ART. V.-SYMPATHETIC DIAGNOSIS OF DISEASE. It is an important doctrine of Neurological science, that our sensibilities, if fully developed, may be affected by the nervous influences, or by the emanations of any substances, with which we may be brought into contact. Hence arise a great many phenomena in the way of "contagions," which are, ordinarily, not understood. Hence, too, the power of the "mesmeric subject" to explore the pathological conditions of patients; and hence arises much of the sympathetic tact, which assists the physician in forming a correct diagnosis of the condition of his patients-arriving, as he often does, at results, as if by intuition, the reasons for which he but imperfectly understands. The power of sympathetic diagnosis by contact, although not a universal power, is far more common than is generally supposed. At present, this power is most frequently exercised by clairvoyant mesmeric subjects, in their somniloquent condition-and the scientific world is not aware, that quite a large number of persons, possessing this faculty, as a natural endowment, are capable of using it successfully, in the investigation of disease. Were these persons acquainted with the science of Neurology, they could easily ascertain and understand their peculiar power, which then might often be applied, for the benefit of their suffering fellow men. The following narrative, from the Hampshire Herald, presents an illustration of the success of the power of Sympathetic Diagnosis, arising from increased susceptibility, developed by the Water Cure. Of the diagnostic powers of Mr. Ruggles, as described in his communication, I entertain no doubt, as they are similar to those which I have developed in other individuals; and, as I have heard authentic statements of his success, in determining, accurately, the condition of his patients, and the causes of their maladies. The following statement-headed in the paper from which it is taken, "Dr. Ruggles's Hydropathic Experience"-gives us his own view of his case: "For the purpose of avoiding the frequent rehearsal of the circumstances which led me to an acquaintance with the Water-Cure, and to adopt my 'peculiar method of practice,' and to satisfy, in a degree, the many enquiries relative thereto, I here make a brief confession of my experience: First-As an Allopathic patient. Secondly-As a Hydropathic patient. And I. After six years suffering from liver complaint and dyspepsia, under the care of some of the most eminent physicians in this country, during which time I was repeatedly bled, leeched, cupped, plastered, blistered, salivated, dosed with arsenic, nux vomica, iodine, strychnine, and a variety of other poisonous drugs, and contracted an enlargement of the liver, the worst kind of dyspepsia, irritation of the lungs, chronic inflammation of the bowels, costiveness, piles, nervous and mental debility, and numb or palsied state of the skin, which rendered me insensible to the prick of a pin, or extreme heat; and, after blindness had shut me out from the light of day, in the opinion of gentlemen standing high in the profession, my life was limited to a few weeks. II. In January, 1843, I heard of the Water-Cure, as practiced by Vincent Preissnitz; and, from the effect produced in the case reported, I was led to hope that I might obtain some relief from the extreme pain and weakness, which, I expected, would soon terminate my existence. Under the most embarrassing circumstances, with vague notions in relation to the application of water as a remedy, I commenced an indifferent course of treatment, which was continued several weeks; when I became convinced (though I had improved) that water, as an agent, was powerful for evil, as well as good; and that, unless understandingly applied, my hopes of relief were chimerical. About this time, I heard of Dr. Robert Wesselhaft, of Cambridge, now of the celebrated Brattleboro' Water-Cure, from whom, by correspondence, I obtained salutary advice, and continued my practice, with better effect. In a few months I was enabled to visit Cambridge, and consult Dr. Wesselhæft, personally. After an examination, he found the liver so much enlarged, and my sight and other symptoms so precarious, that he was not sanguine of success; yet, considering the progress I had made, he recommended the erection of a douche bath, and advised a more thorough course of treatment. While the system was undergoing a slight change, under this course, I became gloomy, and suspicious that the ill-forebodings of friends, opposed to the Water-Cure, might be realized. At this point, the Doctor raised the first note of encouragement, and advised perseverance, under a varied and milder treatment, until new symptoms required a more rigid course. Then the packing in the wet sheet, once and twice a day; the plunge, or shallow wash bath; the douche, five minutes; three hip baths, from fifteen to sixty minutes each; two eye baths, and a foot bath, comprised the daily course, until a fever crisis was developed, with symptoms of salivation, and other exudations, from the trunk of the body, which left no doubt in the minds of witnesses, that I had been faithfully drugged. It will be remembered that my physician was in Cambridge, and I in Northampton, and, at this critical period, which continued about six weeks, my symptoms were so versatile, that many of his prescriptions were inapplicable when received. In about eighteen months, however, from the commencement of the treatment, I had passed safely through the crisis, and my health finally became established, with an equilibrium of circulation. Sensibility and motion were restored to my eyes, with the feeble sight which now serves me to walk alone, where I had formerly been led. For a time, my whole system was attended with an unaccountable sensitiveness, which I never before experienced. My sense of feeling became so acute, that I could recognize individuals, and detect shades of difference in very minute objects. My case induced many, who were, hitherto, faithless, to believe in the Water-Cure; and, as I had some conveniences for bathing, a few persons of both sexes, were induced to obtain the advice of Dr. Wesselhæft, and commence a course of treatment, under my care. This afforded me an opportunity to cultivate that faculty, which enables me to detect symptoms of disease, and practice the Cure. III. I improved the opportunity thus afforded, to note the various symptoms, developed by the treatment in the several stages of the complaint, in different cases, under the Doctor's skillful direction. Practice strengthened this acute sense of touch, until the conviction was irresistible, that the skin is the organ through which the symptoms and character of disease are indicated-a fact which the success that has attended my practice, for the last three years, has established before an enlightened public. I can feel, near the