(The cost of Haemoglobin is $4.50 per pound,
the value, therefore, of 1 pound of Haemin or
Blood-Iron is $1,125—)
APPENDIX I
LIFE PRESERVERS AND ELIXIRS.
In addition to the twelve Dech-Manna Compositions mentioned before, I have composed three others that are most important and are to be used practically and in various doses; the first and the third should be used in nearly every treatment of patients suffering from constitutional diseases, while the second is the remedy which takes the place of Eubiogen when the patients are babies or very weak.
This consists of radium emanation tablets or powders and the necessary bath salts for the decarbonization of the system in all cases of what is called auto-intoxication. They have a wonderful effect on the metabolism of the human organism, and increase the oxidation of all diseased cells that poison the system. The radium tablets are officially guaranteed and the bath salts are the result of many years study in balneotherapy and hydrotherapy, and have demonstrated their effectiveness by the wonderful results that have been obtained during the last thirty years. Rheumatism, gout, arterio-sclerosis, etc., cannot exist in the system when these baths have been taken for a certain length of time. I rarely undertake a treatment for disease of this kind without them.
HOW TO APPLY OXYGENATOR.
For a half or partial bath fill the bath two-thirds full of water at 90° to 98°. Use one pound of bath salts. Mix and dissolve them completely in the water. As soon as dissolved, put two of the oxygenator radium tablets into the water, one at the head and one at the foot of the bath, allowing one-half to one minute for dissolving. Mix very slowly and quietly in order not to release too much of the radium emanation.
Lie in the bath very quietly for 20 to 25 minutes, with cold compresses on the head. Then open the cold water faucet, begin to move about in the bath, sit up and wash face and chest with cold water. Let the cold water run into the bath until you notice some signs of "goose-flesh," then get out and rub down well with a good Turkish towel.
Never remain alone while taking this kind of a bath. Stop the bath immediately if any feeling of faintness is experienced. Drink a glass of Tonogen, or other refreshment.
This composition is in liquid form and intended for babies and very feeble invalids. It contains nearly all the constituents of No. XII, Eubiogen, but in such a form that even the infant can safely partake of it, with rapid regenerative results. Thus the degeneration of inherited or predisposed conditions or weak tissues will be prevented.
Dose: From one-half to three teaspoonfuls a day, pure or diluted in milk, according to the individual directions given. As a fermentative agent I know of nothing better, and through the formation of gases, acidity of the stomach will be prevented, perfect digestion assured and consequently health and normal conditions restored.
As a beverage Tonogen scientifically speaking, stands at the head of all chemical achievements in drinks. Therapeutically, there is nothing that could be more beneficial to the human system. It contains the fundamental constituents of normal blood and nerve cells in such form that even the weakest and most sensitive digestion will readily respond to its influence. This compound is absolutely free from all deleterious chemicals; as a tonic it is stimulating and strengthening and as a beverage it is so palatable that few will hesitate to pronounce its taste delicious.
In all cases of acute febrile diseases, also in chronic forms of these diseases, as well as in climatic fevers, it is wonderfully effective in supporting the healing process of nature.
From a physiologico-chemical standpoint, it has been thus described:
Tonogen is the acme of chemical perfection, both as a tonic and as a beverage. It is the captured and crystalized outcome of years of scientific observation focussed upon the true ingredients of healthy blood cells as viewed from both the theoretical and practical biological standpoint. It represents, in fact, a life study of the science of life, in a concrete form of body-cell invigorator suitable to all mankind, from earliest infancy to advancing age, and this of a nature equally digestible and assimilable to both. After but a brief experience of this seductive beverage, it may speedily be felt how, once digested and assimilated, it courses through the lymph channels and lacteal vessels and, by the familiar route of the Chyle passes into the heart, where joined with the blood of that organ, it produces a sensation of liquifaction. In its course, by way of the arteries, it gradually reaches the external glands, warms the limbs and, in a manner electrifies them. In the body, it suffuses the pancreas and other glands and the intestines, mingles with the fluids existing in the glands and with the oily salts of the bile; and whatever impurities (autotoxins), may be there it drives in the form of excrement and urine completely out of the body. Thus in its free and ample scope is all the ground of all the intricate vital processes of physiology covered in its course and the active principles of the excretions of skin, kidneys and intestines are made visible at a glance.
