OF PULMONARY CONSUMPTION.
Pulmonary Consumption is accompanied with general emaciation, debility, pain in the side or chest, difficulty of breathing on taking the slightest exercise, and a Cough, which usually proves most troublesome towards morning. In its advanced stage, a viscid expectoration, with hectic fever and diarrhœa, ensues. The predisposing causes of this complaint are too numerous herein to detail, but the disease generally commences by a cold, taken in the winter season, which brings on at first a common cough, that from neglect settles on the lungs. The lungs become gradually and increasingly obstructed, inflamed, and ulcerated; a slow fever attends the latter stages of the disorder, when the case imports the existence of considerable danger. Those of a delicate structure and weakly habits, between the ages of 16 and 25, are most liable to this disease.
It has appeared from the calculations of an eminent Physician, that the annual mortality from diseased lungs throughout Great Britain, amounts to one hundred and forty thousand, and that from this class of disorders more than one third expire from Pulmonary Consumption. When we consider the size and peculiar construction of the lungs, their perpetual motion, the chemical process going on in them, and their exposure to the action of contaminated air, or sudden changes in its temperature, it can be no matter of surprise that Pulmonary Complaints are so frequent; and the lungs, not possessing the same natural powers of removing diseased structure, or of mutation as other parts of the body, we may account for their fatal termination from the want of application of proper auxiliaries, as counteractives. Various and contradictory are the opinions of medical men, as to the hectic fever, which is symptomatic of the disorder, being a primary disease, and some absurd notions have been advanced in support of their statements. The recapitulation of these opinions will not, however, interest the afflicted, or casual reader. One proof of the discrepance of their statements on the origin of this disease, must, however, be advanced: Dr. Young considers that, “the want of proper nourishment is the most frequent cause of Consumption.” If so, it may be inquired, how does it happen that the disease most frequently occurs in the families of the opulent? Dr. Lambe, a man of equal experience, fearlessly asserts, “that an excessive use of animal food is among the most prominent and prevalent procuring causes of the disease,” and consequently recommends a vegetable diet. Surely, it may be observed, these contradictory opinions are not likely to increase the confidence of the public in the healing art.
It has been said, and is generally believed, that Consumptions are incurable. This fact cannot be established. Moreover, the doctrine involves the most fearful consequences; for cases, which in themselves are hopeful, are rendered hopeless from the neglect of proper means, from the groundless apprehensions that no medicines can succeed, and death inevitably ensues. The patient afflicted with cough, expectoration, shortness of breath, and other pectoral symptoms, is calmly consigned to the slow ravages of hectic fever and Consumption. After a few weeks or months of suffering, he dies: this is regarded only as a matter of course. An inspection takes place—the lungs are found studded with tubercles, and an ulcer of more or less extent in some part of them. The pathologist immediately asks, in significant triumph, what possible good could medicines have done in such a case? by what mode of treatment could an organ so diseased have been restored? But another case occurs, the invalid complains precisely of the same symptoms: he has cough, expectoration, wheezing in the chest, and difficulty in breathing—he gradually falls away in flesh, and the hectic fever increases. Palliatives are resorted to, as in the former case, not to cure, which is considered impossible, but simply to alleviate his suffering—he also dies. On inspection, the lungs are found generally sound; no tubercles are discovered; but there is found to be an ulcerated spot of more or less extent in the bronchial membrane. We are forthwith informed, that an ulcerated or thickened condition of the bronchial membrane, with purulent secretion, is a fatal disorder, even although the lungs are otherwise perfectly sound: that in fact, in this case, as there was no difference in the symptoms from the former, and none in the result, so there could have been none made in the method of treatment—that remedies were alike unavailing in both.
Without under-estimating the importance of morbid anatomy, we must observe, that when it is carried to the unwarrantable length of introducing such paralysing and disheartening scepticism into medical science, it is productive of extensive and serious practical evils that counterbalance the benefits which would otherwise result from it. Hundreds, nay, thousands of cases of death are day by day occurring, exactly as above described. Indeed, it is a well-established fact, that in this country alone, the annual number of deaths by pulmonary consumption greatly exceeds 50,000.
