Part 3

Frequent changes of air and scene will be found extremely beneficial, both in a physical and mental point of view. The sea air is, of all others, the purest—and on that account, better calculated generally, for the purposes of breathing, in weakly persons. In all air there is more or less of that principle which is essential to life; but the air which passes over an extensive tract of water is not only refrigerated or cooled, but purified; and consequently, the bad effects of the sultry heats of the summer season are counteracted. A temporary sojournment at the sea-side, for the purpose of inhaling the saline particles, with which the sea breezes are impregnated, with occasional excursions on the ocean, or short voyages by sea, will be attended with much advantage, as a means for stimulating the lungs to deeper and more frequent inspiration, and tending to enlarge the cavity of the chest, a matter of great importance. These means will be found highly serviceable, and an excellent auxiliary to the use of the Balsam herein recommended, as possessing a true tonic power, which will brace and invigorate the surface of the body, and exert a beneficial influence on the viscera, especially those connected with the digestive functions. It must, however, be observed, that there are some consumptive patients, with whom sea air never agrees—when country air, especially in the rural agricultural districts, must be substituted.

Exercise is generally beneficial when the degree is proportionate to the strength of the patient, without producing fatigue, and in a pure atmosphere, remote from large cities or towns, in situations not exposed to winds, especially the north-east. The exercise should be in the open air on horseback, the greater part of the day, in fine weather—if the strength will permit; and a nourishing diet of new milk, farinaceous preparations, animal soups, and solid animal food twice a day. The bowels to be gently relieved every second or third day, and the cough mixture—the Balsam, to be continued as before directed.

The Author’s apology for the mention of his remedy in this publication, is, that as it has for the last ten years proved pre-eminently successful, though confined within a limited compass, it becomes his duty to the public more extensively to declare it. The novelty of the doctrine, that Consumption is curable, may gain him many opponents, who would, without this public announcement, have slumbered; but he is determined at all events to persevere, well knowing that his discovery will endure the test of experience and trial, and in the issue must, like other now-approved, but once-rejected articles of the Pharmacopœia, be universally adopted. {11}

In justice to the liberally minded among the profession, it must be observed that, although most practitioners deny the possibility of Consumption being curable, there are a few of their number possessing eminent talent, who have deeply studied the subject, and strenuously contend for the affirmative of the question, corroborated by the evidence of their own experience. While an opposite opinion on the subject is maintained by professional men, equally distinguished for their knowledge of the science, and their utility in their professional pursuits—there can be no doubt but that an enlightened public will decide in favour of the doctrine herein advanced, that Pulmonary Consumption is curable.

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_The following Cases_, _illustrative of the beneficial properties of the Balsamic Elixir_, _in Cough_, _Hooping Cough_, _Asthma_, _and Pulmonary Complaints_, _which had previously baffled the skill of the most eminent medical practitioners_, _are selected from various others_.

CONSUMPTIVE COUGH, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, &c.

Sir,—I feel induced to send you the two following cases (for the encouragement of yourself, and the benefit of the public at large) of the beneficial effects of your invaluable medicine, the Balsamic Elixir. A few weeks ago, (a neighbour, who lives opposite me,) a young man of the name of JAMES HOWE, was afflicted with a most distressing Cough, Shortness of Breath, &c. He had had medicine from a Chemist in the neighbourhood, and also been under an eminent Physician in the city, but to no purpose. Indeed, the Cough was so incessant, that it seemed to threaten a lingering Consumption—when I persuaded his mother to try your Balsamic Elixir, (which they purchased at Mr. Willoughby’s, Bishopsgate-street,) and, although not more surprising than true, after taking only one bottle, was perfectly recovered.

The other case is that of a young man, about the same age as the above (twenty years,) who was also afflicted with a most violent Cough, which all the medicines he could get could not remove. The young man, above mentioned, finding the good effects upon himself of your Elixir, strongly recommended it to him; and, after taking a 1s. 1½d., and a 2s. 9d. bottle, he was perfectly recovered. The above persons have authorised me to send you this testimonial of the value of your inestimable medicine, the Balsamic Elixir; and for myself, Sir, I can assure you, if ever I should need it, I shall have recourse to the same.

