of the patient, gives free scope
to these evils!| Parents should not forget that it
is a duty for them to advise and give counsel at
these times.
366 APPENDIX.
Females not being sufficiently acquainted with
the nature of their own constitutions, in instances
in which Nature acts sluggishly, seldom seek
advice till their health is seriously impaired ;
tumours, internal and external, arise from these
obstructions, and she who was born one of Na-
ture’s fairest ornaments, becomes, from the quick
succession of disastrous consequences, a burden
to herself, and an object of pity to those around
her.
To counteract, simply and effectually, these
evils, the Female Pills are compounded, and no
doubt need be felt as to the result, on attending
to the directions given.
I have now to notice the opposite extreme to
the above, and which is not a whit less distress-
ing in its results. Nature, in a healthy state, will
continue active but for a short and well-under-
stood period ; but many fair sufferers, from weak-
ness, &c., are unwell for weeks together. In such
cases (and they are numerous) we need not feel
surprised that the constitution becomes impaired ;
the system is thus deprived of the very essence of
life, and severe suffering follows—hysterics, de-
cline, consumption, and all their attendant evils,
viz. depression of spirits, feebleness of body, and
wasting away, great difficulty of breathing, easily
fatigued, the operations of the mind slowly and
painfully performed, and the memory defective,
APPENDIX. 367
with other evils painful even to enumerate, but
which are well known as the consequences of the
above state of things.
For strengthening the system of females suffer-
ing from the effects of weakness, as above de-
scribed, I have succeeded in compounding an
“ Klixir of many sorts,’ which has gained me a
larger share of reputation than my most sanguine
expectations led me to expect. It is made to
prevent, and to remove, the last-mentioned cause
of suffering, and merely referring carefully to the
directions, my fair countrywomen have the oppor-
tunity, at a very small expense, of becoming their
own doctors. It has been a gratification to me
to have received numerous letters, acknowledging
with gratitude the great benefits received ; several
of these cases are referred to in the present
volume. I will only add, that both the Elixir
and Pills are vegetable compounds.
I wish it to be distinctly understood, that the
matron at the turn of life, and females of all
ages, may equally receive benefit from these
medicines.
I have also prepared an excellent Extract,
made from Dandelion, Comfrey, and Holy
Thistle. The first acts on the kidneys and liver;
the second on the stomach and intestines, by its
oily qualities ; and the third on the skin, the
nerves, and the brain. It is to be taken in hot
368 APPENDIX.
water, or weak coffee, for breakfast and at tea-
time, and is a very nice beverage,
The celebrated Dr. * * *, of Bristol, has taken
it with the most gratifying results, and now
speaks in raptures of its excellence.
PrecTrorat Syrup.—This syrup is efficacious
in asthmatic and common colds. Even when the
inflammation prevails, a tea-spoonful morning,
noon, and night, is a sufficient dose for grown
persons. It may be given to children in small
doses with perfect safety. )
For Palpitation of the Heart I prepare an ex-
cellent medicine. 1 would willingly make the
remedy public, but the ingredients are not to be
easily purchased, or made up, by persons unac-
quainted with medicine.
Lately Published, in Octavo, price 10s. bound in cloth,
AN
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMOTR,
WITH
REMARKS ON THE VARIOUS INCIDENTS WHICH HAVE OCCURRED
DURING FORTY-FIVE YEARS OF HIS LIFE,
BY SAMUEL WESTCOTT TILKE,
MEDICAL HERBALIST.
LIST OF CONTENTS.
Cuarter I.—The Author’s reasons for publishing his Memoir
—Our dependance upon the Divine blessing—Genius not
daunted by difficulties—Firmness necessary to perseverance
—Man designed for active life—The possession of wealth
oftentimes a bar to advancement—Groundless fears of some
of the Author’s friends—Eminent men have arisen from the
lowest walks in life—Pedigree of Author’s family—Captain
- Westcott—Caution and advice to persons marrying.
CuHaApTer JI.—Account of Mr. Samuel Westcott, the Author’s
maternal uncle—The Author’s father a veterinary surgeon
and baker—Singular custom in Devonshire—The Author’s
birth, and introduction to his uncle—His father’s misfor-
tunes, and their consequences—Cruel and heartless conduct
of a solicitor—The Author’s father goes to London—His ill-
ness—Mr. Westcott’s death—Domestic trials and difficulties
2B
370 AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR.
—Kindness of the Rev. W. Jenkins—The Author’s father
placed in a situation of trust—The Author goes to London,
and, with his brother Joel, resides with their father—The
Duke of Bedford’s death—The Author’s father is invited to
return to Sidmouth.