When it is considered, further, that in every individual case of the above solemn catalogue of deaths in disease, medical skill has been resorted to, and found unavailing; the practitioner is reluctantly constrained to pronounce every similar case as equally hopeless, and beyond the power of remedies to cure. This is manifestly a fallacious mode of reasoning, leading to an erroneous conclusion.
Before we concede to the morbid anatomist, that an ulcerated or diseased lung is necessarily incurable, we demand, by what direct method can that assertion be proved, that tubercles, once existing in the lungs, cannot possibly be absorbed during life, and the healthy texture again restored? This point cannot be incontrovertibly demonstrated: who then can limit the powers of the living texture in self-restoration? The conclusion, that ulceration of the lungs is incapable of restoration, is founded only upon indirect induction, and amounts, in fact, to nothing but conjecture. There is but one way of disproving the inference that Pulmonary Consumption is incurable, and that is by an appeal to facts. If it can be established that in cases, where, from the attendant symptoms the same reasons have existed for inferring disorders of the lungs to exist, as in the case of those who die; yet that these invalids have, under a judicious mode of treatment, gradually lost these serious symptoms, and have at length recovered—an argument is made out, not only in favour of the possibility of cure in this disease, but positively that it is curable in most of its stages, by adopting those remedies which assist nature in throwing off the diseased matter, healing the injured surface by the application of balsamics and restoratives, possessing the power of new creating, in the lieu of diseased surface, living and healthy structure—so long, we again repeat, as a solitary case of cure has been effected (and there are many) under the most unpromising circumstances, philosophy and humanity alike oppose the practice of abandoning to its fate any case in which there is at least a hope of cure.
Those who allege that Pulmonary Consumption is incurable, from the results obtained by inspections after dissolution, can substantiate no claim to depreciate the efficacy of remedial agents, until they supply us with unequivocal symptoms, whereby we may determine between cases which are and which are not curable. It is mere trifling to assert that all medical means in the cure of the diseased were unavailing, and that the disorder was incurable. This is sufficiently apparent to need that information. But, what we require is, a certain criterion during the life of the patient, to form our judgment between the curable cases, and those which are pronounced incurable; which we must possess before we can admit the necessity of despair in a solitary case. No morbid anatomist has hitherto supplied us with that indispensable information: and the most we can extort from them on the subject is, that in the event of the death of the subject who exhibited certain symptoms of consumption, the disease was necessarily incurable: and the cause assigned is—ulceration in the lungs! But, in the case of recovery of a patient who has experienced similar symptoms, we are informed that there could have been no affection of the vital organs: but, no proof is offered by way of demonstration.
The cases which do terminate fatally are, doubtless, very numerous; and, therefore, the natural conviction deduced from that circumstance is, that wherever diseased lungs make their appearance, all hope of recovery is extinct, and the patient has no alternative but to prepare himself for his exit. Yet, none can deny that recoveries have been effected under the most fearful circumstances, even when solid masses of tubercle have been ejected, or spat up, by which the character of the disease has been most decisive. By reckoning some diseases incurable, and others as past the period of cure, physicians only enact a law of negligence to exempt their own ignorance from discredit and infamy in the eyes of posterity.
It is deplorable that physicians, who have shocked the constitutions of their patients with opium and mercury, never have discovered the mode of effecting a cure. They admit that the fatal issue of this disease they may retard, but cannot avert; and as to their remedies, they have no established mode of treatment; and with respect to their opinions on the origin of the disease, means of arresting it, or palliatives, but few of their number agree; and in ninety-nine cases out of every hundred, they are compelled to abandon the patient to his fate.
It is well known, that those who move in the higher circle of life are frequently the subjects of this obstinate and fatal disorder. Each family has its medical attendant actively engaged when any serious symptom of this disease appears. Patient after patient sinks into an untimely grave, under their united efforts; and the disease is generally pronounced by them of a fatal character. If then, in such extremities, remedial means are discovered which will not only mitigate, but in almost every instance cure the complaint under which the subject labours, such means are entitled to the highest commendation.
