In the first stage of many acute affections which, if unheeded, gradually assume a threatening aspect, endangering life and demanding the services of the most skilled physician to avert fatal results, the early administration of some common domestic remedy, such as a cathartic, or a diaphoretic herb, associated with a warm bath, a spirit vapor-bath, or a hot foot-bath, will very often obviate the necessity for calling a family physician, and frequently save days and weeks of sickness and suffering.
So, likewise, are there numerous, acute diseases of a milder character which are easily and unmistakably recognized without the possession of great medical knowledge, and which readily yield to plain, simple, medical treatment which is within the ready reach of all who strive to acquaint themselves with the rudiments of medical science. But in sudden and painful attacks of acute disease, life may be suddenly and unexpectedly jeopardized, and immediate relief prove necessary. While under these circumstances the prompt application of such domestic treatment as good common-sense may dictate, guided by a knowledge of those first principles of medical learning which we shall hereafter endeavor to make plain, may result in speedy and happy relief, yet at the same time there should be no delay in summoning a competent physician to the bedside of the sufferer.
Then, and not the least important, there are the various chronic or lingering diseases, from all of which few individuals indeed, who pass the meridian of life, entirely escape. In this class of ailments there is generally no immediate danger, and, therefore, time may be taken by the invalid for studying his disease and employing those remedies which are best suited for its removal. Or, if of a dangerous or complicated character, and, therefore, not so readily understood, he may consult either personally or by letter, some learned and well-known physician, who makes a specialty of the treatment of such cases, and whose large experience enables him to excel therein.
In consideration, therefore, of the foregoing facts, we deem it most profitable for our readers that Part Fourth of this volume should be arranged in the following manner:
The milder forms of uncomplicated, acute diseases, which may be readily and unmistakably recognized, and successfully managed without professional aid, will receive that attention which is necessary to give the reader a correct idea of them, and their proper remedial treatment.
We shall devote only such attention to the severe and hazardous forms of acute diseases as is necessary in order to consider their initial stage, with their proper treatment, not attempting to trace their numerous complications, or portray the many pathological conditions which are liable to be developed. For, even by devoting much space to the latter, we could not expect to qualify our unprofessional readers for successfully treating such obscure and dangerous conditions.
We shall devote the largest amount of space to a careful and thorough consideration of those chronic diseases, which, by a little study, may be readily recognized and understood by the masses, and for the cure of which we shall suggest such hygienic treatment and domestic remedies as may be safely employed by all who are in quest of relief. In the more dangerous, obscure, or complicated forms of chronic diseases, the correct diagnosis and successful treatment of which tax all the skill possessed by the experienced specialist, the invalid will not be misled into the dangerous policy of relying upon his own judgment and treatment, but will be counseled not to postpone until too late, the employment of a skillful physician.
The apportionment of space which is made in considering the various diseases and their different stages, as well as the course which the people are advised to pursue under the different circumstances of affliction, is not always in accordance with the plans and recommendations which have been made by others who have written works on domestic medicine. Most of these authors have attempted, by lengthy disquisitions, to teach their readers how to treat themselves without the services of a physician, even in the most hazardous forms of disease. In such dangerous maladies as typhoid, typhus, yellow, and scarlet fevers, typhoid pneumonia, and many others, in which life is imminently imperiled, such instruction and advice is decidedly reprehensible, as it may lead to the most serious consequences. We are confident, therefore, that the manner of disposing of the different subjects which are discussed in the succeeding chapters, and the course of action which is advised, will commend themselves to our readers as being such as are calculated to promote and subserve their best interests.
MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS.
Skill in the art of healing is indicated in three ways: (1.) by ascertaining the symptoms, seat, and nature of the disease, which is termed diagnosis; (2.) by foretelling the probable termination, which is termed prognosis; (3.) by the employment of efficacious and appropriate remedies, which is called treatment. Of these three requisites to a prosperous issue, nothing so distinguishes the expert and accomplished physician from the mere pretender as his ready ability to interpret correctly, the location, extent, and character of an affection from its symptoms. By medical diagnosis, then, is understood the discrimination between diseases by certain symptoms which are distinguishing signs. Every malady is accompanied by its characteristic indications, some of which are diagnostic, i.e., they particularize the affection and distinguish it from all others.