In combination with Plasmogen, taken alternately, it is really indespensable in all the diseases mentioned above. Many a life has been saved through the use of this combination. It is one of my standard home remedies, and my own family would not think of allowing themselves to be without it for a single day, for, as they say, one never knows when it may be required.
Dose: One teaspoonful tonogen with three teaspoonfuls of granulated sugar in a tumbler of water, to be taken slowly, once or twice daily. In cases of diabetes and arterio-sclerosis the dose should be 20 to 25 drops tonogen in a teaspoonful of milk sugar 1 to 3 times daily. Pregnancy is a contra-indication to the use of tonogen.
APPENDIX II.
The following compositions are also used especially in specific cases.
(D). Tea. Diabetic. Dechmann.
Description: Compound of many herbs (powdered) found beneficial to the diabetic system.
(E). Tea. Laxagen. Kneipp.
Description: Compound of several herbs (powdered) approved by the celebrated Kneipp in cases of chronic constipation.
(F). Salve. Lenicet. Reiss.
Description: The most beneficial salve in case of inflamed wounds, boils or exanthematous eruptions.
(G). Massage Emulsion. Dechmann.
Description: Consists of the finest ethereal oils and other ingredients useful and valuable, yet absolutely harmless, in case of nerve or muscular pains, applied as a liniment.
(H). Propionic acid.
Description: The product of various herbs known for their high percentage of propionic acid; applied in case of catarrh in the form of atomized steam.
(I). Oxygen Powder. Hensel.
Description: A composition of sugar, gum tragacanth (traganth) and citric acid, used in the form of lemonade in case of high carbonic acid poisoning.
(J). Anti-Phosphate. Dechmann.
(Otherwise termed "Negative Compound.")
Description: Contains all basic salts as sulphates, thus acting as the governor of a machine; that is it prevents the accumulation of too much phosphate in the blood, which would promote the formation of all fungus growths. (See paragraph in the article, "Importance of the Mineral Constituents in our food").
A copy of my wholesale price list as given in 1915—before we entered the war—may give you a fair idea of the price of my compositions. Since that time, most of the ingredients of these remedies have increased from four to ten times in value. The reader can easily judge therefrom of the fairness of the present values. I may say that most of the compositions are listed at only one-fourth to one-third advance, notwithstanding the high cost of chemicals. This fact will absolve me, I think, of any tendency to profiteering.
PRICE-LIST DECH-MANNA COMPOSITIONS.
| No. | Per oz. | Per lb. | |
| I. | Plasmogen | $0.75 | $ 8.00 |
| II. | Lymphogen | 1.00 | 10.67 |
| III. | Neurogen | 1.50 | 16.00 |
| IV. | Osseogen | 1.00 | 10.67 |
| V. | Muscogen | 1.00 | 10.67 |
| VI. | Mucogen | 1.00 | 10.67 |
| VII. | Dento & Ophthogen | 1.50 | 16.00 |
| VIII. | Capillogen | 1.50 | 16.00 |
| IX. | Dermogen | 1.50 | 16.00 |
| X. | Gelatinogen | 1.50 | 16.00 |
| XI. | Cartilogen | 1.50 | 16.00 |
| XII. | Eubiogen | 2.00 | 21.35 |
| Same with sacch. lact. radio | 2.50 | 26.67 | |
| A reduction of 33⅓% on the prices per pound will be allowed on all the above products as quoted in the second column. | |||
| A. | Radio emanation tablet (5,000 volts); | |||||
| Per tablet | $ 1.50 | |||||
| Bath salts, original composition, lb. | 1.00 | |||||
| B. | Eubiogen Liquid | (a) | oz. 0.75 | (b) | oz. 1.00 | |
| pt. 8.00 | pt. 10.67 | |||||
| C. | Tonogen | (a) | oz. 0.50 | (b) | oz. 0.75 | |
| pt. 5.33 | pt. 8.00 | |||||
| J. | Anti-Phosphate | (a) | oz. 0.50 | (b) | oz. 0.75 | |
| lb. 5.33 | lb. 8.00 | |||||
| Copies of the Handbook "Dare To Be Healthy" Second Edition, may be procured at 75c for the paper-bound edition and $1.50 for the leather-bound edition. | ||||||
PHYSICAL TREATMENT.