As this disorder, like several others, does and will sometimes terminate fatally, in spite of our every effort and means to control it, it is wise to adopt precautionary measures to prevent its approach. The delicate, and those who are susceptible of colds, should avoid exposures to draughts as much as possible, and the change from heated apartments to cold atmospheric air. On the first appearance of cough, they should have immediate recourse to the Balsam before recommended, to deterge the lungs from the obstructing matter—which matter impedes a free respiration, irritates and occasions cough, and ultimately produces the disease. When the disease has further advanced, the Balsam may be regularly taken in the dose of a tea-spoonful, three or four times in the day, mixed with honey (dissolved by heat, and separated from the wax to which it is often combined). The patient must avoid all indigestible meat, and take nutritious broths, jellies, &c., and refrain from spirituous liquors, as he would from a poison. He ought to take gentle and moderate exercise in the early part of the day, when the weather will permit. Whenever a disposition to constipation arises, it should be obviated by the occasional use of mild laxatives, and a salutary relaxation must on no account be checked.
In addition to the Balsam, and what will be preferable to jellies, is a beverage made of an infusion of marshmallow root, which may be freely taken throughout the day for common drink, (made warm when drank;) but no means, however excellent as auxiliaries, will supersede the necessity for the regular use of the Balsam, which imparts to the lungs a healing quality, after it has deterged them from the mucus which clogs their cells and air-pipes.
It was the opinion of the learned Hippocrates, the Father of Physic, that in lingering diseases, a slender and insufficient diet was a dangerous course to pursue; and that a more generous treatment was uniformly necessary in such cases. The strength of the patient should never be reduced, but on the contrary, whatever will yield nourishment to the debilitated system (always avoiding overloading the stomach) may be taken, with a course of the medicinal remedial means herein referred to. Those patients, particularly, who inherit an hereditary predisposition to this complaint, in whom there is a great tendency to debility, should observe an invigorating mode of living; always giving a decided preference to those articles of diet, which they have uniformly found best to agree with their stomach; [10] and that the organs of digestion may not be impaired by the performance of double duty, due attention should always be paid to the proper mastication of the requisite supplies of food, that its dissolvent principle—the saliva, may be incorporated with it, during that important act.
That diet, which most imparts vital power to the blood, and through it to the entire system, must always be preferred in pulmonary cases. By invigorating, we do not mean stimulating food—the object being to strengthen and build up; not to stimulate, and occasion an ultimate reaction, with debility—but permanently to create power. A vegetable diet yields nourishing properties to some, but, in a majority of instances, it is inadequate for the purposes of producing the required nutrition: on the contrary, animal diet partaken with a due regard to the circumstances of the case, always adapting the quantity and quality to the power of digestion, and peculiarities of constitution, so as to prevent fever and disorder, increases the power of the digestive functions, enriches the vital fluid—the blood, and gives tone and vigour to the system.
Frequent changes of air and scene will be found extremely beneficial, both in a physical and mental point of view. The sea air is, of all others, the purest—and on that account, better calculated generally, for the purposes of breathing, in weakly persons. In all air there is more or less of that principle which is essential to life; but the air which passes over an extensive tract of water is not only refrigerated or cooled, but purified; and consequently, the bad effects of the sultry heats of the summer season are counteracted. A temporary sojournment at the sea-side, for the purpose of inhaling the saline particles, with which the sea breezes are impregnated, with occasional excursions on the ocean, or short voyages by sea, will be attended with much advantage, as a means for stimulating the lungs to deeper and more frequent inspiration, and tending to enlarge the cavity of the chest, a matter of great importance. These means will be found highly serviceable, and an excellent auxiliary to the use of the Balsam herein recommended, as possessing a true tonic power, which will brace and invigorate the surface of the body, and exert a beneficial influence on the viscera, especially those connected with the digestive functions. It must, however, be observed, that there are some consumptive patients, with whom sea air never agrees—when country air, especially in the rural agricultural districts, must be substituted.
Exercise is generally beneficial when the degree is proportionate to the strength of the patient, without producing fatigue, and in a pure atmosphere, remote from large cities or towns, in situations not exposed to winds, especially the north-east. The exercise should be in the open air on horseback, the greater part of the day, in fine weather—if the strength will permit; and a nourishing diet of new milk, farinaceous preparations, animal soups, and solid animal food twice a day. The bowels to be gently relieved every second or third day, and the cough mixture—the Balsam, to be continued as before directed.
