CHAPTER II.

The diathesis of diseases, agreeable to Brown'sElements, I conceive to be the truth. I becamesomewhat acquainted with this system about 22years ago.

Agreeable to that plan, there are but two kindsof diseases of the humany body : consisting 1. inPlethora and Irritation; and 2 in Debility, Weak-ness and Languor,

Generally speaking, it is of importance for us toknow to which of these an afflicted sufferer belongs.The cases I have compared to a lighted candle—if your candle burns strong and has a superfluouswick, then you may safely snuff it; but if it is dim,burns dull, and its wick is too short already, youmust beware of snuffing it, lest you put it out. Youhad better pick open your wick, and gently feed theflame until you bring it to burn well.

Plethora and Irritation are not so critical. Youmay then bleed liberally ; especially if the pulseis hard and high ; No. 2 or No. 3 may then be givento great advantage. I have sometimes taken blood,and succeeded wonderfully, when mere stagnationhad nearly prevented the pulse from beating at all.

But it is altogether critical in all cases of real de-bility to which belong all bilious cases, cramps,fits, hysterics, &c. Then blood ought very cau-tiously to be let, if at all. And all diuretic andweakening medicines, should be very cautiouslygiven, and sometimes carefully avoided. Yourtreatment should be strengthening and what is call-ed tonic. Such as No. 1, No. 5, No. 9, &c.

Consequently in consumptive cases, nothing inmy view is more improper than calomel, British oil,Tar water, &c. And I think it no wonder that con-sumptions have so long proved mortal, when it is