As I have already stated, it is necessary in disease to assist the process of regulating the circulation and opening the body to the full benefit of the dietetic and nutritive salts treatment by applying a number of physical treatments, in each case, which, for convenience sake, I have divided into ten different groups, some of which may need to be applied simultaneously in certain cases.
They are as follows:
23. Ablutions with vinegar and water, 1 part vinegar, 2 parts water.
24. Abdominal packs, vinegar and water, dito
25. Partial packs:
(a) Vinegar and water, dito
(b) Radium and salts.
26. Partial packs:
(a) Arms.
(b) Legs.
(c) Neck.
(d) Shoulder.
27. Three-quarter packs, vinegar and water, dito
28. Gymnastics.
29. Massage.
30. Breathing Exercises.
31. Oxygenator Baths.
32. Radium and Salt Baths.
(a) Half.
(b) Whole.
From these groups a treatment is usually prescribed in each and every case of disease.
The importance of ablutions especially packs is so great that it is necessary to give further explanations concerning them:
In a general way, it is necessary to apply a bath or an ablution (See Form 23) when the test with the thermometer, usually applied under the tongue, in arm-pit or in the rectum, shows that the temperature of the patient exceeds 100 degrees. The patient grows restless, his skin feels dry and the pulse, which regularly is 70 to 80 with adults, 90 to 100 with children, and about 130 with infants, shows an increased speed. As soon as these symptoms appear, they indicate that the immediate cooling off of the body by means of a bath, an ablution or a pack is necessary. Adults will always show the desire for such instinctively.
In extreme cases baths or ablutions should be administered several times every day.
Healthy people perspire as soon as they become too hot. This means that they cool off through the evaporation of the perspiration. This is supplemented by the bath and its cooling effect; balancing the higher temperature of the body with the lower temperature of the water, brings this about. The blood which flows towards the skin during the bath is cooled off, and returns in this condition to the interior of the body, and is immediately followed by other quantities of blood.
Since the blood circulates through the body about twice every minute, the cooling takes place from 20 to 24 times during a bath, lasting from 10 to 12 minutes. This explains the soothing and cooling effect of the bath on the waves of blood and the nerves, which are irritated by the increased temperature.
At the same time the bath opens the pores which assist in the excretion of degenerated matter produced by the disease, and fosters the reception of oxygen.
It is a natural function of the body that an increased flow of the warming blood flies always to any region of the body which is assailed by external cold, so that such parts may not become too cold or, in common parlance, may not "catch" cold.
This explains why the hands get red and hot after throwing snow-balls, the feet burn after a cold foot bath.
As soon as the body, which is hot with fever, is put into the cool bath, the first effect is that the blood-vessels of the skin contract under the cooling influence. The blood recedes. Soon, however, it streams with renewed energy to the skin to defeat the cold. The first action,—the recession of the blood,—is followed by reaction or increased activity of circulation towards the skin. This removes the pressure of the blood upon the overburdened internal organs, such as the brain, the lungs and the heart. The blood is diverted.
For ablutions the water should be cool or lukewarm, the exact temperature to be determined by the strength of the patient. Some vinegar should be added to the water, taking two parts water and one part vinegar.
To accustom children to the use of water and ablutions is one of the important duties of motherhood.
A healthy child should be washed once every day with water at 59 degrees to 64 degrees. The best way to wash the child is to put two chairs in front of its bed. On one of them place the vessel with the necessary water, on the other place the child, after it has been disrobed in bed, in a standing position, so that it can be supported with the back of the chair. The ablution is performed by means of strong application with the hands, dipped into the water, and is repeated several times. Then the shirt is put on again, and the child is allowed to stay well covered in bed for another 15 minutes.
