The Cherokee Physician - Section 1



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PART ONE.

CHAPTER I.
ANATOMY.
   Anatomy treats of the structure of the human body, its various organs, 
and their use.

   Practical Anatomy, is the dissecting or dividing of the organized 
substances, to exhibit the structure, situation, and uses of the parts. 
Those wishing to practice surgery, will find that subject discussed at 
length in books that treat on that alone. A knowledge of Anatomy is 
indispensable to him who would become either a safe or a skillful Surgeon; 
but to a practical Physician, in the treatment of diseases, it is of 
little value, comparatively speaking. But as this work is designed for all 
who may see proper to give it a perusal, and not limited to the use of any 
in particular, it is reasonable to suppose that some will be pleased, and 
perhaps benefitted, by this part of the work. A minute and extensive 
treatise on Anatomy will not be expected by the intelligent reader, in a 
work of this kind. But I will endeavor to give the outlines of the whole 
human system, in a plain and concise manner. This short treatise on this 
subject, will be sufficient to enable the heads of families, and others, 
who practice under the directions of this book, to ascertain with some 
degree of accuracy, the seat of disease, and also to enable them to 
return, to its proper place, a dislocated joint; and this is all that the 
writer believes will be worth its room in this work.

SECTION 1. 
ORGANS OF THE HUMAN BODY & THEIR USES.
   The most natural general divisions of the human body, are--

1. The head (Craneum.) 
2. The body, (Trunk.) 
3. The legs, feet and hands, (upper and lower extremities.) 
   These general divisions are composed of bones, muscles, glands, 
ligaments, cartilages, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, absorbents, and the 
brain and spinal marrow.

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   SUB-DIVISIONS.--The body, (Trunk,) is divided into two cavities:

1. The breast, (Chest or Thorax.) 
2. The belly, (Abdomen.) 
   The breast, (thorax) and belly (abdomen,) are separated by a strong 
membrane, called the midriff or diaphragm, which will be described 
hereafter.

   The upper division, breast (thorax,) contains the heart and lungs, 
called the thoracic viscera; and the lower division, belly (abdomen) 
contains the stomach, kidneys, liver, intestines, &c., called abdominal 
viscera.

   The bones will now be taken into view. They may properly be considered 
as the braces of the human frame --they give to it shape, stature and 
firmness. The number of bones in the human body, is estimated at two 
hundred and forty-eight. Of these, sixty-three are in the head; fifty-
three in the trunk; sixty-eight in the upper extremities, or arms, and 
sixty-four in the lower extremities.--This estimation includes the four 
sesamoid bones in the great toes, and the four sceamoid bones in the 
thumbs, which are not always found.

SKULL--(Cranium.)
   The skull contains the eight following bones:

One in the forehead--os frontis. 
Two temple bones--ossa temporalia. 
Two walls, or sides--ossa parietalia. 
One full of holes--os ethmoides. 
One wedge-like form--os spenoides. 
One back of the head--os occipitis. 
   The os frontis, is the bone of the forehead, reaching from its upper 
edge, downwards, so as to include the upper part of the eye sockets, and 
backwards on each side, so as to join the temple bones. The temple bones 
join the walls, or sides, and the forehead.

   The Os Ethmoides, or bone full of holes, is a very curious bone, 
situated on the inside of the head, or rather forehead. It is a light 
spongy bone, having somewhat the appearance of net-work.

   The Os spenoides, or bone of wedge-like form, spreads across the inside 
of the head, and attaches itself to fourteen other bones.

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   The Os occipitis, is the hind part of the head, and joins the neck 
bone; it is a very thick but uneven bone. It supports the hind part of the 
brain, and through it passes the marrow of the neck and back, called the 
spinal marrow. All the preceding bones are joined together by seams, which 
in appearance resemble saw-teeth.

   The face is next in order, in which are many small bones. It has six 
bones on each side; and they all have seams similar to those of the skull, 
only smaller.

   The nose bones, ossa nasi, are the two bones which form the nose, and 
meet together by two thin edges, without any indentations.

   The upper jaw bones, ossa maxillaria superiora, which are large, and 
form the basis of the face. They extend upwards, and form the side of the 
nose, and they send backward a kind of plate, that makes the roof of the 
mouth. A circular projection below, makes the sockets for the teeth.

   The Vomer, a plough-shear, completes the nose.

   The cheek bone, os malae, is the high bone that forms the cheek.

   The lower jaw-bone, os maxillae inferioris, has but two joints, those 
under each ear.

   The spine, or back-bone, comes next in order. This is a long line of 
bones, extending from the back of the head to the end of the body. It has 
twenty bones, or joints, called vertebra. The neck part has seven joints, 
vertebra; the back twelve, and the loins five; making in all, twenty-four 
separate bones. In some persons the neck has eight pieces, the back 
eleven, and the loins six. Some persons, with very short necks, only have 
five pieces in the neck, and the number made up in the loins. The same 
marrow runs from the back of the head to the lower end of the spine.

SHOULDER BLADE--(Scapula.)--
   The shape and situation of this bone is so well known, that it needs no 
explanation. It is not connected to the trunk by ligaments, but has 
several muscular substances between it and the trunk.

COLLAR BONE--(Clavsile.)--
   This is perhaps the strongest bone in the system, to its size. It is 
placed at the lower part of the neck, and reaches from the upper part of 
the breast bone to the point of the shoulder. It is fastened 

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by grisly substances--cartilages, and rolls with ease on any exertion of 
the breast and shoulder.

UPPER BONE OF THE ARM--(Os Humeri.)--
   This bone has a cylindric form, but at the lower end it is twisted and 
flattened a little. This flatness joint it to the elbow in a hinge-like 
form, so that the joins has but one direction of moving. At the shoulder 
it has a large round head, which enables it to turn in every direction. On 
the top of the head, this bone, though circular, is nearly flat, and has 
but a very shallow cavity to turn in; consequently it is a very weak joint 
to its size, and easily dislocated.

LOWER PART OF THE ARM--(Radius and Ulna.)--
   The lower part of the arm, from the elbow to the wrist, has two bones 
in it. The main bone has its largest end downwards, joining the wrist next 
to the thumb, while the little end is upwards, lying on the ulna, where 
the ulna joins the large bone of the arm at the elbow. The radius gives 
all turning motions to the wrists. It is a stronger bone than the ulna, 
and is somewhat arched in its shape. The upper end of this bone is small, 
of a button like shape, and is joined both with the large bone and the 
ulna. This bone gives more strength than the ulna to that part of the arm, 
particularly to the wrist.

THE ULNA OR ELBOW--(a measure.)
    By this bone we perform all the actions of bending and extension. It 
is of a triangular form, and is so firmly attached to the upper bone of 
the arm, (os humeri) that it allows no lateral or side motion.

BONES OF THE HAND AND FINGERS.--
   The wrist bones are eight in number. They are situated between the end 
of the arm bones and the bones of the hand: they are very short, and are 
bound together very strongly, by cross ligaments, and closely compressed 
together, so as to form a ball-like figure, each having separate ends or 
joints: there are five bones between the wrist and fingers--they start out 
from the wrist, each one extends to its finger respectfully: they are all 
nearly straight round bones, without joints, tolerably large and very 
strong: the fingers all have three joints, the thumb has two.