Cuaprer III.—The Author’s father returns to Sidmouth with
his two sons—Happy meeting—Benevolence of the Rector
of Sidmouth—Mr. Tilke fails a second tine—The Author’s
accident, and kindness of Mr. Hodge, surgeon—His occupa-
tion in hiring and letting out donkeys, and success—His ad-
ventures on the turf—He makes a short voyage at sea—
Description of a cutter’s chasing the vessel he was in.
CuaprerR IV.—The Author goes into a farmer’s service—
Hardships endured by the peasantry—He quits his service,
and again lets out donkeys and horses—Acquires a taste for
the drama—Success and encouragement herein—Circum-
stances lead him to resolve upon going to London—His
father and mother distressed at this resolve—Makes his will
—Painful separation—His father accompanies him a short
distance on his journey—Reflections.
Cuarter V.—The Author arrives in town—Difficulty in ob-
taining a situation—Singular interview with Mr. Sommer-
ville, whose business the Author, some years afterwards,
purchased—Reflections upon disappointment—Kind conduct
of Mr. Hutchinson—Enters the service of a brazier and iron-
monger—Singular coincidence respecting his mistress, who
subsequently became a patient of his—Goes into the service
of Mr. Hutchinson--His mother’s advice—Attends the minis-
try of the Rev. Basil Woodd—Learns to write—Anecdote of
the reverend gentleman and the Author—Obtains a situation
for a brother—Advice to him—Anecdote—Propensity for
comic singing— Takes a violent cold, which produces an in-
flammation of the pleura—Ultimately cures himself—Intro-
duction to Mr. Heaviside—That gentleman’s kindness—The
Author is recommended to return to his native air—His reso-
lution hereupon—Saves a person from drowning.
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR. a71
Cuaprer VI.—The Author returns home—Afilicted state of
his father and family—He recovers—Engages with a post-
master to carry the mail—Is cheated out of his wages—
Enters the service of Miss Wright—Her great benevolence—
Leaves her service, and, with his father, enters upon the post-
work—Its duties—Laughable incident— Occasionally em-
ployed as a post-boy—Resolved upon returning to London—
Returns—Mr. Heaviside recommends the Author to go to
Brighton—Obtains a situation in that place—Is removed to
another, where he is employed as a foreman—His health fails
again—-Mr, Heaviside recommends his return to town—-He
returns—His sufferings—Kindness of Mr, Heaviside—Pro-
tracted indisposition.
CnuapTer VII.—The Author goes to Bath—Partially recovers
—Goes to Bristol—Obtains employment—His pursuits—Re-
flections, religious and moral—Resides in the service of a
Quaker—Unfortunate occurrence—Leaves this situation—
Obtains another—Visits Devonshire with his brother— Meets
with an accident—Returns to London—Enters the service
of Mr, Turner—Reflections upon the acquirement of wealth.
Cuarter VIII.—A friend requests him to go to Bristol—Mr.
Harvey’s generosity—The Author’s remembrance of it—He
arrives at Bristol—Assists his friend out of pecuniary diffi-
culties, by effecting which he is left pennyless—Is tempted
to join a body of comedians, in the hope of improving his cir-
cumstances—Enters into arrangements with a manager—At
his mother’s request, he relinquishes the undertaking—Tries
for a situation as dresser in some of the hospitals—Engages
to take charge of a business at Cheltenham—Starts for it—
Travels to Gloucester with a soldier—His entertainment
there—Reflections—Arrives at Cheltenham—Enters upon
the service with Mr. Watcham—Business succeeds—A recipe
to make yeast, the Author’s discovery—He writes for his
father to join him—Goes to the theatre—A ridiculous inci-
dent takes place—Recovers a child from drowning.
