We have, in different parts of this work, referred to a large variety of ingeniously devised machinery and apparatus employed at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, in the treatment of chronic diseases. Although we can, on paper, give but a meagre idea of the variety and adaptability of these valuable mechanical appliances, yet we will endeavor to illustrate and explain a few of our machines for the application of transmitted motion.
Illustration: Fig. 1. The Manipulator.Fig. 1. The Manipulator.
Fig. 1 represents a machine, called the Manipulator, which transmits motion through suitable attachments, which are adjustable by means of the ratchetG, so as to reach all parts of the body. It is equally available for applying motion to the head, feet, or any intermediate part of the body.
B, Bare rubbing attachments, with two opposing elastic, adherent surfaces, between which an arm or a leg may be included. These have alternate reciprocating action from the rock-shaftH, and are made to approach each other, and press the included part at the will of the patient. This is sometimes called the double-rubber, and is made detachable if desired.
Ais the lever, by which the two parts of the double-rubber are made to compress the arm or leg.
Illustration: Fig. 2. Manipulator Extended.Fig. 2. Manipulator Extended.
Illustration: Fig. 3. Manipulator Folded.Fig. 3. Manipulator Folded.
Dis a single attachment for rubbing. It may be connected at either side of the machine, so as to present the rubbing surface in four different directions, as may be most convenient. It will act perpendicularly, horizontally, or diagonally, and from below or from above the part receiving the action, according to requirements. The shank of the rubber may have any special form to suit special cases.
Cis thefoot holder.It communicates to the leg the semi-rotary or oscillating motion of the rock-shaft. It may be attached to either end of the rock-shaft.
Eis thehand holder,which, grasped by the hand, communicates motion to the arm, shoulder, and chest; or the handmay be inserted passively, when the effect of motion is more confined to the hand and fore-arm.
In the position shown in Fig. 2, by means of the single rubber attachment, the manipulator acts upon the upper portion of the trunk, neck, head, and arms; by means of the hand-holder, upon the arms; by means of the double-rubber, upon the arms, shoulders, and scalp.
Illustration: Fig. 4. Rubbing the Arms.Fig. 4. Rubbing the Arms.
When the acting part or head is lowered to its extreme limit, the machine occupies the least space. In this position, by means of the foot-holder it communicates oscillation to the legs; by means of the single-rubber, it acts upon the feet, ankles, and lower leg; by means of the double-rubber, it acts upon the legs, including the feet, the patient either sitting or lying.
In all of these applications of motion, energy travels from inanimate to animate matter; non-vital contributes to vital energy: and the various processes through which vital power is developed are promoted and carried forward in a degree till the point which constitutes health is attained.
Illustration: Fig. 5. Rubbing the Legs.Fig. 5. Rubbing the Legs.
The name,Manipulator, is very naturally applied to the instrument, the action of which resembles so much that of the living operator. It is, however, impossible for the unaided hand to impart the degree of rapidity necessary to secure the effects easily attained by this machine; and,practically, restoration is often secured in cases in which it is quite unattainable by any other remedial agent.
Illustration: Fig. 6. Rubbing the Chest and Abdomen.Fig. 6. Rubbing the Chest and Abdomen.
Motion, transmitted by the manipulator, exerts a curative effect inallchronic affections, and is not limited, as is sometimes supposed, to paralytic affections and deformities. In these latter affections it is a great assistance in effecting a cure; while, in chronic affections, whatever the local symptoms, it supplies the additional energy which is indispensable for recovery in all diseases of long standing.
Illustration: Fig. 7. Rubbing the Back.Fig. 7. Rubbing the Back.
Mode of Operation.—Fig. 4 represents the manipulator in operation. The machine is propelled by steam power at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, but may be worked by hand, as here represented. One arm is inserted between the double-rubbing pads, which are raised to about the height of the shoulders, the patient being seated at the side of the machine; the other hand is placed on the lever, and as much pressure is applied as is perfectly agreeable, care being taken to diminish the pressure at any part which is unusually sensitive. All portions of the arm from the shoulder down are successively included in the rubbers, while a suitable degree of reciprocating or rubbing action is obtained by giving motion to the wheel.
To apply the same operation to the other arm, the patientmay either turn in his seat or change his position to the opposite side of the machine.
If any portion of the extremity is affected with inflammation or swelling, it is necessary to apply the action described to the whole of the unaffected portion first; after this the affected part may be beneficially operated on, provided that the sensations are strictly heeded, and that it is so managed that only a comfortable feeling is produced.
