Chapter LIII: Introduction (23)

Four years ago while reading a chapter in Dr. Pierce's Common Sense Medical Adviser, I noticed that no hesitation was made in stating that a permanent and radical cure of varicocele could be made at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute. I went to the Hotel and the result was I returned home in eleven days permanently cured. I cannot speak in too high praise of the surgeon, and his delicacy and kindness in performing a painless operation; or of the nurses, who almost hourly visit the invalids and minister to their comfort. The Institution is fully equipped and nothing is left undone that can relieve suffering. I conversed with a great many patients while at the Invalids' Hotel and language could not express their delight at their treatment there.

I earnestly urge all invalids to save time and suffering by being treated at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute where the latest and most improved methods are used, and operations are made painless and where everything is delightful and comfortable. I owe my life to the tenderness and skill of the surgeon and nurses at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.

Very truly yours, CLARENCE F.L. DEHAVEN,
Haynes, Hocking Co., Ohio.

VARICOCELE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I can say that while in your Institution I received the best of care and attention both by doctors and nurses; that your operation was almost entirely without pain; that my virility has increased since then as well as the tone of my general health; that your Institution is as commodious and cheerful as one could wish. Your patients with whom I became acquainted while there nearly all seemed to be well pleased with the ease and comfort of their surroundings as well as the manner in which they were treated for varicocele.

Respectfully,
FLAVIUS BROOKS,
Sinnamahoning, Cameron Co., Pa.

BAD VARICOCELE OF MANY YEARS' STANDING.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I take pleasure in recommending your Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute as first-class in every respect. Some four years ago I was there and had an operation performed on me for a very bad varicocele with which I had been troubled some 15 or 20 years. The operation was made painless by the use of local applications. After staying at your place about twenty days (longer than is generally necessary) I was able to make my long trip home. The operation was a very successful one, considering the long time my trouble had been neglected, as I have suffered little or no inconvenience since. I saw a very large number of patients at the Invalids' Hotel from all parts of the United States and Canada, and all of them seemed to have a very high opinion of the treatment they were receiving from your Specialists, and I know personally, of several remarkably successful operations performed by your skillful surgeons while I was there.

Respectfully, D.E. MOOREFIEID,
Nathalie, Halifax Co., Va.

VARICOCELE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--Having been operated upon at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute for the cure of Varicocele, which was caused from heavy lifting, I take pleasure in informing you that it is entirely cured; it was a varicocele of a number of years' standing and a bad case. It has been three years since I was operated upon and I have not experienced any trouble from it since; in fact, I feel that I am now entirely cured. _The operation is painless_ and gives entire satisfaction in every respect.

I advise all who are suffering from this or any other chronic disease to take treatment at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute and they will be well rewarded by so doing.

Yours respectfully,
DAVID H. MILLER,
Markle, Huntington Co., Ind.

VARICOCELE OR FALSE RUPTURE--DUE TO STRAINING AND OVERWORK.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo. N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I can bear testimony to the removal of the difficulty for which you treated me, for I had been to experts in Philadelphia and they did not know how to perform the operation, and said I could not be cured. I was treated by experts in Albany and other cities, but all for no use. I went to the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute and was operated upon and find I am cured. The treatment in every other respect was good; everything was done to make patients happy and pleasant; the best of care and attention was paid to all.

Yours truly,
W. McGOWAN,
Orbisonia, Huntingdon Co., Pa.

VARICOCELE OR FALSE RUPTURE--TWELVE YEARS' STANDING--CURED IN TEN DAYS.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--Having been operated upon at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, Buffalo, N.Y., for the radical cure of a Varicocele of the left side, from which I had suffered for twelve years, I take pleasure in certifying to the speedy and certain relief afforded, and the painless nature of the operation as performed by the surgeon of the World's Dispensary Medical Association. Ten days from the time of the operation, I returned home radically and permanently cured. I desire to express my thanks to the medical staff for their skill and attention.

Gratefully yours,
N.H. SHARITZ,
Box 22. Rural Retreat, Wythae Co., Va.

VARICOCELE AND RESULTANT WEAKNESSES.

WASTING OF STRENGTH AND MANLY VIGOR--NOW STRONG AND WELL.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I am unable to find words to express my feelings of gratefulness and gratitude that I owe to your Institution, for the able and gentlemanly treatment that I was favored with during my stay with you, by officials and attendants in their respective capacities, in every department. Nothing was left undone that could possibly be of benefit to me or add to my comfort, and to your Institution, your treatment, which in my own experience I have found to be marvelously wonderful, I feel to-day as if I owe my health, my strength, my life; for I firmly believe if it had not been for your timely and painless treatment, instead of writing to you at this time, being in the enjoyment of health and strength, I would be filling a place in an insane asylum or an invalid's grave. And it may not be more than just to your wonderful treatment to say that the Varicocele and resultant weaknesses was of about fifteen years' standing, during which time I had spent time and money with both physicians and quacks, without any result for the better, and when my life blood was daily wasting away, and the powers of manly strength and vigor were completely gone, by an act of Providence I went to your Institution as a last resort, for life or death. I was painlessly operated upon by you for my complaint, from which time I have steadily improved in health, strength, weight and vigor, until I have gone from 135 pounds, my weight when operated upon, to 174, at which I tip the balance as I write to you to-day. If the afflicted everywhere could only realize that so many lives may be spared by your wonderful treatment, none would stay away.

