IT DISEASES THE WHOLE SYSTEM

“If the diseases consequent on this inflammation were confined to that apparatus in which it originates it would do great damage, as just seen, but it does incalculably more now; because it plants disease in the very bowels of the frame. We have also learned how perfectly reciprocal the relation existing between this apparatus and the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, kidneys, secretions, excretions, and each and all the vital organs and functions, in order thereby to propagate them all. Hence, whatever diseases it, thereby diseases them also. Disease in no other organ is equally prolific of disease in all the others. This is the physical citadel of health or of suffering, by capturing which you take all the others; and they captured, life itself surrenders to death. Common parlance designates some clouds as ‘weather-breeders.’ This is a disease-breeder - a true Pandora’s box, the opening of which engenders all sorts and degrees of pains and sufferings ‘that flesh is heir to.’ Dr. Woodward, than whose opinion none is more entitled to consideration, remarks concerning it as follows;SOAP 210.1

“‘Consumption, spinal distortions, weak and painful eyes, weak stomachs, nervous headaches, and a host of other diseases, mark its influences upon the one; loss of memory and the power of application, insanity, and idiotism, show its devastating effects upon the other.SOAP 211.1

“‘In the spring of 1837, I was consulted by the father of a young woman who had, for four years, been in the worst possible condition of health. She had consulted many eminent physicians, who had prescribed remedies and regimen for her without benefit. On first seeing the patient, I was impressed that the cause of her illness had not been understood, which had rendered all remedies unavailing. Upon inquiring of the patient, I found that she had been the victim of self-pollution. I cautioned her to abandon the practice, prescribed some remedies, and saw her no more.SOAP 212.1

“‘More than a year from the time of seeing her, I heard directly from her parent, who sent me word that she had entirely recovered her health and energy of mind; and that my prescriptions had entirely cured her.’SOAP 212.2