Illustration: Fig. 8. Oscillating the Arms and Chest.Fig. 8. Oscillating the Arms and Chest.
In Fig. 5, the patient is so seated beside the machine that he can insert one thigh between the pads of the rubber, and also control the lever with the hand. It is sometimes more convenient to suspend a movable weight from the lever. While the machine is running, he can withdraw the leg gradually, as each portion receives its proper amount of action, till the whole, including the foot, becomes glowing with the effect. The boot or shoe affords no impediment to the effect, and should remain on.
Illustration: Fig. 9. Oscillating the Legs.Fig. 9. Oscillating the Legs.
Sometimes, especially in the beginning, or when the feet are habitually cold, it is better to apply the action only from the knees down.
The rubbing-pad (d) may be attached to either side of themachine, according to convenience or effect sought. The action derived from the right end of the rock-shaft is much less severe than that from the left, on account of the shape of the rubber appendage, and at the beginning should be used in preference. In Fig. 6, the patient sits on an ordinary stool, or, if feeble, in a chair, and presents any portion of the chest or abdomen to the action of the rubber. The instrument is raised or lowered to suit convenience, while the patient gently presses portions of the trunk successively upon the rubbing-pad. The degree of the effect is thus always under the absolute control of the one receiving the action. This operation, like the preceding, produces great heat, reddens the skin, relieves pain, and greatly stimulates the functions, not only of the skin, but of the organs contained in the cavities of the chest and the abdomen.
Illustration: Fig. 10. Vibrator operated by Manipulator.Fig. 10. Vibrator operated by Manipulator.
The same operation may be applied also to the legs while the patient is standing.
In Fig. 7, the back is presented to the action of the rubbing-pad. The action will, if desired, be made to reach from the neck to the hips, and even to the thighs. All sensitive portions of the back should at first be omitted, in order that they may be benefited by the counter-irritation or drawing away of the blood. This is easily produced by those familiar with the use of the machine. The rubbing of the back should be deferred till the close of each application, in order that the spinal centers may be relieved of hyperæmia, or excess of blood.
The machine, as represented by Fig. 8, is brought to the desired elevation, about as high as the shoulders, and the hand-holder is attached. One arm is extended horizontally, and the hand grasps the hand-holder, while rapid motion is given by turning the wheel. An alternate twisting motion is communicated to the arm, which causes corresponding pressure and relaxation of all the soft tissues of the limb, combined with slight rubbing or attrition. The action is increased by contracting the muscles, and also by grasping at greater distance from the center. Both hands may grasp at the same time, or the two sides may receive the motion in turn. The effect is similar to that of the rubbing before described, but it is less limited; by grasping firmly, it may extend to the whole chest.
Illustration: Fig. 11. Vibrating Kneader.Fig. 11. Vibrating Kneader.
The foot-holder is attached, as shown in Fig. 9, and brought by the means before described to a position to receive one foot at a comfortable elevation, the leg being extended, while the patient is seated in an ordinary chair in an easy position. The action is precisely like that above described as applied to the arm, and extends to the thigh and pelvis. If the knee is slightly flexed, the action is almost entirely confined to the lower leg. Each leg may be operated on in turn.
Mode of Applying Mechanical Movements to Very Feeble Invalids.—Experience demonstrates that no degree of feebleness excludes the beneficial use of these operations. Invalidstoo weak to stand, or able to help themselves in the least degree are often treated with perfect success. A judicious use of the Manipulatoralwaysincreases nutrition and strength without any fatigue or exhaustion, however feeble the patient may be. It is only necessary to provide for these cases additional conveniences, so that the applications can be made in the recumbent position, and also that proper intervals of rest be allowed between successive operations. For this purpose couches are provided, each containing a certain portion of the Manipulator. These are operated by means of a short connecting-rod, joining the rock-shafts of the two pieces of mechanism, as shown in Fig. 10. The Vibrator has two small discs, or heads acting through an opening in the couch on which the invalid rests. These impinge with a rapid, direct stroke upon the portion of the body exposed to the action. The top of the couch is adjustable, and is quickly placed at the elevation which secures the proper force of the instrument, as shown in Fig 11. By simply turning and moving the body, the patient brings any part in contact with the vibrating discs. The cut represents the Vibrator, in which the force impinges at right angles with the surface of the body, sending waves of motion through its substance.
