The fact that I exposed my own youngest children, the pleasure, and the support _in spe_, of my declining age, to the contagion of scarlatina, during an epidemic which had rather a malignant character, proves more than any thing my honest confidence in my own remedy. Ask your physician, if he is adverse to the hydriatic method, whether he knows a remedy in which he has so much confidence as to be willing to imitate my example. There is no such remedy in the apothecary's shop, and there is no physician who would expose his own children to the contagion of scarlatina from the confidence he has in the curative or protective powers _of any drug_. I hope, my brother-physicians will believe me, when I assure them, that I do not mean any disrespect to the profession, in thus introducing a new sound method for the weak old routine. Perhaps, my exposition of the principles of my practice, and the attempt at a systematic arrangement of the materials at my disposal, may gain a few converts. If I am not mistaken, this pamphlet is the first that treats the subject systematically and to some extent. I am aware that it might be better written and more perfect. But, I trust that it will do some good, and hope it will pave the way for a better production, based on a more extensive practice and enriched with new discoveries on the part of American physicians, whose genius and activity are not inferior to those of any other nation. When the Hydriatic System becomes more and more a part of the practice of educated and enlightened practitioners, it will become a much greater benefit to the human race, not only with regard to the cure of eruptive fevers, but of that of all diseases to which it can be adapted, beside the happy reform it will assist in bringing about in our effeminate and luxurious way of living, which, at all times, has been a source of ruin for individuals, families and nations. But as long as the profession continues in its old routine, I can give you no other advice than that of following my prescriptions and of helping yourselves:-- "Aide-toi, et le ciel t'aidera!" FOOTNOTES: [37] I speak here of the true erysipelas, of course, and not of the chronic eruption of the face, &c., erroneously called erysipelas by many.