Children must become accustomed to gargling as early as possible, and to draw water up through the nose, or to remove it from the mouth through the nose. This is very valuable and facilitates the treatment of children in case of disease.
VINEGAR PACKS.
It appears opportune at this juncture, and before entering upon the detailed description of the modern healing system of Vinegar Packs, included in the prescribed course of Physical Treatments which follow, to make a few rational remarks illustrative of the physical significance and scientific basis of a branch of therapy which largely amongst the laity, through ignorance, and more so amongst the regular medical fraternity, for reasons of their own, is too frequently lightly regarded by the one and diplomatically depreciated by the other.
In this manner one of the most potent and logical modern factors in the healing of disease would be conveniently consigned to the back ground in company with other simple but unremunerative truths, but for the timely intervention of the new and enlightened school of independent medicine of which the Biological or Hygienic Dietetic Method of Healing is the outcome.
The wonderful efficacy of natural Vinegar upon the organism and its employment in the form of Vinegar Packs and compresses dates back probably to the early traditions of the healing art, but scientific analysis of its subtle operation upon the system through the vital fluid has been left for the scientific research of today to determine.
To those of the public—or the profession—therefore, who are not conversant with the subject the following notes may be valuable as descriptive of the why and wherefore of the use of Vinegar.
It will be admitted, I think, that one of the most prolific sources of disease, in innumerable forms, is that of congestion of blood. The greatest danger of such congestion is inflammation. Should inflammation occur in or near a vital organ and fail to be promptly reduced and its cause (coagulation) removed, the result is decomposition—and decomposition, if not arrested means death.
The most valuable—I might almost say infallible—remedy known, even to the greatest accepted authorities of physiology, for the prevention of inflammation is acetic acid in diluted form, or, in a word, Vinegar, as a restorer of the fluidity of the blood.
Inflammation is the result of coagulation of the blood-albumen; congestion is its sequal, inflammation and decomposition of the tissues its climax. The last is nearly always fatal.
The manifest object therefore to be achieved in all such cases is to restore the normal fluidity and circulation of the blood without unduly taxing any vital organ. Thus, for instance, hot packs on the feet draw the blood towards the feet, where no vital organs exist. Hot packs act as an absorbent, by suction; cold packs, on the affected place, act in inverse ratio as an expelling force. The two operating conjointly promote full circulation and extend the absorbing tendency to the whole system.
Ice, on the other hand, though not infrequently prescribed, is too strong a force. It contracts the blood vessels, arrests normal circulation, and in many cases is the direct cause of death. This is attested by the teaching of physiological law which maintains that any part of the human system which is not fed by fresh oxygenous blood must decompose.
Packs, of course, must be regulated in accordance with the vital strength of the patient, as indicated by the physician; for in the course of the excretion of morbid matter through the pores, under the influence of the packs, a certain proportion of accompanying healthy substance is necessarily exuded simultaneously, with a slightly weakening tendency. This however can be promptly and effectively replaced by proper alimentation, or food selection in accordance with the Dech-Manna Diet System already particularized.
One other matter it is advisable to deal with in advance and that is the Nature of the Vinegar to be employed for Packs.
It must be borne in mind that for this purpose an absolutely pure natural product should be obtained.
I recommend, in the first place a genuine Apple Cider Vinegar; for apples not alone contain the pure acetic acid but also some five or six other fruit acids which are so beneficial for the purpose of keeping the blood at normal temperature and normal fluidity, and contain also a considerable amount of the essentials known under the head of vitamines.
As a secondary alternative I would recommend Wine Vinegar for the same purpose.
The manufacturers vinegar product—Acetic acid, should never the used as it contains, very frequently, harmful ingredients.
It should never be forgotten that the substances used for the purpose of packs, and thus absorbed into the system, become a part of the blood and therefore cannot be too pure.