Illustration: Fig. 12. Apparatus for the Rubbing in a Recumbent Position.Fig. 12. Apparatus for the Rubbing in a Recumbent Position.
The rubbing which is shown in Figs. 4 and 5 may be applied to all parts of the body in a recumbent position. A couch is required of similar construction to the vibrating couch, but with a rubbing-pad instead of vibrating heads acting through theopening and operated by appropriate connections, as shown in Fig. 12. The top is adjustable, and the degree of effect desired is capable of easy regulation. The patient turns different portions of the body to the action of the rubber as required.
Kneading. Kneading is a process applied chiefly to the abdomen. The purpose of this operation is to increase nutrition, the muscular power and action of the abdominal walls, and the function of the organs which they contain. Three modes of applying this operation by the mechanical apparatus are in use, effected by the Direct, the Rotary, and the Revolving Kneader.
Illustration: Fig. 13. Apparatus for Rotary Kneading.Fig. 13. Apparatus for Rotary Kneading.
The Direct Kneader. This resembles in form and action the vibrating instrument shown in Fig. 11. The impinging heads, however, are made broader, the motion greater in extent, and the rate of motion less than one-tenth of that employed for the purpose of vibrating. This slowness of motion seems to increase the action of the muscles.
The Rotary Kneader. The action of the kneading heads in this form of apparatus, as shown in Fig. 13, isinwardandupwardalternately, and it is eminently well calculated to stimulate the action of the abdominal organs.
The Revolving Kneader. In the form of kneading apparatus, shown in Fig. 14, two thick rollers, which move freely on axes at the extremities of arms, projecting on eitherside of a shaft turned by a crank or belt, are made to act alternately upon each side of the abdomen.
In the methods of kneading above described, the degree of force acting on the body is governed by an arrangement for elevating or depressing the upholstered top of the couch upon which the patient rests, and through which the action is transmitted to the body.
If this form of apparatus is driven at a rate ten times more rapidly than is desired for kneading, the effect is vibratory, and it is, in fact, used for that purpose.
Illustration: Fig. 14. Apparatus for Kneading with Rollers.Fig. 14. Apparatus for Kneading with Rollers.
The application of motion through the Manipulator promotes absorption, and thus all kinds ofswellingsand non-malignanttumorsare made to diminish under its use. In these cases the vessels of the affected part are distended with stagnant blood, and a portion of the fluid passes through their walls, distending the surrounding tissues, which become more or less hardened. By the transmission of active motion to the affected parts, the contents of the vessels are urged forward; the outside fluids are thus permitted to return to the general circulation and become subject to the energetic vital action of the general system, local deficiencies of oxidation being increased to the normal degree, causing destruction of morbid matter and giving place for newand wholesome nutritive materials for vital use. In short, normal functional activity is established, both locally and generally. Scrofulous, dropsical, rheumatic, and other local accumulations disappear, and even tumors are dispersed, by the use of the Manipulator, in cases in which the knife would otherwise be required.
Artificial means have always been employed to produce an energetic flow of blood in different parts of the body, thereby relieving morbid distention of the vessels, and consequent irritation and pain in neighboring parts. Cupping, hot applications, mustard, capsicum, blisters, and other irritants, are resorted to, but their effects, while generally very good in acute cases, are too transient to be of material aid in chronic affections. By the use of the Manipulator, we can produce the most thorough revulsive effects, operating upon large surfaces, and causing large masses of muscle to receive an increased amount of blood, thus drawing it away from parts oppressed by too great a supply, constituting engorgement. No injury is done to the parts acted upon; on the contrary, they are strengthened by the application, which can be repeated as often as necessary till relief is permanent. Thus, the head, heart, digestive organs, liver, chest, or whatever part is oppressed by excess of blood, may be speedily and permanently relieved. By means of this ability to relieve any part of the system from engorgement, and consequent inflammation and its results, are we enabled to permanently cure a large variety of chronic inflammatory, ulcerative, and nervous affections.
Local inflammations by this method of treatment may be speedily cured.
By the transmission of motion through the Manipulator and other ingeniously devised apparatus and machinery, we increase the functional power and activity of the muscles, and thereby diminish morbid sensibility of the nerves, which is present in neuralgia. Prolonged and excessive nervous action is attended with too great a rush of blood to the nerve-centers, which canonly be relieved by increasing the flow in the muscles. Congestion, or hyperæmia, in the spinal cord or brain, or both, is a condition ever present in neuralgia. The application of motion through the manipulator causes the blood to flow to the muscles, thus relieving nervous congestion and consequent neuralgia.
