“In this critical state of things, when nearly every symptom of that fearful disease, puerperal fever, was invading the system, and when, according to the prescribed rules of practice, the most vigorous antiphlogistic measures would be called for, a plan of treatment was adopted that was, as it seemed to me, far more likely to kill than to cure, and which I could not but protest against at the time, but which, as the result proved, was eminently calculated to turn back the tide of disease so rapidly setting in. It certainly afforded striking evidence of the resources of hydropathy, and its promptness and efficiency in relieving pain, and extinguishing inflammation.
“Mrs. S. was carefully lifted from her bed, and after being placed in her chair, was transferred to a hip-bath, containing about one pail of water fresh from the Croton hydrant near by, of the temperature of 42° Fah. A towel, wrung out of cold water, was applied to the forehead at the same time. Of course she was well covered with blankets. She had been seated there but a few minutes, when she expressed herself as feeling very comfortable indeed. The severe pain in her abdomen and thigh had left her as if by magic, and so complete was the relief, that she fell into a gentle doze, from which, awakened by nodding, she observed, ‘There, I feel so easy now, I lost myself, I believe.’
“While in the bath, her pulse was lowered several beats in the minute; the unimmersed parts of the body remained warm; the hips were to her of a refreshing coolness. After remaining thus seated in the water about twenty-five minutes—a slight addition of more cold water, by gradual pouring, having been made during this time—she was lifted back to the bed. Her pain had now entirely vanished; the natural lochial discharge was soon restored; the pulse reduced to 94; and, warm and comfortable, she had a prospect of a good night’s rest.
“Third Day (Saturday), Seven A. M.—Found patient looking comfortable and happy. No pain now in the abdomen, slight soreness only; tympanitis (swelling) gone; tongue moist, and hardly coated; pulse 79; had had no sensation of chilliness after her bath, but slept from 12½ to 4 A. M., without waking, and another doze after that; window had been a little raised all night, and no fire in the room, though it was cool. Now was able to pass water without difficulty. Was directed to take for breakfast some coarse wheaten bread, toasted, and softened with milk, and a little scraped apple, if she wished.
“Eleven, A. M.—Mrs. S. appears very comfortable. With the aid of a friend has been up and changed her clothing. Pulse 84; complains of no pain of any consequence in the abdomen.
“Half-past One, P. M.—Had been under the necessity of getting up without assistance, and fatigued herself, and thus induced a return of very severe pain in the uterine region. Dr. S. was sent for, when resort was had again to the hip-bath, filled with cold water from the hydrant, which had with such wonderful promptitude averted the danger of puerperal fever, with which she was threatened on the evening of the second day; as on that occasion, in less than five minutes, the pain and feverishness was completely quelled. She was allowed to remain in the bath half an hour, and requested to abstain from food till evening.
“Five, P. M.—Patient doing remarkably well; cheerful; free from pains in the abdomen, save now and then a very slight one; some soreness on pressure; pulse 84, compressible.
“Ten, P. M.—Had slept during evening; had taken a little nourishment. Has some difficulty in passing water, and as occasional slight pains and soreness still continues in the abdomen, the cold hip-bath, at 42° Fah., was again resorted to for about thirty minutes. During this time the pulse was lowered from 80 beats in a minute to 70; water was passed freely, and pains put to flight.
“After the bath, the patient continuing warm and comfortable, was directed, should there be any return of pains during the night, to seat herself in the hip-bath, which was left in the room.
“Fourth Day (Sunday), Half-past Seven, A. M.—Patient had slept most of the night; looks bright; feels ‘very comfortable;’ pulse 72, soft and natural; had raised herself in bed without difficulty, and washed. On account of some difficulty in passing water, the hip-bath was used for about fifteen minutes, when the urine flowed more copiously and freely than at any previous time. Left seated in the rocking-chair; sitting up occasionally; she says it has rested and refreshed her from the first.