The reader will doubtless observe from the foregoing demonstration that the Dechmann System of Therapy differs materially from the science of the Old-School of Medicine in that it is not based upon evanescent theories of hairsplitting philosophy but upon the solid basis of cold-blooded fact.
Why then, the reader will inquire, should so wonderful and at the same time simple, inexpensive and easily applied remedy be treated by "the faculty" with an affectation of indulgent toleration, ridicule or "damning with faint praise."
To this riddle there are two solutions—neither of them very creditable to those concerned.
On the one hand, only crass ignorance of some of the most important facts of physiology and physiological chemistry could account for it. And, it must be borne in mind that in the course of the prolific verbosity of pontificated dogma which has graced the scroll of medical science, whole libraries have been written—and ably written, too—by skillful pens for the sole purpose of covering the simple nudity of the agnostic position of science—the dreaded, confidence-shattering admission: "I don't know."
Failing this solution there is, unfortunately, but one alternative and that a singularly distasteful one to entertain; namely, to attribute the unpopularity of this splendid gift of Nature to unprofessional considerations on the part of an apothecary-loving profession.
The employment of vinegar is, as I have said, a royal remedy, ready to the hand of any man and at little or no expense, and it needs no "learned" interpretation.
It is consequently beyond the omnivorous talons of "the trade."
Would it be unkind to say: "Hinc illae lachrymae"?
THE PACKS.
The packs mentioned as physical treatment, under Nos. 24, 25, 26 and 27, are of the greatest importance, and in fact I never undertake the treatment of any disease whatsoever without applying them as the most effective means of restoring proper circulation of the blood and removing diseased matter from the body, which is the only way to bring about a real and definite cure.
The effect of the pack is the cooling of the blood.
The temperature of the pack is 50 degrees and more below the temperature of the blood.
In the first place this brings about quiet after unrest.
Through the action of the body, which sends a large quantity of blood to the places which are touched by the cool compresses, a certain surplus of heat is created which is transferred to the compresses and retained by them as moist warmth.
Under this influence the blood-vessels of the skin extend and absorb blood more freely, which is thus diverted from the important internal organs to the skin. In all cases of fever the diseased matter is dissolved in the hot feverish blood and circulates in and with it. The evaporation of the skin is increased, and with it the diseased matter is absorbed by the compresses, which consequently diffuse an unpleasant odor when removed, and when cleansed, give to the water a muddy appearance. Thus it may be observed to what extent the pack removes diseased matter from the body.
Packs must be changed as soon as they cease to give comfort to the patient, and make him too warm. Highly flushed cheeks, increasing temperature and unrest are sure signs that the pack requires to be changed, and in case of high fever this may happen after 20 to 30 minutes.
For short packs, such as are prescribed in all inflammatory and feverish diseases, water at from 59 degrees to 64 degrees is used.
A piece of linen cloth is folded from 4 to 8 times, wrung out, but not too much, and then covered with moderately thick folds of woollen cloth. The stronger the patient and the higher the fever, the thicker should be the pack.
For infants a double linen strip is sufficient.
The faster the fever and inflammation recede, the longer may the pack last, up to three hours. The convalescent will enjoy the moist warmth, under the influence of which still existing diseased material is thoroughly dissolved and completely excreted. The dissolving effect of packs of long duration is most noticeable in chronic diseases.
Through the penetrating effect of the moist warmth on the body or parts thereof, deposited diseased matter is dissolved, and dislodged, existing excoriations are disintegrated, and withdrawn into the circulating blood, and thus excreted.
The dissolving packs of long duration must be applied somewhat thinner than the cooling ones (from 1 to 3 folds); they must be wrung out more vigorously, and covered more closely.
If a pack should be applied for the sake of prevention of disease, it may be put on in the evening and remain all night. In the beginning of fever, while it remains moderate, the patient can endure the pack for from 2 to 2½ hours.