THE BREAST BONE--(Sternum.)--
   This bone lies exactly 

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in the front part of the breast. It is a light spongy bone. In children, 
and in some to the age of five or six years old, this bone consists of 
eight distinct pieces, which in old persons become one solid bone: they 
are a little hollowed at the upper end, and on each upper corner, it has a 
joining or articulating hollow, at which place the ends of the collar 
bones are fastened by strong ligaments. Each side of this bone is so 
formed, as to receive all the ends of the ribs on their respective sides.

THE RIBS.--
   There are twelve ribs on each side of the breast or chest, 
corresponding in number with the vertebra, or joints, in that part of the 
spine, or back-bone. Seven are called line ribs, because they join the 
breast-bone: the other five are vulgarly called short ribs, but by 
anatomists false ribs, because they do not join the breast-bone: the ribs 
are connected with the breast-bone with cartilages, and to the back-bone 
by joints.

BONES BELONGING TO THE BASIN--(Pelvis.)--
   This part is formed of very strong, firm bones, standing in a kind of 
arch between the main trunk and the lower extremities. Each bone is large, 
and affords large strong sockets for the thigh bones. In grown persons it 
contains four bones: --the Os sacrum, the Os coccygis, and the two ossa 
innominata.

   The Os sacrum and the Os coccygis, is called the false spine, or 
column, the point of them runs downwards, and the largest part is upwards. 
It runs along that part of the system vulgarly called the rump. Os 
coccygis (cuckoo's bill,) is the lower end of the back-bone. It tapers 
from the Os sacrum, or rump bone, to its termination, so as to form a 
sharp point. It is a little crooked and flattish, so as to support the 
lower gut, (rectum) bladder, and womb: it is very flexible, and recedes in 
time of labor with women, so as greatly to facilitate the passage of the 
child's head; and when labor is over, it returns to its proper position 
without difficulty.

   The two Ossa innominata, or nameless bones, are two great bones that 
make the two sides of the basin, or pelvis. The Os Ilium is the greatest 
part of these bones. It extends up in a sort of wing from the pelvis, or 
basin, and is covered with the muscles that move the thighs.

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   The hip-bone, (Os ischium) lies directly under the flank bone, (Os 
ilium) and is the lowest point of the basin, or pelvis, vulgarly called 
the buttock, being the point on which we sit.

   The share-bone, (Os pubis,) is the smallest piece belonging to the 
nameless bones, (Ossa innominata.) It completes the front part of the brim 
of the basin (pelvis.)

THIGH BONE--Os Femoris.--
   This is the largest, longest, and most cylindrical bone belonging to 
the human anatomy. It joins the hip in a way that gives it strength. It is 
very hard to dislocate, or put in place. It has a regular bend from nearly 
one end to the other; the bending side being towards the front of the 
thigh:--this is the strongest joint in the body.

   The leg bones, two in number, called by anatomists Tibia and Fibula. 
The tibia is the largest of the two leg bones, and is situated on the 
inside part of the leg. It is of a triangular form, with the upper end 
somewhat flattened: the fibula is on the outside of the tibia, and makes 
the outward lump of the ankle.

THE KNEE PAN--(Rotella or Patella.--
   Is a small roundish bone, tolerably thick: it is attached to the 
tubercle of the tibia by very strong ligaments.

INSTEP OR ANKLE--(Tarsus.)--
   The ankle is composed of seven bones, which lie between the leg and 
foot. They are bound together by ligaments, in a manner similar to those 
of the wrist. One of them forms the heel, and is called the heel bone--(Os 
calcis.) There are five bones between the ankles and toes: they join the 
ankle and toes in a similar manner to the hand bones.

   I have now described the shape and position of such bones as are most 
liable to dislocation and injury: the next subject will be the internal 
parts of the human system.

THE BRAIN.
   The brain is the great sensorium of the system, and has a communication 
through the nerves with the whole body. It receives all impressions made 
upon any of the organs of sense, and is really the seat of sensation. It 
is here that all the impressions made upon the organs of sense, are 

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manufactured into ideas. But in what manner the brain performs this, or 
what connection it has with the mind, is a mystery in which the researches 
of physiologists, and the deductions of metaphysicians, have hitherto been 
unable to reflect any light. "The most, or in fact all that is known on 
the subject is, that the mind acquires all its ideas of external objects 
through impressions made by these objects on the organs of sense. These 
impressions are conveyed to the brain by the nerves, and produce what is 
called sensation, which is the passive reception of the image of the 
archetype, or pattern of the idea upon the brain, and in some unknown 
manner, the perception is conveyed to the mind."

   The brain is situated in the upper cavity of the head. It is divided 
into two grand divisions, which are called:

1. The seat of imagination--cerebrum. 
2. The seat of animal spirits--cerebellum. 
   There are several other smaller divisions.

   "The brain is larger in man than any other known animal. Its general 
weight is from two pounds five and a half ounces, to three pounds three 
and three-quarter ounces: many however, weigh four pounds. The brain of 
Lord Byron (without its membranes) weighed 6 pounds."

   The spinal marrow is only a continuation of the substance of the brain, 
through the cavity of the spine or back-bone.

THE TONGUE--(Lingua.)--
   The tongue is composed of small muscular fibres; it is coursed with 
little reddish pimples, which are the ends, or terminations of nerves, it 
is the impression made on these nerves that produces that pleasurable 
sensation called taste.

THE WIND-PIPE--(Trachea.)--
   This is a rough canal, through which the air passes from the mouth to 
the lights, (lungs) in breathing. It lies in front of the swallow. 
(esophagus) and every thing taken into the stomach, passes directly over 
the mouth of the wind-pipe; but it has a kind of lid or valve, that shuts 
or closes over it in the act of swallowing, (deglutition.) At or near the 
lungs it forks, or branches off, so as to convey the air into the lungs.

THE LIGHTS--(Lungs.)--
   The lungs are situated in the chest, thorax). The thorax, or chest, is 
lined with a smooth shining membrane, denominated the pleura, which 

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is the seat of, and gives name to the Pleurisy. The pleura forms two 
distinct apartments in the chest, two sides of which meeting, attach to 
the inner edge of the spine, or back-bone, and reaching from thence to the 
breast bone, form the partition called the mediastinum. The lungs are 
divided into two lobes or portions, and situated one in the right, and the 
other in the left side of the breast, in the above named apartments. They 
join the wind-pipe, trachea, in the upper part of the breast. They are 
attached to the heart by the pulmonary vessels. They are full of little 
tubes, which communicate with the external atmosphere through the wind-
pipe.

   The most important, and perhaps the only function of the lungs is that 
of breathing, respiration, which is simply inhaling the air into the 
lungs, and expelling it from them.

THE HEART.--
   The heart is situated in the chest, or thorax, near the centre of the 
human body, with its main base placed a little on the right of the back-
bone, and its point standing obliquely to the sixth rib, on the left side. 
As it lies in this oblique position, its under side or surface, is in 
contact with the diaphragm. It is so placed between the arteries and 
veins, as to regulate their relative action, in propelling the blood 
through the arteries, and receiving it through the veins. It is divided 
into two cavities, which are distinguished by the names of right and left 
ventricles. There are two other hollow muscles denominated auricles: the 
heart possesses the power of dilating and contracting, which is 
technically denominated the systole and diastole motion. By this operation 
it first receives the venous blood into its cavities, and then forces it 
into the arteries, by which it is carried to every part of the body. This 
motion continues day and night, awake or asleep, during the whole period 
of our lives. The number of these motions in a given period, is modified 
or governed by age, or by disease. In infancy the number is greatest, 
being from one hundred and thirty, to one hundred and forty; in manhood, 
from seventy to eighty; in old age, from fifty-five to sixty-five, in a 
minute. Most inflamatory diseases stimulate the muscles of the heart, and 
accelerate its motion. It is this power that rolls the "precious fluid" of 
life thro' every channel in the system, with the constancy of a perennial 

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fountain. "While the vital spark remains, the HEART with untiring 
assiduity, plies the wheels of life, unfatigued with its ceaseless labor; 
and is neither lulled into stupidity by the torpor of sleep, nor decoyed 
into remissness by the enchantment of pleasure." It performs two 
circulations at the same time; that with the lungs, and that with the 
body. From the lungs it receives nothing but pure blood, and to the body 
it sends out such as is fit for its support.

