CHAPTER IV.

THE MASSEUR AND THE MASSEUSE.

For

THE next point for consideration is, who should do the Massage? It would be absurd to suppose for one moment that so delicate a duty could be entrusted to an untrained or uneducated person. Both Mezger and Von Mosengeil are their own operators. women and children it is essential to obtain the services of a thoroughly accomplished Masseuse. She must be an educated lady-I use the word advisedly-who has been thoroughly trained in the different methods, a process which will occupy at least two years. She must have such a knowledge of surface and visceral anatomy and of physiology as will enable her to carry out the instructions of the physician intelligently. It is not necessary that she should be physically strong, aptitude and intelligence being of far greater importance. She must be a woman of refinement, and the possession of a certain

sympathetic temperament will greatly enhance the value of her services. I quite agree with Dr. Benjamin Lee, who, in speaking of the choice of a manipulator, says: "He or she, for both sexesmay succeed admirably as masseurs or masseuses, must possess firstly, vigorous health; secondly, muscular strength; thirdly, a cheerful temperament, a pleasant face, and an acceptable manner; fourthly, a soft and pliant but strong hand; fifthly, a fair education and a certain amount of refinement; sixthly, a knowledge of the leading facts of anatomy, such as the position of the various organs, the position and course of the larger arteries, veins, and nerves, and of such facts in physiology as the functions of the various organs, the course of the circulation, and the general processes of nutrition; and, seventhly and lastly, an acquaintance with the effects produced by the different forms of manipulation, the order in which these different forms should be employed to produce certain general effects, the injury which may be inflicted by employing them improperly or out of their proper order, and a practical dexterity in their application,

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to be attained only by training under an experienced instructor. Hence it will be understood that we cannot take John from the stable, or Biddy from the wash-tub, and in one easy lesson convert either into a safe, reliable, or efficient manipulator. Massage is an art, and, as such, must be acquired by study and patient practice under competent guidance." The necessity for obtaining educated people to perform Massage is as yet hardly recognized in this country. A short time ago on asking a medical friend if he used Massage much in his practice he replied :—" Oh, yes, a great deal, my butler does it." After that I should not have been at all surprised to hear the electrical treatment was conducted by his footman, and that the kitchen-maid undertook the obstetric cases.

Since the publication of the first edition of this book, I have received on an average a dozen letters a week from people expressing their readiness to undertake cases of Massage for me. I have been favoured with calls from nearly a hundred young ladies all more or less attractive-and incompetent. When I venture to point out to them that it is desir

F

able that they should have at least an elementary knowledge of the subject, before undertaking the treatment of the sick, they uniformly resent the insinuation, and some of them, I am sorry to say, have expressed their feelings in language more forcible than polite. They generally end up by saying that they are "quite sure" that if I would only just show them how it is done, they would "pick it up" in no time. They are not as a rule wanting in confidence, and tell me that if I would just give them "one trial" they would afford my patients every satisfaction. They are willing enough to undertake any case, and it is a matter of indifference to them whether the victim is a man, woman, or child, provided only that there is a fee attached. A few of them have taken my advice, and have abandoned a task for which they are hopelessly unsuited, but the majority having nothing in the world to do, and finding home-life monotonous, are infatuated with the desire to treat other people and make a fortune. They usually come armed with a certificate or two, and with elaborate testimonials from partial friends, who would

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willingly vouch for their fitness to undertake anything in the world. It is an unpleasant task to have to decline their offers of assistance, especially when the appeal, as is so often the case, is made in formá pauperis; but one cannot forget that one has a duty to perform to one's patients as well as to the would-be Masseuse. It is just as difficult to learn Massage in a few easy lessons as it is to become a prima donna by this simple means. Skilled labour, as in all callings, commands its price, but for the untrained and incompetent there is no demand. I am always willing to try and help those who have had the requisite education, but I cannot undertake to find work for the enormous army of unemployed to be met with in a large city like London. Most of these people have not the dimmest idea of what is meant by punctuality, and are just as incapable of keeping an appointment as they are of writing a decent letter. I am sorry to say this, but it is true.

The so-called Massage practised in some of the hospitals, and under the auspices of some of the nursing institutions, is a painful exhibition of ignor