Biological hygienic therapy rejects the external application of ice, for it causes severe congestion of the blood. Extensive application of the ice pouch causes more or less paralysis of the nerves, which in many cases prevents recovery and even causes chronic disease or fatal results. The biological hygienic treatment desires to moderate inflammation only, to the degree that it should lose its dangerous character, but it leaves to the body its power to remove, through the process of inflammation, alien and diseased matter, and to absorb and gradually carry away the products of inflammation through the blood current.
Paralysis of the vocal cords, of the muscles of the eye, of the nerves of hearing, the exudations from the nose and eyes after diphteria, meningitis and scarlet fever, adhesions, suppurations after pneumonia and other forms of inflammatory disease, are often the consequences of the use of ice, because the products of inflammation are not absorbed, and the ice paralyzes the neighbouring nerves.
Inflammations, which are suppressed by medicine or ice, must renew themselves; since the causes, the alien matter (auto toxins), as well as the products of inflammation remain in the body and are not thoroughly excreted.
To apply water, on the contrary, quickly removes not only the inflammation, but its causes and eventual consequences. The organs which have been inflamed do not show any further inclination to renewed inflammation.
In no case will a chronic ailment be the consequence of an acute disease, provided the same is dealt with in a natural way, according to the principles of biological hygienic treatment.
In order to bring about the complete excretion of all autotoxins and, in case of inflammation, the complete absorption of all products thereof, it is necessary to continue the lengthy packs even during the period of convalescence, and not to stop immediately the fever and inflammation have somewhat disappeared. This is a mistake which is frequently committed, and the fault is then laid at the door of the biological hygienic system. Any relapse, or succeeding illness, will be avoided by continuing the packs for four to six weeks after the disease has been cured, applying them during the night and at first also during the day-time, from two to three hours.
While most people understand the cooling effect of a pack, the important diverting, dissolving and excreting effect is rarely understood. Few people understand why ablutions, abdominal and leg packs are prescribed in case of inflammation of the eyes; why, in case of ulcers, besides compresses on the part affected, nightly abdominal packs and ablutions in the morning, are considered indispensable; and why, in case of inflammation of one leg, the healthy leg is also subjected to a pack.
And yet the explanation is very simple, rational and logical.
In limiting packs, in case of inflammation, to the inflamed part only, the blood current would be directed mainly to the one place, and the excretion of autotoxins from the body would only occur in the inflamed place. The blood would carry all diseased matter principally to the diseased spot and deposit it there. The inflamed organ would thus be burdened with work which it simply would not be able to perform. The effect is far otherwise when the pressure of blood into the diseased part is moderated, if the dissolution and excretion of the matter that causes the disease, takes place, not in one spot only, but is distributed over the entire body. If the entire skin comes into action, the entire body participates in the healing process. In biological hygienic-dietetic practice it is, consequently, not sufficient to treat the one diseased organ only. In all diseases the co-operation of the entire body in a general treatment, remains the main issue of the biological, hygienic therapy. It regards the human body, as so often stated, purely as a unit, and knows neither specialist nor special cures. This is the key to its success.
IMPORTANT GENERAL ADVICE.
For use in packs take coarse, previously used and loosely woven linen, which readily absorbs water and clings closely to the body.
After each pack the linen must be rinsed well and boiled and the woollen material or blanket must be thoroughly aired. From time to time the woollen covering must be washed, or chemically cleaned, if possible.
Raw silk is an excellent substitute for linen. It clings well to the body, does not cause any discomfort, and has an excellent absorbing quality for water and other substances.
