Notes on the systematic treatment of nerve prostration and hysteria connected with uterine disease.

  • Playfair, W. S. (William Smoult), 1836-1903.
Date:
1881
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Notes on the systematic treatment of nerve prostration and hysteria connected with uterine disease. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

    10/30 (page 6)
    muscular exercise obtained through the systematic use of shampooing and electricity. At first sight this sounds, perhaps, chimerical ; and, had I not myself witnessed the astonishing success which followed its use, I would doubtless be as sceptical as others may be as to its value. I propose, how- ever, to relate the first four cases in which I have followed Dr. Mitchell's method, each of which had been for years in a state of hopeless misery, subjected to all sorts of treatment in vain, and I trust that the simple narration of these remarkable cases, which are not selected, but are the first which have come under my observation, may secure for this rational treatment a fair and extended trial. Before relating them, however, I shall shortly describe the method of treatment I used, and in doing this I merely paraphrase Dr. Mitchell's directions. I must necessarily be extremely brief, and I must refer those who are disposed to try it to Dr. Mitchell's book, in which full details for their guidance will be found. The plan involves four principal heads, each of which I shall refer to separately. i. Seclusion and rest.—An important element in the treat- ment, and one which, from what I have seen of these cases, I believe to be absolutely indispensable, is the entire seclusion of the patient under a competent nurse, and her removal from the morbid atmosphere of invalid habits, which has gradually grown up around her. Unless the patient is entirely removed from the injudicious sympathy and constant tending of her friends, it will be next to impossible to gain that moral influence over her which is really essential to success. This is a point which involves so severe a strain that it may be found very difficult to obtain the consent of the patient and her friends to a measure which will seem to them harsh and strange. I do not think, however, that any compromise on this point should be admitted; and if it be found impossible, from