Otto E. Prellwitz to Cary T. Grayson
Title
Otto E. Prellwitz to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
Prellwitz, Otto E.
Identifier
WWP15863
Date
1919 October 2
Description
Dr. Otto E. Prellwitz advises beer and a sandwich to treat insomnia.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Dr. OE Prellwitz
184 East Forty-Sixth Street
New York
Rear Admiral Cary T. Grayson
Dear Sir
A grad. of P.&S (NY) '94-
25 yrs. practice & hosp. work etc-
Some years ago a nervous breakdown - insomnia etc-after a time of stress and worry-
For attendant depression friends advised whiskey-
But found that whiskey and wine excited and increased restlessness-
On the other hand, tho I rarely drink before 11 PM found that some good beer-a little stronger than 2.75-with a sandwich and an agreeable companion or two gave me at least 4 or 4 hrs. sleep and best of all, I slept very soon after lying down-
If one must be sleepless it is more cheerfulif one can use that termto be so with the prospect of dawn not far off-
I cut out coffee, tea and cigars at the same timebut I think the beer saved the dayand am aits grateful advocate as a result-
Of course it may be vulgar, un-American and all that twaddle but the good barley soup plus hops plus the small amount of alcohol seemed to be of benefit and the effect might be termed as a sedative stimulationWhy not try it on our President? Am opposed to whiskey at all times but think beer not only safe and sane but sage.
Of course you have probably 1000 or more letters with advice by this time but this one can help to fill your waste basket as well as the others, but it is not a hardship on a patient to try this proceedureand would be a simple adjuvant to the measures employedAt any rate success to your efforts and health to your distinguished patient
Respectfully
Otto E. Prellwitz MD
184 East Forty-Sixth Street
New York
Rear Admiral Cary T. Grayson
Dear Sir
A grad. of P.&S (NY) '94-
25 yrs. practice & hosp. work etc-
Some years ago a nervous breakdown - insomnia etc-after a time of stress and worry-
For attendant depression friends advised whiskey-
But found that whiskey and wine excited and increased restlessness-
On the other hand, tho I rarely drink before 11 PM found that some good beer-a little stronger than 2.75-with a sandwich and an agreeable companion or two gave me at least 4 or 4 hrs. sleep and best of all, I slept very soon after lying down-
If one must be sleepless it is more cheerfulif one can use that termto be so with the prospect of dawn not far off-
I cut out coffee, tea and cigars at the same timebut I think the beer saved the dayand am aits grateful advocate as a result-
Of course it may be vulgar, un-American and all that twaddle but the good barley soup plus hops plus the small amount of alcohol seemed to be of benefit and the effect might be termed as a sedative stimulationWhy not try it on our President? Am opposed to whiskey at all times but think beer not only safe and sane but sage.
Of course you have probably 1000 or more letters with advice by this time but this one can help to fill your waste basket as well as the others, but it is not a hardship on a patient to try this proceedureand would be a simple adjuvant to the measures employedAt any rate success to your efforts and health to your distinguished patient
Respectfully
Otto E. Prellwitz MD
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Files
Collection
Citation
Prellwitz, Otto E., “Otto E. Prellwitz to Cary T. Grayson,” 1919 October 2, WWP15863, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.