The Author’s apology for the mention of his remedy in this publication, is, that as it has for the last ten years proved pre-eminently successful, though confined within a limited compass, it becomes his duty to the public more extensively to declare it. The novelty of the doctrine, that Consumption is curable, may gain him many opponents, who would, without this public announcement, have slumbered; but he is determined at all events to persevere, well knowing that his discovery will endure the test of experience and trial, and in the issue must, like other now-approved, but once-rejected articles of the Pharmacopœia, be universally adopted. [11]
In justice to the liberally minded among the profession, it must be observed that, although most practitioners deny the possibility of Consumption being curable, there are a few of their number possessing eminent talent, who have deeply studied the subject, and strenuously contend for the affirmative of the question, corroborated by the evidence of their own experience. While an opposite opinion on the subject is maintained by professional men, equally distinguished for their knowledge of the science, and their utility in their professional pursuits—there can be no doubt but that an enlightened public will decide in favour of the doctrine herein advanced, that Pulmonary Consumption is curable.
The following Cases, illustrative of the beneficial properties of the Balsamic Elixir, in Cough, Hooping Cough, Asthma, and Pulmonary Complaints, which had previously baffled the skill of the most eminent medical practitioners, are selected from various others.
Consumptive Cough, Shortness of Breath, &c.
Sir,—I feel induced to send you the two following cases (for the encouragement of yourself, and the benefit of the public at large) of the beneficial effects of your invaluable medicine, the Balsamic Elixir. A few weeks ago, (a neighbour, who lives opposite me,) a young man of the name of James Howe, was afflicted with a most distressing Cough, Shortness of Breath, &c. He had had medicine from a Chemist in the neighbourhood, and also been under an eminent Physician in the city, but to no purpose. Indeed, the Cough was so incessant, that it seemed to threaten a lingering Consumption—when I persuaded his mother to try your Balsamic Elixir, (which they purchased at Mr. Willoughby’s, Bishopsgate-street,) and, although not more surprising than true, after taking only one bottle, was perfectly recovered.
The other case is that of a young man, about the same age as the above (twenty years,) who was also afflicted with a most violent Cough, which all the medicines he could get could not remove. The young man, above mentioned, finding the good effects upon himself of your Elixir, strongly recommended it to him; and, after taking a 1s. 1½d., and a 2s. 9d. bottle, he was perfectly recovered. The above persons have authorised me to send you this testimonial of the value of your inestimable medicine, the Balsamic Elixir; and for myself, Sir, I can assure you, if ever I should need it, I shall have recourse to the same.
I am, Sir, yours respectfully,
Ephraim Moore.
30, Spital-square, Mile-end,
New Town, Nov. 24, 1837.
Peter Redford, Alfred House Academy, Kingsland-road, about the close of July, became severely afflicted with a violent cough, incessant wheezing, attended with very great difficulty of breathing, which deprived him of rest for several weeks together, only in an erect posture, through fear of suffocation. He was attended by three skilful medical gentlemen. But his complaint still remaining unabated in its violence, he was persuaded to make trial of this excellent specific, with which solicitation, through necessity, he gladly complied, on the 5th of September; and, after taking it a few times, he felt such considerable relief in breathing, that he was induced to continue it, and in less than a week, the distressing and alarming sensations of wheezing were so far abated that he again ventured to lie down in his bed; and from this time his health and strength began gradually to increase, and were so far restored, that on the 12th of the present month (October) he recommenced his profession, in full enjoyment of accustomed health.
N.B. Only three bottles, at 2s. 9d. were purchased, and half the last was rendered unnecessary by the cure.
Wm. Harmer, Bookseller, Stroud, Gloucestershire, suffered exceedingly for several years (especially in the winter and spring) with a most distressing Cough, for which he could never obtain permanent relief; and for some time past he concluded that his disorder was a confirmed and incurable asthma: in addition to which, in the beginning of February last, he had a most severe attack of Influenza, which rendered his Cough still more distressing, and the difficulty of breathing almost to suffocation.
