Chapter LVI: Introduction (26)

Our specialists have devoted much attention to the radical cure of rupture, or breach, with the most gratifying results. Formerly we employed and advocated the use of the injection treatment only. This method was tested and brought to a most efficient and practical stage, so that we now apply it in the treatment of over eighty percent. of the cases that are presented at our Institution. This plan of cure, as used by us, is a great advance over that of any similar one in use, throughout the country. Our fluid is much more safe in its effects, never gives rise to the troublesome abscesses and inflammation that is common to the use of the injection fluids that have been advised on the Heatonian method. The fluid we use is a bland and healing agent, which produces an exudation behind the cords that surround the inguinal rings, and forms a well defined truss pad of moderate size in such position that the rupture cannot pass by it and appear externally. It causes also an adhesive inflammation limited to the hernial sac, that completely closes it.

This treatment is rendered _entirely painless_ by the use of a solution which is injected underneath the skin with a fine hollow needle attached to a small syringe, and which tends to produce complete local anæsthesia, or loss of feeling so that the procedure is thoroughly and carefully carried out without any risk or discomfort.

The needle used by us for the treatment of the hernia is so perfected that any possible injection of the fluid into the abdominal cavity, or upon the coating of the intestine, is an impossibility, and in no way can an injection be made into a blood vessel or nerve so as to produce any discomfort or trouble. We thus avoid all the risks that pertain to the usual plan of injection.

There is a small percentage of cases, as before stated, in which this form of treatment is not likely to give a permanent cure, from the fact that the omentum or intestine has become adherent externally, to the sac, or in the scrotum, to the coverings of the testicle. This makes the complete replacement of the rupture without cutting an impossibility, and in such cases even where the hernial opening is closed, treatment by injection only would not result in a permanent cure.

Our aim is to treat all cases of rupture that we undertake in such a manner that _by no possibility can the deformity return_. We therefore have for the cure of these cases another method, by which with our local anæsthetic fluid, we are able to perform a surgical operation without any distress whatever to the patient. The greatest risk of the old operation for rupture was the danger of general anæsthesia with chloroform or ether, or some similar agent. The great majority of individuals cannot bear the inhalation of the large quantities of these anæsthetics necessary to secure loss of feeling without consequent nausea, and at times an effect upon the heart that often results seriously. The risk from the anæsthetic is much greater than from the surgical procedure. By our method, this risk is entirely done away with. The pain dispelling fluid enables our operator to pursue his method WITHOUT GIVING THE PATIENT ANY PAIN OR DISCOMFORT WHATEVER. During the operation he is in full possession of all his faculties, and can assist in any way desired by coughing, or straining, in order, at any time, to complete the protrusion of the rupture and show its entire extent of surface when the sac is laid bare. We then replace the rupture completely; suture the sac so that the rupture will have no pocket into which to descend, and then firmly unite the rings by a plan that we have invented, and BY WHICH THEY ARE MADE MORE STRONG AND FIRM THAN IN THEIR ORIGINAL STATE.

Early in our experience, and while using the plan of treatment that is usually employed for the radical cure of rupture, we had occasional relapses of the difficulty, but since using our improved method we have had no such trouble. We can assure our patients that there is less risk of the appearance of the rupture at the point where the operation is performed than there is of a new breach forming. The success of this treatment has been invariable. None of the plans of treatment that we pursue for the cure of rupture tend to keep the patient in bed more than a few hours. There is little or no pain, after either of our plans of treatment, and out of the many hundreds which we have treated and perfectly cured, in no instance have we had any inflammation or serious manifestation--there being no fever or general reaction. It is a matter of great surprise to our patients, who undergo our treatment for the radical cure of rupture, that by our varied methods, the object is accomplished with so little discomfort and with no pain whatever.

From two to three weeks' personal attention of our specialist, is usually all that is required even in the worst cases.

NO TRUSS IS NEEDED AFTER OUR TREATMENT. WE CONSIDER A CASE CURED ONLY WHEN THE PATIENT IS ABLE TO DO WITHOUT A TRUSS OR SUPPORT IN ALL THE USUAL WALKS AND VOCATIONS OF LIFE.

* * * * *

TESTIMONIALS.

The testimonials that we append are but a small number out of the great mass that we have received. A very large percentage of individuals who have been treated by us for rupture desire that their disability be held a matter of sacred confidence and with all such we take pleasure in guarding their confidence with the greatest care. Others are quite willing that their experience may be made public in this manner for the benefit of similar sufferers.

