A Physician who would cure diseases, or seek to assist Nature to throw off all morbid accumulations from the body, should have a single eye to the perfection, purity, or quality of the remedial agents he may feel called upon to employ.  Plants should be gathered at a proper period, and under correct climatic influences, and always chosen from those in a wild or uncultivated state.
 
    The roots of an annual plant will yield their most active medical properties just before the flowering season, whereas this class of roots are erroneously gathered after the flowering season; in consequence, they are less active, and do not retain their qualities for any reliable time.  The roots of the biennial plants are most energetic if gathered when the leaves have fallen from the plant, in the autumn of the first year; while the roots of perennial plants are most active when gathered between the decay of the flowers and leaves and the renewal of verdure of the following Spring.  Bulbs are to be collected as soon as matured, or soon after the loss of the foliage, in order to secure their most active principles

    Herbaceous stems should be collected after the foliage, but before the blossoms have developed themselves, while ligneous or woody stems should be collected after the decay of the leaves and previous to the vegetation of the succeeding Spring.

    Barks are to be gathered in the Spring previous to flowering, or in Autumn after the foliage has disappeared.  Spring is the best time to gather resinous barks, and Autumn for the others.

    Leaves are best when gathered between the period of flowering and maturation of the fruit or seeds.  Biennial plants, however, do not perfect themselves the first year, consequently their leaves should be gathered only during the second year of the growth of the plant.

    Flowers are to be collected when about to open, or immediately after they have expanded, although I prefer the buds.  Flowers, buds, and leaves, are to be gathered in dry weather, after the dew is off from them, or in the evening before it falls, and freed from all impurities.  Aromatics should be collected after the flower-buds are formed, while stalks and twigs are best if gathered soon after the decay of the flowers.  Berries, succulent fruits, and seeds are to be collected only when ripe, except in some few cases where the medicinal virtue is contained in the unripe article.  Roots are to be well washed, rejecting all worm-eaten or decayed portions.  Bulbs are cleaned and dried as roots.  Barks, stems, twigs, and woods are best dried in a moderate sun-heat, and should be taken every night into a well-ventilated room, where the dew or rain will not touch them, and laid upon sticks, slats, or boards which are some few inches apart, so that the air may be well circulated through.  The best method of drying leaves is to strip them from the stem, lay them loosely upon a flooring where the sun shines moderately and the air circulates sufficiently to avoid mould -- keep them well stirred.  The custom of steaming or moistening leaves in order to pack them more solidly after having been dried, is exceedingly improper, as the articles become thereby much deteriorated in quality and soon get musty.

    Seeds are dried in the same manner as stems and leaves.  Aromatic herbs and annual plants are dried as advised for leaves similarly prepared.
 

MECHANICAL ARTICLES

    The following articles, so necessary in many instances, will be sent, prepaid by mail, securely packed from observation.  We offer them to our patrons because of their being in many respects superior to others offered for sale at double the price we ask for them.
 

EAR TRUMPETS

    The conversation tube suits the most obstinate cases of deafness and is particularly convenient at the dinner-table and in company, as private conversations can be carried on without attracting the attention of others.

Conversation Tubes -- Worsted, Silk, Ivory Mounts, $3, $5, $10.

German Silver $8
Nickle Plated   $5

Nickle Plated   $5

    There are thousands of persons with one or both ears supposed to be perfectly useless, who in many cases might hear very well were the sonorous undulations conveyed to them by artificial Ear Trumpets, thus drawing blood to the parts and restoring healthy action.  The hearing will thus be greatly improved, if not altogether cured.
 

URINALS

    We have taken great pains to have the urinals offered below, light, soft, durable and of a fine finish.  They are manufactured from the finest quality of vulcanized rubber.

    Fig. 91 represents a Day and Night Urinal.  The long tube connecting the scrotal and penis portion to the reservoir will allow the wearer to move and turn in bed without changing the position of the reservoir.  This tube can be removed and the other portions joined together, which permits it to be worn during the day while attending to business.  Fig. 94 has a perfect scrotal support attached.

    Children's Urinals, with resrvoir, $4; without reservoir, $3.
 

HARD RUBBER SYRINGE

    The above syringe is very durable, being made of hard rubber.  By inserting the appropriate tubes (furnished with it), it can be used as a rectum, vaginal or urethra syringe.  This is the best article of the kind made, and we will send it by mail to any part of the country, packed securely from injury or observation in a nice paper box, on the receipt of price, $2.50.  Price with only one tube, straight, male or female, as desired, $2.00.
 

HARD RUBBER VAGINAL SYRINGES

    Every lady suffering from leucorrhoea, or female weakness, should possess one of these syringes.  Various excellent decoctions, composed of healing herbal ingredients are given in these pages, which if injected according to directions (following at the same time my hygienic directions) will in the generality of cases effect a cure.  Those desiring farther information may write a brief description of their case, and I will give farther advice by return mail.  Price, prepaid by mail, $1.25.
 

MALE SYRINGE

    To parties desiring such an article, we offer this syringe as being the best in market.  Price by mail, prepaid, 60 cents.  We pack the above syringes securely in a nice box, entirely secure from observation.
 

EAR SYRINGE

    Those desiring an ear syringe will find this an excellent one -- made of hard rubber it is easily cleansed and does not get out of order.  Price, prepaid by mail, $1.25.
 

BREAST PUMP

    This pump is of hard rubber -- cannot break easily or get out of order.  Easily used and a superior article.  Price, prepaid by mail, $3.00.
 

HARD RUBBER BED URINAL, NO. 9

    This urinal can be used without inconvenience by the invalid in bed, without the assistance of a nurse.  First having the end of the rubber tube placed in the vessel under the bed, the urine will be conducted therein, suitable for either.
 

RUBBER AIR CUSHIONS

    The air cushion is one of the greatest luxuries of the age, greatly contributing to the comfort of invalids.  Those offered are of the best quality and most desirable styles.  Chair cushions (reeded), square or rounded , $6.  Chair cushions (reeded) with back, $12.  Carriage cushions, $8.  Hospital cushions, $8.