This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 edition. Excerpt: ...in Berlin, and worry, climate, and colds drove my originally insignificant rheumatism, about ten days ago, to such a pitch that I could hardly breathe, only with very painful efiort. The mischief, which is rheumatic-gastric-nervous, had settled in the region of the liver, and was combated with masses of cupping-glasses as large as saucers, cantharides, and mustard all over my body, until I succeeded, after having been half gained over for a better world, in convincing the doctors that my nerves had been weakened by 8 years' uninterrupted worry and constant excitement, and that further blood-letting would probably either bring on typhus or idiotcy. Yesterday week it was at its worst; my good constitution has, however, rapidly recovered since champagne in moderate quantities has been prescribed. I came here yesterday (my first drive out) to take leave of the Empress-Dowager, who is kindness itself towards me, and at her wish I have remained until her departure, which will take place to-day at noon, to delight myself, after my sutferings, with the joy of greenery, saltwater, and country life. Do not write any of these details of my illness to Johanna; I will tell her them by word of mouth. Meantime, I' have written to her only of ordinary lumbago. I will write separately to Oscar as soon as I have leisure. I was deeply moved by his long letter, and would have answered it long since, but before my illness I was a week in the neighbourhood of Moscow, and the transaction of my various work robs me twice as much of my time now, as the Court and ministers are at Zarskoe-Selo. I hope to get leave in the first third of uly, and then to go first to Berlin, and then, I hope, by Krochlendorf to Pomerania. I THANK you for your letter, and hope...