You are at liberty to give my testimony to the world in whatever way it may be of most benefit to you. I also enclose a photograph of myself that has been taken since the effects of your treatment have been shown. With feelings of much gratefulness, I am,

Very truly yours,
ROBERT B. WILLS,
No. 23 Elizabeth St., Hagerstown, Md.

RUPTURE OF SPERMATIC VEINS.

VARICOCELE (FALSE RUPTURE)--PREVIOUS OPERATOR LEFT PART OF SURGEON'S NEEDLE IN FLESH; SUCCESSFULLY EXTRACTED AT INVALIDS' HOTEL.

"WHAT I THINK OF THE INVALIDS' HOTEL AND SURGICAL INSTITUTE:"

The Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute is an Institution first-class in every respect, presided over by a capable, honest and pleasant lot of medical experts who certainly know their business. I cannot speak of it too highly.

I was treated there in the summer of 1887, for Rupture of the Spermatic Veins, previous to which I had been operated on two different times, with no relief, by a doctor here in this place cracked up to be one of the best in Northern Illinois, and an officer of the Chicago Eye and Ear Infirmary. The operation at the Invalids' Hotel was perfectly painless, did not have to take any anæsthetic, neither was I confined to my bed at all, and the result a perfect success; while in the two previous operations I had here at home, I was confined to my bed a week each time and another week scarcely able to move about, be sides getting worse each time with pain enough to drive one crazy. But the half has not been told. About two and a half years after I had been cured of my difficulty at Buffalo, I commenced having terrible pains in my leg and abdomen, for which I could not account, and after standing it until it seemed as though I would be glad to die, I again consulted the Invalids' Hotel; after a thorough investigation they operated on me where my pain seemed the most apparent, and dug out a piece of a surgeon's needle something over half an inch in length, that had been broken off in the first operation I had by the doctor here at home, and so admitted by him when confronted with it. I have spent lots of money and nearly six years of the worst pain man ever stood getting relief, while had I known of this place on the start, an operation with no pain whatever and scarcely more discomfort than a sore mouth after having a tooth removed, would have ended it all.

In conclusion, I will say to any poor sufferer, don't do as I did and put your trust in the would-be greatest doctor you have at home, but go to this place at Buffalo, where you will have proof of their ability, and where you will surely meet patients about to leave, cured; others on their way to recovery for the same difficulty you may have yourself, no matter what it is, if curable at all; a place where you will have the kindest of attention, the best of medical and surgical skill, and where you can see sufferers going away every day with hearts full of gratitude and happy.

Respectfully, CHAS. P. MORSE,
311 North Avon St., Rockford, Ills.

VARICOCELE-FALSE RUPTURE CAUSED BY INJURY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--In the year 1866, sometime in July, I jumped from a load of lumber to the ground, and at once felt a sharp severe pain along the spermatic cord of left side of scrotum, preventing my walking to the house without help. The veins near the cord filled to such extent that they seemed solid, and could not be reduced for some time. I went to a good doctor and by him was advised to "pay no attention to it, it will not amount to much." From that time I suffered continually, and will not try to describe what I endured until I was relieved by a surgical operation performed on me by the surgeon-specialist of the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, of Buffalo, N.Y. After working-hard for several years my suffering increased and I was advised to consult Prof. L., of Chicago Hahnemann College (of Homeopathic School) and by him was informed an operation of tieing the veins (choking them off) could be performed but 90 per cent (if I remember rightly) of the operations proved fatal. I decided not to try it. By accident I learned of your great skill, and though my case was of twenty-one years' time, and my health and strength gone, I considered the method plausible and reasonably safe. I had the operation performed, and now after six years have passed, I can say with satisfaction, there is little to be noticed or remind me of the past years of misery. The parts are of healthy-color. Urine has assumed a natural appearance, both sides of scrotum seem in size alike. No bandage is worn and for two years has been discarded. My weight increased and for two years prior to the taking of my photo, I did the work of handling a third-class post office, doing a money order business of $50,000, not losing a day in that time, and at the present time in this hot climate, I have been doing outdoor work, some of it hard, and with mercury at 100 degrees. I have worked and found no need of a bandage; and no unnatural relaxation of the scrotum or veins is noticed.

If anyone wishes to write me, they are at liberty to do so. If my experience can be of benefit to any, I will answer all enquiries, and in a general way will now say no one should delay attending to such difficulty, for if the blood is in a reasonably healthy condition your surgeon will operate in such a way that the result will be all right in time. I send photo taken in 1891.

Respectfully, GEORGE W. McCOLLOM,
Monrovia, Los Angeles Co., Cal.

VARICOCELE.

Sanborn, Barnes Co., N. Dak., Aug. 9th, 1895.

PROPRIETOR INVALIDS' HOTEL AND SURGICAL INSTITUTE, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Dear Sir_--Having been afflicted with varicocele and loss of manhood and having heard so much of the cure for these troubles at the Invalids' Hotel. Buffalo. N.Y., I went there and was operated upon. The operation itself is nothing to bear. It is painless and the result is a radical cure. For this you have my sincere thanks. I take pleasure in recommending your Institution to all sufferers and know that it is in every respect just as claimed to be. I would say to all who suffer from this trouble: go to the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, at Buffalo, N.Y., and you will get relief. You will receive kind attention from all.

