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Please enter a valid web address * About * Blog * Projects * Help * Donate * Contact * Jobs * Volunteer * People * Sign up for free * Log in Search metadata Search text contents Search TV news captions Search radio transcripts Search archived web sites Advanced Search * About * Blog * Projects * Help * Donate Donate icon An illustration of a heart shape * Contact * Jobs * Volunteer * People 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 stars cessabenta gegen) Sengeye yoy trsseeee meeeeenn weg tyne a nweumemmamen cere oe aobvanitatoniaa csi laleYitavhccontt 40k ees cuaratey iSgeeiesgl WAurUarURsisa (beatae? paabanasnens a as. tres vesnaiabeldleleh seonssecabeertesdserbecteecte’-lucerttattrneish{ssnetreetamrenasresessstet scasinaiyiscetata Hienohcietaninssee resid lnunsaangarsseyare shy sires rsenitreseee monet pers Sekau-uancenets#ii ges peassathCia” eezrs-teniens ceeat snc} terbamsboriecermiesiasstaieieneleisleiistisnieiessteasaiaricslseinninuenenmanesnssssiis! | 6 pugs’ pensnirsaneimeastesenmcetnit 14a avuncnauianecsiqnsteneensetiteserwiatscheemlelshusabeleisizinnesessietsmexseresicns | ee SS. .i/e beh | sadresenanrunencotasresraietet tieistanststesasehtRetihesseetaAereaUsrGeeEse QOMBEEseSeerste re tet Tene Ml tess CEES LESMNLAPALEMTESTPINES SVS TSESSSSSSSOSSSS SSS | = WoneseLsctieeast ® ectdarremmerewer aterm EEERREETEREE REESE ER EET LEE NT Hy iy RAL t - = aan cae NE mnt “s =) eames iasbaaatanee oe" sal rere ated cy . ~ wee aa os eek vee te me tvwnte: — 4, - eS istdiat edsseainenite woe sons ~ te ene scremaena aoe ok mene tene stare, sees -+ ame astbe eve - al seed. ore: — os re Janeen ot nee COU 0 tt ao A py Seen ~ wenneee onal earaceenconun snicareectasianersssmanaree —< a Di FT aa aaa ~—-eet nga rte ate ~ ns = _ ———— rt SN UNO EIT OD Ear ” a mn . eqeineprennanatniasnnctoren are als ae seinen Tint : a ote : = ne ee seer aot semesy — ‘ soehctt dasamsa Sat SIT eee serene er reer LEE eins , + ee - a2 Ese SOMO Se SORE Z anon ae negernenmneemeses ere winnie ROPES tI aL cece O-4 ° 7 Sear sac emegn scien ntchcninenstinnesstonmealn — manoew nssene -_ - i re ae t ee 4 s i PROV ET Nt ee Pe Ra COLA ATS SRENTIN HS SANT Tee BT Fete AUS ARE LSS ne ar an eer tere cien ea 3 ae rer i, SL Bios a ‘ we aan in a pene, ¢ vai 16 M® S. WW. TILKE, PRACTICAL | BOTANIST. | Born al Stamoulh, Devon, IP tage 1794. ares ries ‘e 3 Seaman y : ee E ‘ Lid SE PORATTNN A AN hie a MR TOI IONE RD nabanbat ac asie crane Ay f ren Nemec ROLE RO HIKE SRGUN Y eRPoE ET é ELEC AC EY RRR LAREN ATARI OA AER PS Lithogroghed by Wi Clerk, 202 High kotha 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. igi a aie sen'T . we a ‘ Th tabi edt i é Att AGaR a Ue ‘., Aste M : . d aot 2 ofA PUL ie pi : Ge é tA, ily PG iy tee Abn? #1) ehviee aot Ag - ~ ; te 4 : , Dinah tas WSN) ab ft | | visdg “OR Seah: + Nie » ate 5 a cesuiliniand wet + baalas shania ah % sf be} a ‘ Paw es - aga: yt (030, een ie: : A Reece Bo. Z Coun tre Taber tn ‘bs ta 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. 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