Hysteria : the history of a disease / by Ilza Veith.

  • Ilza Veith
Date:
1970, ©1965
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Hysteria : the history of a disease / by Ilza Veith. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    82/128 (page 76)
    the catamenia is often deranged and defective, it is not necessarily so. The general system is at fault, indicated by a low circulation ; frequently a chlorotic aspect, failing appetite, languor, and indisposition to any form of active bodily or mental effort. In the cases I have seen, the breast has been small and soft. The disease consists of simple pain in the organ, one or both, but more severe in one than the other. It is -most active at the catamenial periods. The breast is unaltered in form and substance. The evidence of local inflammation is entirely absent. Leeches, or other form of local depletion, give no relief. Blisters, and irritating plasters and ointments, ansvi^er no useful purpose. The degree of pain varies vi^ith the con- dition of the health. For a period it may almost cease ; a period coexistent with a change of air and occupation, or a residence of a month or two at the seaside, but the pain relapses on the return of the subject to the ordinary habits of life. The pain is dull and aching, and very unlike the smarting and soothing pain which accompanies abscess or the more formidable diseases. With this history, who will doubt the constitutional nature of the malady or the efficacy of such remedies as tend to change weakness for strength, to promote appetite, to keep the circulation in action by frequent exercise, taken at least twice daily ? Such exercise should be active; neither strolling nor sauntering out of doors, to take the air, as ladies term it, nor gardening, nor lounging about; but adopting a good brisk walk, at a pace of at least three miles an hour, ever stopping short of fatigue. People will often tell you they