The writer of the above is, very probably, a little over sanguine in his opinion that the plan of treatment will prove efficacious in all organic diseases, but certainly, from our experience, we can endorse his belief as to its great efficacy in many forms of organic weakness, especially those of the generative organs, nervous system, heart and some other parts of the body. We believe that we are placing a conservative estimate upon the remedial value of these animal juices, or extracts, when we say that they are destined to fill an important place in the curative resources of the specialist in chronic diseases.
Under the head of epilepsy, also in connection with our consideration of locomotor ataxia, we shall have occasion to refer to the use of these extracts as applicable to the cure of those maladies.
Most cases of nervous diseases that come to us, for examination and treatment, do so after having tried, without success, treatment by baths, enforced seclusion, as well as unskillfully applied electrical treatment and massage. Prolonged medication has frequently aroused digestive disorders and made the patient hate the sight of the medicine bottle. In such cases our improved methods, as applied in the Institution and also prescribed for patients at a distance, enable our specialists to give relief and effect cures with a minimum of medicine. They also enable us to treat many cases of nervous diseases heretofore regarded as almost hopeless, such as locomotor ataxia, paralysis, epilepsy and spinal affections, with a degree of success which has been very gratifying alike to physicians and patients.
HEADACHE AND NEURALGIA.
There is no ill to which flesh is heir that is the source of a greater degree of discomfort to the human race than headache. The farmer, housewife, banker, merchant and laborer seem to be equally prone to the affliction and all who suffer have a great number of days rendered uncomfortable and unhappy by the presence of this most unpleasant affection. Pain is the warning finger of disease—the threatening indication of coming trouble. In headache, we have an indication that the system is subjected to some strain or injurious impression. It may be that the eyes have been overworked or the brain unnaturally taxed; or that the nervous and physical systems have not been properly refreshed by sufficient sleep, and have used up the residue of reserve power. Many suffer from headache only after they have been subjected to sudden changes of temperature and have taken cold; others only when the bowels have become inactive, the liver torpid and the blood vitiated with retained poisons.
All appreciate the discomfort that results from this malady and earnestly seek for permanent relief.
Headaches may be divided in two classes: (1) those due to the presence of poisons in the blood, and (2) those due to irritation of various organs, as of the eyes, stomach, liver, and intestines.
Of the first form, or variety, of headache, influenza, or grip, and acute "cold in the head," are the most common causes. These give rise to most excruciating pain. There is congestion, followed by inflammation in the nasal passages and cavities communicating therewith. The membranes of these passages throw out a thin, watery, irritating discharge, which gradually thickens and becomes pus-like and offensive in character, if the disease continues.