“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.”