If the following letters had been written by your best known and most esteemed neighbors they could be no more worthy of your confidence than they now are, coming, as they do, from well known, intelligent and trustworthy citizens, who, in their several neighborhoods, enjoy the fullest confidence and respect of all who know them.

A LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER

TESTIFIES TO HIS CURE OF RUPTURE. THE CONSTANT JAR OF A LOCOMOTIVE IS ONE OF THE SEVEREST TESTS THAT CAN BE APPLIED TO A RECENTLY CURED CASE.

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

_Gentlemen_--After suffering a number of years from a painful Rupture, I went to the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, at Buffalo. While there, I submitted to an operation which was not painful. It was done without chloroform, ether or any dangerous anæsthetic. Under the skillful treatment of your specialists and the very close and kind attention of your nurses, in less than a month, I left the Institution feeling like a new man. I have every reason to believe that the Hernia will never return, and that I am permanently cured. It it a great relief to go without a truss.

Very respectfully,
F.W. FROST,
Rotterdam June, Schenectady Co., N.Y.

A LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER'S

ADVICE TO SUFFERERS FROM RUPTURE. THE CONSTANT JAR OF A LOCOMOTIVE IS ONE OF THE SEVEREST TESTS THAT CAN BE APPLIED TO A RECENTLY CURED CASE. THROW AWAY TRUSSES.

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

_Gentlemen_--I am an engineer--running an engine on the Western Division of the Fitchburg Railroad. I had a severe case of double Hernia; still, have always worked along with them until this winter. One side was of twenty-five years' standing--the other of about eight years. This winter I was laid up sick with pneumonia; in coughing so much, which of course was made necessary by that terrible disease, I strained myself so that after getting up from my sick-bed, I was not able to go to work, as I could get no truss that would hold the rupture. I was talking with Brother Stagg one day. He asked me "why I did not go to the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, at Buffalo, N.Y., and get cured?" I went, and in three weeks was cured, so that I could dispose of my truss entirely.

I wish to say this comes from me direct; it was my own proposition that this letter be made public.

Yours respectfully,
F.S. AUCHENPAUGH,
Rotterdam, N.Y.

RUPTURE FROM BOYHOOD.

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

_Gentlemen_--I am glad to say that I was cured at the World's Dispensary Medical Association after suffering from boyhood until the age of twenty-five from a hernia, or rupture, by a treatment of twenty days. It is now five years since I was cured, and can say that I was permanently cured. You have my most sincere gratitude for your skillful operation and the good care received in your Institution while there. I can recommend your nurses and physicians most highly, and I think your Institution unequaled in this country.

Yours truly,
ALBERT SAUVAIN,
Silverton, Marion Co., Oreg.

HERNIA--LEFT INGUINAL--PRESENT EIGHT YEARS WITH NERVOUS PROSTRATION.

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

_Gentlemen_--I take greatest pleasure in making public the most wonderful cure I received at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute of Buffalo.

I had suffered severely for eight years with a left inguinal hernia; had tried many physicians and medicines, but found only temporary relief. I was greatly run-down, and my nervous system considerably shattered. My friends persuaded me to go to the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute. While there I was operated on by their specialist, and in a few weeks began to gain strength and energy so that I could return home, and have since felt entirely well.

Words could not do justice to my feeling in regard to this institution. There is no place like it for medical aid, and I would urge all invalids to go there, feeling confident that they could no where receive more skillful treatment or more kind attention and care.

Respectfully,
A.J. KIDDER,
North Yam Hill, Yam Hill Co., Oreg.

HERNIA. CURED SEVERE PAIN.

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

_Dear Sirs_--Your favor received and found that you would like to have me give you a testimony of my case I will say in reply that I was treated at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, for Hernia on the left side. It was not large but it gave me severe pain while working. I wore a truss but it did not relieve the pain very much. I read in the paper one night your advertisement and a week after I started for the Invalids' Hotel, and took the treatment for rupture and went home sound and happy, like a new man, and I can work harder than ever and can assure anyone interested that it is no humbug.

With the best wishes,
JOHN H. RIEMER,
Zion, Wis.

P.S.--If any one would like to inquire about my case give them my full address and I will inform them about it, if they enclose return stamped and addressed envelope for reply. J.H.R.

"SOUND AS A DOLLAR."

