, are never disagreeable, and are far
more rapid and intense than can possibly be given by the hands. By the
application of short, quick movements of from _twelve to fifteen hundred
vibrations a minute_, deep-seated organs and parts are reached, to which
motion is transmitted and in which vital energy is thereby generated.
The hands have not the power, by kneading, manipulating, or rubbing to
impress the system except in a very mild degree, and deep-seated organs
and parts are scarcely influenced by the comparatively slow movements
thus administered. Among the most important, mechanical inventions
devised for administering motion as a remedial agent, is one which has
received the name of the _manipulator_.

THE MANIPULATOR. With this machine motion can be applied to any organ or
part of the system, and intensity of the application regulated to a
nicety. The rapidity of motion necessary to produce active exhilaration
of any part of the body is easily secured by the use of the manipulator,
but is far beyond the power of the hands. The degree of circulation
given to the fluids, both inside and outside of the vessels, and of
energy imparted to the organs and parts operated upon by the
manipulator, is also unapproachable by the application of manual power.

EFFECTS UPON THE CIRCULATION AND NUTRITION. The influence of motion on
these functions is as follows: The contents of the blood-vessels are
moved onward by the pressure and motion transmitted by the manipulator,
all backward movement of the blood being prevented by the valves of the
veins and by the propelling power of the heart and arteries. Fluids
outside these vessels pass through their walls, to take the place of the
stagnant blood that has been moved onward. Other blood flows into the
part, and thus active and healthy circulation is induced, and nutritive
material, capable of affording vital support is also brought to refresh
the local part.

We have found mechanical movements especially effectual in paralysis,
neuralgia, sleeplessness, and other nervous affections; in derangements
of the liver, constipation, and dyspepsia; in displacements of the
uterus, and congestion, and inflammation of the pelvic organs.

For a complete description of the mechanical movements and the machinery
employed in the treatment of diseases at the Invalids' Hotel and
Surgical Institute, the reader is referred to the appendix to this work.

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