THE SWALLOW--[Esophagus.]
    This is a canal or tube, commencing at the mouth, and running 
downwards to the stomach, which it joins, and into which it empties the 
food. It lies close to the back-bone, behind the wind-pipe, and passes 
through the diaphragm.

   The Diaphragm, or midriff, is a muscular substance, composed of two 
muscles; the upper one of which originates at the breast bone, and at the 
ends of the last ribs on each side: the second muscle starts at the back-
bone of the loins; it is covered on its under side by the peritoneum, and 
on the upper side with the pleura. The gullet, great run, and several 
other vessels, pass through the diaphragm.

THE LIVER--(Haper.)--
   The liver is situated immediately below the diaphragm to which it is 
attached. It is the largest organ in the system: it is divided into two 
principal lobes, the right of which is much the largest: the liver is 
connected with the gall bladder, (bile,) and billiary vessels; its office 
appears to be that of secreting the bile from the blood, which is 
necessary in the digestion of food. A portion of the bile is regularly 
thrown through the vessels of the liver and gall bladder, into the stomach.

   The gall bladder, vesicula fellis, is attached to the liver, and lies 
in a cavity of the liver, on the under side. It is of an oblong form, and 
appears to be for the purpose of containing the bile, until the proper 
time for it to be thrown into the stomach:--the bile is conveyed from the 
gall bladder into the first portion of the small intestines, called 
duodenum, and from thence into the stomach.

THE STOMACH--[Stomachus.]--
   The stomach is a large membranous substance, of an oblong, bag-like 
shape. Its most important use is to receive the masticated food, and 
retain it until the process of digestion is so far completed 

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as to reduce the food to a pulpy, semi-fluid mass, called chyme. When 
digestion is so far advanced as to convert the food into chyme, 
[pronounced kime,] it is poured into the duodenum, where it mixes with the 
panchreatic juice. From this mass, the absorbent vessels, called lacteals, 
obtain a white opake fluid termed chyle [pronounced kile.] Digestion is 
principally effected by the solvent powers of the gastric juice, which is 
a fluid secreted in the stomach. The solution of the food by the gastric 
juice, is supposed to be a chemical process decomposing it, and separating 
it into its elementary principles. The stomach may justly be considered 
one of the most important organs in the animal economy.

THE MELT--(Spleen.)--
   This is not a vital part, as the other organs are, which have just been 
described. It has been removed from both man and beast, without the least 
apparent injury. It is attached to the stomach, and lies mostly in the 
left side.

The caul fat (omentum)
    is situated under the membrane--peritoneum, that lines the belly, and 
above the intestines, it is a white gauzy looking substance, it assists in 
forming the bile, serves to guard the internal parts against cold--
lubricates and softens such parts as are connected with it, and in a state 
of starvation it supports the system. This is one reason why a fat animal 
can sustain life so long without food. It is very beautiful, and rather 
singular in its appearance; it resembles a white piece of fine net work, 
that had been carelessly tossed down in a half folded position.

The pancreas --
   a flesh organ--is situated under the stomach. It is of an irregular 
oblong form, by some compared to a dog's tongue. It is composed of glands, 
veins, nerves and little ducts or vessels, also something of a fleshy 
consistence. Its use appears to be that of secreting the juice that is to 
be mixed with the chyle.

INTESTINES OR GUTS--[Intestinum.]--
   The intestines comprehend the whole tube, from the stomach to the 
fundament; their office is to receive all the food--retain it according to 
the laws of nature, and then pass off the crude or excrementitious part, 
according to the same.

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THE KIDNEYS.--
   The kidneys are situated outside of the lining of the belly, near the 
back-bone, and on each side: they are of a dull red color: it is their 
province to secrete the urine from the blood. Each kidney receives a large 
artery, which proceeds immediately from the darta; and a vein issuing from 
each kidney, returns the blood to the vena cava, after its superabundance 
of water has been separated from it. The urine is first secreted or 
collected in them, and excreted or thrown out, through the two canals 
called ureters, into the bladder. The ureters are about the size of a 
small goose quill. The kidneys are subject to derangement in the 
performance of their office, in two ways: First, the secretion may be 
checked, and a proper quantity of fluid not be carried off: and secondly, 
its secretion may be too active, and carry off too much of the fluids.

THE BLADDER--(Vesica Urinari Cystis.)--
   The water bladder lies in the front part of the abdomen, within the 
basin. Its office is to receive the water, or urine, which is collected in 
the kidneys, through the ureters; the urine is next discharged by the neck 
of the bladder, through the urinary canal (urethra) which reaches from the 
neck of the bladder, to the end of the privates. The muscles at the neck 
of the bladder are possessed of very strong contractive powers, by which 
the bladder is enabled to retain the urine the natural length of time.

NERVES.--
   The nerves are small white fibres: they all have their origin in the 
brain and spinal marrow: those which issue from the brain, are called 
cerebral, and are the organs of sensation: it is their province to convey 
impressions to the brain from all parts of the system:--those issuing from 
the marrow of the spine, are termed spinal; it is their province to 
communicate the power of motion to the muscles. The nerves all issue in 
pairs: there are usually reckoned forty pair of nerves, nine of which have 
their origin in the brain, and thirty-one in the spinal marrow. It is by 
means of those that issue from the brain, that we hear, see, taste smell 
and feel; or in other words, they convey to the brain, the impressions 
received by the five organs of sense, in the act of seeing; feeling, 
hearing, tasting and smelling. A chord of nerves accompanies every 

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artery tolerably close. It is supposed that each fibre of the nerves, is a 
canal or tube, through which the nervous fluids pass, and communicate with 
each other, similar to the blood vessels.

THE ARTERIES--(Arteria.)--
   The arteries are two in number: First, the great artery, dorta; second, 
the artery of the lungs, (pulmonary artery.) The great artery dorta, 
originates at the left ventricle or cavity of the heart, and is the 
greatest blood vessel in the body:--the pulmonary artery starts from the 
right cavity of the heart; all others are nothing more than branches of 
these:--the blood is thrown out from the heart, through the arteries, to 
every part of the body. As the blood passes through the arteries, the 
absorbent vessels of every part of the system, receive their respective 
portions of the nutritious properties of the blood. The arteries gradually 
become smaller as they proceed from the heart, and terminate in the veins 
through the capillary vessels: these little vessels connect the arteries 
and veins:--the arteries are susceptible of considerable dilation and 
elongation, which takes place when the blood is forced into the dorta by 
the contraction of the heart, and when the action of the heart ceases, the 
effort of the artery to return to its usual dimension, keeps a constant 
motion of the blood along the arteries, during the dilation of the heart 
to receive another portion of blood, which by the contraction of the 
heart, is again driven into the dorta, and thus the vital tide is kept in 
motion. The dorta has a valve at its orifice, or opening into the heart, 
which readily admits the passage of the blood from the heart into the 
artery, but prevents its return from the artery into the heart:--the blood 
when it leaves the heart is of a bright red color, but as it returns 
through the veins to the heart, is of a dark purple color.

