Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 edition. Excerpt: ... PREFACE. The affections treated of in the following pages have ever shown a decided predilection for the neurotic portion of our population. For the great towns of the Atlantic seaboard, headaches and neuralgias exhibit a special preference. To the nervous exhaustion and strain incident to the irregular mode of life and competition of the great cities are due, in no small degree, these head-pains so often the precursors of impending nervous bankruptcy. The same causes, in conjunction with one of the most trying climates to be found in the whole world, serve also to give rise to a thousand aches and pains, the most excruciating of which are those neuralgias of the face tbat not infrequently drive the victim to suicide or the madhouse. For several years past I have devoted much time to the careful study of these prolific sources of human misery. I have not done this in a spirit of mere pathological analysis; but I can truly say that my endeavors have been of a practical kind, every thought being directed to the relief and cure of these distressing affections. As insomnia is one of the most constant and distressing accompaniments of pain, I have added a chapter on sleep and its derangements, which I trust will lend completeness to the general argument. When to personal experience I add the fact, that many of the principles herein formulated have already been extensively promulgated and kindly received by my professional brethren on both sides of the Atlantic, I may perhaps claim extenuation for confidence placed in my own undertakings. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. The kind reception which the first edition of this work received at the hands of the profession has been an agreeable surprise to the author. As regards the second edition, I...