The proper application of the pack is of course of great importance. Adults can easily apply many of the packs without assistance, but generally speaking a third person is necessary, whether in the case of children or patients. It is consequently advisable for every mother to become thoroughly familiar with the methods of applying packs, and she should always have the necessary material on hand. It should be cut to the proper size, and there should be duplicates of each piece for the necessary changes. The approximate measurements for adults are:
| Width | Length | |
| Neck pack | 5" | 40" to 60" |
| Shoulder pack | 10" | 40" |
| Abdominal pack | 28" | 40" to 60" |
| Breast or stomach pack | 16" | 52" to 60" |
| "T" pack | 16" | 52" to 60" |
| Cross piece alone | 5" | 24" |
| The shawl | 32" to 40" | 32" to 40" |
| Scotch pack (undivided) | 16" | 80" to 100" |
| Same for children | 10" to 16" | 60" to 80" |
| Calf pack | 24" | 26" |
| Leg pack | 24" | 30" |
| Three-quarter pack | 56" | 52" to 60" |
| Whole pack | 68" | 80" |
| The measurements for children are accordingly shorter and narrower. | ||
As to the application of packs, a mother can learn a great deal by experimenting on her own body. Packs at night are by no means detrimental to adults, and the application of a regular abdominal pack, a three-quarter pack, and a whole pack once a week or once every two weeks is decidedly advantageous. Three-quarter and whole packs should be occasionally tried on the body of children with dry linen so that in case of disease the mother will be a well trained nurse, at least in this respect.
To go about the application of the pack quietly and without much talking is very comforting to the patient, who usually grows excited during the procedure.
In case of acute feverish disease the packs and the changes must be applied very quickly, so that the patient will not catch cold. While, as a rule, the patient should not be disturbed in a quiet sleep, unconsciousness or delirium must not prevent change of the pack.
Packs should be applied so as not to cause any creases which may hurt the patient.
The temperature of the water used for packs should be as follows:
For the cooling packs, 59 degrees to 64 degrees.
For dissolving packs, 64 degrees to 71 degrees.
The higher temperature is used in the treatment of infants, nervous and anaemic persons.
In chronic diseases a gradual return to a lower temperature by about 2½ degrees per week is advisable.
No packs or compresses should be put on when parts of the body are cold. In such cases the parts in question must first be warmed.
The linen should be wrung out less for short cooling compresses than for dissolving packs of longer duration.
Cooling compresses must be changed as soon as the patient indicates that he feels oppressed or irritated by the heat.
As a general rule, packs on the legs may be left on feverish patients twice as long as packs on the upper parts of the body.
No fever being apparent, the abdominal pack may be changed after about 2½ hours, the leg pack after 5 hours, and even not at all during the night. Packs should be renewed according to requirements of the individual patient, not in accordance with fixed rules.
Great care must be exercised to fasten the packs well and tightly. This is usually done with good strong safety pins; these should be fastened perpendicularly, or at right angles to the length of the material.
When changing the pack on feverish patients who are to receive an ablution or a bath two or three times a day, all pins must be loosened under the bedcovers so that the pack may be removed quickly.
If ablutions only are to be given, the pack is removed gradually as the respective parts of the body are to be washed.
When the fever is moderate, there should be ablutions morning and evening, or a bath in the morning and an ablution in the evening.
When packs are applied only at night, patients require only an ablution in the morning.
If the packs are not renewed, an ablution must follow the removal. This refreshes and strengthens the skin, closes the wide open pores and prevents taking cold.
Dissolving packs, if annoying at night, may be removed under the bedcovers without an ablution.
If the pack is changed without intervening ablution, the new pack must be ready to be applied before the old, hot one, is taken off.
While in a pack, the patient should not leave his bed, not even for the purpose of urinating or for stool.
GENERAL RULES.
The following general rules must be applied in connection with the directions given anon for packs during different diseases.
In case of inflammation, the inflamed spot is cooled off by local compresses, and diverting packs of longer duration are applied on other parts of the body.
For instance, in case of inflammation of the brain or tonsils.
The first step is to cool off the blood which flows to the neck and head by short-time compresses on the neck and on the cervix. At the same time an attempt must be made to divert it through lengthier packs on the abdomen, the legs and the wrists, thereby to prevent a further delivery of diseased matter to the centre of inflammation. The solution and excretion of diseased matter from other points than the inflamed spots will thereby be effected, and these will be unburdened and calmed accordingly.
In case of inflammation of the organs of the breast (lungs, heart), the blood is diverted to the abdomen, legs and lower arms through long-time packs, and the upper parts of the breast are cooled with short compresses.
If the inflammation has its seat in the abdomen, this must be cooled off, while the diversion with longer-time packs is made to the legs and arms.