Very truly yours,
George Bignall.

VARICOCELE AND GENERAL DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I can bear testimony to the removal of varicocele, for which you treated me. I had been in the habit of getting out with the boys and trying to see which could kick the highest with one foot on the ground, and it caused me to have varicocele. I went to my home doctor and he treated me with no success. It was getting worse all the time and I got out of shape all over. My health got bad and I thought my case hopeless. I had tried two doctors and received no benefit.

I had one of your little Memorandum Books in my pocket, and one day, looking through it I saw you treated such cases, and wrote you and received word in a few days that you would treat me, so I sent off for one month's treatment; and in five months I had gained my weight back, and that was eight years ago and I feel sound and well and my health has been good ever since.

You are at liberty to use my testimony in whatever way if may be of most benefit to you.

I also enclose a photograph of myself that was taken soon after your treatment.

With feelings of much gratefulness, I am,

Very truly yours,
J.L. RIDINGS,
Clarence, Shelby County, Missouri.

VARICOCELE AND NERVOUS DEBILITY.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I commenced treatment, I think, in July or August, of 1888, and continued four months. My case was nervous debility of fifteen years' standing.

I tried home doctors but found they were only aggravating my case. I also tried the Remedy Company, then of St. Louis, who claimed to perform wonderful cures with their "Pastiles," but they proved utterly worthless. Having come in possession of Dr. Pierce's little book and circulars, a perusal of the same convinced me that my health would not be trifled with at his Institution.

I was a poor man and could not afford much experimenting. I ordered one month's treatment, and at the end of this first month, I found, to my surprise, that I was feeling different. The second month, still more surprised at my returning health. Third month thought I was cured, and engaged myself to a young lady, and wrote you to that effect, and you advised me with your congratulations to marry, and to order another month's treatment; and at the end of the fourth month I was a _man_, something I did not know what it would be like to be before.

I have now been married five years, and have two healthy children--a boy and a girl. I would never have dared to marry had it not been for your medicines. I must add that during this treatment I was troubled with varicocele on left side. I wrote you this at third month of treatment, and you sent without extra charge, a Suspensory and Lotion, and two months' treatment cured me sound and well of this distressing malady; I have not felt the least symptoms of its return.

I want the world to know what a competent and honorable firm the World's Dispensary Medical Association is. I would love to shake you by the hand. May God let you continue to be a help to mankind is my prayer.

Yours truly,
D.A. WALTON,
Marion, Grant County, Ind.

BAD VARICOCELE OF LONG STANDING.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I feel many obligations to your noble skill, as physicians. I was treated with much kindness by physicians and nurses. I was surprised to find such a speedy cure of such a bad case of varicocele of long standing; the operation was entirely painless and I felt a great change in myself, as a result of it. Am so glad to tell any sufferer of that terrible disease to apply to you at once and be cured, for I am sure I could not have lived long as the pressure and burden was so great _I could scarcely be on my feet at all_; any work in an upright position was impossible.

Now it has been five years since I was operated upon and I feel well of that disease--varicocele attended with impotency or weakness of the generative organs, caused by varicocele.

Thanks to the good physician who relieved me--hope he may live long and be able to relieve all that submit themselves to him for treatment, as I did. I found everything that had been described to be just so in regard to the Staff and Institution.

Gratefully yours, J.M. ELAM,
Flat Rock, Scott Co., Va.

DOUBLE VARICOCELE AND STRICTURE OF URETHRA.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I have taken treatment from you for several months for nervous debility, and although I am not quite fully cured as yet, I have been greatly benefited, and believe, if I had come to you before I was duped and swindled by different quacks and was more dead than alive, I would to-day be a thoroughly well man.

I have also been to your Institute twice for surgical operations, and cannot too highly praise the Hotel, or the skill and care of the attending surgeons and nurses. They are gentlemen in every way and the Invalids' Hotel is just as represented.

I shall advise all suffering from chronic diseases to go to you for relief, as I have never seen any one there who was not cured or greatly benefited.

Very truly yours,
CHRISTIAN HANSON,
Austin, Mower Co., Minn.

INDIGESTION, CONSTIPATION, VARICOCELE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Dear Sirs_--In regard to my condition of health, will say, although I am not entirely well, yet I have received much and lasting good from your treatment. My digestion was improved greatly, so that little trouble is experienced after eating; my liver seems to act reasonably well, and my bowels are much better. My varicocele I consider entirely cured, as I have not used the bandage for one half day for more than six months, and do not experience any inconvenience from that source.

Yours truly,
HARLAN HODGES,
Keota, Keokuk Co., Ia.

BAD VARICOCELE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--Having been operated upon at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute for the radical cure of a bad varicocele, from which I had suffered for eight years, I desire to express my thanks to you for your kindness and skill. And I would advise all persons, needing surgical or medical treatment, to go to the World's Dispensary Medical Association.

Respectfully yours,
WILLIAM H. DELLINGER,
Vincennes, Knox Co., Ind.

VARICOCELE.

