Every one knew, in a vague sort of way, that if an hysterical patient be removed from her morbid surroundings a great step towards cure is made.

Few, however, took the trouble to carry this knowledge into practical action; and when they did so they relied on this alone, combined with moral suasion.

Now, I am thoroughly convinced that very few cases of hysteria can be preached into health.

Judicious moral management can do much; but I believe that very few hysterical women are conscious impostors; and the great efficacy of the Weir Mitchell method seems to me to depend on the combination of agencies which, by restoring to a healthy state a weakened and diseased nervous system, cures the patient in spite of herself.".