Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/779

Treatment varied with the influence exercised by the different medical schools and sects, the asthenic system being long in vogue, coupled with prophylactic measures.

The abuse of bleeding, purging, and the like grew altogether excessive, with inordinate application even to healthy persons. Adynamic forms were treated as inflammatory; and in prostration the crisis was passively awaited. With the propagation of the Brunonian theory toward the end of the last century, the profession awoke to the faults of the prevailing system which had cost so many lives; and now a headlong reaction set in which had at least the effect of directing to more independent study, and to diminish somewhat the reliance on unaided prayers, appeals for saintly interference,^[1] and superstitious mummery. The aboriginal vapor bath ever remained a favorite remedy,^[2] the health-giving qualities of mineral and hot springs, were recognized, and also the beneficial effects of change of climate.^[3]

Hospitals were founded at Mexico by Cortés, and the early friars and royalty took an interest in their extension, a law of 1541 ordering them to be established in all Spanish and Indian towns,^[4] which was in a measure carried out. By decree of 1540, an institution existing at Mexico was transformed into the famous Royal Hospital, with an encomienda for its support.^[5] This grant received

Gaceta Mex., v. 8. The last two offices were often combined at this period. In other parts medical men were scarce, and Yucatan does not appear to have had one till about 1710.

1. In Guijo, Diario, i. 428-9, and similar chronicles, are given instances of the common recourse to the saints and to religious rites. In fluxion, the women used to tie a handkerchief to the hair on one side of the head, and in certain cases round the forehead, the color of the bandage being duly considered. Estalla, xxvi. 302.
2. As described in Native Races, ii. 595-6.
3. As Herrera already indicated, dec. iii. lib. iii. cap. ix.
4. Recop. de Ind., i. 23. As recommended by the royal council in 1533. Pacheco and Cárdenas, Col. Doc., xii. 135.
5. Copies of decrees in Ramirez, Doc., MS., 10-221. The founding has been a mooted question, some like Fonseca placing it much later. This Cabrera, Escudo, 396, etc., seeks to disprove in an elaborate argument, although he himself merely hovers round the true fact.