THE VEINS.--
   All have their origin or commencement, at the ends of the arteries as I 
before stated:--the veins as they proceed from the extremities toward the 
heart, become larger by numerous branches intercepting each other and 
uniting, until they are all concentrated in two canals, termed vena cava. 
The veins have no pulsation as the arteries have; but in them the blood 
moves smoothly and slowly on; it is forced through the veins by a 
contractile power which they possess; and as the blood has mostly 

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to run upwards in the veins, they are supplied with little valves, similar 
to those of a force pump, so that as the blood ascends in the veins, the 
lid (valve) gives way till the blood passes, then shuts or closes the 
place, so that no blood can fall back. The blood in passing through the 
lungs undergoes a great change; when it enters the lungs it is of a dark 
purple color, but when it leaves them and returns to the heart, it is of a 
bright red color: this change is produced by the air inhaled into the 
lungs. The blood in passing through the numerous delicate vessels in the 
lungs, absorbs oxygen from the air; and the air abstracts carbon from the 
blood. When the air is exhaled from the lungs, a great portion of its 
oxygen has disappeared, and carbon is found in its place:--the blood 
supplied with oxygen and relieved from its superabundance of carbon, is 
essentially revived, and sets out again, to distribute its fresh supply of 
nutrition and stimulous, to the different parts of the system.

THE MUSCLES.--
   These serve to perfect the form and complete the symetry of the body, 
but their most important use is to act upon the bones and produce animal 
motion: they terminate at the ends in grisly substances, by which they are 
fastened to the various parts of the system. Each muscle consists of a 
distinct portion of flesh, and has the power of contraction and 
relaxation: they are all in pairs except nine: there are reckoned one 
hundred and ninety-eight pair in the human system; this estimation makes 
the number of muscles four hundred and five.

THE GLANDS.--
   The glands are composed of blood vessels nerves, and absorbents. They 
are distinguished according to the nature of their fluid contents, into 
mucous, sebaceous, lymphatic, lacrymal and salival glands.

   The mucous glands are situated in the nose, back part of the mouth, 
throat, stomach, intestines, bladder, &c, and secrete (which means to 
separate from the blood) mucous, for the purpose of moistening all the 
internal surfaces that need moisture.

   The sebaceous glands are situated in the arm-pits, face pubes, &c.: 
they secrete an oily substance.

   The lymphatic glands are situated in the arm-pits, mesentary, groin, &c.

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   The salival glands are situated about the root of the tongue and angle 
of the jaw: they secrete the substance called saliva or spittle, which is 
discharged into the mouth.

   The lacrymal glands are situated above the outer corners of the eyes: 
they secrete the fluid called tears, which serves to moisten the eyes and 
aid in expelling any extraneous matter from them. Grief and sometimes joy, 
operates in some unknown manner on the lachrymal glands, so as to produce 
a copious flow of the lachryma, or tears.

BREASTS OF FEMALES--[Mammæ.]--
   The breasts of females are also regarded as glandular bodies: they are 
composed of a vast number of small ducts or vessels, which secrete the 
milk from the blood. The vessels which secrete the milk as they approach 
the nipple, fall into each other and form eight or ten large tubes, which 
are so admirably connected, that if anything obstructs the passage of the 
milk through one of these, it is discharged through the others without 
inconvenience.

JOINTS, GRISTLES--[Cartilages.]--
   The joints (articulations) are fastened together with white gristly 
substances called cartilages: they are of the same texture and nature of 
the sinews and tendons: they are very strong and lasting.

JOINT WATER--(Synovia.)--
   This is a new kind of oily substance that is contained in the joints, 
for the purpose of lubricating them: it greatly facilitates their motion; 
but if this juice or synovial water be extracted or discharged, by a cut 
or otherwise, it never can be restored, but the joint will remain stiff.

THE SINEWS--(Tendons.)--
   By anatomists, the sinews or leaders, are called the terminations or 
extremities of the muscles. They are white gristly substances, very 
strong, and may be split into the finest threads imaginable.--They are 
very nearly the same in the human system as in animals. They were employed 
by the aboriginees of our country, in making moccasins, belts, &c., after 
splitting them to the proper size.



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CHAPTER II
THE ART OF PRESERVING HEALTH WITHOUT THE USE OF MEDICINES.

   The enjoyment of perfect health, is certainly one of the greatest 
earthly blessings that falls to the lot of mortals. Without health, honor, 
title, wealth, beauty, the kindness of friendship and the tenderness of 
affection, are all insufficient to render man even comfortable. All these 
blessings fail to relieve the pangs of disease, and give a relish to the 
affairs of life. The vast importance of health will render a short 
treatise on its preservation an acceptable article in this work. It will 
doubtless be readily acknowledged by all, that it is much better to shun 
or avoid disease, than to remove or overcome it after it has once taken 
hold on the system; and as the greatest number of our diseases and 
infirmities are the fruits of infringements on healthy laws of nature, how 
earnestly should we be engaged in correcting and avoiding those 
infringements. Man, in the early days of nature, lived in a state of 
perfect health, both in body and in mind. The friendly hand of nature gave 
him sustenance, without labor or toil, and nature's beverage quenched his 
thirst without the aid of spirituous liquors. Protected by the immediate 
presence of the Almighty, innocent of any violation of his law--living in 
the full enjoyment of his benevolence, man was happy. But alas! we now 
view him in a fallen state: he has transgressed the sacred laws of his 
Creator, God, and incurred the penalties annexed to his transgression. 
"His days are shortened and encumbered with disease." What a solemn 
thought, and how anxiously engaged should we be to change our condition; 
and how careful should we be to guard against evil by a temperate course 
in all things.--Health can only be secured and retained by temperate 
habits; it is a jewel, generally found in the possession of those only who 
have "moral firmness enough to curb their lust, check their appetites, 
control their passions, and submit to the regulations of virtuous and 
temperate habits.--Irregularity and intemperance in eating, drinking, 
sleeping and exercise, lays the foundation of most diseases with which the 
human family is afflicted.

"Would you extend your narrow span, 
And make the most of life you can; 
Would you when medicines cannot save, 
Descend with ease into the grave? 
Calmly retire like evening light! 
And cheerful bid the world good-night, 
Let virtue and temperance preside. 
Our best physician, friend & guide." 

Page 22

SECTION I. 
OF AIR.
   Much might be said relative to the different gasses which compose the 
atmosphere, or air; for it is not as many persons suppose, a simple 
element, but is composed of unequal portions of oxygen, nitrogen, and 
carbonic acid. But as a scientific treatise on this subject properly 
belongs to the chemist, I will leave the subject with him, and confine my 
observations more particularly to the effects which the different states 
of the atmosphere has on the body.