In no single disease has the transmission of motion through the Manipulator proved more thoroughly efficacious than inparalysis. The most prominent requirements in these cases seem to be the following:
Excess of blood in the brain and spinal cord needs to be removed and diverted to parts in which it will be useful instead of obstructive.
The contractile power of the capillaries should be improved.
The quality of nutritive fluids should be improved by the promotion of oxidation through increased circulation.
These and many more wants of disordered nerves, are readily supplied by transmitted motion.
The Manipulator combines, in a single ingenious mechanical contrivance, the several movements best adapted for the promotion of healthy functional activity.
"Deformities arising fromparalysis and contractions of muscles and tendons, producing stiffened joints and distorted limbs, are of common occurrence. A rational explanation of the wonderful curative results which follow the employment of transmitted motion in these cases may not be without interest to the reader. The muscles are composed ofbundlesof little fibers which glide upon one another in every movement. Another set of fibers calledconnective tissue, holds the fibers together in bundles or separate muscles, and interlaces and crosses them in every direction. Now, if these fibers remain long in a fixed position, or are involved in inflammation, there is danger of adhesions forming between them, producing permanent immobility; gliding movements are interfered with, and the muscle ceases to perform its function. Inflammationgives rise to effusion, or the formation of a kind of cement which binds together the muscular fibers and prevents motion.
Rubbing, kneading, and actively manipulating the affected parts with that intensity of administration secured by the manipulator, rends asunder and breaks up these minute adhesions, re-establishing gliding motions, causes absorption of effused materials, and restores the affected part to a normal condition.
Illustration: Fig. 15. Muscular fibre highly magnified.Fig. 15. Muscular fibre highly magnified.
The deformed limb is straightened by the filling out of the muscle-cells, and increasing the length and also the nutrition of the affected muscles. No pulling orforced extensionis required. Deformity ceases when the conditions upon which it depends are removed by rational appliances, which are always agreeable. No brace, splints, or other confining appliances are necessary, except in rare cases in which the bones are very badly distorted.
In withered and deformed limbs, resulting from infantile paralysis, the manipulator furnishes the most agreeable, direct, and certain remedy. It restores nutrition, sensation, and power, and dispenses almost wholly with mechanical supports. Club-feet, wry neck, spinal curvature, hip-joint disease, white swellings, and stiffened joints, are all readily amendable to the curative effects of motion administered by the manipulator and other machinery.
Contracted and shortened muscles are gradually lengthened by vigorous, long-continued, and frequently repeated rubbing with the manipulator across their longitudinal fibers; bound-down and confined tendons are liberated and normal movements established.
Uterine and ovarian congestion, chronic inflammation, discharges, morbid enlargement, prolapsus, anteversion and retroversion, anteflexion and retroflexion, and other derangements of the womb and its appendages, are radically cured by the vibratory, rubbing, kneading, and other movements, administeredthrough the manipulator and other mechanical appliances employed at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.
To those who are tired of taking medicine, this mode of treatment commends itself as being both agreeable and efficient. There is no case too weak, nervous, or helpless for the use of this curative agent. It is entirely devoid of objectionable features, beingalways applied outside the clothing.
Cause of Female Weakness. The true relations of cause and effect are very liable to be misunderstood, when considering the various diseases incident to the organs contained in the female pelvis. Treatment intended to be remedial is therefore very often misdirected and fails to afford relief, positive injury frequently resulting instead. When the nature of these diseases is properly understood, their cure can be effected with comparative ease.
These diseases are always attended with weakness, which is often very great, of the muscles that hold the diseased organs in position. The muscles forming the walls of the abdomen, and the diaphragm, or midriff, all of which are concerned in the act of respiration, become feeble and only partially perform their functions. In health, they act constantly, even during sleep, producing a rhythmical movement, which is communicated to the contents of the abdominal and pelvic cavities. This motion promotes a healthy circulation in the parts. In almost all affections of the pelvic organs, this normal condition is greatly diminished.
