450 ST. VITUS'S DANCE. 



except to homeopaths. Of the good effects of the practice .1 can 

 testily, not only from my own experience, but that of many others 

 for whom I have prescribed. 



The rubbing wet-sheet, and all hydropathic appliances which 

 tend to bring the blood to the surface, will not only be found useful 

 in warding off sea-sickness, but also in supporting the strength. 



The wet-girdle is an excellent remedy in this affection. In 

 some cases it wards it off entirely, and in others it serves as an 

 efficient palliative. Priessnitz showed his rare shrewdness and 

 knowledge of the laws that govern the human system, when he 

 advised, as a remedy for sea-sickness, that a heavy wet-girdle, tightly 

 applied, be worn constantly, and re-wet often, without removing it. 

 Sailors know by experience that a girdle, even though dry, is useful; 

 and we know, also, that a wet one is still better. In the convales- 

 cence from sea-sickness this remedy is particularly valuable. 



ST. VITUS'S DANCE. 



The rubbing wet-sheet and wet frictions generally are to be 

 highly recommended for their an ti -spasmodic and tonic effects. The 

 wet-pack, properly managed, is valuable for its soothing effects. 

 There is, in fact, no hydropathic process which cannot be brought to 

 bear in this disease, as we find it in different cases. Dr. Wood, and 

 various other authors, also mention the good effects of sea-bathing. 

 It should be managed, of course, upon scientific principles, according 

 to the nature of the case. As with other potent remedies, what 

 might be valuable for one, would in the case of another produce only 

 harm, and perhaps dangerous effects. 



STRICTURE. 



Water, if persevered in, is even more effectual than drug 

 enemata; it leaves the bowels in a much better state and much less 

 liable to future constipation. If there are concretions within reach 

 in the lower bowel, they can sometimes be scooped out at once with 

 the finger or a spoon-handle. Clysters of pure water, often repeated, 

 aid the bowels in throwing off masses of tnis kind. In intussuscep- 

 tion it is a sorry method to drug the stomach with cathartics, for by 

 their action downward they tend inevitably to make the evil worse. 

 Using very largely of clysters and at the same time cold applications 

 to the surface to stimulate the movements of the bowels, will no 

 doubt cure this formidable difficulty in some cases. The same also 

 in twisting of the intestines. 



SCROFULA. 



The general treatment should be tonic and purifying, that, in 

 short, which is best calculated to restore and preserve the general 

 health. All of the hydropathic appliances come into play, according 

 to the strength and power of endurance in the case. 