   Air is rendered impure and unwholesome in many ways; such air should be 
avoided as much as practicable. The air in cities, crowded assemblies, 
whether in-doors or out, is not wholesome. That in deep wells, damp 
cellars, close dungeons, caves, &c., is apt to become infected. Many 
persons have instantly expired on going down into deep wells or caves, 
where air composed of undue proportions of the above named gasses had 
settled. It may readily be ascertained whether a well or cave contains 
such air, by putting in them a lighted candle. If the candle continues to 
burn, the air is composed of such proportions of the different gasses, as 
is necessary for the support of animal life, and may be entered with 
safety; but if the candle goes out, the air is not such as will support 
animal life, but will produce instantaneous death. Air confined in close 
apartments where there is hot fires, is pernicious to health. Many persons 
injure their health by sitting or lying in rooms kept hot by large fires 
and not sufficiently ventilated, or dried. Air extremely hot or cold, is 
equally avoided, and should be equally avoided, particularly by persons of 
delicate constitutions. Night air is very pernicious to health, as is also 
the air between sunset and dark.

   The body may be comfortably clad, and yet much injury to the health be 
sustained by exposure to a damp cold atmosphere; for it should always be 
remembered that it is equally dangerous to inhale it into the lungs, as to 
admit its free access to the external surface of the body; the consumptive 
and asthmatic should bear this well in mind, if they would value their own 
safety.

   Dry air moderately cool, is the most salubrious bath to the healthy and 
infirm. A strong current of air should always 

Page 23

be avoided. Never sit or lie in a current of air passing through a window 
or door, especially while warm; it checks perspiration, chills the blood, 
and often lays the foundation of incurable diseases.

SECTION II.
EXERCISES.--
   Moderate and regular exercise is as essential to the preservation of 
health, as food is to the support of our bodies. It keeps up a regular 
circulation of the fluids, aids digestion, promotes the necessary 
secretions and excretions, and invigorates the frame. It prepares the body 
to be refreshed with sleep, and makes even the bed of straw or the 
hunter's blanket pleasant: "it furnishes an appetite that relishes plain 
and wholesome food, and preserves the healthy tone of the digestive 
organs. It gives clearness to the brain, vivacity to the spirits, 
cheerfulness to the mind, and elasticity to the whole system."

   Exercise increases the strength of our nerves, of our muscles, of our 
sinews, and invigorates every fibre of the whole system. To prove this, we 
have only to turn our attention to the aboriginees of America. They spent 
their lives in the active pursuits of the chase in the open air; their 
diet and dress were of the simplest kind; they rose from their blankets at 
the dawn of morn, after having enjoyed a refreshing nights sleep, and 
prepared themselves for their homely but wholesome repast by active 
exercise in the open air. A knowledge of their habits, lives, diseases, 
&c., will also show that exercise is a great guarantee against a host of 
diseases with which the "pale-face" is so often afflicted, but is seldom 
found in the wig-wams of the "red man." Among these are Consumption, liver 
complaints, dyspepsy, hysterics, and many others too tedious to mention. 
Exercise is necessary from infancy. Only look at country children, who are 
accustomed to exercise and industry, how much more active and stout they 
are, than those of large towns, where they are cooped up in small rooms. 
Also look at the rich and indolent, and those who labor for their living. 
While the opulent and idle complain of ill-feeling and nervous weakness, 
the man of moderate exercise is vigorous, his appetite good, his sleep 
refreshing, and his mind cheerful. More than half of the female diseases, 
especially such as are connected 

Page 24

with hysterics and nervous affections, arise from want of due exercise in 
the open and pure air.

"How sweet at early dawn to rise, 
And view the glories of the skies; 
To mark with curious eye the sun, 
Begin his radiant course to run; 
Her fairest form then nature wears, 
And clad in brightest green appears. 
Nor you, ye delicate and fair, 
Neglect to taste the morning air, 
It will your nerves with vigor brace. 
Improve and heighten every grace; 
Add to your breath a rich perfume, 
And to your cheeks a fairer bloom; 
With lustre teach your eyes to glow, 
And health and cheerfulness bestow.' 

   Exercise not only preserves health and prevents disease, but aids 
greatly in relieving diseases even of the most obstinate character. 
Without exercise, medicine will fail to have the desired effect in a great 
measure.

SECTION III.
OF SLEEP.--
   It is impossible for us to enjoy good health, unless blessed with sound 
and refreshing sleep, for without this tender nurse of weary nature, the 
whole frame is thrown into disorder, and the mind is much confused and 
weakened. When we are asleep, all the voluntary powers, such as seeing, 
hearing, feeling, &c., are in a state of suspension, or rest, while on the 
other hand, the involuntary powers, the circulation, digestion, &c., are 
increased, both in regularity and activity. A more uniform circulation is 
kept up throughout the system when asleep than when awake. I have often 
heard persons remark, with some degree of astonishment, that they would 
immediately begin to sweat on lying down and going to sleep in daytime; 
whereas, they might lie awake for hours on the same bed and not sweat. The 
cause is obvious, our several senses are at rest, and the circulation 
increased. The principal directions necessary to be given on this subject, 
are to take a proper portion of sleep at seasonable hours. The quantity of 
sleep necessary for each person every twenty-four hours, is hard to 
decide: it requires much more for some than for others. When a person 
rises in the morning, and does not feel refreshed, he may rest assured 
that he has slept too much or not enough. The best rule is to ascertain 
how much sleep you really need, and when you have obtained that quantum, 
rise from your bed immediately, and not lie dosing, and try to force 
yourself into sleep contrary to nature, for too much sleep and too little 
exercise, produce languor and debility: the nerves become 

Page 25

relaxed, the flesh flabby and soft. Feather beds are unhealthy, especially 
in warm weather. A straw bed or matrass is much better for the health than 
feathers. A person wishing to enjoy good health should never retire to bed 
immediately after eating a hearty meal.

SECTION IV.
CLOTHING.--
   Clothing should be suited to the age, constitution, and seasons. It 
should not be too warm in summer nor too cold in winter. All kinds of 
clothing should be made loose and easy, so as not to bind or cramp any 
part of the body: every attempt to give a good form by clothing is not 
only foolish in itself, but absolutely pernicious to health. Tight lacing 
not only obstructs the general circulation of the fluids, but oppresses 
the motion of the heart and lungs, and retards the wheels of life in the 
performance of their vital functions. The effects of tight lacing are bad 
health, coughs, indigestion, pleurisy, liver complaints, consumptions, &c.

   Young persons need not be so warmly clothed as those who have passed 
the meridian of life. The weakly and those bordering on old age, should 
wear flannel. Wet and damp clothes should be particularly avoided: no 
fresh clothing should be put on without airing by the fire, no odds how 
long since it was washed. Many young persons injure their health by 
putting on damp clothes, lying on damp sheets, &c. Here much rests with 
their mothers; for such carelessness seldom fails to destroy the health, 
and often seats some incurable disease on the system.--These remarks are 
particularly applicable to young ladies who so often, when in a hurry, 
dressing for balls, churches, &c., risk their health and even lives, by 
putting on damp dressing, stockings, &c.

SECTION V.
OF FOOD AND DRINK.--
   We cannot live without food and drink, and some attention to the 
quality of both food and drink, is essential to health. It would, however, 
be impossible to specify in this short work, the effects of every kind of 
diet, or to designate the quantity or kind of food, which will be most 
beneficial to the different constitutions. 

