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