I am, Sir, yours respectfully,

EPHRAIM MOORE.

30, Spital-square, Mile-end, New Town, Nov. 24, 1837.

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PETER REDFORD, Alfred House Academy, Kingsland-road, about the close of July, became severely afflicted with a violent cough, incessant wheezing, attended with very great difficulty of breathing, which deprived him of rest for several weeks together, only in an erect posture, through fear of suffocation. He was attended by three skilful medical gentlemen. But his complaint still remaining unabated in its violence, he was persuaded to make trial of this excellent specific, with which solicitation, through necessity, he gladly complied, on the 5th of September; and, after taking it a few times, he felt such considerable relief in breathing, that he was induced to continue it, and in less than a week, the distressing and alarming sensations of wheezing were so far abated that he again ventured to lie down in his bed; and from this time his health and strength began gradually to increase, and were so far restored, that on the 12th of the present month (October) he recommenced his profession, in full enjoyment of accustomed health.

N.B. Only three bottles, at 2s. 9d. were purchased, and half the last was rendered unnecessary by the cure.

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WM. HARMER, Bookseller, Stroud, Gloucestershire, suffered exceedingly for several years (especially in the winter and spring) with a most distressing Cough, for which he could never obtain permanent relief; and for some time past he concluded that his disorder was a confirmed and incurable asthma: in addition to which, in the beginning of February last, he had a most severe attack of Influenza, which rendered his Cough still more distressing, and the difficulty of breathing almost to suffocation.

He states that, although he is a book-seller, and a Vendor of Patent Medicines, he never heard of this Balsamic Elixir till about a month since, when he saw the announcement in the “_Patriot_” newspaper, of my pamphlet, called “Consumption Curable.” He immediately ordered from his Booksellers, _Longman and Co._, six copies; on reading the work, he says that he felt an anxious desire to give the medicine a trial, and immediately ordered from my wholesale Agent, six 2s. 9d. bottles, and three boxes of Flemming’s Pills. In a letter, renewing his order, he observes, “By the use of three bottles, I am happy to inform you, I have obtained almost a cure; the first bottle gave me more relief than all the medicine I had taken for the preceding three months. It is my intention to keep a regular supply of the medicine, and to do all in my power to recommend it, as I can with confidence.”

In a further communication, dated 3rd August, 1837, he says, “I have been very successful in the sale of the Elixir; and in every case where its virtues have been tried, I have received a most favourable report of its curative properties.”

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JAMES MOSS, Cabinet Maker, High-street, Peckham, Surrey, having witnessed the good effects of this cough medicine on one of his children, in Hooping Cough, was induced to apprize me of that circumstance, for the benefit of others. The child had, for some time, been suffering from that painful disorder. A friend, being very anxious about the child, presented the parents with a 2s. 9d. bottle of the Balsamic Elixir, and its value soon appeared in the beneficial effects it produced; for after about three or four times taking it, the disorder abated, and a few more doses removed it altogether. His age is three years.

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C. SIBURN, 4, Upper Bland-street, Great Dover Road, aged 40, at about the age of fifteen, caught a violent cold, which brought on difficulty of breathing, ultimately terminating in Asthma. She had been a victim to that disease ever since, and tried every remedy which medical men could prescribe, without deriving the slightest benefit. During the two last winters, the complaint rapidly increased, so much so that her life was despaired of. For weeks together she was bolstered upright in bed, from fear of strangulation from the congealed phlegm which clogged her lungs, and produced the greatest possible difficulty of breathing. It was delightful to witness the astonishment and gratitude she evinced at the efficacy of the Elixir: for, after taking a few doses, it produced expectoration in a way she never before experienced; and her breathing was instantly relieved. On the third night she retired to rest, and slept with great composure until five o’clock the following morning. She is now perfectly free from every symptom of the disorder, and has continued so ever since.