CuoaptTer I[X,—The Author spends two happy years at Chel-
tenham—Reflections suggested by his pursuits— Becomes
2B 2
ove AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR.
acquainted with the lady now his wife—Peculiar introduc-
tion—Is induced to perform Othello—Influenced by a ser-
mon never to do so again—Makes an offer, and, after due
consideration, is accepted—Reflections on marriage—Goes to
London to attend a christening—Thinks of commencing busi-
ness in London—Has an offer to go to Treland—Kind con-
duct of Mr. and Mrs. Watcham—Arrives in London—Takes
a business in Goswell Street—Marries—Remarks occasioned
by his marriage.
CHAPTER X.—The Author engages to take Mr. Sommerville’s
business—Is cheated by a lodger out of £80—Singular coin-
cidence—Affecting change in Mr. Sommerville’s circum-
stances—Remarks on yeast and bread-making—His inven-
tion of yeast, called patent yeast—Recipe for making yeast—
Is robbed of his secret—Consequent disappointment— Ex-
pensive outlay on his house—Increase of business—Mode of
supplying customers— His father visits him—Is taken ill and
dies—The Author is engaged to supply the Duke of York’s
School—Distressing occurrence through the carelessness of
his men—Conduct of Colonel Williamson—The matter is
brought before the magistrates of Queen Square Office—The
Author is fined—Remarks.
CuaprER XI.—The Author’s reflections upon the conduct he
has experienced—Writes for his mother and insane brother
to come to town—His business increases—Becomes corn- .
factor—Opens another shop in the Strand—Is placed in_a pe-
rilous situation on London Bridge—Makes his will—Remarks
upon making a will—Increased business— Another establish-
ment at Brentford—The superior quality of his bread—Un-
founded aspersion respecting it—The slanderer is tried and
convicted—Treachery of friends—Reflections on friendship—
Detailed account of the conspiracy—lIncreased extension of
business, and supplies the metropolitan barracks.
CuapteR XII.—Difficulties settle down—The Author is ap-
plied to, to use his exertions to make peace in the trade—A
meeting is held for that purpose, and the Author takes the
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR. ie
chair—A second meeting—Resolution psssed—Remarks upon
envy, slander, and integrity—On the varied character of man
—To give and require credit in matters of sale and purchase,
a bad system—Advance in medical skill—Benevolence of
Lord Robert Seymour—Interview with him—His lordship
sends the Author a patient—The case and cure of Cross—
His gratitude—Author’s illustration of the effects his medi-
cines are designed to produce—Further illustration —Result
of practice—Mode of Practice—Causes of gout—First and
successful trial of gout ointment—Misrepresentation of a case
—Second cure from using the ointment—The effects pro-
duced—Varied pursuits of the Author.
CuapterR XIII.—Lords Seymour and Howden induce the Au-
thor to give up business—He quits it—Reflections—The selfish
and benevolent contrasted—The latter illustrated in the case
of a young widow—Sin of ingratitude—Lllustration—Disin-
genuous conduct of medical men—Herbal medicines the most
natural—Resolution never to neglect business, nor spend
money uselessly—Illustration—Takes leave of Mark Lane—
Compliment paid by Mr. N —Address to the young—
The Author’s success in his practice—Reflections upon his
progress—Difference in the pursuits and habits of men illus:
trated.
Cuaprer XIV.—The Author’s undertaking adventurous—He
invents a portable steam-bath—His house fitted up for pa-
tients—First case, and cure of paralysis—Second similar case
—Opposition of the profession—Reference to medical patients
—His invention of the spirit bed-lamp—An account of it—
Directions for its use—General utility—Publishes his first
work on diseases of the joints and the scalp—Invitation to at-
tend a public board—Is prevailed upon to go—The Author’s
interview— Subsequent proceedings—Novel undertaking with
a lawyer—Legal opinion against the undertaking—Success—
And legal consequences.
Cuaprer XV.—Lawyer’s case continuned—His letter to the
Author—Second letter—-Money obtained, and father’s credi-
tors paid—Author’s attention first drawn to the subject of in-
374 AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR.
digestion—Domestic calamity-—Reflections—Scarlet fever—
Restoration of a wife and daughter—Second edition of work
on gout—Persecution of a female quack—Her acquittal—
Female quacks—Innocence sometimes suffers—An occurrence
at Birmingham—A young man saved from disgrace—Opinion
of the Duke of Wellington.
—
Cuoaprir XVJ.—The Author visits General Sir
Friendly reception—The Author is forced to appear in a new
character—A discovery—Remarks on the danger of person-
ating a superior rank—
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