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Leader (1850-1860), 11th October 1851, Edition Country of 2, Page 16

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      Philosophy Of The Water Cure. The Philos...

      "As all the vital functions are performed immediately by the organic nerves , and mediately through the capillary vessels ; and as derangement of these systems are the proximate causes , or material conditions of diseased action ; to rectify this derangement , to restore their lost energy to the nerves and 10 the capillaries , is the final end and object of all rem < dial a g ents . All drugs and medical therapeutical resources whatever , infinite as they are in number and modification , are reducible in their ultimate action to the simple and unique object of increasing the tone of the nerves and capillaries . This result remedies produce by their action either as stimulants or

      seda" All the complicated divisions and subdivisions of the Pharmacopoeia resolve themselves finally into nothing more or less than these two grand classes of agents , namely stimulants and sedatives ( if indeed the primary action of all remedies is not stimulant , and the secondary result sedative ) . The effect of stimulants is directly to call forth , in diversified ways , a temporary or permanent increase of nervous energy . The effect of sedatives , as bleeding , derivation , purgatives emetics , diuretics , diaphoretics , and evacuints of all kinds—with the more or less prolonged application of cold—is to diminish capillary tension , to equalize the general circulation , and to remove or diminish that general excitement of the heart and arteries by the continuance of which local inflammation may be produced or prolonged .

      " It is the inefficacy of drugs fully to accomplish these ends , that increases their number , and necessitates their change . If any single drug or remedy could be produced , at once easy of access and simple of control , and which should safely and efficiently bring about these two grand objects of stimulation and sedation , either singly or combined , according to the necessities of the case—then a valid substitute would be found to supersede the exhaustless and oft poisonous compounds of the Pharmacopoeia . Beyond all controversy pure cold water makes good its claims in this respect . According to the mode and dose of administration , its action is preeminently sedative or stimulant . No single medicine or combination of medicines can compete with it either in power , certainty , or safety of action .

      Philosophy Of The Water Cure. The Philos...

      " The effects of the impression of cold are widely opposite , according as it is prolonged or transitory . " When the operation of cold is prolonged , that is , when heat is abstracted more rapidly than it is produced , in the whole or in a part of the body , cold is a sedative . It first depresses ,, and , if continued , extinguishes the vital manifestations—exhausting that sensibility and irritability of the organic structures , which is the exclusive endowment of life , and the condition indispensable to the healthy performance of their functions . The intrinsic operation of cold , therefore , is sedative .

      " The sedative power of cold is prirnaril y exerted on the nervous centres . It blunts sensibility ; and , by diminishing the afflux of blood to the part whereon it acts , by constringing its capillaries , and making them propel onwards their contents , it takes off the vascular tension that keeps up nervous" irritation . It thus removes , or prevents from accumulating , the first material conditions and elements of inflammation . No other known means effect this so efficaciously or so promptly . Cold , therefore , by the justest title , establishes its claim as the best Antiphlogistic .

      " The sedative effect of cold is in direct proportion to the inability to generate animal heat , the lowness of the temperature , and the duration of the exposure . When the application of coldis transient or brief , it is a stimulant . It augments the sensibility and irritability of the tissues ; exalting the vital principle ; developing organic activity ; increasing nervous power and vascular action . This stimulant effect is un indirect result of the operation of cold ; and is the exclusive effort of the conservative powers of the economy to repel un invading foe—a principle whose unchecked action is ( JeHtructive to life . This counteractive organic effort is culled Keuction .

      " Reaction is , cot'teris paribuu , in direct proportion to the coldness of the water , the suddenness and durution of the immersion , the vigour of the circulation , and the heat of the surface and extremities at the moment of contact . " The excitement or increased action produced by drugs is a premature and factitious using up of the energies of the frame , at too grout an expenditure of its vital endowments—irritability and sensibility ; a proportionate languor and exhaustion , or collapse , always follows . The stimulus of water produces a permanent exaltation of the vital energies , without any subsequent collapse .