Diminution of the motions of respiration is attended with an increase of the amount of the blood in the pelvic organs, constituting an engorgement of the parts, called congestion, or inflammation. This gives rise to enlargement of the womb, ulcerations, tumors, and a multitude of kindred secondary effects, usually considered as the primary disease and treated as such. The contents of the cavity of the trunk, weighing several pounds, are allowed to gravitate down and rest upon the contents of the pelvis, forcing the congested uterus and ovaries down out of their natural positions, and often bending or tipping the womb in various directions. A long list of symptoms follows as the natural consequence of these abnormal conditions.
Rational Treatment. Ovarian congestion and inflammation,inflammation of the uterus, ulceration of this organ, deranged menstruation, leucorrhea with the attendant pain, nervousness, and other derangements depending upon loss of supporting power in the abdominal muscles, all result from loss of thenaturalmotions of respiration, and consequent deranged circulation. These several conditions can be cured by removing their cause. When the power of the parts involved in the weakness is restored, all these morbid conditions disappear. Judicious cultivation of power in the weakened supports is attended with certain curative results. This is best accomplished by mechanical motion, by which the normal circulation is restored, inflammations and congestions are subdued, displacements corrected, ulcers healed, and functional activity is re-established.
Motion properly transmitted to the human system by mechanical apparatus is transformed into other forms of force identical with vital energy, by which the ordinary processes of the system are greatly promoted.
It increases animal heat and nervous and muscular power to the normal standard.
It removes engorgement or local impediments to the circulation.
The electrical induction produced renders it a most efficacious remedy for paralysis of all kinds.
It removes interstitial fluids and causes rapid absorption and disappearance of solid and fluid accumulations.
It is a powerful alterative, or blood-purifier, increasing oxidation and stimulating excretion.
It diminishes chronic nervous irritability and promotes sleep.
Deformities are easily cured without the cutting of tendons, or use of mechanical supports.
It hardens the flesh by increasing muscular development and improves digestion and nutrition.
Illustration:
Dr. R.V. PIERCE, having acquired a world-wide reputation in the treatment of Chronic Diseases, resulting in a professional business far exceeding his individual ability to conduct, some years ago induced several medical gentlemen of high professional standing to associate themselves with him, as the Faculty of the World's Dispensary and Surgical Institute, the Consulting Department of which has since been merged into the Invalids' Hotel. The organization is duly incorporated under a statute enacted by the Legislature of the State of New York, and under the name and style of the "WORLD'S DISPENSARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION," of which Dr. PIERCE is President, and in the affairs of which he will, as heretofore, take an active and constant part.
EUROPEAN BRANCH, No. 3 New Oxford Street, LONDON, Eng.
Dr. R.V.PIERCE, having in the Fall of 1880 resigned his seat in Congress, has since been able to devote his whole time and attention to the interests of the Association, and those consulting our Medical and Surgical Faculty have the full benefits of his council and professional services. That he should prefer to give up a high and honorable position in the councils of the nation, to serve the sick, is conclusive evidence of his devotion to their interests and of love for his profession.
Illustration: Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, 663 Main Street, Buffalo, N.Y.Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, 663 Main Street, Buffalo, N.Y.
This imposing Establishment was designed and erected to accommodate the large number of invalids who visit Buffalo from every State and Territory, as well as from many foreign lands, that they may avail themselves of the professional services of the Staff of Skilled Specialists in Medicine and Surgery that compose the Faculty of this widely-celebrated institution.
On the sixteenth of February 1881, the original Invalids' Hotel was totally destroyed by fire. Although occupied at the time by a large number of invalids, yet, through the extraordinary exertions of the Faculty and employees, all were safely removed from the building without injury to any one. The Board of Trustees took prompt steps to rebuild, for the accommodation of the many sufferers who apply, to avail themselves of the skill, facilities and advantages of treatment which such a perfectly equipped establishment affords. Profiting by the experience afforded by several years' occupancy of the original Invalids' Hotel building, which at the date of its erection was the largest and most complete establishment of its kind in the world, we believe we have, in the building of the elegant structure illustrated herein, made great improvements over the original Invalids' Hotel, for the accommodation of our patients. Although our new building has only been occupied about two years, yet almost immediately our business required the erection of a very large addition thereto, to accommodate our growing practice. This largeAnnex, which is about the size of the originalbuilding, has ever since been kept well filled with patients, hailing from every State and Territory of the United States, Canada and occasionally from a foreign country,
THE INVALIDS' HOTEL AND SURGICAL INSTITUTE IS PLEASANTLY SITUATED AT No. 663 MAIN STREET,
Illustration: Grand Entrance.Grand Entrance.
in the city of Buffalo, just above and outside the business and bustle of this Queen City of the Lakes. It is easily reached from the railroad depots by the Exchange and Main Street car lines (see map on last page of this book). It is a substantially built brick building, trimmed with sandstone, well lighted and provided with a patent hydraulic elevator, so that its upper stories are quite as desirable as any, being morequiet than those lower down. It is well provided with fire escapes, and, in fact, nothing has been neglected that can add to the comfort and home-like make-up of this popular national resort for the invalid and afflicted. Great pains and expense have been assumed in providing perfect ventilation for every room and part of the building.