He states that, although he is a book-seller, and a Vendor of Patent Medicines, he never heard of this Balsamic Elixir till about a month since, when he saw the announcement in the “Patriot” newspaper, of my pamphlet, called “Consumption Curable.” He immediately ordered from his Booksellers, Longman and Co., six copies; on reading the work, he says that he felt an anxious desire to give the medicine a trial, and immediately ordered from my wholesale Agent, six 2s. 9d. bottles, and three boxes of Flemming’s Pills. In a letter, renewing his order, he observes, “By the use of three bottles, I am happy to inform you, I have obtained almost a cure; the first bottle gave me more relief than all the medicine I had taken for the preceding three months. It is my intention to keep a regular supply of the medicine, and to do all in my power to recommend it, as I can with confidence.”
In a further communication, dated 3rd August, 1837, he says, “I have been very successful in the sale of the Elixir; and in every case where its virtues have been tried, I have received a most favourable report of its curative properties.”
James Moss, Cabinet Maker, High-street, Peckham, Surrey, having witnessed the good effects of this cough medicine on one of his children, in Hooping Cough, was induced to apprize me of that circumstance, for the benefit of others. The child had, for some time, been suffering from that painful disorder. A friend, being very anxious about the child, presented the parents with a 2s. 9d. bottle of the Balsamic Elixir, and its value soon appeared in the beneficial effects it produced; for after about three or four times taking it, the disorder abated, and a few more doses removed it altogether. His age is three years.
C. Siburn, 4, Upper Bland-street, Great Dover Road, aged 40, at about the age of fifteen, caught a violent cold, which brought on difficulty of breathing, ultimately terminating in Asthma. She had been a victim to that disease ever since, and tried every remedy which medical men could prescribe, without deriving the slightest benefit. During the two last winters, the complaint rapidly increased, so much so that her life was despaired of. For weeks together she was bolstered upright in bed, from fear of strangulation from the congealed phlegm which clogged her lungs, and produced the greatest possible difficulty of breathing. It was delightful to witness the astonishment and gratitude she evinced at the efficacy of the Elixir: for, after taking a few doses, it produced expectoration in a way she never before experienced; and her breathing was instantly relieved. On the third night she retired to rest, and slept with great composure until five o’clock the following morning. She is now perfectly free from every symptom of the disorder, and has continued so ever since.
Patrick Conner, 14, Regent-street, Hunter-street, Old Kent-road, suffered greatly from a distressingly severe Asthma, demonstrated by its usual symptoms, extreme difficulty of breathing, which existed, more or less, for the last ten years. Having heard of the cures produced by this celebrated Balsam, and being then in a deplorable condition, he resolved to give it a fair trial. When he commenced taking it, his breath was very short, so much so, that it was with the greatest difficulty he could walk about; and his fits of coughing were so violent, and long continued, that he was in perpetual danger of expiring under the effort. His health naturally declined, and his flesh wasted away; and to all appearance, he was rapidly hastening into a decline. In a letter of thanks, he says, “I bless God, and am truly thankful that I ever heard of your medicine. I found almost immediate benefit from it; and, as I continued to take it, my amendment was very rapid. In short, I can now walk about, and breathe quite easy; and my cough has entirely ceased, and never since returned.”
Happily this is not a solitary case, for a vast number of patients, similarly affected, have derived equal benefit.
Frances Hunt, Little Ebury-street, Pimlico, had from her youth been subject to shortness of breath, fits of coughing, pain in the side, and general debility: from taking one cold upon another, and the neglect of a remedy, these sensations greatly increased in their length and violence, and at length terminated in the disorder called Asthma. She was exceedingly ill with the complaint last winter, and continued so at intervals, throughout the summer—the least exertion frequently occasioning spitting of blood. The parish surgeon attended, and gave her medicine, but to no purpose. Having seen an account of the Balsam, and read a case exactly corresponding with her own, induced her to purchase a 2s. 9d. bottle. She had not taken more than three doses of the medicine before she felt wonderfully better; the tightness in her chest ceased; she coughed less frequently; and her health much improved. She purchased another bottle, and before it was exhausted, she was completely restored to health.
