The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1871-05-04
How Consumpti> vi may be Cured.

AAS" - e~At~J w.
The first announcement to patient
that tc or she has consumption, is Of
ten like death kneM. The vacant
stare, the pale cheek, and the convul-
sive sigh, indicate shock OF the most
profound character. Indeed, I have
known persons to swoon away and
require the most active exertions to
restore them. And yet it is not true
that consumption is necessarily IA
tai disease. In point Of FACT it is not
so fatal as many cases which prevail
in every community, and yet excite no
remark. Consumption results from a
perverted nutrition. Instead of that
perfect assimilation essential to sound
health, there is IN elaboration Of the
nutritive fluids, which leads by inham
matory action or other processes, to
the disposition in the lungs ami other
tissues of crude material known as
tubcrcle. Persons predisposed to con-
sumption, or living. under circum-
stances which lower the vital ener-
gies and prevent the nitritive process
es, are those in whom this affection
most frequently appears. 1t follows
that there is no specific for consump.
ton. 1t isnot durable by medicines |;
on the contrary, its fatal issue is more
often FASTENED by medication.
For the encouragement of patients
and to illustrate the course Of life most
likely to restore vigorous health, a
condition incompatible with consump-
ton, usually relate cases that have
come under my observation. The fol.
lowing is one example among many ::
"A young medical friend, having a
hereditary tendency to consumption
began to realize at first its well-mark-
ed symptoms. 1t progressed rapidly
toward fatal termination. The
cough, emaciation and hectic betrayed
his condition to the most superficial
observer. Alarmed at his coudition,
but dreading to yield to the conviction
of his friends that he was victim Of
this disease, he refused 10 be examin
ed or even to talk on the subject. At
length he became so weak and pros
trated that he consented to have his
lungs examined. and on the announce.
ment Of the physician that they con-
tanned large cavities he tainted, and
was rallied with great difficulty. Arous-
ell to pitch of desperation, he deter.
mined that he would not lie down and
die, bu. would betake himself to out.
door life. He accordingly spent bis
ent.e day on horseback exercise, saw
ing wood, boat rowing,etc. At night
he slept on q hard bed in an clubhouse
through which the winds had full play
His diet was plain, and but little cook
ed; his clothing was coarse and scant.
That physician is to-day practicing his
profession in New England town {;
he is upwards of forty five years of
age, and weighs about two hundred
pounds. A finer specimen Of health
is not seen in New England"
Recovering from the last stage of
consumption is therefore possible.
The following outline of the course Of
lie to pursue is given:
Live in the open air and sunshine
avoid dampness and darkness in youl
dwelling if possible; choose dry
mountain region; develop by vigorous
exercise every muscle in the body tc
its fullest capacity; select nourishing
and easily digested food, and be sure
that it is not overlooked; dress ir
coarse wooden clothing; bathe fol
cleanliness and comfort; never forcibly
distend the lungs, but increase thell
capacity by exercise; and finally, take
no medicines except as aid or addi
tional to the course If life recommend
ed.-Eminent Physician, in Hearth ana
| Ho,ue.