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"Diet may not only change the constitution, but it has been known to cure 
diseases, and it has this advantage over medicine, it is not disagreeable 
to take." Different constitutions require different quantities and 
qualities of food. The best directions that can here be given, are to be 
moderate as to quantity, and let the food be plain and simple, use only 
such diet as agrees with the stomach.--Eating of a single dish at a meal, 
is more healthy than indulging in a great variety. A diet composed of a 
proper mixture of vegetable and animal substances, will probably be found 
most nutricious and salubrious. Rich sauces, high seasoned provisions, 
where a variety of ingredients are intermingled, overload the stomach, and 
tend to produce dyspepsy. The flesh of young animals is more nutricious, 
and easier to digest than that of old ones. Persons whose constitutions 
are weak, ought to avoid eating food that is tough and indigestible. All 
rational persons who have arrived at mature age, are sufficiently 
acquainted with themselves, to know by a little attention what kinds and 
qualities of diets best agree with them: they should use such diets, and 
at such times as best agree with them; and if heads of families, they 
should pay some attention to what kinds of diets best agree with its 
different branches.

   The best rules for eating, are to have your meals regularly, never fast 
too long or eat heavy suppers. Long fasts produce cholic, sick head-ache, 
costiveness, &c.--Break fast and dinner should be something substantial, 
supper should be light, and we should never lie down immediaely after 
eating.

   As to drinks, pure water is of the utmost importance to health. Many 
persons think that it is pernicious to health to drink water before 
breakfast, but this is certainly a mistake. A reasonable portion of water 
taken before breakfast, prepares the stomach for food and facilitates 
digestion. Water however should never be drank in large quantities when 
over heated, as it is apt to produce disease, and sometimes immediate 
death. Coffee, tea, chocolate and milk, are all wholesome for such persons 
as they agree with, but must be decided by experience, as every person is 
best calculated to judge for himself.

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SECTION VI.
OF CLEANLINESS.--
   Cleanliness is too great a preservative of health, to be overlooked in 
a treatise on the art of preserving it. It clears the skin of impurities, 
and promotes perspiration; it will even, in many instances, cure cutaneous 
diseases: it prevents the communication of infection. In towns it should 
be the object of public attention, as many diseases owe their origin, as 
well as virulency, to the neglect of it.

   Cleanliness, though not a virtue in itself, approaches that character, 
and should be observed with the greatest scrupulosity, and appreciated 
almost as a virtue. It is necessary to decency--it affords personal 
comfort, and is one means of rendering us acceptable to society. It is an 
evidence of gentility, regarded as necessary by the higher ranks of 
society, and is an ornament to every class; and without it neither health 
nor respectability can be long maintained. It is praiseworthy among those 
who enjoy good health, and still more important to those who are afflicted.

   Cleanliness of the body is to be effected by changing the dress at 
proper periods, and by washing its surface. Frequent bathing braces the 
nerves and vivifies the spirits.--Bathing is a powerful preserver and 
restorer of health; it softens and cleanses the skin, opens the pores, 
promotes perspiration, and invigorates the whole system.

SECTION VII.
OF THE PASSIONS.--
   Man is a complicated machine, his soul and body mutually affecting each 
other. Much has been and might still be written on this subject: but as I 
do not intend entering into a general or scientific dissertation on the 
passions, I will confine my remarks to their influence on the physical 
system. The influence of the passions on the human system have long been 
observed, and sometimes remarkable cures have been effected by operating 
only on the mind. The restoration of tranquility and the diffusion of 
contentment and serenity, is often necessary, in order to give medicines a 
fair opportunity of having their accustomed efficacy. The subordinate 
indulgence of passion, frequently induces disease of a stubborn 

Page 28

character, by destroying the power of digestion, enfeebling the 
circulation, affecting the brain and nervous system, &c. &c. But how mind 
and matter reciprocally act on each other, is a mystery which I leave to 
be developed by the researches of the profound philosopher.--When passions 
run counter to reason and religion, they produce the most frightful 
catastrophes. "When passion reigns reason is dethroned."

   Young persons should early be taught to control their passions, as "the 
early management and control of the passions by a proper education, is the 
best guard against their mischievous effects at any period of life. When 
the habit is once established, their control then becomes comparatively 
easy; but when the curb of piety, reason or habit is not put on them, the 
ordinary excitements of unexpected circumstances, spurs them into a 
gallop."

OF ANGER.--
   Anger is a sudden emotion of displeasure, excited by some supposed or 
real injury, offered either to our persons, characters or rights. Although 
anger is one of the most powerful and dangerous passions, both to 
ourselves and to the object of our wrath, yet we have as much or more 
power in governing it, than any other of the passions, to a certain 
extent. The intensity of this passion does not depend entirely upon the 
magnitude of the insult received, but also upon the pride, or rather 
vanity, of the individual who receives it. When an individual who has an 
exalted or overrated opinion of his own dignity and importance receives an 
insult, his vanity, like a magnifying glass, enlarges it into the most 
aggravated injury, and consequently, his ready resentment will equal the 
supposed magnitude of the offence. Persons addicted to violent and 
unrestrained fits of anger, are too often induced by the irritation of the 
moment, to perpetrate acts of the most alarming and outrageous character. 
Such deeds of rashness lead to the prison, and even the gallows.

   Anger is a disease of the mind, a short-lived insanity, producing the 
rashest, maddest deeds of folly. This is the passion which has raised up 
nation against nation, which has destroyed millions of the human race, and 
desolated whole countries. It is even sometimes seen to deform the maiden 
cheek with a frown. It disqualifies its subjects for all kinds of 
business, or social intercourse with his fellow 

Page 29

beings, and renders him miserable to himself and his associates. The 
storms of this passion have in some instances been so violent, as to 
produce immedtate death. Every passion grows by indulgence, and anger when 
unrestrained, is apt to degenerate into cruelty; and as self government 
and habit are the best preventatives of this dreadful and frightful 
monster, how early and cautious should examples of mildness and good humor 
be set before children by their parents. They should be taught to control 
this passion above all other things, for you may plainly observe the 
pernicious effects which anger produces on a child when indulged in it, as 
well as on a person of mature age.

   "The exercise of patience is not only a duty, the performance of which 
prevents all the deleterious effects of anger, but it is an infallible 
mark of a great and dignified soul." Due attention to the formation of our 
habits will readily bring this passion under the salutary restraints of 
prudence and reason; but if suffered to rage without restraint, and to be 
blown into a flame on every occasion, it soon becomes ungovernable.

OF HATRED.--
   This detestable passion is the voluntary fruit of a depraved soul: it 
is a voluntary and deep-rooted dislike, that seems to have its seat in the 
angry passions of the heart. Hatred is not in general, in consequence of 
provocation:--the object is not hated because it is odious, but because it 
interferes with inclination, &c. Hatred is a degrading passion; it is not 
contented with merely wishing evil to the objects of its fiendish 
malignity, but derives its only pleasure from their misery and 
destruction. Hatred has very appropriately been termed the "Bane of peace--
the ulcer of the soul."

"When hatred is in a bosom nursed,
Peace cannot reside in a dwelling so accursed."

   This detestable passion when permitted to occupy a place in the human 
breast, will soon make room for its sister passions--Envy. Slander, their 
offspring, will soon follow. Slander, whose mouth is ever full of lies, is 
truly said to be the "foulest whelp of sin." Enmity, ill-will, ranchor, 
malice and spite, are modifications of this base passion--Anger. They seek 
the misery, and are delighted in the misfortunes and destruction of their 
objects. Aversion, 

Page 30

detestation and the like, when kept in proper bounds, are allowable 
emotions of the soul; they are not personal feelings, directed against the 
object independent and regardless of its qualities, but they are emotions 
produced by actions or things:--thus the virtuous and honorable, detest 
the base, the treacherous, &c. Hatred, operating as it does upon the mind, 
cannot fail to injure the body. It destroys the happiness, and 
consequently impairs the health.