Cambridge, Furnas Co., Nebr.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--With great gratitude toward your most valuable Institute, I feel indebted to you for the cure of varicocele. I was troubled ten years with this annoying disease, caused, I think, by being thrown from a horse. My case was of a very obstinate character. I was treated by a leading specialist of Omaha, Nebr., without success and without being in the least benefited. I expended the neat little sum of $500, and then sank back in despair, losing all hopes of a cure. I had previous to my treatment in Omaha noticed a little hand or Memorandum Book of the World's Dispensary, and again one came to my notice. I mustered up courage to write to you, and in June, 1892, I visited your Institute for treatment. I was treated by the best skilled surgeons and given best attention by experienced nurses. I met a number of patients while under treatment troubled with various and complex diseases, who expressed their gratitude to the Faculty of the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute. The operation performed was rendered painless, owing to local applications previously applied. After the operation, which was about 11 o'clock, A.M., I rested until 12, noon, and responded to the dinner call as usual. I was required to remain but ten days, then returned home, a distance of some twelve hundred miles. I wore a neat fitting support for about six months, and then abandoned it and have gone as nature created me. Oh, what a relief. I had worn a "suspensory" for about six years. I have had no return of former trouble, it being now about two years since the operation.

To any suffering with varicocele I must say, "don't delay, but place yourself under treatment at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, Buffalo, N.Y., and you will say as I do, 'The half has never been told.'" With earnest wishes for your future success, I am,

Yours truly,
E.L. Brown

VARICOCELE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I wish to inform you of the success of your treatment of me for varicocele on the left side and its attendant weakness, etc. I am now happy to say that through the agency of your surgical skill and the efficacy of your medicine, I am healthy, strong, and a perfect man. I suffered for about two years previous to the operation with acute pain in the parts, and continued mental anxiety. I desire to express my entire satisfaction that, during the ten days that I remained in the Invalids' Hotel, I never experienced such uniform kindness and attention as I did from the attending surgeon and from all the attachees, and that I recommend all persons similarly afflicted to consult you, and they can be sure to find the way to happiness.

Respectfully yours,
D.E. RIGHETTI,
Cayucos, San Luis Obispo Co., Cal.

VARICOCELE

OF TWENTY YEARS' STANDING--CURED "WITHOUT PAIN.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I take great pleasure in recommending the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute. After trying my home physicians without obtaining any permanent relief, and growing constantly worse, I went to this famous Institution and submitted to an operation for varicocele. This was a perfect success, and soon I felt like a new man, and as strong as I ever did. I feel that nothing I could say would do justice to this renowned Institution. In every way, it is kept in advance of the age. The staff of physicians and nurses spare no pains to make the visit of every one pleasant as well as beneficial in the highest degree. I would urge all sufferers afflicted as I was, or with any chronic disease, to avail themselves, without delay, of the skillful treatment to be obtained of the specialists of the World's Dispensary Medical Association, for I am confident that they will receive all the benefit that can be obtained from medical or surgical treatment and care.

Yours truly,
CHAS. H. BOYLE,
Fort Benton, Choteau Co., Montana.

VARICOCELE.

SPENT $500 WITH OTHER DOCTORS TO NO PURPOSE.

Bryson, Jack Co., Texas.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I had been troubled with varicocele for nine years, and had given up ever being cured. After spending $500.00, with medical quacks I then went to the World's Dispensary Medical Association as a last resort. One of their skillful surgeons performed an operation upon me which was entirely painless. I conversed with several other patients, who had the same disease. They seemed happy to know that there was such an Institution that could relieve suffering humanity. The surgeons and nurses were so good and kind to us and gave us the best of attention and even the patients had a very fraternal feeling toward each other.

Your Institution is finely equipped and has the best of accommodations. Accept my thanks.

Yours truly,
A.D. Bryson

A BAD CASE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 663 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I have been cured of an almost life-long difficulty by the skill of your specialist, and heartily thank you for the successful manner in which the operation was performed in my case. The result is complete and perfect relief, and as time advances I can each day more fully appreciate the value of your Institution. The time spent there I shall never forget, as it was a time of extreme pleasure to me. The operation was _perfectly painless_ and did not confine me to my bed, and this taken with the extreme kindness of every one connected with the Institution, made the time pass in a very happy manner.

I consider your Hotel first-class in every respect, and would heartily advise all sufferers from chronic ailments to visit you before giving up their cases as hopeless.

Respectfully yours,
H.C. DECKER,
Dresbach, Winona Co., Minn.

VARICOCELE-CAUSED FROM STRAIN.

Montague, Sussex Co., N.J.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--In reply to your inquiry concerning my treatment, I cheerfully give you the following testimonial: "I was troubled for many years with a very bad varicocele, which I received when a boy while jumping. The complaint troubled me exceedingly. I tried almost every known means to effect a cure, but with no avail, for the more I doctored the more aggravated became the disease. After thus suffering for many years and knowing of the fame your Institution had attained in curing such diseases, I at last consulted your specialist in that class of diseases--was operated upon and returned home in ten days, a sound and well man. I can recommend your Institution to all suffering humanity as the most home-like, your nurses the most attentive and specialists the most skillful the world can offer. May you long be the benefactors of mankind."

Yours truly,
F.L. Van Etten

VARICOCELE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--The result of your operation, performed one year and a half ago for a case of varicocele of twelve years' standing, and which had troubled me very much, has cured me entirely. I am thankful to God that He put it into my mind to visit your Surgical Institute. I cannot recommend your skill too highly.

