The People's Common Sense Medical Adviser in Plain English: or, Medicine Simplified, 54th ed., One Million, Six Hundred; and Fifty Thousand
John Stuart Mill · en
Anxiety, irritation, hatred, all tend to the vitiation of the
disposition and bodily functions, perverting the character and
constitution at the same time. Depravity of thought and secretion go
together. Degradation of mind and corruption of the body are
concomitants. There is a very close affinity between mental and moral
perversion and physical prostitution, of which fact too many are
unconscious. Nervous influence preserves the fluidity of the blood and
facilitates its circulation, for it appears that simple _arrestment_ of
this influence favors the coagulation of the blood in the vessels; clots
being found in their trunks within a few minutes after the brain and
spinal marrow are broken down. Habitual constipation is the source of
many ills. Perversion of the functions of the stomach, and of the
circulation of the blood, produce general disaster.
Diseases which characterize this temperament are acute, violent, or
inflammatory, indicating repletion and active congestion; intense
inflammation, burning fevers, severe rheumatism, a quick, full pulse,
great bodily heat, and functional excitement are its morbid
accompaniments. These diseases will bear thorough depletion of the
alimentary canal, active, hydragogue cathartics being indicated.
Sedatives and anodynes are also essential to modify the circulatory
forces, and to relieve pain. Violent disturbance must be quelled, and
among the remedial agents required for this duty we may include
Veratrum, Ipecac, Digitalis, Opium, Conium, and Asclepias. While
equalizing the circulatory fluids, restoring the secretions, and
thoroughly evacuating the system, and thus endeavoring to remove
disturbing causes, we find that the conditions of this temperament are
exceedingly favorable for restoration to health. True, many chronic
diseases are obstinate, yet a course of restorative medication
persistently followed, promises a fortunate issue in this tractile
temperament.