The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-12-14
For the Galaxy.
DOCT. FITCIrS TREATISE ON DIS
EASES OF THE LUNGS.

Ut inc OtuiNE.
DOCT. FITCrS TREATISE ON DIS
EASES OF THE LUNGS.
The progress of science, and art at the pres
ent day, is perhaps more eulOgized than un-
derstood All writers and speakers agree that
the world has made, and is making wonderful
progress in almost every thing most interesting
to man. But the way and manner is not much
enquired into by the common mind Still the
popular mind is exercising mighty influence
! on the numerous departments Of science and
art 1t propounds numerous and searching
questions.-lt asks for results 1t grapplcs
boldly with theories, which produce us yalua-
bic fruit
The influence of this feeling is more strong
ly operating on medical science and arts. Git
cd and enlightened physicians of the longest
experience, have written works for the popu-
lar mind the great object of which is to i'm
press upon mankind the importance of judi
cious, wise and enlightened training, of the
physical man-the mighty force of habit on
the human body; and the weakness of medi-
zine to resist diseases that came, by the daily
breach Of the laws oil God, with regard to
the physical man.
johnson in England and Combe in Scot
land, have just published admirable works on
this subject of the general import to society :;
and worthy Of the most serious consideration
Of medical students and practitioners.
In our own country, tho same subject has
been much canyassed and the medical as well
as the common mind has been reused TO its
importance on the well being of society.
We have lately examined work BY Doct.
Samuel S. Fitch a physician Of New York
city. On the subject OF consumption, and its
cure, which We believe Is destined to be most
eminently useful to society We do not know
how it is, or will be received, by the medical
profession, we hope however, that it will be
more read than abused; as We believe that the
most experienced may derive valuable hints
from it, not elsewhere to be found.
The subject Is one Of vital Importance In
almost every town and village, there are those
who are sutfcIing from or are i'll danger of this
most dreaded form of dieaseA Hitherto, the
iucurable nature of the disease when far adj
vanced, is attested by dying thousands, and its
dangerous character when subjected to medi-
cal treatment at an early stage is equally noto-
rious
Under these circumstances the medical pro-
fession, as well rs others should turn ready
and willing ear to every new view Of the sub
ject and not rashly concluded that the disease
is in its nature incurable.
Doctor Fitch does not pretend to have dis
covered any wonderful panacea by which he
can by medicine cure consumption.
On the contrary the foundation stone Of his
system Is, that consumption is generally pro-
duced, by habits Of life, at war with the physi-
cal system, and that no permanent cure, can
bc-ii60iissed for, until such ruinOus habits are
corrected.
He insists in the first place that the figure
should be kept erect; the shoulders well
thrown back, giving full play and action to
lungs, and inducing their full distension with
pure air-their natural element-and stimu-
lus, and without which, they must soon
loose their power and functions.
Next, he urges the propriety Of daily exer-
else in the open air by all who are able ride
or walk, and if they can do neither, then that
they inhale daily pure cold air by means Of an
inhaling tubes communicating with cold air.
He insists that shutting up consumptive per-
sons, in warm and heated ROOMS, through the
cold weather, is most injurious to the lungs
facilitating the whole system, and preparing
it, to fall an easy prey to the destroyer.
He objects to all facilitating medicine as a
general rule; has much less faith in any med
icine, than in vigorous exercise and careful
of the person, by rules he very
clearly lays down,-recommendsd daily washing
of the whole body in cold water-depercatcs
blisters and emetic tartar soreS-and III their |
place orders the application Of cloths, wet IN
cold water, as a relief from pains in the region
of the chest.
He says, that persons inclined to consump-
tive habits, of weak constitution, are often
instructed to wear too much clothing; merely
hoping to keep off disease by denying that
which still more invigorates the system.
He warns all against hot rooms, double win
lows, excessive clothing and want OF exercise,
in the open air. ;
His advice, about exercise, diet, employ
nent, amusements, &C., IS admirable, and will
be found applicable to all ages and all classes
1f society.
1t is impossible to do more, than to glance
1t the work in a newspaper article We have
lone so for the purpose of enjoining on all
.lasses, to buy this book, and read it attentive
v, and carefully.We do not know, that all that
) stated in it is correct. Probably, the writer
nay place too high an estimate, on some of his
remedial agents.
But the general current of advice, with re-
gard to the tEaining of the physical man to
,lye rigor and energy to the system and thus
Enable it to ward off disease, merits our IN
qualified appreciation. 1t is adapted to the ma
ure of man. 1t IS founded on reason, accords
With experience, and will defy all the assaults
# the skeptical and interested. We have no
loubt the book will be attacked and with sin
,erity But their is much of the book that [
will stand and we trust that the Doctor will
,ursue his enquiries and give the world the
benefit of still longer experience.