Yours truly,
ED. H. MAHNKEN,
Smithton, Pettis Co., Mo.

VARICOCELE.

Medora, Billings Co., N. Dak.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--Having been operated upon at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, Buffalo, N.Y., for the radical cure of a varicocele on the left side from which I suffered four years, I take pleasure in certifying to the speedy and certain relief afforded, and the painless operation, as performed by the surgeon of the World's Dispensary Medical Association. Ten days from the time of the operation I returned home permanently cured.

I desire to express my thanks to the Medical Staff for their skill and attention.

Gratefully yours,
Geo. O. Reid

A STRONG ENDORSEMENT.

_To whom it may concern_:

This is to certify that I took treatment at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, Buffalo, N.Y., and I was cured of a chronic trouble that had been maltreated by other physicians. While there I saw a man who had been cured by the specialists, who had before been given up to die by the best doctors in Troy, N.Y. Of course, the case must have been a very stubborn one. I afterwards saw a man here, in Georgia, die, who, if he had been in Pierce's Surgical Institute under the treatment and care of his skilled doctors and nurses, I know would have most assuredly got well. Why? Because it was only a cage of _stone in the bladder_, and they are easily cured at Dr. Pierce's Surgical Institute. I think almost any chronic disease can be cured there, if taken in time, judging from my observations while an inmate of that Institution.

H.E. BANKSTON,
Barnesville, Pike Co., Ga.

* * * * *

HYDROCELE,

OR DROPSY OF THE SCROTUM.

This malady consists of a collection of water in the _tunica vaginalis_, or membranous sac which contains the testicles. It may affect either one or both sides. In health the sac-like covering, or investing membrane, of the testicle secretes a limpid fluid which lubricates its inner surface. When secreted in excess, it accumulates and constitutes _hydrocele_.

The tumor commences at the bottom of the scrotum and grows very gradually, while hernia, or rupture, with which it is often confounded, progresses from above downwards and makes its appearance suddenly.

We were recently consulted by an aged gentlemen, whose disease a distinguished surgeon had pronounced _double hernia_. On examining the enlargement, we found the disease to be dropsy of the scrotum, complicated with varicocele.

CAUSES. Injuries from blows or bruises are among the most common causes of this disease. It may also result from inflammation of the testicle or from excited action in those parts. It has been known to result from stricture of the urethra, or water-passage, and also from local irritation along that passage.

HYDROCELE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Dear Sirs_--In answer to inquiries will say, that any person afflicted as I was, I would advise them not to listen to any ordinary doctor, but leave at once for the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, Buffalo, N.Y., where he could get the best of treatment and attendance that money could procure. The table also is loaded with the best of fruits, vegetables, and the finest meats of the markets.

Respectfully,
H.H. WILLIAMS,
St. Augustine, Florida.

HYDROCELE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--Without solicitation, but simply to aid suffering humanity, I take pleasure in recommending your place to any suffering from Hydrocele.

I was cured in a short time, after having the Hydrocele for eighteen years. Your new process is painless, no knife being used and is certain, sure and safe. With many good wishes of success, I am,

Yours truly, DAVID FLYNN,
(Engineer, S.F. & W. Ry.,)
Way Cross, Ware Co., Ga.

HEMATOCELE OR RUPTURED VEINS.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I was afflicted with Hematocele of large size, caused by an injury, for which home-treatment gave me no relief.

Hearing of your Invalids' Hotel I went there and had an operation performed for its cure. I have the greatest confidence in your Specialists, as the operation was a perfect success. It was perfectly painless, and I was able to go home in less than two weeks with the cure complete. I take pleasure in certifying to the good work you are doing.

With the best of feeling toward the Invalids' Hotel, I am,

Yours truly,
DON PARKER,
P.O. Box 155, Oakfield, Genesee Co., N.T.

HYDROCELE WITH VARICOCELE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--About five years ago, having been a patient at, the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute and undergone a painless operation for the cure of hydrocele and varicocele--which was performed to my entire satisfaction. I desire to express my thanks to the Medical Stuff for their skillful treatment of my case. Two weeks from the time of the operation I returned home, radically and permanently cured.

I recommend all similarly afflicted to consult the World's Dispensary Medical Association.

Yours truly,
DANIEL HUNTINGTON,
Huron, Beadle Co., So. Dak.

TWENTY-TWO YEARS' STANDING--UNSUCCESSFULLY TREATED BY OTHERS.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--I wish to acknowledge that you have cured me of the worst case that ever came within my knowledge, it having afflicted me twenty-two years. After I had suffered much from other surgeons without any cure being effected, and with only relief for a short time, you performed a not only painless but very scientific operation, and with medicine completed the cure. It is now five years since you treated me and no symptoms of the disease have shown themselves. I will also add that while with you at the Invalids' Hotel I received the best of care and attention from the well trained nurses in your employ, for all of which I feel grateful.

With respect and best wishes,
EDWIN L. WATERS,
Athol Centre, Mass.

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THE URINARY ORGANS:

THEIR ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY.

By reference to Fig. 1 the reader will get a good understanding of the relative positions of the kidneys, bladder, and adjacent organs.

THE KIDNEYS.

It is hardly necessary to discuss the minute structure of these organs in a book intended for the non-professional reader.

