OR THE WATER-CURE: ITS PRINCIPLES PROCESSES, AND MODES OF TREATMENT. COMPILED IN PART FROM THE MOST EMINENT AUTHORS, ANCIENT AND MODERN, ON THE SUBJECT: LATEST METHODS ADOPTED BY PRIESSNITZ. ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS CASES OF CURE. BY JOEL SHEW, M. D. FOURTH EDITION, IMPROVED AND ENLARGED. NEW YORK: FOWLERS AND WELLS, PUBLISHERS, 1851. It will at once be observed, that in the following pages there is no claim to originality. The compiler has for a time had his attention directed to the water-cure, and has with interest witnessed its progress. Having been perfectly convinced of its value, and of its superiority as a system for the treatment of disease, he has been engaged in writing with a view to publicity; but as different works upon the subject have from time to time appeared in Europe-works of merit-some of which are of very recent date, he has thought best to adopt the maxim that "amidst counsellors there is safety," to substitute in a great measure portions of those works in such a way as it is hoped will render the present work one of value. The writings of the several authors will show for themselves. Let it be understood, however, that the compiler does not intend that it shall be inferred that he agrees with all that is said. Various have been the objections urged against hydropathy. By high authority, we have it classed among the various delusions that are, and that have been, and of which it is said, they "In turns appear, to make the vulgar stare, Till the swoll'n bubble bursts, and all is air." So it has been ranked in this country; but nearer the retired spot of the "primitive philosopher," Priessnitz, it is different. There, in abundance, are to be found the "hard telling facts." The actual cures have been performed. There has been raised the cry of danger! danger! instead of delusion. As to the dangers in the practice of the water-cure, what are they? Precisely not greater than are to be found elsewhere-not greater than to open a vein or an artery, and to draw out that fluid upon which life so much depends; or to introduce into the stomach, or the circulation, the most virulent and deadly poisons in nature-things of every-day practice. The administration of pure clean water cannot certainly be attended with more danger. |