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

_Gentlemen_--Am greatly pleased to report that the operation for the radical cure for rupture received at your Institution in May, 1889, has proved entirely successful. I am sound as a dollar. My case was an extremely troublesome and dangerous one. Many times I required the assistance of a surgeon to reduce it. No truss would hold it a whole day. My two weeks' stay with you was worth thousands of dollars to me. Will gladly answer any inquiry and would advise any one suffering from hernia to take the radical cure.

Very truly yours,
B.F. HOOK,
Holmesville, Holmes Co., Ohio.

RUPTURE, DYSPEPSIA OR INDIGESTION, AND KIDNEY DISEASE.

The following is from the widely-known and popular proprietor of the Kingsley House at Ashuelot, N.H.: "It may seem useless to add testimony to the overwhelming mass already given of the many remarkable cures performed at your Institution, but I deem it a pleasure and a duty to add mine to your long list as _very remarkable_. I had a rupture of twenty-seven years' standing, with hemorrhage of the kidney for six months, preceding my visit to your Institute, and was also troubled badly with indigestion, all of which ailments had reduced me in strength and flesh to a mere skeleton. Had been treated by many local physicians, who failed to do me any good. I could walk but a very short distance when I left my home on the 8th of July, 1892, for treatment at your Institution, with but little faith or hope of ever being any better. But through your skillful treatment I was able to return to my home on the 9th of August, 1892, and consider myself permanently cured, having had to take no medicine since. Considering my case _almost a miracle_, I cannot speak too highly of your Institute and skillful treatment, to which I feel that I am indebted for my continued existence. You are at liberty to refer to me, and to use this as you see fit.

Very respectfully,
A.N. KINGSLEY,
Ashuelot, Cheshire Co., N.H.

RUPTURE.

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

_Gentlemen_--About four years ago, when working on a scaffold it gave way, and I fell a few feet and the strain and jar caused a rupture in the right side. I did not pay very much attention to this until I noticed that it was enlarging. It finally grew so that I could not work. I used several kinds of trusses that did me no good.

I went to the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, and submitted to an operation which was entirely painless and proved most satisfactory in every respect. Since then I have been well and able to do hard work for a man of my age (72). I feel no inconvenience from the rupture.

I take pleasure in recommending the Institute to all who are in need of help. I can highly recommend the physicians and nurses and the kind attention I received while there. I am now well and sound as ever.

Yours truly,
HENRY KEIFER,
Spring Green, Sauk Co., Wis.

HERNIA AND PILES CURED WITHOUT PAIN.

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

_Gentlemen_--I have been successfully treated at your institution for piles and also rupture of the left side.

Your institution is all it claims to be, and the treatment of my case was accomplished without pain and apparently any risk. Your method of using locally cocaine as an anæsthetic is such a decided improvement. I did not have to take any dangerous ether or chloroform, but had a small quantity of medicine injected that made the operation as painless as though it was being done on some one else. At the same time I knew everything and could see what was being done.

You have my kindest thanks for the good care and many attentions given me. Your nurses and physicians all give kind and skillful care.

Yours very truly,
J.J. APP,
Bolivar, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio.

HERNIA OR RUPTURE.

LARGE PROTRUSION OF SIXTEEN YEARS' STANDING.

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

_To the afflicted_: For sixteen years I was troubled with Hernia, caused by heavy lifting. It was on the right side and the protrusion sufficient to extend into the scrotum. I purchased trusses, but none of them could be worn with comfort, and I suffered very much. I concluded to go to the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute and see if I could not obtain relief. While there I submitted to an operation. The result was entirely satisfactory. The pain in my back subsided; my general health began to tone up, and in a short time, thanks to the skill of their specialist and the kind attention of their nurses, I felt like a new man. I take pleasure in highly recommending the Institution to all the afflicted. I feel confident that all the benefit to be derived from medical or surgical treatment is to be received at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.

Yours respectfully,
M.G. HARTZELL,
Deadwood, So. Dakota.

DOUBLE RUPTURE.

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

_Gentlemen_--It is with much pleasure that I write you this testimonial of the wonderful cures you have performed for me.

In the year 1883, I became ruptured on the _left_ side. I immediately wrote you (having heard of your fame in curing all kinds of diseases) for your terms of treatment which I received by return mail, you also stating you were positive you could cure me. Through unavoidable circumstances I was unable to come to your Institution until December, 1886. During this time I had tried wearing a truss, which only made it worse, and very much aggravated my complaint as it was impossible to hold the rupture in its place. However I arrived at the Invalids' Hotel on December 8th, 1886. On being examined by one of your staff, I was pronounced a bad case, but by your mode of treatment you could cure it. I was therefore, operated upon by one of your specialists, without any cutting however and comparatively little pain, by your scientific method, and in thirty days returned home cured. The time I had to remain there, I believe, was much longer than most persons treated for the same complaint.