The function of the kidneys is to remove certain waste materials from the blood. As fast as excreted by the kidneys, the urine passes through the ureters, of which there are two,--one leading from each kidney, into the bladder. The ureters are lined with a continuation of the mucous membrane, reflected from the bladder upwards, and this lining also extends to the cavities of the kidneys.

Calculi or gravel, and stones, forming, as they sometimes do, in the kidneys, and passing down through these delicate and sensitive canals, cause excruciating pain. The symptoms of renal calculi passing from a kidney to the bladder are, as already indicated, severe cutting pain in the loins, and along the ureter, attended with considerable fever. A very rough stone, such, for instance, as a mulberry calculus, passes with considerable difficulty, and the patient is often suddenly seized with excruciating agony in the loins and in the groin, the pain also shooting down into the testicle of the corresponding side, often causing it to retract. There is usually, also, sympathetic pain shooting down the thigh. We have seen patients roll on the floor in the greatest agony, cold sweat meanwhile pouring down their faces, when thus suffering. The patient may also vomit violently, through nervous sympathy. The urine is apt to be bloody, and there is a constant desire to pass it. There is pain in the end of the penis, and also in the lower portion of the abdomen.

THE BLADDER.

This is a sac, or reservoir, to receive and hold the urine as it comes from the kidneys through the ureters. Its walls are partly composed of muscle, and partly of a lining mucous membrane. The muscular coating is external, and it is by its contraction that the urine is expelled. When empty, the bladder shrinks down to a small size, as compared with its distended condition. When filled, it is capable of holding about one pint. If it is distended by the retention of urine much beyond this capacity, the muscular coats lose their force, and often the urine cannot be passed naturally. In health, when the bladder becomes filled and distended, there is a consequent desire to empty it by passing water.

The voiding of the urine should not be attended with the slightest pain or disagreeable sensations, and the desire to pass it should not be frequent. When there is frequent desire to pass it, or when its passage is attended with pain, there is irritation, or inflammation, in the coats of the bladder, or in the urethra. This may arise from an excessively acid or irritating condition of the urine, as well as from various other causes. Gonorrhea, or clap; stricture of the urethra, which impedes the free flow of the urine; enlargement or inflammation of the prostate gland; gravel, and stone in the bladder, are all capable of creating a frequent desire to pass water. Whatever the unhealthy condition may be which gives rise to this troublesome symptom, it calls for prompt and skillful treatment, for the most trivial affections of these organs often pass into those that are exceedingly intractable, if not incurable.

THE EXAMINATION OF THE URINE. The urine itself, when subjected to microscopical or chemical examination, as we shall hereafter more fully explain, offers the best means of determining the exact nature of these distressing affections. When normal, the urine is of a pale straw-color, and throws down no deposits on cooling. In passing it no difficulty or pain should be experienced, and it should spurt from the urethra in a full, round, and regular stream, until the bladder is entirely emptied. If the stream is forked, checked, or interrupted in any way before the bladder is completely emptied, it is evidence that something is wrong. Stricture of the urethra, prostatic disease, and gravel, or stone in the bladder, are all capable of producing obstruction to the free flow of the urine.

HOW SLIGHT AILMENTS BECOME DANGEROUS DISEASES. As we have before stated, the mucous membrane lining the bladder is reflected upwards into the ureters, lining these canals. By reason of this continuity of mucous surfaces, patients suffering from urethral, prostatic, and bladder affections, often die from disease of the kidneys. It must not be supposed that because stricture of the urethra does not co-exist with _Brights_ disease, that the latter may not have been caused by the obstruction in the urethra due to stricture. Pulmonary consumption, for instance, often begins in the form of nasal catarrh, but, by the continuity of the mucous membrane, it travels, so to speak, into the throat, or pharnyx; from the pharnyx into the larnyx, and then into the lung structure itself. The disease is transferred from the nose into the lung tissue. What occurs in the nasal, laryngeal, and pulmonary tract of mucous membrane, happens, also, in the urinary tract. A gonorrhea, which is a specific acute inflammation of the urethral canal, leaves behind it a slight gleet, or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the urethra. This may give little inconvenience for a number of years, but gradually it culminates in a stricture, or, implicating the prostatic portion of the urethra, occasions inflammation of the prostate gland, and, perhaps, enlargement of this organ. This gradually gives rise to cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder. From the bladder, the disease travels up the ureters into the kidneys, and finally _Brights_ disease is established in these organs.

The mucous membrane lining the bladder also extends through the urethra. Throughout the interior of the body, whether it be in the stomach, lungs, or other parts, this lining mucous membrane serves as a protection to the parts beneath, just as the skin on the exterior of the body serves as a protection to the sensitive true skin and the tissues underneath it.

THE CAUSE OF CERTAIN DISTRESSING SYMPTOMS. Close to the neck of the bladder is a triangular space, on which the mucous membrane is smoother, and devoid of folds, or rugae, and which is far more sensitive and vascular than other portions of the mucous membrane lining this organ. It is called the _trigone vesical_. This _trigone_ is the most depending part of the bladder. If there be stone in the bladder, it naturally gravitates and rests on this sensitive space, so that, when the bladder is empty, the foreign body occasions inconvenience, until the urine, trickling down through the ureters, and intervening between the mucous membrane and the stone, serves as a temporary protection to the mucous surface. Hence the pain becomes less as the urine is secreted, until the water is again passed, and the intervening fluid thereby removed, when the stone again presses upon, and irritates, the sensitive _trigone_, by coming into more immediate contact with it. The greater ease with patients afflicted with stone experience in a recumbent position in bed, or on a sofa, compared with being in an erect posture, is easily explained. The foreign body, when the patient is standing, walking, or riding, falls by its own gravity on this sensitive spot; when in a recumbent position, it rolls away from this sensitive _trigone_ into the back part of the bladder, where the mucous membrane is less sensitive; consequently, the patient suffering from stone in the bladder is more easy at night, whereas, one suffering from prostatic disease, whether it be inflammation of the prostate gland, or enlargement of that organ, is usually worse in bed.

