Dearest Minna,
The most important thing for me to answer at once, in your letter just received, concerns your health. During my cure I have often had to think of your own condition, and especially your nervous agitation and sleeplessness; for only now, under the treatment of my present doctor, Vaillant, have I arrived at the secret of treating such disorders with success. — I really am shocked when I see how these ailments, so frequently recurring with us, can be thoroughly got rid of by the simplest and most natural means; and how bungling, ineffectual, even harmful, on the contrary, was the mode recommended by R. After having been so terribly upset by the shameful sulphur-baths that I had those awful twitchings of the arm again at night, one single treatment by Vaillant sufficed to procure me a peaceful night at once. Yesterday I found myself in a similar condition again, in consequence of a sleepless night occasioned by the late and noisy arrival of strangers, who had made me vilely lose my temper; but directly after Vaillant's most ingenious treatment, I, who before had still been trembling with excitement, found myself calm and most agreeably drowsy: a good night has restored me completely. I therefore beseech you to do as follows: Each day take one — or better, two (should you think needful) cold foot-baths, such as I described to you and you haven't answered me about: namely — for 20 minutes on end, and then go for a good half hour's walk to get the feet properly warm again: beforehand, too, a little walking, that the feet may at least not be cold. Every evening ere retiring to bed, moreover, get the maid to rub, or lave, your whole body gently with a folded towel (like a clout), which she must repeatedly dip in water, using up a whole bucketful; she must alternately rub the back, the hips, then the chest, the legs (but gently!): beforehand you must also lave your forehead. Then a sheet around you quick, gentle rubbing and drying, then into bed — and you will feel a most agreeable soothing, which is certain to help you to sleep. But you must employ the maid for it; if you do it yourself, you will agitate yourself again. If you have a rooted objection to undressing before the maid, you must just take a wet towel, pass it gently over the back — like a shawl — the chest, and the rest of the body, for a goodish time, so that you re-wet the towel pretty often; then dry, and to bed. You can also do this if you feel flurried and sleepless at night: light a candle at once, and use the wet towel as I have said. But it is better to let the maid manipulate you every evening in the manner stated — also by day, should there be need. If you're immoderately excited, though, I'll tell you what restored me yesterday at once. Vaillant spread a blanket on the bed, and over it the sheet: the latter he sprinkled with a little water, then swathed me first in it — (only as far as under the arms, however, and the same with the blanket) — sprinkled me again with water, using two bottlefuls in all; — then the blanket over it, likewise tucked in lightly, and finally a feather mattress — couvre-pied — above it all: mark well, though, only to the arm-pits; my arms and breast he simply covered with a sheet, or any article of clothing you please. Thus he left me till I felt thoroughly warm, but not until I sweated; then he repeated it, uncovering me again and sprinkling me once more with water, till I got warm a second time; thereon a slight ablution — with the wet clout — a wipe down, and a little walk about, but quite moderate and leisurely, or straight to bed. I tell you, all agitation had vanished without leaving a trace; I was so drowsy that I scarce could wait for night, which I slept through like a top. —
I entreat you — do not let this have been said in vain!!! —
I would rather get you to come here forthwith, as I'm convinced that Dr Vaillant's treatment would be of the greatest benefit to you, better than anything; for the moment, however, a few scruples restrain me: —
1. It's very dear (which I think quite reasonable, however, with so exceptional a physician) and I don't yet know how I am to run to it myself. 2. Not a creature speaks German — except the cook — and you would have a difficulty with conversation. 3. Candidly — fond as we are of each other — I fear our mutually exciting ourselves more often than quite suits a cure. You know that, owing to a difference of views — for all affection — it comes at times to small disputes, which it is better for both of us to escape now and then; although I cordially admit that I am more to blame than you, particularly when I'm flurried and fretful, which is not to be avoided with a serious cure like that in front of me, when it's better for one to be left alone. — Nevertheless, these are all objections to be overcome by the consideration for your health. I fancied you were safe and sound at Seelisberg, especially as regards your health; but if you really don't feel well there, and feel the necessity of a more thorough cure, just let me know by return, and means must be found; for I hold it best for you to get yourself properly treated for once. Money must be forthcoming, without precisely burdening anyone; we could dine in our own sitting-room, to dispense you from conversation in French; whilst peace and quiet we should have to guarantee ourselves by mutual good resolve. —
So think it over, as I myself shall think it over; I should so like to help you!
— But I must close now, as I've another application to go through myself: moreover, I have told you the most important; absolutely nothing else has occurred. Touching myself, rest assured I am rid of the Roses, and getting thoroughly restored in general. —
Farewell for to-day, dear old woman! Fipsel sends greetings, and we both are true as gold. — A thousand hearty salutations from
Thy Old Man.
Once more:
Set all else on one side, and answer me merely on this: If you feel the necessity of a thorough cure, accept my offer unconditionally; write me so that I may meet you at Geneva; everything else must give way; one's health is the main point!
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 1 (H. Grevel & Co., 1909), No. 107