      " Much if not moat of the benefit of the stimulant power of water lies in the shock of ita audden application— the instantaneous and vivid impression made on tho nervous centres by the change effected on so largo a surface as that of the body—and the energies of the entire organism which are thus aroused . " The excito-motory , or upinul uyutcm , is the medium of this impression , and the route along which tin ; increased energy of the nervouH centres diffuses itself in increased contraction of the muscular fibren . Hence cold , applied to tho head or Hpine , equally lulls morbid Bciihibility , or arrests husmorrhoge , in a diHtant part , iih when applied to the seat of the affliction , lit net ) the power of strong nervoUH impressions in syncope ami asphyxia , whether applied at tho nervouH centres or the tixtremities . The actions denominated flyinpathoiic are referred distinctly and

      exclusively to the spinal marrow . Orev nl ^ T "" matter , wherever situated , elaborates nervous e £ S ? The ganglia ( centres of grey matter and bovuZP power ) form a beautifully connected chain th ™ , u out the body , subservient to excito-motorv aoH The spinal marrow is but a chain of ganglia . on « " If the impression be momentary or brief and + i , vital poweVs not previously sunk too low the £ and large vessels react on the severe constriction t ? for an instant paralyzes their functions * and creased vigour of circulation , and development" !" * ^^^ EZZ'JSTlti . ^ tf ^^ mersioa be a little more prolongedthis constriction

      , increas to congestion : the blood repelled from the surfao accumulates in the larger vessels of the interior 3 the circulation is weakened . Reaction is more ' sW to ensue ; but it is stronger and more permanent T proportion as the impressioa of cold is continued hT yond this point , that is , when it is too great and ton prolonged relatively to the constitutional powers th internal congestions augment ; ineffectual struggles at reaction ensue , ending in exhaustion , torpidity and death . The sinuses of the brain , and the large veins and viscera of the chest and abdomen , are found gorged . "

      Nothing , perhaps , would more astound an ordinary person than to propose the application of cold water in a case of raging fever—the great object always being to keep the fevered body warm . Yet in support of the Hydropathy practice , and in illustration of the effect of cold , we will cite an anecdote Mignet tells of the celebrated French physician Broussais .

      Seized with a violent fever at Nimeguen , Broussais was attended by two of his friends , who each prescribed opposite remedies . Embarrassed by such contradictory opinions , he resolved to follow neither . Believing himself to be seriously in danger , he jumped out of Led in the midst of this raging fever , and almost naked , sat down to his escrutoire to arrange his papers . It was in the month of January ; the streets were covered with snow . While thus settling his affairs the fever abated , a sensation of freshness and comfort suffused itself throughout his frame . Amazed at this result , Broussais , like a

      bold theorist as he was , converted his casual forgetfulness into an experience . He boldly threw open the window , and for some time inspired the cold winter air that blew in upon him . Finding himself greatly benefited , he concluded that cool drink would be as refreshing to his stomach as cold air had been to his body . He deluged his stomach with cold lemonade , and in less than forty-eight hours he was well again !

      The Hydropathists ought to thank us for the anecdote : they will see in it a direct confirmation of their principles .

      I 972 «!> * L«Wt [Sattirbay ,

      I 972 «!> * l « Wt [ SATtiRbAY ,

      " Before Being Able To Establish Sound T...

      " Before being able to establish sound therapeutical principles for the safe and scientific employment of water in the treatment of diseases , its physiological and pathological effects must first be ascertained , — the laws of the operation of cold on the living organism attempted , at least , to be deduced ; and those morbid conditions of the body then determined which indicate or contiaindicate its various aid . This knowledge can alone enable us to employ with intelligence and success the varied powers of water , to appreciate its diversified grades of action , and to multiply oui curative resources , in knowing how to fulfil with one unique agent a multitude of indications .

      " 1 . Physiological and pathological effects of the cold bath : —In the outset of this inquiry it is necessary to premise , that hot and cold are merely relative terms . Individual susceptibility or sensation is the only true physiological criterion of hot or cold . The gradations of the thermometer are false guides . The distinctions of cold , cool , tepid , warm , hot , as applied to baths , afford no accurate data for the calculation of their effects : what is cold for one person is tepid for another , or for the same person under altered circumstances of bodily temperature or temperament ; what is hot for one is only tepid for another .

      " We now inquire into the effects of water at that temperature that produces the absolute sensation ot cold , or what is usually understood by shock . The sudden application of this degree of cold to the surface of the body determines an instantaneous change —a vivid impression on the nervous centres : probably the most powerful and momentarily perturbative physical sensation that can be experienced Buperiicial heat is abstracted ; the capillary vens <; ls , glandular orifices , and minute arteries and veins of the surface , are eonstringed ; exhalation is suspended . If the immersion be but momentary , the blood in not driven into the interior organs , and no accumulation or congestion takes place : the constriction of tho superficial ve . sHcl . s is shared by thoso deeper-seated .

      Hut if the bath be prolonged for a few ( minutes the blood in repelled from the surface , and accumulated in the larger vessels of the interior ; the skin shrinks and becomes pale . The results of these change * effected in the system are a keen sensation of cold , shivering , trembling of the limbs ; uueu . sy weight oi chest ; difficult , incomplete , and gasping respiration ; the jiul . se is diminished in frequency and force ; and the animal ternj ) erature is lowered by n few degiei h . Up to this point all the organic functions are temporarily depressed ; the duration and intensity of t , liiH depreHsioh are in relation to the neverity of the cold and prolongation of the contact , the power of generating animul heat , the constitution , predisposition , temperament , and habits of the individual .