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PATRICK CONNER, 14, Regent-street, Hunter-street, Old Kent-road, suffered greatly from a distressingly severe Asthma, demonstrated by its usual symptoms, extreme difficulty of breathing, which existed, more or less, for the last ten years. Having heard of the cures produced by this celebrated Balsam, and being then in a deplorable condition, he resolved to give it a fair trial. When he commenced taking it, his breath was very short, so much so, that it was with the greatest difficulty he could walk about; and his fits of coughing were so violent, and long continued, that he was in perpetual danger of expiring under the effort. His health naturally declined, and his flesh wasted away; and to all appearance, he was rapidly hastening into a decline. In a letter of thanks, he says, “I bless God, and am truly thankful that I ever heard of your medicine. I found almost immediate benefit from it; and, as I continued to take it, my amendment was very rapid. In short, I can now walk about, and breathe quite easy; and my cough has entirely ceased, and never since returned.”

Happily this is not a solitary case, for a vast number of patients, similarly affected, have derived equal benefit.

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FRANCES HUNT, Little Ebury-street, Pimlico, had from her youth been subject to shortness of breath, fits of coughing, pain in the side, and general debility: from taking one cold upon another, and the neglect of a remedy, these sensations greatly increased in their length and violence, and at length terminated in the disorder called Asthma. She was exceedingly ill with the complaint last winter, and continued so at intervals, throughout the summer—the least exertion frequently occasioning spitting of blood. The parish surgeon attended, and gave her medicine, but to no purpose. Having seen an account of the Balsam, and read a case exactly corresponding with her own, induced her to purchase a 2s. 9d. bottle. She had not taken more than three doses of the medicine before she felt wonderfully better; the tightness in her chest ceased; she coughed less frequently; and her health much improved. She purchased another bottle, and before it was exhausted, she was completely restored to health.

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Two of the children of MARY ANN GORHAM, 3, Queen’s-row, Paradise-row, were alarmingly ill with Hooping Cough, for which various medicines were given, without effect, until the Balsamic Elixir was administered. After they had taken two or three doses each, they found astonishing relief—it having cleared away from their chests an accumulation of thick phlegm, and appeased the violence of their coughs. She continued to give the medicine, as directed, until a second bottle was consumed, when every symptom disappeared, to the evident surprise of every one who saw the child.

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MR. J. DAVIS, a respectable farmer of Warden, derived most essential and permanent benefit from the Balsamic Elixir. He was from early life severely afflicted with tightness at the chest, cough, and the general symptoms which characterise Asthma, for which he had tried every known remedy, without obtaining the least relief. He had recourse to the Elixir; and its efficacy was soon demonstrated in a complete recovery. He has found it to be a friend in need, to which he invariably resorts, when, from the haziness of the weather, and the dampness of the air, he renews his cold. His health has much improved since he has taken it. A better proof of the high opinion he entertains of its true virtues, cannot be given than his urgent recommendation of it to his extensive connexions in this county; so much so, as to incur the severe censure of the medical men in the neighbourhood, with whose practice he so far interferes. He is prompted to this diligence with the view of doing good; and, what may seem extraordinary, this medicine has done good in every instance where recommended.

Amidst other cases which might be cited, that of MISS REYNOLDS is particularly interesting. She is of consumptive make; and from a severe cold caught in the autumn, she had an unconquerable cough, with shortness of breath, and was, to all appearance, on the verge of a rapid decline. The Elixir operated beneficially. It soon allayed her cough; her breath improved, her appetite increased, and she speedily recovered strength. This interesting young lady had the best attention the faculty could give: no expense was spared—she was sent to London, and had advice of eminent physicians, but to no effect. The ecstasy of her parents, on once more beholding their only daughter again restored to health, to the astonishment of all who knew her, after the consultation of the faculty to no purpose, may be conceived, but cannot be expressed.