Two of the children of Mary Ann Gorham, 3, Queen’s-row, Paradise-row, were alarmingly ill with Hooping Cough, for which various medicines were given, without effect, until the Balsamic Elixir was administered. After they had taken two or three doses each, they found astonishing relief—it having cleared away from their chests an accumulation of thick phlegm, and appeased the violence of their coughs. She continued to give the medicine, as directed, until a second bottle was consumed, when every symptom disappeared, to the evident surprise of every one who saw the child.
Mr. J. Davis, a respectable farmer of Warden, derived most essential and permanent benefit from the Balsamic Elixir. He was from early life severely afflicted with tightness at the chest, cough, and the general symptoms which characterise Asthma, for which he had tried every known remedy, without obtaining the least relief. He had recourse to the Elixir; and its efficacy was soon demonstrated in a complete recovery. He has found it to be a friend in need, to which he invariably resorts, when, from the haziness of the weather, and the dampness of the air, he renews his cold. His health has much improved since he has taken it. A better proof of the high opinion he entertains of its true virtues, cannot be given than his urgent recommendation of it to his extensive connexions in this county; so much so, as to incur the severe censure of the medical men in the neighbourhood, with whose practice he so far interferes. He is prompted to this diligence with the view of doing good; and, what may seem extraordinary, this medicine has done good in every instance where recommended.
Amidst other cases which might be cited, that of Miss Reynolds is particularly interesting. She is of consumptive make; and from a severe cold caught in the autumn, she had an unconquerable cough, with shortness of breath, and was, to all appearance, on the verge of a rapid decline. The Elixir operated beneficially. It soon allayed her cough; her breath improved, her appetite increased, and she speedily recovered strength. This interesting young lady had the best attention the faculty could give: no expense was spared—she was sent to London, and had advice of eminent physicians, but to no effect. The ecstasy of her parents, on once more beholding their only daughter again restored to health, to the astonishment of all who knew her, after the consultation of the faculty to no purpose, may be conceived, but cannot be expressed.
Mr. S. Ketchlee, 5, St. James’s-street. Bermondsey, (opposite the New Church,) has testified of the specific properties of this Balsam, which perhaps cannot be better stated than in his own words:—“Having been afflicted with a most distressing and troublesome cough for the last nine years, which has always increased in the winter, causing me to dread its approach; I felt some considerable apprehensions as the autumn advanced, in consequence of the rapidity with which my cough increased. About this period, I received the welcome intelligence of several cures effected by your Balsam, and feeling a strong inclination to test its qualities in my own experience; I purchased a small bottle, from which I soon found great relief; and by the time I had taken the second bottle, scarcely any remains of my cough were left. Since that period, I have always kept a bottle of the Balsam by me; and when I have taken a fresh cold, had recourse to it. I may say, that I never passed a winter so comfortably, and so free from the harassing sensations induced by coughing, as the last, though the weather has been unusually severe. I feel a great desire to recommend this valuable preparation to the utmost in my power; and trust the blessing of the Almighty will attend it, and that its worth may be extensively known and enjoyed by many thousand of my fellow sufferers. I could write you a long letter to state, that all means I have hitherto made use of, have failed, but think it unnecessary.”
G. Vigurs, Esq., 10, Richmond-terrace, East-street, Walworth, writes as follows:—“Your Balsamic Elixir is, in my opinion, of such unspeakable value to those afflicted with cough, hooping cough, and asthma, (many cures of which I have lately heard,) that, much as I should object to the public announcement of my name in an ordinary case, I feel much pleasure in sending you my warmest recommendation for publicity, with observations on the following cures, which have been effected in my family by its use; and shall be happy to give personal testimonials of its excellence to inquirers. Part of my numerous family was attacked in the winter of 1826 with typhus, and were sometime afterwards the subjects of violent coughs, especially a little girl, about two years of age (for the cure of which the usual remedies were tried in vain). In the course of conversation, your Elixir was mentioned, and I determined to make trial of it. The first bottle wrought wonders; indeed, the children were so far recovered, as to induce the family to abstain from its use; but a few days evidently manifested that their coughs were only arrested, so that I was induced to send for a second bottle, which completed the cures. Allow me to offer you my congratulations on the discovery of a compound so truly advantageous to the afflicted; and to express my warmest wishes that, by a wide circulation, many of our fellow-creatures suffering under such like attacks, may fully realize its beneficial influence.”