HOW BLADDER DISEASES COME TO BE CONFOUNDED WITH OTHER DISEASES. The bladder is largely supplied with blood-vessels, lymphatics, and nerves, given off from the same systems that supply the rectum or lower bowel, and in females the uterus or womb, and the ovaries. This accounts, in a great measure, for the symptoms of bladder disease in those afflicted with piles, or other diseases of the lower bowel, or of diseases of the uterus or womb in the female. We have frequently been consulted by patients who had erroneously supposed themselves to be suffering from disease of the bladder, or of the prostate gland, but whom we found, on examination, to be suffering from hemorrhoids, or piles. In these cases, by removal of the pile tumors, the frequent desire to urinate, and all pain in the region of the bladder, are promptly relieved. Sometimes, ulcers located in the rectum, give very little unpleasant sensation in the bowel, but produce pain in the bladder, with frequent desire to urinate. Enlargement of the uterus, the womb, or displacements of that organ, as prolapsus, or anteversion, and all capable of producing symptoms of bladder disease. A frequent desire to urinate and more or less sharp pain in the region of the bladder are usually experienced in these cases. Disease of the bladder, in like manner, often produces an apparent disease of other organs through sympathy, and without great care in diagnosticating each case, the _effect_ may be taken for the _cause_, and the patient treated for a disease which does not really exist.

THE URETHRA.

The urethra, in the male, is the canal extending from the bladder to the end of the penis, through which the urine is passed. This canal starts from the base of the bladder, passes through the prostate gland, and, entering the penis, continues of about uniform size along the under part of the penis until it reaches the glans, or head of that organ, where it expands somewhat into a bulb-like fossa, or cavity, and becomes reduced again at the orifice. At a short distance from the bladder it receives the outlets of the seminal ducts. The urethra is a most delicate and sensitive canal, and is surrounded by tissues of like delicacy, and is lined with a mucous membrane which is highly vascular, and filled with sensitive nerves. The introduction of any instrument into this canal is to be undertaken only when absolutely required, and when necessary. It should be so skillfully and carefully effected that no pain or irritation can result. The slightest awkwardness is liable to cause an unnoticeable injury, which may result in a false passage, or an effusion of plastic lymph around the canal, which, organizing, forms the most troublesome kind of organic structure. By proper and early treatment all danger and pain is avoided, and a cure effected in a very short time. In an extensive practice, in which we yearly treat thousands of cases, we have never yet failed to give perfect and permanent relief from stricture, or disease of the prostrate gland, without the necessity of using cutting instruments of any kind, when we have been consulted before injury to the urethra has been produced by the improper use of instruments. Having specialists who devote their entire time and attention to the study of these diseases, we are able to relieve and cure a large number painlessly and speedily, in which the awkward manipulations of physicians or surgeons, whose hands, untrained by constant and skillful use, not only fail to effect any benefit, but set up new, or aggravate existing, disease.

This subject will receive a more full and complete consideration in another part of this treatise.

THE PROSTATE GLAND.

The prostate is a gland of about the size and shape of a large chestnut, lying just in front of the bladder, and surrounding the urethra. The size of the prostate gland varies considerably with the age of the person. In early life it weighs but a few grains. As puberty approaches it becomes larger, and in the adult weighs from half an ounce to an ounce. In old age it enlarges considerably, and sometimes presses upon the bladder so as to impede the flow of urine. This condition is often confounded with stricture, gravel, or stone in the bladder, by inexperienced physicians. Hypertrophy, or enlargement of the prostate gland, is not an unfrequent disease in the adult or middle-aged man. Being in close contact with the bladder, when it enlarges it encroaches on the bladder, pressing on it, and it has the effect of interfering with the function of urination. As before indicated, enlargement or hypertrophy of the prostate gland, is often confounded with stricture, gravel, and stone in the bladder, by inexperienced physicians, and treated accordingly. The true condition of this gland is readily determined by an examination through the rectum or lower bowel, the finger of the expert surgeon being able to determine at once whether it is enlarged or not.

THE DANGER OF BAD TREATMENT. In disease of the prostate gland, as well as in inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, stricture of the urethra, and many other forms of urinary disease, the use of stimulating diuretics, and the much-advertised "kidney cures," "buchus," and similar preparations, which largely increase the flow of urine, simply aggravate, and do positive harm. In fact, the most difficult cases that we have had to deal with have been those that, through such treatment, either taken on their own account or prescribed by inexperienced physicians, have been rendered so much worse as to make their cases very intractable, and tedious to relieve and cure.

