The People's Common Sense Medical Adviser in Plain English Part 161

The various forms of gravel, Bright's disease of the kidneys, haematuria, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, diabetes, and other functional and organic diseases of the urinary organs effect characteristic changes in the urine, thus enabling us to distinguish them with certainty and exactness. Some of the various microscopical appearances of the urinary deposits in diseases of the kidneys and bladder, are represented in Fig. 3. In division A is represented pus and mucus, with decomposition, indicating suppuration somewhere along the urinary tract. In B pus globules are alone represented. In the division marked C are shown blood corpuscles as they are arranged in blood drawn from a vein or artery. D represents the same separated, as they always are when present in the urine. In E highly magnified oil globules are represented. If present in the urine, they indicate disease of the kidneys. In F are represented epithelial cells, the presence of which in large numbers is indicative of diseases of the mucous lining of the urinary organs.

Fig. 4 represents the microscopic appearance of phosphates in the urine. These are present in great quant.i.ty in cases of nervous debility and kindred affections. By attaching the _camera lucida_ to the microscope we can throw an image of these urinary deposits upon paper.

By the art of the engraver this may be faithfully traced, and thus we are enabled to produce an accurate representation of them. Some of the beautiful crystalline deposits shown in Fig. 4 represent less than a millionth part of a grain, yet their forms are delineated with geometrical precision. Earthy phosphates are often mistaken for pus and also seminal fluid. Phosphates are always found in decomposed urine, otherwise they indicate brain affections, acute cyst.i.tis, etc.

Experience has taught us that the voiding of urine loaded with phosphates is a forerunner of cyst.i.tis, or enlargement of the prostate gland, or both. In fact, persons so affected are "p.r.o.ne to serious consequences from mild attacks of almost any and every acute disease."

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 5.]

Fig. 5 represents the microscopic appearance of mixed urinary deposits.

In division A is represented fermentation spores as they appear in diabetic urine. Pasteur a.s.serts that the germs of this fungus get into the urine after it has been pa.s.sed. Urates appear in division B. These indicate waste of flesh, as in fevers, consumption, prolonged physical efforts, etc. Division C pictures urates of ammonia. These appear in alkaline decomposition of the urine; it is isomeric with uric acid in acid urine. In division D is represented urate of soda, which is present in the tissues of persons suffering from gout. The crystals shown in division E consist of the same salt.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 6.]

In Fig. 6, division A, is represented purulent matter as it appears in the urine. The formation of pus in different parts of the genitourinary system is accompanied by the appearance of pus corpuscles in the urine.

When fat globules, represented in division B, are found in the urine, they indicate fatty degeneration. In division C are representations of the cells found in the urine of persons suffering from cyst.i.tis or other inflammatory diseases.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 7.]

Fig. 7, divisions A and B, represent different forms of cystine.

Fortunately this substance is rarely found in the urine. When present however it indicates liability to, or the actual presence of, a calculus or stone in the bladder. In division C is a representation of the deposits seen in the urine of those who are greatly debilitated. In division D are seen epithelial cells mixed with mucus.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 8.]

In Fig. 8, division A, are represented the caudated cells from the deep structure of the bladder. The cells represented in division B are amyloid concretions, found where there is an enlarged prostate gland.

Fig. 9 represents the appearance of spermatozoa as seen in the urine.

When present, they afford indisputable evidence of the escape of s.e.m.e.n in the renal excretions.

We might add many other ill.u.s.trations of urinary deposits and state their several indications, but a sufficient number has been introduced to show the importance and practical value of microscopic examinations of the urine in revealing obscure diseases.

Although the microscope is of inestimable value in examining the renal excretion, it does not entirely supersede other valuable instruments and chemical re-agents in determining const.i.tutional changes. By the urinometer we determine the specific gravity of the urine; by the use of litmus its acid or alkaline reaction, is ascertained; while various chemicals, when added to it, produce certain specific changes, according to the morbid alterations which it has undergone by reason of disease.

By the application of heat, or the addition of a few drops of nitric acid, the alb.u.men, which is invariably present in Bright's disease of the kidneys, is coagulated. By the employment of other re-agents we may determine the presence of sugar--a characteristic of diabetic urine. And thus we might mention almost innumerable chemical tests by which the several changed conditions of the urine, _characteristic_ of different diseases, may be ascertained with _absolute certainty_.

THE MOST EMINENT MEDICAL AUTHORITIES ENDORSE IT.

Dr. Eberle, a distinguished allopathic author, thus writes: "Whatever may be the disease, the urine seldom fails in furnishing us with a clue to the principles upon which it is to be treated."

Dr. Braithwaite also says: "We can arrive at a more accurate knowledge respecting the nature of diseases from examining the urine than from any other symptom."

Golding Bird, whose writings are regarded as sound and practical by the most learned of the medical profession, says: "The examination of the urine in disease is now regarded as one of the most important aids in diagnosis, and which it would be injurious alike to the welfare of the patient and the credit of the pract.i.tioner to avoid."

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 9.]

The eminent Dr. F. Simon writes as follows: "From the physical and chemical state of the urine, the attentive and observing physician may obtain a great quant.i.ty of information for ascertaining and establishing a diagnosis. More than all other signs, the correct examination of the sediment is of importance to the physician. * * * For the medical man it is the compa.s.s which guides him in the unlimited chaos of disease and its treatment; for the patient it is the thermometer of his condition, the premonitory indication of the decrease or aggravation of his malady; and for the healthy man it is the regulator of his diet and his life.

Every one is aware of the variations of the barometer, and we know that the fluctuations of the column of mercury are closely a.s.sociated with the variable conditions of the atmosphere; so, to the practical observer, variations of the urine, as well as the elements composing it, point out with certainty the changes in health, and the condition of the organs."