MR. S. KETCHLEE, 5, St. James’s-street. Bermondsey, (opposite the New Church,) has testified of the specific properties of this Balsam, which perhaps cannot be better stated than in his own words:—“Having been afflicted with a most distressing and troublesome cough for the last nine years, which has always increased in the winter, causing me to dread its approach; I felt some considerable apprehensions as the autumn advanced, in consequence of the rapidity with which my cough increased. About this period, I received the welcome intelligence of several cures effected by your Balsam, and feeling a strong inclination to test its qualities in my own experience; I purchased a small bottle, from which I soon found great relief; and by the time I had taken the second bottle, scarcely any remains of my cough were left. Since that period, I have always kept a bottle of the Balsam by me; and when I have taken a fresh cold, had recourse to it. I may say, that I never passed a winter so comfortably, and so free from the harassing sensations induced by coughing, as the last, though the weather has been unusually severe. I feel a great desire to recommend this valuable preparation to the utmost in my power; and trust the blessing of the Almighty will attend it, and that its worth may be extensively known and enjoyed by many thousand of my fellow sufferers. I could write you a long letter to state, that all means I have hitherto made use of, have failed, but think it unnecessary.”

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G. VIGURS, Esq., 10, Richmond-terrace, East-street, Walworth, writes as follows:—“Your Balsamic Elixir is, in my opinion, of such unspeakable value to those afflicted with cough, hooping cough, and asthma, (many cures of which I have lately heard,) that, much as I should object to the public announcement of my name in an ordinary case, I feel much pleasure in sending you my warmest recommendation for publicity, with observations on the following cures, which have been effected in my family by its use; and shall be happy to give personal testimonials of its excellence to inquirers. Part of my numerous family was attacked in the winter of 1826 with typhus, and were sometime afterwards the subjects of violent coughs, especially a little girl, about two years of age (for the cure of which the usual remedies were tried in vain). In the course of conversation, your Elixir was mentioned, and I determined to make trial of it. The first bottle wrought wonders; indeed, the children were so far recovered, as to induce the family to abstain from its use; but a few days evidently manifested that their coughs were only arrested, so that I was induced to send for a second bottle, which completed the cures. Allow me to offer you my congratulations on the discovery of a compound so truly advantageous to the afflicted; and to express my warmest wishes that, by a wide circulation, many of our fellow-creatures suffering under such like attacks, may fully realize its beneficial influence.”

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Mrs. ELIZABETH THOMSON, a lady belonging to the society of Friends, called Quakers, aged 63 years, occupying apartments at Mrs. Sims’s, Rye-lane, Peckham, about two years ago was severely attacked by Hooping Cough, which terminated in Asthma, and baffled every means to control it. By the recommendation of a friend, whose child had found benefit from the Balsam in a case of Hooping Cough, betraying the unfavourable symptoms of scanty expectoration, and great debility—she purchased a 2s. 9d. bottle, which completely cured the complaint. Anxious that others, afflicted with the same complaint, should derive the benefit the Balsam is calculated to confer, she felt constrained to forward a testimony of her approbation of the same, of which the above observations are the _substance_.

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JAMES GARIE, 66, John-street, Perth, Scotland, became an Agent for the Proprietor, on the 6th of May, and his testimony to the value of the medicine is as follows:—“I am happy to inform you, that the Elixir has proved most beneficial to many in this town and neighbourhood, who have experienced speedy cures of severe colds and coughs, hoarseness, &c.; and in one particular case, * a very afflicting cough and asthma, of many years’ standing. The reports I am continually hearing of it, are most pleasing and satisfactory.”

On the following month, he further observes,—“Since I last wrote, I have received additional proofs of the beneficial tendency of your Elixir, and have myself experienced its efficacy in the case of a severe cold.

“The Surgeons show great reluctance in recommending this specific remedy, but _it has cured where they could not_!