      " This lirnt series of phenomena is now succeeded by those of reaction : the shock and unpleasant sensation subside by degrees , and give place to othera of an agreeable nature—to a general glow of heat which pervades tho whole frame ; the blood returns to the

      surface ; the skin reddens and dilates ; the circulation is mor e energetic ; respiration is easy ; the animal temperature elevated ; the exhalation free ; increased nervous power is elaborated ; every organic tissue shares the impression ; the entire system becomes preternaturally excited ; all the functions are exalted ; the whole body is buoyant with recruited energies ; and the mind and spirits partake of the general exhilaration . This energetic reaction takes place in the water , only in the case of the more vigorous subjects , and when muscular exercise is used ; in the feebler it takes place only after very transitory contact . In

      all cases , if the immersion be unduly prolonged , the feeling of warmth and vigour more slowly or rapidly decreases ; chattering of the teeth , convulsion , trembling , numbness of the extremities , languor , and exhaustion ensue ; secretion is suspended ; the pulse flags ; the features sharpen ; the eyes sink ; the nose and cheek-bones point ; the fingers and toes become bloodless and shrunk ; painful constriction of the head and chest occur ; the senses fail ; the mind is stupifled ; delirium or convulsions ensue ; the limbs become rigid ; and the individual sinks into the sleep of death , unless relief be at hand .

      " The intensity of these phenomena , and the struggles of the circulation to counteract an influence which rapidly exhausts the vital principle , are in relation to the mental and physical energies of the subject , the severity of the cold , and the duration of the contact . ' In patients rescued from this state , and in those wherein the prolonged cold stage of ague , or the collapse of cholera , has produced severe internal congestions , the reaction , when it supervenes , is proportionably intense , is morbid , is a veritable fever . * ' Individuals who habituate themselves to the use of the cold bath , by degrees are obliged to increase the length of the immersion or the severity of the cold , before reaction ensues . But when it does occur , it is stronger and more permanent .

      Books On Our Table. The World And Us Jfo...

      BOOKS ON OUR TABLE . The World and Us JForkshops : A Critical Examination of the Fabrics . Machinery , and Works of Art contained in the Great Exhibition . JJy James Ward . Second Division . W . 8 . Orr and Co . The second division of this lively description of the Exhibition and its contents , embraces the sculpture , wood-carving , designs and decorations , painting on glass , paper - staining , cabinet - work , pianofortes , papier-mache , pottery and porcelain , Bilks , printed fabrics , carpets , & c . The exposition ia familiar and unpedantic . In his account of the scul pture , Mr . Ward ' s criticism is occasionally instructive ; as , for instance , in his remarks on the " Amazon , " error of the artist in making the horse ' s cars thrown back to signify terror is pointed out . But the critic niisse » the defect of that group—viz > , in the Amazon herse-1 , whoso muscles are not in the state of tension which accompanies the act of will . Mr . Ward ' s little book is a good shilling's worth . Man and his Migrations . J 5 y Jt . J . Latham , M . D . . rt } Vun Voorst . Dr . Latham is well known as an ethnolog ist , and all lie writes deserves respectful attention . The proson little volume is a reprint of a course of lectures »« - ' - livered at the Mechanics' Institution of Liverpool , during the present year ; but it is rather a disoouiso on general points than a popular exposition of resin h . The Element * of ( hammar taunht in English toith Question * -

      By tho itoverund Kdwurd Tlirlnir , M . A . . Macinilla » and iA > - A clear , useful little work , intended for teachers and learners , and capable of familiarizing the studen ^ mind with the principled of grammar , bo as to foe great advantage in tho study of all other l «> "K . 'V On the delicate question of shall and tail , w n ( 1 Englishmen uso correctly , m by instinct , lnM ' ^ « Scotch incorrectly , as by instinct , Mr . Thruig <_ ' - deavours to lay down a decisive-rule . ^ . B 1 )( j ! \ i , J of yourself , your own " will" you are certain ot ; _ auxiliary expressing " will" is therefore tho atr ' ' word . In wpuuking of any other but yourself , ^ )? necessity or obligation from without ; - not his ' _ , ^ in what you aro molt certain of ; therefore , ^ auxiliary exprooaing conviction of necessity or ootij

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Oct. 11, 1851, page 16, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_11101851/page/16/