Since then I have worked very hard sometimes (my occupation being that of a farmer,) so much so that I became ruptured on the _right_ side three years ago,--the other side remaining perfectly sound without any protection. I considered myself very unfortunate in being in this position again, fortunate in knowing where to go for relief, and very soon was back in your Institution where I was successfully treated and perfectly cured and am to-day a sound man and able to do any kind of work on my farm.

I write this testimonial for the sake of suffering humanity, and wish you to use it in any way that the greatest number of persons may read it. As for myself, I would not be in the condition I once was and not know of your Institution for all I could see. I not only recommend your Institution for the complaint of which I was cured but for all chronic diseases or anything requiring a skillful surgical operation, believing your Staff of Physicians and Surgeons to be second to none anywhere. Your nurses and attendants, and every accommodation, also, being all that is necessary to make your Institution everything that its name implies--a complete Invalids Hotel and Surgical Institute.

Respectfully yours,
DAVID HARTLEY,
P.O. Box 84, Wyoming, Out.

P.S.--I have also received much benefit from taking your "Golden Medical Discovery" for dyspepsia and liver complaint, and being broken down generally. A few bottles worked wonders, and I have been well ever since, and that was quite a number of years ago.

D.H.

RUPTURE.

A GRATEFUL PATIENT'S WORDS OF PRAISE.

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

_Gentlemen_--Having been in your Institution as a sufferer from two distinct chronic diseases of years' standing, and having been placed under the charge of your specialists, I was speedily relieved of my afflictions. The Invalids' Hotel is a place as much like home as it is possible for such an institution to be. The physicians and surgeons are all expert specialists and thoroughly efficient; the nurses are very competent, attentive and kind; and, in fact, the whole _personnel_ of the Invalids' Hotel endeavor to do their best to make the patients feel like being at home. I always felt while there as if I was one of the family. I gladly recommend your Institution to all persons who are afflicted with any kind of chronic disease, for from my own experience I _know_ the professional staff will do all which they promise to do. Please accept my thanks for the speedy benefits and perfect cure of my diseases, and I think your Institution is worthy of the highest endorsement.

Yours truly,
WILLIAM HENKEL,
No. 1917 Congress Street,
St. Louis, Mo.

STRANGULATED RUPTURE OR BREACH

IN A CHILD TWO YEARS OLD, CURED.

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

_Dear Sirs_--Our boy is, since the operation, quite well and healthier than ever before, so that I presume, the rupture, or a part of it, may have existed since his birth. Even that small lump in the groin has, as much as I can feel by touching, completely disappeared. I take this opportunity of expressing my heart-felt thanks for the kind and christian-like treatment my wife and boy experienced from you and the nurses. God bless you and let you live long for the welfare of suffering men. Dr. Pierce's Invalids' Hotel of Buffalo, N.Y., deserves to be recommended to every sufferer of whatever disease. Eight years ago I underwent a successful operation, saving my body a member. The dangerous outgrowth, which made the operation a necessity, never returned. In regard to your specialist, I wish to remark, that his skillful way of performing operations reminded me very much of Bernard von Langenbeck, professor of surgery in the University of Berlin, where I was a student. He is just as tender and sympathetic with his patients as that famous director of the Prussian Royal Clinical Hospital has been. As to the medicines of Dr. Pierce, I recommended them to members of my congregation, who told me that they did them good. Dr. Bastian, of Dansville, N.Y., a druggist, told me that your medicines are bought by the same persons again and again. I consider this to be the best recommendation. A medicine which is of no effect will not be bought a second time by the same person.

Yours, REV. RICHARD KRAUSE, Portway, N.Y.

Mrs. Mary Krause, the mother of the little boy whose case is above reported, writes: "In respect to your medicines I can only say that they have done me and others much good, especially when I suffered with chronic catarrh and doctored with your physicians. I shall never forget the kind treatment I received from your physicians and nurses during the time I had to stay in your house, while our Herman had to go through that dangerous operation which was necessary to cure his strangulated rupture. I can recommend your Institute and medicines to all suffering people."

HERNIA OR RUPTURE

OF FOURTEEN YEARS CURED "SOUND AS A DOLLAR."

