The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-10-30


THERE are so many theories in regard to fy-
Ciene in the present day that it does not seem
Aecessary for any one to be sick. 1t is amusing
TO hear the followers of the different methods
advocate the particular system they have
adopted. 1t is quite fashionable these days fec
people, and especially ladies, to discuss their
Ailments. There was time when female
diseases were never spoken of ; a woman felt a
Hesitation in mentioning her trouble even to
one of her best friends. Now things are
different, and there is no ailment that is not
freely discussed, and different modes Of treat
ment are eagerly sought after and notes COM
pared by the followers Of each method
Christian science occupied the attention of a
large number all over the land some time last
year, and has now many followers.
met lady not many months ago who was
strong believer i'll Christian science. She
was suffering from having her gums recede
and leaving her teeth very loose. She was 60
ing to try her pet doctrine-C Christian science
i felt quite anxious to know the result, but
did not need to ask for meeting her several
months after, discovered she wore full set
of false teeth, so knew the science of dentistry
had been more effectual than the other.
Many are strong advocates of baths-vapor,
hot, cold and needle baths. | had the latter
described to me by friend who INDUCES twice
D week in these Injuries; having been under
physicians treatment for several years for
complication of troubles, fully believes now
abe is going to be cured by baths. The needle
bath is taken standing in an upright machine
into which the person steps, and the water is
turned on and comes through very small pune
lures, making the stream the size of needle,
and touches the body with such force as to feel
like the prick of a needle, said to be a very
pleasant sensation if the water is of the right
temperature, but quite painful if too hot or
cold. Then we have the water cure treatment,
where the patient is wrapped in wet sheets
and blankets, and worse than that, compelled
to live on vegetables cooked without butter or
salt; chow pity the followers of this treat
ment.) Electricity comes In for large share
Of popular favor. Half the people you meet
have on an electric belt, pad or corset, and
will tell you they find great relief from wear
ing them. Others declare nothing can equal
the Massage treatment, where you pummell,
beat and knead the patientSas if they were
piece of dough.
These are only a few of the new systems.
Castor oil and calomel, and many other Of the
oldtime medicines that did our grandparents
good, have long ago been put aside, and new
tangled notions have taken their places.
It does seem with so much science brought
TO bear upon the health that people ought not
20 get sick. Ii one treatment does not relieve
there are others to fall back on, until the case
10 suited. But we have another craze now
that does more than cure; it is to prevent sick
ness; that is, strict attention to physical cul-
sure. This gives strength and health, de-
velops the muscles, strengthens the lungs and
spine, and hardens the system generally.
Many delicate persons have had their lives
prolonged by course of physical culture. AT
last a proper attention to hygiene is the best
hourse to pursue. If we we're more thoroughly
acquainted with physiology than we are, we
could doubtless save ourselves many an ache
and pain which is otherwise our lot.