Illustration: Ante-room.—Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.Ante-room.—Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.
The surroundings of the Hotel are very pleasant, it being located in the finest built part of the city, among the most elegant residences.
Only men who are, by thorough education and experience, especially fitted to fill their respective positions, have been chosen to serve as physicians and surgeons in this institution. After having spent a very large sum of money in erecting and furnishing this national resort for invalids with every requirement and facility for the successful treatment of all classes of chronic diseases, it is the determination of the Board of Directors that the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons shall be superior in culture, experience and skill.
We have not the space to speak, individually, of the eighteen professional gentlemen composing the Faculty, but will say that among them are those whose long connection with the World's Dispensary and Surgical Institute has given them great experience and rendered themexpertsin their specialties. Several of them had previously distinguished themselves in both private and hospital practice, had held important chairs as lecturers and teachers in Medical Colleges, and had filledresponsible positions in military and civil hospitals; also in some of the most noted Asylums, Dispensaries, and Sanitary Institutions in the land.
With such a staff of Physicians and Surgeons, efficient and trained nurses, and with all the most approved sanitary, medical and surgical appliances which study, experience, invention and the most liberal expenditure of money, can produce and bring together in one institution, the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute affords the afflicted unusual opportunities for relief.
The entrance to the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute is covered by a lofty porch of beautiful design, the roof of which is supported upon heavy iron columns. Above the massive double doors, through which the visitor enters, are large, heavy panels of beautifully wrought stained glass, on which the words "Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute" stand out conspicuously.
Illustration: Gentlemen's Reception-room, Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.Gentlemen's Reception-room, Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.
The first floor of the building is reached through a beautifully finished vestibule, by a short flight of broad, easy stairs, and once inside the visitor is struck by the beauty of design as well as by the home-likeappearance of the surroundings. The wood-work is mainly of hard woods, oak and cherry predominating. In a large part of the house the floors are of oak, with a cherry border, neatly finished in oil and shellac, and covered with rich rugs and elegant carpets of the very best quality.
Illustration: Ladies' Parlor.—Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.Ladies' Parlor.—Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.
On the first floor is the gentlemen's reception-room, which is thronged with patients from early in the morning until late in the afternoon. It is entirely distinct from the large reception-room and parlors for lady patients, and the utmost privacy is secured throughout the whole arrangement of the Institution. On this floor are the suites of offices, parlors, and private consultation-rooms, some fifteen in all; also a well furnished reading-room and circulating library, for the use of the inmates of the Institution. On all sides are beautifully frescoed walls adorned with numerous choice engravings and other pictures. All the rooms throughout the house are furnished in the best of style, and in a manner to afford the utmost comfort and cheerfulness of surroundingsfor the sick and afflicted who seek this remedial resort. The Turkish and other baths are elegantly fitted up on the first floor, opposite the reading-room.
Above the first, or main floor, the building is divided into separate rooms and suites of rooms for the accommodation of patients. All are well lighted, have high ceilings, and are cheerful and well ventilated apartments. On the second floor is the large medical library and medical council-room, for the exclusive use of the Faculty, also the museum-room, which contains a large and valuable collection of anatomical and morbid specimens, many of them being obtained from cases treated in this Institution. On this floor are also suites of rooms, occupied by the Bureau of Medical Correspondence, wherein from ten to twelve physicians, each supplied with the improved graphophone, are constantly employed in attending to the vast correspondence received from invalids residing in all parts of the United States and Canada. Every important case receives the careful consideration of a council composed of from three to five of these expert specialists, before being finally passed upon and prescribed for.