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

_Dear Sirs_--In reply to yours of the 29th ult., in which you kindly make inquiry in regard to my physical condition, I would say, that I am now, I think, as sound as a dollar, and consider that after I had bad fourteen years of suffering with Hernia, and being cured as I was last winter at your Institute, makes me under great obligations to the science and skill of the World's Dispensary Medical Association.

Very respectfully yours,
ROBERT GALLAND,
Orangeville Mills, Barry Co., Mich.

IRREDUCIBLE HERNIA.

PRESENT FROM BOYHOOD--PROTRUSION OF ENORMOUS SIZE.

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

_Gentlemen_--I take pleasure in reporting that I have not worn the truss for a long period, and that I have been at work steadily at my business of binding and printing, running a large establishment, for over four years, without any trouble whatever from the rupture. It has remained permanently and perfectly cured. You will remember my case as a most severe one. I am a man of sixty years of age, and the disease had been the source of serious discomfort to me since childhood. The protrusion was the size of a man's head, and could not be replaced. I was forced to give up all exercise, and suffered much at my daily work from inconvenience and pain. Any injury upon the protrusion, which could not always be protected, was followed with much discomfort, and my general health was seriously affected. The passage of the food through the confined intestines was a painful process often times, and kept me in great misery. I am thankful to state that since your operation the rupture has remained sound and well, and I have been relieved of all difficulty of the kind. I now enjoy excellent health, and am at my business daily from twelve to sixteen hours, and on my feet constantly, yet without any manifestations whatever of the re-appearance of the rupture. You have my most sincere gratitude for the skillful operation and the good care received in your Institution while there. I can recommend your nurses and physicians most highly, and think your Institution is unequaled in this country.

With many good wishes, I am,
Very truly yours, DANIEL NITSCHKE,
2067 Franklin Ave., Toledo, Ohio.

COMPLICATION OF DISEASES.

Without solicitude or hope of pecuniary reward, with heart-felt gratitude and a desire to aid my fellow-man to health and happiness, allow me to state, that as an inmate for more than a month of the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute at No. 663 Main Street, Buffalo, N.Y., I feel warranted in its highest recommendation. While there I saw and talked with a great number of people who came there as a last resort, to be cured of almost every chronic disease to which flesh is heir, and they were unanimous in their praise of the Institution and the skilled specialists who constitute its professional staff.

ANDREW HOLES,
Moorhead, Minn.

HERNIA OR RUPTURE OF 11 YEARS' STANDING.

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

_Gentlemen_--Allow me to express my thanks to you for the attention and benefits received at the hands of your skillful staff of surgeons and nurses. I had been a sufferer from Hernia for eleven years and tried everything, but was no better. I finally went to the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, and am now entirely cured and enjoy splendid health. I heartily recommend yours to be the most skillful treatment of the age.

With best wishes,
LEWIS CRIST,
No. 67 Frankston Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

RUPTURE,

AGGRAVATED BY OCCUPATION AS A LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER--COULD NOT BE HELD IN PLACE--AFTER TREATMENT SUBJECTED TO THE TRYING TEST OF THE CONSTANT JAR OF THE LOCOMOTIVE YET PROVES RELIABLE.

WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, NO. 663 Main Street, Buffalo, N.Y.:

_Gentlemen_--It has long been my desire to make a statement of my cure for the benefit of all those persons who have suffered in like manner. I had a rupture that was very large and difficult to hold in place. Trusses of all kinds were tried. They were painful and would not hold it. The rupture would come down constantly when at my engine and give me fearful pain. I was cured at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, Buffalo, N.Y., by a treatment that is safe and certain. My cure has been permanent, although I have worked steadily.

Yours sincerely, JAMES M. KEACH.
No. 68 Bissell Ave., Buffalo, N.Y.

FEMORAL HERNIA.

This patient, aged thirty-four years, was always delicate; suffered from malarial fever each year for ten years past. The hernia was caused by lifting her father, who was on his sick-bed, during five different times, causing terrible suffering. The hernia was treated by our Specialist, and in eighteen days the lady was able to return home.

She reports:

_Gentlemen_--I am grateful to you for a permanent cure of the hernia, and happy to inform you that I have felt no signs of rupture since I was at your Institution.

Respectfully yours,
Miss MATTIE V. THOMAS,
Albion, Noble Co., Ind.

"A LIVING DEATH FOR YEARS."