ENVY.--
   Envy, like hatred, is a low, degrading, and detestable passion. It is 
ever blind to the virtues and accomplishments of others, but quick-sighted 
in detecting imperfections that none else can see. Envy, like anger. is 
the bane of peace, the ulcer of the soul. Solomon says "Envy is the 
rottenness of the bones." It is a sensation of uneasiness, accompanied 
with malignity, excited by the superior accomplishments or advantages of a 
rival. It has its seat or root in an overrated self-love and thirst for 
praise, desiring to be esteemed superior to others, without efforts to 
merit such esteem. It never seeks to excel a rival by the practice of 
virtues superior to his, but labors to degrade him to its own level. The 
means employed to accomplish this vile purpose, is Slander, and thus the 
three enemies to all the fair forms of truth, honor, peace and happiness, 
unite their fiendish powers to destroy both soul and body.

"Envy commands a secret band. 
With sword and poison in his hand; 
Around his haggard eye balls roll, 
A thousand fiends possess his soul. 
The hellish unsuspected sprite, 
With fatal aim attacks by night, 
His troops advance with silent tread, 
And stab the hero in his bed. 
Or shoot the wing'd malignant lie, 
And female honors pine or die." 

AVARICE.--
   I copy the following able piece on this subject from the writings of A. 
H. Mathes:

   Avarice is a sordid passion. It is a craving anxiety after property; a 
rapacity in getting, and a tenacity in holding it. It is a grovelling 
passion, that seeks for happiness beneath the skies, and expects to 
realize, by hoarding up perishing dust, permanent enjoyments. When this 
sordid passion fakes possession of the heart, farewell all sentiments of 
honor--all correct notions of honesty, the only rule of right, and measure 
of wrong with the miser in his own interest: no other argument can reach 
his selfish 

Page 31

soul. Farewell to all natural affections, and all the objects of 
gratitude; it wrests the last drop of humanity from the bosom, and strips 
it of the last feeling of compassion. The shrill cry of justice, or the 
deep groans of want, are notes equally beyond his compass. He can behold 
misfortune's most afflicted sons, driven by adversity's fiercest gale, 
wrecked on the ocean of poverty, with scarce a broken piece of the wreck, 
to buoy their heads above the waves of utter want, without one pensive 
reflection.--Without a sigh he can strip nakedness of its rags, and rob 
poverty of its crusts, or enter the forlorn cabin of the widow, and exact 
the uttermost farthing, leaving her fatherless babes breadless.

   Avarice unties the bonds of society, and robs the miser of one of the 
greatest blessings in it--the mutual communication of kind offices. It 
dries up the fountain of humanity, obliterates every sentiment of 
generosity, and freezes up every stream of sympathy. As soon may you 
expect to pluck the blooming rose under the frozen pole, as to find the 
warmth of affection in the miser's frigid heart. From a region so barren 
of virtue, men no more expect to reap the fruits of charity, than they 
expect to gather grapes from the thistle, or figs from the bramble. This 
base passion robs the man of content; for although nature is content with 
few things, avarice is not content with all things; it tortures the soul 
and wastes the body with craving anxiety. His thievish fancy hears in 
every sound the approach of the robber. Of all the sons of folly, who 
barter time for eternity, life for death, heaven for hell, none do it on 
easier terms than the wretched worshiper at mammon's shrine, "who to the 
clink of mammon's box gives most greedy and rapacious ear;" is the only 
music that can charm him. Avarice renders a man poor in the midst of 
wealth, his niggard soul can scarce allow a scanty supply of food and 
raiment to his body, and for fear of future penury, reduces himself to 
present and utter want.

"And oh! what man's condition can be worse 
Than his, whom plenty starves, and blessings curse? 
The beggars but a common fate deplore. 
The rich man is emphatically poor, 
If cares and troubles, envy, grief and fear, 
Be the bitter fruits that fair riches bear; 
If utter poverty grows out of store, 
The old plain way is best--let me be poor." 

   Avarice is accompanied with extreme eagerness to make 

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money, with distressing fears about keeping it, and with inconsolable 
grief for fear of losing it; besides heart-ache, envies, jealousies, 
sleepless nights, wearisome days, and numberless other ills which it 
inflicts on its slaves, ruining their health, and dragging them to the 
grave with some wasting malady, or hurrying them there by rash, horrible 
suicide."

   The miser on being disappointed in an advantageous trade which he had 
thought almost confirmed, and fancied himself in possession of his new 
treasure; in losing the best of the market for his produce; or in having 
his hordes robbed of their idolized and shining dust, has, in many 
instances, been so smitten with grief, as to produce insanity, or rendered 
life so burdensome as to induce him to commit suicide.

FEAR.--
   Fear was given to man as a sentinel of self-preservation. It induces us 
to take measures to avert, if possible, the apprehended ill, and secure 
personal safety.--Apprehension, dread, &c., are modifications of the same 
passion. We apprehend what is possible, fear what is probable, and dread 
what is certain.

   Fear has a salutary influence in society, amongst those who are now 
governed by the principles of virtue. The fear of reproach, punishment, 
&c., often rertrains the hand of violence, injustice and oppression.

   Fear like every other passion, is liable to excess, and when thus 
indulged, instead of warding off anticipated evils, it often brings on the 
very calamities which are so much dreaded, and becomes hurtful to both 
body and mind. Fear indulged to excess, robs its possessor of resolution, 
reflection, and judgment, and degenerates into cowardice, which is a base 
passion, and beneath the dignity of man. No passion has a greater tendency 
to produce and aggravate disease than fear, when improperly indulged. It 
impedes the circulation, disorders the stomach and bowels, enfeebles vital 
action, and has a direct and instantaneous tendency to produce spasms on 
the whole system; and instances are not wanting, in which a sudden and 
excessive fright, has produced immediate death.

   The practice of frightening children and grown persons, is often 
productive of the most deleterious consequences. 

Page 33

Children are often fearful in the dark. This should be overcome by 
persuasion and argument rather than force. By proper treatment on the part 
of the parents or nurse, such unfounded fears will soon vanish; on the 
contrary, if they are encouraged by dismal stories of witches, ghosts, raw-
head and bloody-bones and the like, they will grow and become so deeply 
rooted, that to shake them off in mature years, will be almost a matter of 
impossibility.

HOPE.--
   Hope is an enlivening passion, it is a pleasurable emotion of the mind, 
excited by the anticipation of some desirable object considered 
attainable. It matters not, in what vocation we embark, it is our anchor 
to the last breath. We are supported by it in every difficulty.--It is 
hope with its offspring, fortitude, that enables us to bear all the toils, 
tumults, pains and vexations, which we have to encounter while passing 
through this "world of thorns." "It is the first friend that offers solace 
to the sons of affliction: it is the last to forsake them." Take from us 
hope, and life itself would be a burthen!

   Hope is productive of the most salutary effects, both on our bodies and 
minds, differing in this respect from all our other passions. When engaged 
in the pursuits of life, and enjoying ordinary health, it is attended with 
many favorable effects without possessing any physical disadvantages, and 
what a powerful effect it has when laboring under pain and diseases of the 
body! It raises the spirits: it increases the action and power of the 
heart; gives vigor to the nervous system; moderates the pulse; causes 
breathing to be more full and free, quickens all the secretions and gives 
tone and strength to the whole system. The christian's hope extends beyond 
this vale of tears and enables him, in the last struggle of death, to cry 
out: "Oh! grave where is thy victory, Oh! death where is thy sting."