Ulcers are treated by applying extremely hot compresses, which are frequently changed, and the surrounding parts are cooled off and diversion is effected through nightly packs on the abdomen and on the legs. The hot compresses dissolve the diseased matter, so that the ulcer opens. Thereupon cool compresses of 71 degrees to 64 degrees are applied and allowed to remain for 2½ to 3 hours, which will effect quick healing without the necessity of an operation.
The main rule is never to divert towards a vital organ of the body, such as the lungs or heart; thus, in case of inflammation of the head, diversion must be attempted, not to the breast, but to the arms and legs.
ABDOMINAL PACK (24)
The abdominal pack should be applied on infants and children whenever they show signs of illness in any way, and naturally, in cases of summer complaints, measles, scarlet fever, diphtheria, whooping cough, pneumonia, typhoid fever, in which cases a pack should be applied during the entire course of the illness with slight intermissions only.
As in acute diseases, it is also applied in chronic ones. (See descriptions to follow). Its early application will often serve to prevent serious sickness.
The abdominal pack reaches from the level of the base of the breast bone to the hips. It is made from a piece of linen crash about 12 inches in width which must cover the space from 6 inches below the arm-pits to the hips, while its length must be such that it can encircle the body, overlap upon the abdomen and be secured with tapes at the left side. A further piece of soft linen is needed to pass between the legs, to be fastened to the former, back and front, with safety-pins. The next requirement is a piece of woollen cloth, or blanket, folded double or treble as required, in breadth, about 6 inches wider than the linen crash and of equal length, with a shorter woollen strip for between the thighs, attached like the linen, back and front. For children a linen towel etc. with the accompanying woollen coverings, will be found, as a rule, sufficient; for infants, a properly folded piece of old linen. The linen as well as the woollen material must be properly folded before the pack is made, and measured, so that the patient need not be kept waiting while the pack is being placed on the body.
The above cut shows how to apply the abdominal pack on an adult patient.
The linen is saturated in two parts of water with one part of vinegar, at 64 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, well wrung out, and is placed on the woollen material in such a way that the latter extend about 2 to 3 inches on the upper and lower edge. The pack is now placed around the back of the patient, who sits in bed or is held in position by another. The patient's shirt is lifted and he is laid down on the moist linen, which is then quickly raised on both sides and folded over the abdomen. The same is done with the woollen material, which is then fastened tightly in the middle, the upper and lower corners with three safety pins. Then the shirt is pulled down and the patient is warmly covered.
In individual cases it is advisable sometimes to divide the pack into a back and front compress of greater proportions.
In such cases the woollen cloth, which is used for the abdominal pack is placed underneath the patient as before. A towel is folded 6 to 8 times, so that it will grow warm slowly and thus may remain on the body for a longer time. This is placed under the back of the patient. Then two properly folded towels, which are not wrung out very thoroughly, are put on the abdomen, and tucked down a little on both sides. The woollen cloth is thereupon fastened so as to keep the compresses in place, the arrangement being otherwise exactly as before. In such cases the back compress only needs to be changed every 2 to 3 hours, even in case of severe fever. The front towels may be changed several times in the meantime.
Since this system permits the application of the pack without disturbing the patient and making him sit up too often, it is very desirable in cases of severe illness.
The undivided pack is often very uncomfortable for patients suffering from respiratory complaints.
It is better to treat very excitable patients with front compresses only.
When the stomach pack only is prescribed, as in catarrhal and nervous, stomach or liver complaints, which pack may be worn during the night as well as the day, a long, wide mesh shawl, with a bandage, 7 to 8 inches in width at each end, is most servicable, as it will reach around the body 4 or 5 times. In order to exclude the air as much as possible, the moist compress is first applied, and then the shawl is placed around the body in such a way that each succeeding turn covers the previous one to about one-half, in bandage form.
THE CROSS PACK (25)
This is applied in case of men's diseases and women's diseases of the sexual organs. To the woollen material and the linen crash of the abdominal pack, another piece, about half as long and about 7 inches wide, is sewed or pinned before application, in the form of a T.