“Advices from Dunkeld, and round the country, of the great value of the Elixir, is arriving daily. It is selling fast in Perth, and I have no doubt that in Glasgow, where the medicine has produced incalculable benefit, the demand will be very great. The last 4s. 6d. I had, I have sent to Dunkeld this morning; and another order for 11s. bottles is waiting to be sent to Kilmore. Forward me immediately two dozen each of the 4s. 6d. and 11s. bottles; and three Guinea bottles for LADY WILLISON, who intends to recommend the medicine throughout her extensive circle, in consequence of its efficacy.

“The Hooping Cough is raging here. My son and daughter have been severely affected by it; but both of them have been cured by the Elixir, taken in honey night and morning, in doses of two tea-spoonsful.”

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* _The following Testimonial addressed to Mr. Garie_, _is from_ CAPTAIN ALEXANDER,_ an Officer in the Army_, _residing at Perth_.—

“The two bottles of Congreve’s Balsamic Elixir, which I purchased in February last, I am happy to say, have totally removed my asthma, of forty years’ standing. I attribute its beneficial efficacy, under God, to its peculiar balsamic and expectorant properties, in dislodging the glutinous phlegm, which impeded the free action of my lungs—for as soon as that was removed, I could breathe freely. I am sixty years of age, and was first seized with the complaint when abroad. You are at liberty to publish this, as I think the Elixir should be made more extensively known.”

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Mr. T., a respectable gentleman, residing in Cavendish-street, New-road, London, had for a considerable period experienced all the symptoms indicative of the disease called Pulmonary Consumption. The complaint originally proceeded from a violent cold, which was followed by a sense of straitness and oppression at the chest, with great difficulty of breathing, violent cough, and great and general emaciation of the body. When he heard of the Balsam referred to in this treatise, he had previously tried almost every other remedy, with little or no advantage. He, therefore, commenced a course of this medicine, under the most unfavourable circumstances. The remedy succeeded in promoting expectoration of slimy matter from the lungs to a considerable degree. Symptoms of amendment rapidly followed; and, as he persevered with the Balsam, his difficulty of breathing ceased. By the advice of his attendant, he then had recourse to the beverage referred to, (page 10,) with the usual doses of Balsam, as therein directed, and the patient became convalescent—although physicians had previously pronounced the cure altogether hopeless.

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JOSEPH LAMOREAUX, Esq., 33, Green-street, Grosvenor-square, with the sanction of his nephew, who is one of the liberal of his profession, (a surgeon in the Royal Navy,) having heard the fame of this Balsamic Elixir, was induced to try it, and had purchased several of the 4s. 6d. bottles, and derived from it very considerable benefit, in one of the worst cases of harassing cough, with scanty expectoration and impeded respiration. Being desirous of obtaining one of the bottles at One Guinea, he begged I would give him a call, with a bottle of that size, to be paid for on delivery—as he was particularly desirous of communicating to me personally the vast benefit he had found from taking the Balsam; and of suggesting the best mode of taking it. I called upon Mr. L., and was highly delighted with his favourable report. In addition to which he presented me with a card of recommendation, defining the peculiar benefit he had derived from the medicine, addressed to Dr. Hitchman, Leamington, Warwickshire; which was forwarded to that gentleman, with a letter on the subject; and, on the 28th of that month, Dr. Hitchman called upon me, to ascertain on what terms he could be supplied with the medicine.

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This Balsam has been patronised by some of the most eminent medical men in this country, by whom its qualities have been tried and approved. To some of them the author and proprietor of the pamphlet and medicine has sent considerable supplies; and its virtues have not only made astonishing proselytes to the doctrine advanced, with reference to the speedy cure of pulmonary complaints, coughs, and asthma, in this country, in Scotland, and Ireland, but in Van Diemen’s Land, Malta, the East and West Indies, America, and various other parts of the Continent of Europe, not only is a new light dawning on the mind, but the fame of this remedy is expanding its beneficial influence on the system with the velocity of lightning.