Mrs. Elizabeth Thomson, a lady belonging to the society of Friends, called Quakers, aged 63 years, occupying apartments at Mrs. Sims’s, Rye-lane, Peckham, about two years ago was severely attacked by Hooping Cough, which terminated in Asthma, and baffled every means to control it. By the recommendation of a friend, whose child had found benefit from the Balsam in a case of Hooping Cough, betraying the unfavourable symptoms of scanty expectoration, and great debility—she purchased a 2s. 9d. bottle, which completely cured the complaint. Anxious that others, afflicted with the same complaint, should derive the benefit the Balsam is calculated to confer, she felt constrained to forward a testimony of her approbation of the same, of which the above observations are the substance.
James Garie, 66, John-street, Perth, Scotland, became an Agent for the Proprietor, on the 6th of May, and his testimony to the value of the medicine is as follows:—“I am happy to inform you, that the Elixir has proved most beneficial to many in this town and neighbourhood, who have experienced speedy cures of severe colds and coughs, hoarseness, &c.; and in one particular case, * a very afflicting cough and asthma, of many years’ standing. The reports I am continually hearing of it, are most pleasing and satisfactory.”
On the following month, he further observes,—“Since I last wrote, I have received additional proofs of the beneficial tendency of your Elixir, and have myself experienced its efficacy in the case of a severe cold.
“The Surgeons show great reluctance in recommending this specific remedy, but it has cured where they could not!
“Advices from Dunkeld, and round the country, of the great value of the Elixir, is arriving daily. It is selling fast in Perth, and I have no doubt that in Glasgow, where the medicine has produced incalculable benefit, the demand will be very great. The last 4s. 6d. I had, I have sent to Dunkeld this morning; and another order for 11s. bottles is waiting to be sent to Kilmore. Forward me immediately two dozen each of the 4s. 6d. and 11s. bottles; and three Guinea bottles for LADY WILLISON, who intends to recommend the medicine throughout her extensive circle, in consequence of its efficacy.
“The Hooping Cough is raging here. My son and daughter have been severely affected by it; but both of them have been cured by the Elixir, taken in honey night and morning, in doses of two tea-spoonsful.”
* The following Testimonial addressed to Mr. Garie, is from Captain Alexander, an Officer in the Army, residing at Perth.—
“The two bottles of Congreve’s Balsamic Elixir, which I purchased in February last, I am happy to say, have totally removed my asthma, of forty years’ standing. I attribute its beneficial efficacy, under God, to its peculiar balsamic and expectorant properties, in dislodging the glutinous phlegm, which impeded the free action of my lungs—for as soon as that was removed, I could breathe freely. I am sixty years of age, and was first seized with the complaint when abroad. You are at liberty to publish this, as I think the Elixir should be made more extensively known.”
Mr. T., a respectable gentleman, residing in Cavendish-street, New-road, London, had for a considerable period experienced all the symptoms indicative of the disease called Pulmonary Consumption. The complaint originally proceeded from a violent cold, which was followed by a sense of straitness and oppression at the chest, with great difficulty of breathing, violent cough, and great and general emaciation of the body. When he heard of the Balsam referred to in this treatise, he had previously tried almost every other remedy, with little or no advantage. He, therefore, commenced a course of this medicine, under the most unfavourable circumstances. The remedy succeeded in promoting expectoration of slimy matter from the lungs to a considerable degree. Symptoms of amendment rapidly followed; and, as he persevered with the Balsam, his difficulty of breathing ceased. By the advice of his attendant, he then had recourse to the beverage referred to, (page [10],) with the usual doses of Balsam, as therein directed, and the patient became convalescent—although physicians had previously pronounced the cure altogether hopeless.
