As we have seen in previous entries, Eugene\u2019s dynamism and generous zeal had led him to periods of exhaustion and illness. His journal shows how ill-health had been a teacher regarding his way of doing things. Now at Barjols, it was not a question of his having let himself into a self-inflicted exhaustion, but having to accept the consequences of freezing weather and physical weakness.<\/p>\n
It was a frustration that he tried to remedy by natural means. I quote some parts of his correspondence because they give an insight into medical remedies of the time.<\/p>\n
\nIn the meantime, the salep flows and the barley water and all the rest of it. Both my body and mind are sick of it.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 10 November 1818, O.W. VI n.32<\/em><\/p>\n
Salep is a potion of roots of various plants, containing starch, gum and licorice. A couple of days later, he continued to report on the remedies he was using to get his voice back:<\/p>\n
\nAlso I am better; I gulp down goat\u2019s milk, donkey\u2019s milk and fresh eggs. That does me good.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 14-15 November 1818, O.W. VI n.34<\/em><\/p>\n
A week later:<\/p>\n
\nMy voice has come back, and my chest doesn\u2019t hurt any more. However, I am to content myself to giving instructions which I tailor to the actual strength of my lungs. I do hear confessions but it is clear that I am not at all tired out by them.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Fortun\u00e9 de Mazenod, 22 November 1818, O.W. XIII n.20<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
“God grant me the serenity <\/em>
\nto accept the things I cannot change;<\/em>
\ncourage to change the things I can;<\/em>
\nand wisdom to know the difference.”<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As we have seen in previous entries, Eugene\u2019s dynamism and generous zeal had led him to periods of exhaustion and illness. His journal shows how ill-health had been a teacher regarding his way of doing things. Now at Barjols, it … Continue reading