Illustration: Library and Reading-room—Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.Library and Reading-room—Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.
are the large treatment-rooms, supplied with all the apparatus and appliances for the successful management of every chronic malady incident to humanity. Electrical apparatus of the latest and most approved kinds, some of it driven and operated by steam-power, dry cupping and equalizing-treatment apparatus, "vitalization" apparatus, numerous and most ingenious rubbing and manipulating apparatus and machinery, driven by steam-power, are among the almost innumerable curative agencies that are here brought into use as aids in the cure of human ailments. Our
Illustration: President Pierce's Business OfficePresident Pierce's Business Office—Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.
is the finest to be found in any sanitarium in the United States and, we believe, in the world. There are two forty-cell galvanic batteries with switch boards for controlling the voltage, or force, from the whole power to one-fortieth of this amount, at the will of the physician. Safe-guards in the shape of milli-ampere meters continually indicate to the operator the force of the current. There is a dynamo for charging the storage batteries, which may be used in a patient's room when this method is found more convenient or more comfortable for the invalid. There aretwo static or Franklin machines. These are used when the milder current is desired, and for spraying, sparking, etc. One of the instruments is of high voltage and furnishes us with the X rays for examining the interior parts of the body. The largest treatment room also contains a powerful ozone generator, operated by a dynamo. This supplies the room with allotropic oxygen and is invaluable in treating diseases of the lungs and air passages. This supplies the patient with vitalized air, equal to the most salubrious atmosphere in any part of the globe.
Beyond this and separated by a court, across which is an iron bridge, are the large dispensing-rooms, stocked with drugs and medical compounds of almost endless variety, and representing every branch of themateria medica. Here all medicines prescribed are most carefully and specially prepared for each individual case. Those to be sent away by mail or express, to patients being treated at a distance, are placed in trays, with full directions for use, and sent to another large room, where they are carefully packed, and shipped thence to their destination.
On the fourth floor are located the surgical operating-rooms and surgical ward. There are also a large number of nice, large, well furnished separate rooms on this floor, used principally for the accommodation of surgical cases. Strong, broad, iron staircases connect all the upper floors with the ground, so that in case of fire, patients need have no fear of being unable to get out safely. In fact, the building has been constructed so as to render the rapid spread of fire through it impossible, all the floors being laid on cement.
is provided, so that the upper floors are quite as desirable as those lower down. The dining-rooms for gentlemen, as well as those for ladies, are located in the basement, which is reached either by stairways or by the elevator. The kitchen, store-rooms, chill-rooms, pantries, and all culinary arrangements are also in the basement.
Six large fire-proof vaults are provided in this building in which to preserve, secure from observation, as well as from fire, all records of cases examined and treated by the Faculty.
Throughout all this vast building the visitor is struck with the wonderful order and system with which every detail is carried out.
Illustration: A glimpse at the Turkish Bath Department.A glimpse at the Turkish Bath Department.
The Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, as hereinbefore indicated, is provided with Turkish, and other approved baths, with atreatment-room, fitted up with vacuum and movement-treatment apparatus of the most modern and approved style. These and much more ingeniously devised apparatus and appliances are brought into use in a great variety of chronic affections with marvelously successful results. A perfect system of physical training, especially adapted to the wants of the invalid and weak, and most skillfully conducted and applied, is not the least important among the many advantages that the chronic sufferers here find.
In the Surgical Department, every instrument and appliance approved by the modern operator is provided, and many and ingenious are the instruments and devices that the Faculty of this institution have invented and perfected to meet the wants of their numerous cases.
In the prescribing of remedies for disease, the Staff resort to the whole broad field ofmateria medica, allowing themselves to be hampered by no school,ism, pathy, or sect. The medicines employed are all prepared by skilled chemists and pharmacists, and the greatest care is exercised to have them manufactured from the freshest and purest ingredients. Our Faculty probably employ a greater number and variety of extracts from native roots, barks and herbs in their practice than are used in any other invalids' resort in the land. All of the vegetable extracts employed in our practice are prepared in our own Laboratory.
The table is supplied with an abundance of wholesome and nutritious food, especially adapted and prepared to suit the invalid, it being varied to suit each particular case. The Faculty recognize the importance of proper food as one of the greatest factors in the treatment of chronic diseases. While properly regulating and restricting the food of theinvalid when necessary, they also recognize the fact that many are benefited by a liberal diet of the most substantial food, as steaks, eggs, oysters, milk, and other very nutritious articles of diet, which are always provided in abundance for those for whom they are suited.
Illustration: View of Lake and Boat-house.—Buffalo Park.View of Lake and Boat-house.—Buffalo Park.