JOY.--
   Joy is a high degree of pleasure, excited by the attainment or 
possession of some desired good--the reception of good news, &c. &c. 
Delight, gladness, mirth, cheerfulness and the like, are different 
modifications of this passion. Joy is pleasure at high tide. When indulged 
in moderation it has a salutary effect on both the body and mind; but if 
it should be excessive or very sudden, it frequently does serious and 
lasting injury to persons in 

Page 34

good health; and instances have occurred, in which it produced immediate 
death. Persons of an ardent, lively temperament, and of delicate nervous 
sensibility, are mort liable to suffer serious or fatal consequences from 
sudden transports of this passion. Precautionary means should be used to 
prevent such sudden transports of excessive joy, by preparing the mind 
gradually to meet its emotions, and by this means its dangerous effects 
will be obviated.

SECTION XI.
GRIEF.
   This depressing emotion of the mind, is produced by the suffering of 
some calamity, or by sustaining the loss of something that contributed to 
our happiness. The intensity of the passion is generally in the proportion 
to the estimate we place on the object lost. Indulged grief often becomes 
settled melancholy--its victim sinks into despair and fatal insanity. 
Sorrow, grief, melancholy, despair, &c., seem to be different 
modifications of the same passion. Whether grief proceeds from real or 
imaginary causes, the destructive influence is the same on the healthy 
action of the system. It destroys the digestive powers--oppresses the 
lungs and weakens the nerves--it produces sleepless nights, head aches, 
weak eyes, costiveness, palpitations of the heart and not unfrequently 
insanity and death. How frequently do we see our fellow mortal weighed 
down with this depressing passion, their pale and furrowed cheeks tell us 
they are sick! ah! and of what? of every thing and nothing!! They apply 
for medical aid--take medicine without weight or measure; but all in 
vain.--They are still sick--the contents of an apothecary shop will not 
give relief. The mind is the part diseased; and until the cause is removed 
it will bid defiance to the powers of medicine. In such case much rests 
with the sufferer. The cause should be removed if possible; if this cannot 
be done, we should remember that this is "a world of sorrow." And why 
destroy both health and happiness, by grieving about a thing we cannot 
help? We should exercise firmness and resolution, and reconcile as far as 
possibe, the circumstances and condition to our wounded and oppressive 
feelings. "We should seck in piety those unwithering 

Page 35

consolations which can sustain the mind under the severest strokes of 
adversity. From this source issue streams of living pleasure that cannot 
be dried up by the occurrence of disastrous events."

LOVE.--
   As this passion is not productive of any bad effects on the health, 
when of a proper kind and properly controlled, there need be but little 
said on the subject.--Love is one of the master passions of the soul, when 
kindled into ardor. It exercises an uncontrollable dominion over all the 
powers of man. Pure and reciprocal love is one of man's most endearing 
delights--it is not wrecked by the storms of adversity nor starved out by 
poverty.--We are commanded to exercise this passion in Holy writ, which is 
a sufficient proof of its excellency. Thus we are commanded to love our 
parents, our companions and children, and even our enemies; and above all--
our God and heavenly things. When this passion is confined within its 
proper limits, with due regard to its objects, it has a salutary influence 
on the mind of every rational being. The influence of propitious love is 
salutary upon the physical system, as it promotes all the secretions--
invigorates the action of the heart--imparts vivacity to the spirits and 
brightens the countenance with cheerfulness.

   Some writers when speaking on this subject, digress from the true 
intent of the matter and fall into a discussion of most of the other 
passions. Under the title of "Disappointed Love," they discuss at great 
length the beautiful effects of grief, jealousy, rage, reveuge, despair, 
&c.--Love, crossed or disappointed by the inconstancy or falseness of the 
beloved object, not unfrequently begets one or more of the above passions, 
and produce some of the wildest storms of passion that infest the seas of 
life, wrecking both happiness and health,

   "Earth has no rage like love to hatred turned; And hell no fury like a 
lover scorned."


REMARKS PRELIMINARY TO THE MEDICAL PORTION OF THIS WORK.
   That a knowledge of diseases is necessary to their cure, will be 
readily acknowledged; but a great difference of opinion prevails amoug 
mankind as to how this knowledge 

Page 36

should be obtained. Some say it should be the result of personal 
experience; while others contend that education and theory alone, is all 
that is necessary to make a skillful physician. The union of observation, 
with the deductions of theory, will probably be found to lead to the 
safest conclusions. A medical education should be united with experience. 
Every disease is to be known by its peculiar symptoms, and the sagacity of 
the physician will be exercised in discriminating between different 
diseases by their different symptoms.

   Regard should always be paid to the constitution, manner of life, age, 
sex, temper, &c. Some constitutions are peculiar and require a peculiar 
treatment. It would be injudicious to treat the tender, delicate and 
sickly in the same manner as the hardy and robust.

   Females have diseases peculiar to themselves--their system is more 
tender and irritable and demands greater caution.

   The following enquiries should be made previous to administering 
medicine to a sick person.

   When were you taken? How were you taken? To what disease are you most 
liable? Is the disease constitutional or accidental? Are you temperate in 
eating and drinking? What has been your general health? What were your 
feelings for several days previously to being taken, &c.? If the patient 
be a female, you should also ascertain whether she has been regular in her 
monthly periods? Whether there is any suppression of urine, &c.

   A physican, on entering the room of a sick person, should be easy and 
affable in his manners, and wait patiently the subsiding of any strong 
excitement his presence may have created.

   THE PULSE.--By the pulse is meant the beating or throbbing of an 
artery, which is occasioned by the motion of the heart in propelling the 
blood through them. This motion of the heart and arteries is spoken of at 
greater length in the anatomical part of this work. The physician derives 
great information as to the condition of his patient, from knowing how the 
blood circulates. This is ascertained by feeling the pulse. The pulse in 
different persons varies, it beats quicker in the sanguine than in the 
melancholly--in the young and vigorous, than in the old and declining--
children have quicker pulse than adults. The 

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usual standard of a healthy indication by the pulse in grown persons is 
from 66 to 80 strokes in a minute.

   Good health is indicated by a strong, firm, regular pulse.

   1. When the pulse resists the pressure of the finger, feels full, and 
swells boldly under the pressure, it is called a full strong tense pulse--
if slow and irregular, it is called a weak, fluttering and irregular pulse.

   2. When the pulse feels like a string drawn tight, and gives 
considerable resistance to the presure of the finger, it is termed a hard, 
corded pulse.

   3. The soft and intermitting pulses give their own meaning by name; 
they are very easily distinguished from each other, as in cases of great 
weakness of the system and a languid circulation, or on the approach of 
death.

   4. An intermitting pulse is sometimes produced by oppression of the 
stomach and bowels, it also arises in some instances from an agitation of 
the mind. A vibrating pulse, with quick, weak pulsations, acting under the 
fingers like a thread, quick but very weak and irregular, indicates a 
highly dangerous state of the system. This pulse is generally accompanied 
with deep sighs, difficult breathing, and a dead, heavy languor of the 
eyes.

   The above directions will enable any person to distinguish the 
different states of the pulse; and enable him so far as the pulse can give 
any indications, to judge of the nature and stage of the disease.