surface of the skin of a healthy person, a regular and forcible action or emission, indicating vitality, or power. This, I think, is electricity. In an invalid who may be successfully treated, this symptom is intermittent, or feeble; but, where a person is suffering from general debility, beyond the power of water to afford relief, no vital or electrical action is perceptible near the wrist. This symptom is also imperceptible in the region of the lungs and stomach, when the case is incurable; and, for more than two years, I have found it prudent to decline all applicants for the cure, who lack this vital action in the parts alluded to. In a case of neuralgia, the electrical symptom alternates, in the parts of the body affected. At times, when the patient is suffering under severe pain, it is not perceptible; at other times, it is excessive. In sciatica, this symptom is similarly developed. In chronic rheumatism, it is quiescent. In inflammatory rheumatism, it is tremulous, and appears confined by the cuticle. In fevers, it is excessively active; but appears not to escape the pores, until it is conducted off, or equalized, by the application of the treatment. Although this is the first in importance, yet there are other symptoms, attending the skin in various cases, that materially aid me in the varied and successful application of the treatment, which are easier felt than described. Having thus briefly, though imperfectly, stated the circumstances that led me to an acquaintance with the Water-Cure, and to become a Hydropathic practitioner, with an outline of the principles by which I am governed, I may be permitted to add a word of caution to persons who think of availing themselves of the benefits of the WaterCure. 1. Such persons should be sure that their system is attended with sufficient vitality to commence the cure. 2. They should begin right, that they may not injure their physical strength, and thereby impede their progress, or prevent success. 3. A judicious course of treatment should never be suspended, with a view to its completion at a future time; as the best, if not the only opportunity would be lost, for a speedy and thorough cure. 4. Should a patient be partially relieved of morbid secretions, by crisis, or otherwise, and become convalescent, he should be extremely cautious in regard to diet, air, and exercise; and whatever may be his feelings, he should never abandon a proper bracing course of treatment, until an equilibrium of circulation is permanently restored. 5. Water used for Hydropathic purposes, should always be fresh from the well or spring, excepting what may be warmed for a tepid bath. 6. A bath should never be taken in a painted vessel, or within an hour before a meal, or two hours after. From testimony of numerous correspondents, who have commenced the treatment at home, and visitors, who have presented themselves for examination and prescriptions, and patients, who have been treated at my establishment, I am satisfied that much error prevailed among the friends of Hydropathy, on the subject alluded to, and by whom a word of caution may be needed. As I have omitted to remark upon the condition of my own health, I would only add, that, with the exception of my imperfect vision, occasioned by the convexity of the cornea, my health was never better than it is at present, or than it has been for more than two years past. Respectfully, DAVID RUGGLES. Northampton Water Cure, Jan. 1st, 1848." As to the suggestion, that the agent, or medium, emanating from the skin, and perceived by impressible persons, may be electricity, I would remark, that the term electricity has been used, in a popular manner, for nearly all imponderable agencies; but that, strictly speaking, it would be erroneous to assume, that the vital influences emitted from the human constitution are merely electrical. That electricity is actually emitted in a small quantity, is undoubtedly true. But there are many distinct nervous influences, proceeding from various parts of the human constitution, through which, impressions are conveyed, by contact and otherwise, to other human constitutions. These influences are not simply electric, but have a very diversified character. ART. VI-INTERESTING EXPERIMENTS. It is earnestly hoped, that the readers of this Journal will not be contented with a merely speculative knowledge of the Science of Man. The experimental demonstration, by which positive certainty is gained for ourselves, and may be given to others, is so simple, and its performance is the source of so much interest, gratification, and amusement, that I hope all will resolve, at once, to repeat the experiments I am about to describe for their guidance. In order to make experiments upon the human brain, in a satisfactory and accurate manner, it is necessary to select individuals of a highly impressible temperament. These may be selected by certain simple tests. Of these, perhaps the most convenient and universally practicable, is that of attraction. To test the impressibility in this manner-let the individual, upon whom you wish to try, stand in front of you, in an easy, unembarassed manner, unsupported by any surrounding objects. In this position, gently place your hand upon his forehead, your fingers extending over his head and upon his temples, with the lightest possible touch. Then, very gradually, withdraw your hand to the front, with caution and gentleness-observing, as you do so, whether he remains steady in his position, or gently inclines to follow your hand. In many of those upon whom this experiment is tried, the inclination to follow the hand will be slight, at first; but upon several immediately successive repetitions of the process, they will gently incline forward, as the hand is withdrawn, and their heads may be perceived to have moved half-an-inch or an inch from their first attitude. Others will move three or four or six inches during the first minute, and, in the course of five or six minutes, will be so effectually overcome, as to be drawn forward, and compelled to advance a step or two; or if the operator move his hand downward, be drawn downward accordingly. When the person is very impressible, and the operation is favored by the warmth of the climate, and the condition of the atmosphere, and of the person's constitution at the time, the attraction between him and the operator will appear really wonderful. The subject may be drawn over, by moving the hands downward, until he falls upon the floor, in a perfectly helpless condition. In warm climates, where a languid, sensitive condition of the constitution exists, even men of robust frames may be completely prostrated and paralyzed by this process. The attraction which takes place in these cases, between the hand of the operator and the head of the subject, is not like the physical attraction of iron to the magnet, or of a stone to the earth; but is a |