622 PLAIN FACTS FOE OLD AND YOUNG 



by the fact that men also sometimes suffer from this 

 curious malady. The phases which it assumes are so 

 numerous that we shall not attempt an accurate de- 

 scription of it; neither is this required, as there are 

 few who are not familiar with its peculiar manifesta- 

 tions. It simulates almost every disease. Even con- 

 sumption and other formidable maladies have been so 

 completely simulated by this disorder as to deceive 

 physicians of long experience. 



The foundation of this disease is almost always laid 

 in some indiscretion by means of which disease of the 

 uterus or ovaries is induced. Not infrequently it is 

 the result of self -abuse. The disease should not be re- 

 garded as a trivial matter, wholly the result of a dis- 

 eased imagination, and requiring only mental treat- 

 ment, since it is a real malady, dependent upon morbid 

 states of the system. It requires substantial and thor- 

 ough treatment, as much as rheumatism, dyspepsia, 

 or any other of the numerous diseases to which human- 

 ity is subject. Persons suffering in this way usually 

 have low vitality, a great loss of nerve tone, excessive 

 irritability, and deficient will-power. They should be 

 taught that by the. exercise of sufficient will-power, the 

 peculiar manifestations of the disease may be con- 

 trolled. 



A warm sitz bath, a daily hot vaginal douche, daily 

 hot fomentations to the spine, followed by a cool towel 

 rub, are measures which will often be found of great 

 service in these cases. Vigorous muscular exercise is 

 also a curative means of great value. We have fre- 

 quently recommended swimming for patients of this 

 class, with excellent results. 



