Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-12-10
NTIFIC.
Cold Water Cure.


recently attracted much attention throughout Eu-
rope and many establishments have been form,
ed in this country and on the Continent for the
application of it, within the last few years. As
it may be explained 10 considerable degree, in
a popular manner, we propose to state briefly
what it is, reserVing an examination OF It's
merits as cure until fuller experience has been
obtained of its efficacy,
Priessnitz, the inventor of Hydropathy, is the
son ola small farmer, in the billy district ofGaf-
enburg, near Freiwadau, in Austrian Slesa,
where, in youth, he followed his fathers calling.
Accidentally noticing the effects of water on
burns, &c, he appears to have tried it on his
neghbors, for slight ailments, with success. At
this period, Wagon went over him, from which
he received such severe nluries that his life was
despaired of by the village practitioners. He
then resolved to try his own plan; and recovered
speedily. From this circumstance his fame rap
idly extended and many persons focked to him
for advice, with whom his success was consider
able. He now set up as a regular practitioner,
combining his medicine to the single ingredient
which had cured himself and discovering the
processes, and their effects on diseases, gradually,
by repeated experiment. Success of every kind
continued to attend him. InValids Of every rank
hocked to his bleak abode. Year by year their
number increased, & it is now very great in his
own village independent of those in the neighbour
ing town of Freiwadau whom he visits, and in
the establishments of his disciples in England,
France, and Germany. He has attained wealth
and consideration, but neither seems 10 influence
him. He still goes on, looking not to the right
or left neither attacking others or defending
himself but laboring more and more unremit-
tingy in his calling as if that were the only
single thing he had to do upon this earth. Dr.
Wilson, who resided considerable time in CAT
enberg, states, 'that he is engaged from six in
the morning until ten at night, and barely had
day relaxation for twenty years"
Such is an outline of the history of one who
is varousy characterized, as a mischievouS
quack; a mere empyrc; man of strong nau-
raj talent, who, partly by chance partly by we'll
directed experiments, has succeeded in dcover-
ing powerful remedial agent, which he has had
the skill and perseverance to bring into extensive
use.
The water-cure process, strictly so called,
may be stated to consist Of
/. Water drinking,
2. Bathing, wholly or partially,
g. Covering up, and bandaging with wet
cloths.
A. Friction with wet and dry cloths,
5. Sweating.
Several of these are usually adopted at the
same stage; and they are all subject to various
notifications suggested by the condition of the
patient
Pressnitz, however, maintains that pure
mountain air, and as much exercise in it as the
strength will bear, are as essential parts of his
system as pure water He also enjoins attention
to diet, and forbids the use of wine, beer, and
spirits. Coffee and cocoa are under his ban;
and tea is not recommended. Water, or milk
and water, are the sole drinks. During the op.
GRAFTON Of his processes, anxiety and mental la
Dor are, as far as possible, to be avoided,
1t may be said that, in many ncipient dsor.
ders, end in cases of general uneasiness arising
from too much work g. anxiety, too little exercise,
too much stimulating food and drink and too
much medicine, all taken in the impure air of a
large city, the mere suspension Of work and care
for month or six weeks, great attention to diet,
and constant exercise in pure air, would effect
cure in most instances, without the necessity
of attrlbutlng it to the water treatment. This is
true, no doubt. But the case in question must
receive advantage from bathing and external
friction, by which the skin is melted to act Wigs
orously and throw out impurities from the sys-
tenn. This, we apprehend, will generally be al
lowed, whatever opinion may be entertained Of
the water treatment in positive and long-standing
4 diseases
We shall now describe briefly the peculiar
processes of the water system, which, as we have
said, are used sngIy or conformity, and varousy
modified, to meet peculiar cases. For delicate
persons, the water of the baths is warmed at first,
and gradually cooled, as the patient becomes ca
pabe ofbearng it; in some cases warm or hot
baths and applications are used: indeed, in all
cases, the processes, when performed under ju-
dicious superintendent, are commenced gently
and increased cautiously according to the state
of the patients health
Water Drinking.-The drinking Of very
pure spring water is cnjoined both at meals and
at times when it will moi interfere with the diges-
ton, especially during exercise before breakfast,
The quantity is regulated by the state OF the pa,
tient, who commences with a small dose. This
practice is supposed to clear and give tone to the
stomach, to check inflammation generally, to
promote the action of the bowels and intestines,
and to throw out impurities by increasing per.
: spiration.
The ShalloV Bath is large bath Of the or,
binary form, with depth Of water of only ten
/ or twelve inches This is the bath most cons
S monty used, being considered preferable to deep
err baths, 1t is generally used cold, but may be
S required tepid or even hot The patient sits in
D it from two till ten minutes, rubbing himself
! well, and being rubbed by attendant, and hav-
= in water poured over the head when necessary,
g He is then enveloped in dry sheet, and dri.
a ed as quickly as possible, This bath may be