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

_Gentlemen_--In the hope that some sufferer from hernia may be induced to take your treatment for that disease, I send you this certificate, containing a synopsis of my case and cure of the same. My life was a living death for years. I had almost lost all hope of ever being cured, and was plunged in despair, as I had tried so many trusses, appliances and remedies, each one in successive repetition, a failure. In January and February of the year '89, I entered your Institution for treatment, my malady being an inguinal hernia on the right side, of twenty years' standing--from childhood. I was then impressed with the feeling that it was my last chance, and that it would be my last effort, and to be candid I had very little hope that a cure would be effected. To me my condition seemed appalling, as I dare not eat, drink, laugh, exercise or perform any of the functions of life without having to reduce my rupture, frequently as often as forty or fifty times _per diem_, while on occasions the reduction would occupy hours of untold agony. No truss or appliance that I could get would retain the rupture, and I had tried all sorts as fast as they came to my knowledge. Marvelous as it may appear to all sufferers from this distressing affliction, I was discharged from your Institute in thirty days, a well and sound man, and only from memory and the record do I know that I was ever ruptured. I have at times since performed some of the hardest kinds of work for long periods, but no sign of weakness has ever appeared. I do not consider the necessary operation performed as attended with any danger; it is no comparison to the chances a person takes who in the daily walks of life is tortured with a rupture.

While an inmate of your Institution, I was accorded the kindest and most considerate treatment from all members of your staff and employees with whom I came in contact. I consider the appointments and cuisine of the establishment as perfection. You are at liberty to make the fullest and freest use of this testimonial you may see fit in your judgment, and I will cheerfully answer any communication from any sufferer referred to me for more explicit testimony.

I am, Sincerely yours, HENRY WOOD.
Mason Valley, Nev.

* * * * *

CROUP, MEMBRANOUS AND SPASMODIC.

Every family should be made acquainted with the symptoms and treatment of this disease. Especially is this true in the case of those living remote from a physician. From the lack of this knowledge on the part of parents, many a little one has perished before medical assistance could be obtained. In some of its forms its progress is very rapid, and, unless relief is obtained in a few moments, or hours at the most, death ensues.

There are several quite distinct pathological conditions of the vocal and respiratory organs which have, in popular parlance, been designated as croup. But two of these are worthy of consideration here. These are _true_ or _membranous_ croup, in which a false, semi-organized membrane is formed, and _spasmodic croup_. Both may result fatally, but the former is much the more dangerous.

MEMBRANOUS CROUP is supposed to originate in the trachea, from which, as it progresses, it often extends upward to the larynx, and downward to the bronchial tubes. It is the result of severe inflammation of the mucous membrane, and is characterized by the formation of a false membrane, which covers or lines the inner surface of the true structure (see Fig. 1). It is formed of a coagulable, semi-fluid exudation from the mucous membrane. On being brought to the surface and into contact with the inspired air, this substance grows thick and tough, or leathery, as we find it. It is the obstruction in the respiratory canal which this foreign matter causes that gives rise to the labored breathing, and the ringing, brassy cough, together with the crowing or whistling inspiration characteristic of croup. Before recovery can take place this membrane must be detached and expelled. The cough is nature's effort to accomplish this work.

The formation of this adventitious membrane in the larynx is attended with more danger than when it is confined to the trachea. In most cases in which the disease has had a very speedily fatal termination, an examination has shown that the larynx was its chief seat.

SYMPTOMS. True croup is generally preceded by what is known as "a cold." The child coughs, sneezes, and is hoarse. It is the hoarseness and the peculiar _character_ of the cough which indicate the tendency to croup. This has been already described. In addition, the child is restless, fretful and feverish. The disease makes rapid strides. Finally the cough ceases to be loud and barking, and is very much suppressed; the voice is almost gone; the face is very pale; the head thrown back; the nostrils dilated and in perpetual motion, the pulse at the wrist very feeble, great exhaustion, more or less delirium, and, finally, death comes to the relief of the little sufferer. Convulsions sometimes occur in the last stages, and soon terminate fatally.

TREATMENT. No time should be lost in commencing treatment. Hot fomentations should be applied to the throat and upper portions of the chest. The free inhalation of steam should be employed early. The following treatment has been found very effectual in membranous croup, and is recommended by the highest authorities: Yellow subsulphate of mercury, or turpeth mineral, three to five grains, depending upon the age of the child, for one dose. If it does not cause vomiting in fifteen minutes, give a second dose. This, however, is seldom necessary. If the turpeth mineral cannot be obtained, sulphate of copper or sulphate of zinc may be given instead, as directed under the head of Emetics, in