REQUIRE NICELY ADAPTED TREATMENT. As we have heretofore indicated, there is no class of diseases that require nicer adaptation of medicines to each individual case, than those of the urinary organs. Medicines which, in one stage of these diseases are beneficial and curative, in another stage are often exceedingly injurious. Hence it is that we claim it to be impossible for any one to put up any set prescription, or proprietary medicine, that will meet the wants of a large percentage of this class of cases. The only rational course to be pursued is to examine carefully each case as it is presented; find out the exact condition and stage of the disease with which the patient is afflicted, and then prescribe for it such special medicines as are nicely and exactly adapted to the patient's condition. These, in many cases, will have to be changed from time to time, to suit the ever-changing condition of the disease, as it is modified by the treatment. Not only have the manufacturers of "buchus," "kidney cures," etc., committed grave errors by prescribing stimulating diuretics for almost all kidney and bladder diseases, under the impression that, as the patient passes only a small quantity of urine at a time, the kidneys should be stimulated to secrete more, but physicians in general practice have been very prone to commit the same error in their practices. When the bladder and kidneys are in a weak and diseased condition, incapable of efficient action, the bladder being already unable to dispose of the diminished quantity of urine secreted, it is simply outrageous practice to administer medicines calculated to stimulate the kidneys to perform more work. By being thus forced, these organs become seriously diseased. It would appear most unreasonable to whip and spur a horse already jaded from overwork. Common sense would dictate rest, which always does good; but, as the bladder is weak, the doctor whips up the kidneys with drugs, thus endeavoring to force them to secrete more urine, and thereby the poor, crippled bladder, which is incapable of disposing of even the diminished quantity secreted, is actually made to do more work in a diseased and feeble condition, than it would perform in a sound, strong, and healthy state. The results of this pernicious practice are _Bright's_ disease of the kidneys, cystitis or inflammation of the bladder, and numerous other grave maladies.

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KIDNEY DISEASE.

Diseases of the kidneys are generally very slow in their inception, coming on gradually and manifesting no special symptoms of their presence until they have assumed a formidable character. For this reason they are the more dangerous. Simple derangement of the urinary secretion is no evidence of disease of these organs, as changes in the color, quantity and specific gravity of the urine are often produced by changes of temperature, active or sedentary habits, mental emotion, and sometimes by articles of diet, or drink, as well as by the use of different drugs.

The existence of disease of the kidneys in the early stages can only be positively determined by a microscopical and chemical examination of the urine, which reveals to us the presence of casts, epithelia, blood, pus, etc. The microscope informs us not only of the presence of disease, but very often of the particular portion of the kidney in which it is located, as well as of the stage which the disease has reached. We are also aided by chemistry in determining the exact abnormal condition of the kidneys by the detection of albumen, sugar, etc. These examinations, by aid of the microscope and chemical re-agents, should never be neglected by the physician. Without them his diagnosis, or judgment of the patient's condition, is simply guess-work. With them he is enabled to base his treatment upon certain and positive knowledge of the patient's real and true condition.

The usual symptoms of chronic disease of the kidneys, but which vary materially with the age, constitutional peculiarities and temperament, are weakness in the small of the back, pains in the region of the loins and groins, numbness of the thigh on the side of the affected kidney (for often only one organ is affected), high-colored and often scalding urine, many times depositing a sediment, sometimes white or milky urine, bloody urine, frequent desire to pass the urine, partial impotency, pains in the testicles and shooting into the loins, suppression or inability to pass the urine, gravel, stone in the bladder, dropsical swellings, swelling of the testicles, irritability and pain in the bladder, mucous and sometimes seminal discharges oozing from the urethra.

WHEN THE BLADDER IS AFFECTED the prominent symptoms usually complained of are irritability of the bladder, accompanied by a frequent desire to urinate, inability to retain more than a small quantity of urine, and this for a short time only, pain in the region of the bladder, extending into the back, thighs, etc., hot scalding sensations in passing the urine, sediment in the urine, and sometimes bloody urine. The appetite is usually diminished, there is a depression of spirits, the urine is often passed only by drops, and is irregular in quantity and quality, frequent inability to pass the urine at all, in males partial impotency, with dull disagreeable pain in the testicles and irritation of the urethra, attended with mucous and sometimes seminal discharges oozing from the urethra. Some of these symptoms may be present as the result of functional or organic disease of other organs than the kidneys or bladder, and to distinguish them with positive certainty is impossible without the aid of a microscopical and chemical examination of the urine.

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BRIGHT'S DISEASE.

This affection may appear in either an acute or chronic form. The acute form is frequently a complication, or sequel of scarlet fever, diphtheria, cholera, typhoid fever, erysipelas or measles, and is frequently developed by intemperance. The acute form of the disease is very rapid in its progress, often destroying life by uraemic poisoning--the retention of urea in the system.

The symptoms of the acute form are diminution or suppression of urine, dry skin, chills, thirst, pains in the loins, and a general dropsical, puffy condition of the system, especially manifesting itself in the earlier stages under the eyes, but gradually showing itself in the oedema, or swelling of the feet, and lower extremities generally. Unless promptly relieved, the patient dies of coma (stupor), or from convulsions. No person should be so rash as to attempt the treatment of this dangerous affection without the aid of the best medical skill that can be procured.

IT IS THE CHRONIC FORM OF BRIGHT'S DISEASE that we propose principally to discuss in this article. True Bright's disease of the kidneys is an insidious and most fatal form of organic disease.