While we recognize the importance of examining the urine as an aid in distinguishing diseases, and have made this old German method of diagnosis a special study, yet we do not claim that _all_ diseases can be unmistakably distinguished by such examinations _alone_. We take a conservative position and have no confidence in that cla.s.s of ignorant fanatics whose pet hobby is "uroscopy."

From every person who solicits our professional services, we require explicit answers to numerous important questions, that we may know the age, s.e.x, vocation, etc., as well as the prominent symptoms manifested.

CONSULTATIONS BY LETTER.

Formerly, we published in this book a very extensive list of questions to be answered by those consulting us, but a large experience has convinced us that beyond requiring answers to a few leading questions, which we still retain, it is better to let the patient describe the malady in his or her own way and language. After receiving and considering such a history, if we do not fully understand the patient's malady, we will ask such further questions as may be necessary. The patient should, however, in addition to writing name, post-office, county, and state, _plainly_, state the name of the town containing the nearest express office. Next give age, s.e.x, whether married or single, complexion, height, present and former weight, if known, and occupation.

State also if you have been a hard worker, and whether it is necessary for you to labor hard now, how long you have been out of health, and from what particular symptoms you suffer most. Follow this with a history of your case in your own language. If you find in this volume an accurate description of your disease, state the page and paragraph where it occurs.

FREE CONSULTATION.

We now make no charge for consultation by letter, but, instead of the one dollar formerly charged by us as a consultation fee, as we are desirous of making our facilities for treatment known to invalids far and near, we request that all persons writing to us for advice send us the names of all those within the circle of their acquaintance who are in any way in need of medical or surgical treatment for chronic diseases. If convenient, send the list on a separate piece of paper.

CHARGES MUST BE PREPAID.

Should you send a vial of urine for a.n.a.lysis, about a cupful will do, and _all express charges on it must be prepaid_. All liquids are excluded from the mails, when discovered, and yet we have received hundreds of samples through the mails safely when put in h.o.m.oeopathic or other _very small_ vials, well corked and carefully packed in a light tin can or _wooden_ box, or in a light pine stick bored out hollow, the vial being carefully packed in sufficient saw-dust or blotting paper to absorb all liquid should the vial get broken. Letter postage, that is, two cents for each one ounce or fraction thereof, must be paid upon these sealed packages. Send the first urine that is pa.s.sed after rising in the morning.

RELIABLE MEDICINES.

Next in importance to a correct understanding of the patient's disease, is the possession of reliable remedies for its treatment. Many of the medicines employed by physicians engaged in general practice are prepared from old drugs that have lost all their medicinal virtues, and hence are utterly useless and ineffectual. Many vegetable extracts are inert, because the plants from which they are produced were not gathered at the proper time. To give the reader an idea of the great care which we exercise in the selection and preparation of our medicines, he is requested to read under the head of "The Preparation of Medicines," in "The People's Common Sense Medical Adviser."

OUR TERMS FOR TREATMENT

require the payment of monthly fees, in advance, which ent.i.tles the patient to medicines specially prepared for and adapted to his or her particular case, and to all necessary attention and advice. Our fees for treatment are moderate, varying according to the nature and requirements of each particular case, and will be made known at the time of consultation.

WHY OUR FEES ARE REQUIRED IN ADVANCE.

We receive applications from strangers residing in all parts of America, and even in foreign countries, and it is not reasonable to suppose that credit could be dispensed so indiscriminately. It would not be a correct business transaction for a merchant to send a barrel of sugar or a roll of cloth to a stranger living hundreds of miles away, to be paid for when used. Our knowledge and medicines const.i.tute our capital in business, and an order upon that capital should be accompanied with an equivalent. Some applicants refer us to their neighbors for a testimonial of their integrity. We cannot spare the time or employ a.s.sistants to make such inquiries for the sake of trusting any one.

Should credit be thus indiscriminately given, there would necessarily be losses, and, to compensate for these, and the extra expense incurred by the employment of a.s.sistants, our fees would have to be much larger, thereby imposing the burden upon those who _do_ pay. Instead of following this method of procedure, we place professional services within the reach of all, so that a greater number may be benefited. Many invalids say that they have paid large sums of money to medical men for treatment without obtaining relief. Unfortunately our land is cursed with quacks and unprincipled pract.i.tioners, who seek no one's good but their own, and it is a defect in our law that it permits such swindlers to go unpunished. Not so reprehensible is the family physician who fails, because his limited and varied practice does not permit him to become proficient in treating chronic diseases.

The following beautiful sentiment of Hood truthfully expresses the sacredness of the physician's trust:

"Above all price of wealth The body's jewel. Not for minds or hands profane To tamper with in practice vain.

Like to a woman's virtue is man's health; A heavenly gift within a holy shrine!

To be approached and touched with serious fear, By hands made pure and hearts of faith severe, E'en as the priesthood of the One Divine."

We are in regular practice, responsible for what we say and do, and cordially invite those who desire further evidence of our success in curing chronic diseases to come to the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Inst.i.tute and satisfy themselves of the truthfulness of our statements.

We are warranted in saying that our responsibility and disposition for fair dealing are known to many of the princ.i.p.al mercantile houses, as well as to all prominent American editors. We also refer to our present and former patients, one or more of whom may be found in almost every hamlet of America. To all who are under our treatment we devote our highest energies and skill, fully realizing that an untold blessing is conferred upon every person whom we cure, and that such cures insure the permanency of our business. On the contrary, we realize how unfortunate it is for us to fail in restoring to health any person whom we have encouraged to hope for relief. We are careful, therefore, not to a.s.sume the treatment of incurable cases, except when desired to do so for the purpose of mitigating suffering or prolonging life; for we never wish to encourage false hopes of recovery.