Joseph Lamoreaux, Esq., 33, Green-street, Grosvenor-square, with the sanction of his nephew, who is one of the liberal of his profession, (a surgeon in the Royal Navy,) having heard the fame of this Balsamic Elixir, was induced to try it, and had purchased several of the 4s. 6d. bottles, and derived from it very considerable benefit, in one of the worst cases of harassing cough, with scanty expectoration and impeded respiration. Being desirous of obtaining one of the bottles at One Guinea, he begged I would give him a call, with a bottle of that size, to be paid for on delivery—as he was particularly desirous of communicating to me personally the vast benefit he had found from taking the Balsam; and of suggesting the best mode of taking it. I called upon Mr. L., and was highly delighted with his favourable report. In addition to which he presented me with a card of recommendation, defining the peculiar benefit he had derived from the medicine, addressed to Dr. Hitchman, Leamington, Warwickshire; which was forwarded to that gentleman, with a letter on the subject; and, on the 28th of that month, Dr. Hitchman called upon me, to ascertain on what terms he could be supplied with the medicine.
This Balsam has been patronised by some of the most eminent medical men in this country, by whom its qualities have been tried and approved. To some of them the author and proprietor of the pamphlet and medicine has sent considerable supplies; and its virtues have not only made astonishing proselytes to the doctrine advanced, with reference to the speedy cure of pulmonary complaints, coughs, and asthma, in this country, in Scotland, and Ireland, but in Van Diemen’s Land, Malta, the East and West Indies, America, and various other parts of the Continent of Europe, not only is a new light dawning on the mind, but the fame of this remedy is expanding its beneficial influence on the system with the velocity of lightning.
Amongst other interesting circumstances, may be noticed that of the late Rev. Rowland Hill, late of Surrey Chapel, Blackfriars-road, who patronised the use of the medicine, and derived from it singular benefit, in cases of obstinate cough, to which he was subject; as also did many distinguished individuals in his congregation; and other ladies of title and respectability at Bath and elsewhere, whose names we are not permitted more specifically to mention.
Miss Clark, a respectable lady, who attended the ministry of Mr. Hill, after having suffered exceedingly from a most terrible and alarming cough, was induced to purchase a bottle of the Balsam, from the representations of a lady, who had on several occasions procured it, to distribute among the poor; and administered it to others with the most marked advantage in pulmonary complaints, asthma, and confirmed coughs. The effect of the first dose was, she said, truly astonishing—it gave her immediate relief. At night she ceased from coughing and enjoyed tranquil repose: her cough gradually disappeared; and, in a short time, she became perfectly convalescent.
The Balsamic Elixir is prepared only by the Author, H. Congreve, Shepherd’s Bush, and sold retail at 4s. 6d., 2s. 9d, 1s. 1½d., and in Family Bottles, at 11s. and 22s. each. There is a considerable saving in purchasing the larger bottles. The Proprietor’s name, “Henry Congreve,” is written by him across the Stamp. All others are counterfeit preparations.
Messrs. Hannay and Dietrichsen, 63, Oxford-street, London, are appointed sole wholesale agents for the sale of the above, and the following most valuable preparation, mentioned in pages [7] and [11], which is also compounded by the Author:—
Under the distinguished Patronage of
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF SUSSEX,
Dr. FLEMMING’S QUININE and CAMPHOR PILLS, a celebrated remedy for Indigestion, Nervous, Bilious, and Liver Complaints. As a mild aperient, and fine stomachic, they are unquestionably unequalled by any other compound, as they uniformly invigorate the digestive organs, and operate most beneficially throughout the entire nervous system. “Their great merit consists in their mild and gentle operation, inducing a healthy tone of stomach, creating an appetite and relish for food, promoting refreshing sleep, and dissipating morning languor, and general nervousness; and, in short, resuscitating the system.”—Letter of C. Bushman, Esq., No. 3, Addison-place, Notting-hill.
Sold in Boxes, containing a Pocket Manual; or, Concise Treatise on Indigestion, Diet, and Regimen, &c. A work of great importance to those whose limited time will not admit of their perusal of other complicated and voluminous productions on this subject. Price 4s. 6d. each, and eight of the small size boxes of Pills: also, in Boxes of 2s. 9d. and 1s. 1½d. each. See that “Henry Congreve” is signed across the Government Stamp.
Sole wholesale Agents for the Proprietor, Hannay and Dietrichsen, 63, Oxford-street, London, by whom Dealers in the Country are supplied on the usual terms; and sold by all Venders of Patent Medicines in the United Kingdom.
W. Tyler, Printer, Bolt court, Fleet-street, London.