Text: N. P. Willis (?), Review of Joel Shew, Hydropathy; or the Water-Cure, Weekly Mirror (New York), March 1, 1845, vol. 1, no. 21, p. 327, col. 2

[page 327, column 2, continued:]

HYDROPATHY; or the Water-Cure. By Joel Shew, M.D. 2d edition. Wiley & Putnam. 1845.

We have before given an opinion of Hydropathy — that with its adjuncts of abundance of pure air and out-door exercise, an entire change of habit, a strict, yet nutritious change of regimen, a cheerful tone in both physician and patient, — together with the prestige in favor of the place and the man — this system would cure most curable complaints. We doubt not it would cure more and worse complaints than the best medicinal system unattended by the adjuncts. Dr. Shew's book goes farther; and claims for the water-cure great inherent efficacy. We doubt; but as the book gives sound general views of health and of the treatment of disease, and as it would certainly be preferable to much of the medical practice in vogue, we cheerfully recommend it to our readers. There is little danger of the system being carried to excess; (in which respect it differs advantageously from most medical systems,) and we should be glad to see it introduced upon a scale sufficiently extensive to test its efficacy.