From previous experience somewhere, some people get the impression that they are to be half starved at such an institution as this. If this is the case anywhere it is not so here, as any one who has ever resided at our sanitarium will attest.
A sufficient number of trained and experienced nurses are employed, that those requiring attendance may have the very best of care.
The institution is conducted in an orderly manner, that the utmost quiet may be secured. The Faculty insist, upon the part of the invalid, while under treatment, on the observance of habits of regularity in eating, sleeping, bathing and exercise. Only by such observance of hygienic laws can they succeed in their course of remedial training, and make the treatment curative.
While insisting upon strict observance of rules established for the good of the patient, they do not make their requirements so rigid as to interfere with the comfort and enjoyment of their patients, but, on the contrary, endeavor, in every manner possible, to provide innocent and entertaining amusements for all, recognizing the great importance ofpleasant occupation of the mind, as an essential part of the treatment. Hence the introduction of music, amusing games, light reading, and kindred agencies for pleasant entertainment, is not neglected.
Illustration: One of the Private Consultation-rooms, Ladies' Department.One of the Private Consultation-rooms, Ladies' Department.
The founder of this institution commenced, many years ago, with little capital, to build up a business in the treatment of chronic diseases and devoted himself diligently to that end. His reputation for skill in his chosen field of practice gradually extended until, to-day, his fame and that of the World's Dispensary and Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, are simply world-wide. As the business increased those eminent for skill have been induced to join the Faculty, until eighteen professional gentlemen, each devoting hisattention to a special branch of practice, constitute the Medical and Surgical Staff.
Illustration: Soldiers' Monument.—Lafayette Park, Buffalo.Soldiers' Monument.—Lafayette Park, Buffalo.
One reason why we excel in the treatment ofchronic diseasesis the fact that we are supplied with all the modern improvements in the way of instruments, appliances and remedial agents used in the healing art, the expense of which deters the local physician in general practice from procuring, for the treatment of the limited number of cases that come within the circuit of his practice. The treatment of such cases requires special attention and special study to be successful.
It is a well-known fact, that appeals to the judgment of every thinking person, that a physician who devotes his whole time to the study and investigation of a certain class of diseases, must become better qualified to treat them than he who attempts to treat every ill to which flesh is heir, without giving special attention to any particular class of diseases. Men, in all ages of the world, who havemade their marks, or who have become famous, have devoted their lives to some special branch of science, art or literature.
We wage no war against any physician, no matter what school of medicine he may represent; but, on the other hand, we invite theco-operation of all regular physicians. We are always ready and willing to impart to them any information or render any assistance that will be of mutual benefit to them and their patients.
do not travel to solicit practice, having all the business that they can attend to at our institution, nor do we employ any agents to travel and peddle or otherwise sell our medicines. If any one engaged in such business, represents himself as in any way connected with our institutions, he is a swindler and should be apprehended and prosecuted as such. And any one who will give us such information as will lead to the arrest and conviction of any person so misrepresenting will be liberally rewarded.
Illustration: Undergoing Examination of the LungsUndergoing Examination of the Lungs at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.
While not permitting any member of our professional staff to travel and solicit practice, yet we are always willing to accommodate and send a specialist to visit important or critical cases in consultation, or otherwise, or to perform important surgical operations as explained onpage 971of this book.
Let none deceive you by representing that they have heretoforebeen connected with our institution and have thereby learned our original and improved methods of treatment. We have a large and competent Staff of Specialists and while we have sometimes found it necessary to make changes, yet we always manage to retain the most expert and skillful, as we cannot afford to part with the services of those who excel.
Illustration: Chemists' Department.Chemists' Department.—Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.
By adopting similar names to those which have long designated our world-famed institutions, some have endeavored to deceive and mislead invalids who were seeking relief. Others have named so-called "Electric" Trusses, "Liver Pads," and other contrivances after our President, thereby expecting to reap benefits from Dr. Pierce's well-known professional standing. Neither the Doctor nor this Association have any interest in any such articles.
NO BRANCHES.—Remember we have no branches except the one at No. 3 New Oxford Street, London, England.
Those desiring to consult us by letter, should address all communications plainly to
World's Dispensary Medical Association,No. 663 MAIN STREET,BUFFALO, N.Y.
World's Dispensary Medical Association,No. 663 MAIN STREET,BUFFALO, N.Y.