Her appearance was strikingly suggestive of anaemia.
She was subject to constant attacks of acid dyspepsia, was said to be unable to bear iron in any form, and had not menstruated for seven months.

She had no uterine disease, and was not pregnant.

Two years before I saw her she had been made very ill owing to an attempt to reduce her flesh by too rapid Banting, and since then, although not a gross or large eater, she had steadily gained in weight, and as steadily in discomfort.
She was kept in bed for five weeks.

Massage was used at first once daily, and after a fortnight twice a day, while milk was given, and in a week made the exclusive diet.

Her average of loss for thirty days was a pound a day, and the diet was varied by the addition of broths after the third week, so as to keep the reduction within safe limits.